Diawa SS Tournament spinning reels

[Mobasser]

I'm not exactly sure when these reels were first produced, but they have to be one of the longest running reels still in production by any tackle company. An older friend that I fish with has one that he bought new in 1998. His is still working perfectly, and, he claims it's even smoother now, than when it was new. The only drawback.for some guys may be the lack of an instant anti reverse, but that's not really a big thing. These are an example of a company getting it right the first time. If I hadn't gotten a new Sahara this year, I would probably have bought one of these in size 1300. Around 100.00 dollars new. The longevity speaks for itself. Anyone using the SS Tournament reels from Diawa?

[mrpao]

I had several of the 700 size for awhile. Sold them, but wouldn't mind picking up another one again.

Honestly, I just think they look cool. Nice classic black and gold styling. 

I still have two of the BG10 in my lineup.

I like these older daiwa reels.

[swhit140]

You can still buy them new, it appears that they work. They are a classic spinning reel and long lasting/durable product that still works throughout the decades.

 

[J Francho]

No AR is a deal breaker for me.  There's nothing magical about the construction that any ~$150 reel has.  I know there's some nostalgia in "proven" designs, but in this case, I'd go with a more modern reel.  

[fvogel67]

I use a 1300 for cat fishing on the Great Miami.

The drag is awesome and it’s a real pleasure to fish with.

The absence of AR is not a big issue.

[PhishLI]

I have a 1600. It's a great vintage reel with some cool features like a sic line roller and a worm gear level wind. Between the long spool and the way the level wind works it lays line in a way that allows for super long casts. It's clunky when compared directly with current reels, but if I'm out fishing with it I'm not focused on those things. The drag is great. It's a cool old reel that you can buy new right now.

 

[KDW96]

Theres are reasons this reel is still made. Quality dependable reel with a good line lay. The ones i have were made in japan. The newer ones malaysia. The lack of antireverse is really not that big of a deal. If i remember right,all reels were this way and fish were still caught.

[WRB]

On April 7, 2020 at 7:16 AM, mrpao said:

I had several of the 700 size for awhile. Sold them, but wouldn't mind picking up another one again.

Honestly, I just think they look cool. Nice classic black and gold styling. 

I still have two of the BG10 in my lineup.

I like these older daiwa reels.

The Daiwa TD SS only comes in 2 sizes; 1300 & 1600 models.

Advantages from other early spinning reels were long tapered spool to increase casting distance with light lures, smooth rear drag and bullet proof gearing. Down side Daiwa didn't improve the reel in the early 90's when they added anti reverse bearing to the TD bait casting reels. The TD SS kept the back reel switch and folding reversible handle common with 80's design spinning reels.

Tom

 

[Looking for the big one]

4 hours ago, WRB said:

The Daiwa TD SS only comes in 2 sizes; 1300 & 1600 models.

Advantages from other early spinning reels were long tapered spool to increase casting distance with light lures, smooth rear drag and bullet proof gearing. Down side Daiwa didn't improve the reel in the early 90's when they added anti reverse bearing to the TD bait casting reels. The TD SS kept the back reel switch and folding reversible handle common with 80's design spinning reels.

Tom

 

https://www.tackledirect.com/daiwsstourse.html

it is available in a 700 size and it does not have a rear drag.

 

I have the SS1300 and it was my main spinning reel for several years before I bought a Stradic Ci4+ 2500. There's no doubt that the SS is a very well made reel and definitely has stood the test of time, but its missing alot of the technology that makes new reels so much more enjoyable to fish imo. I enjoyed the SS but the Stradic is light years ahead in my opinion- the reel is lighter, the drag is much smoother, and it is much smoother on the retrieve. The lack of instant anti reverse isn't a major issue for me but is something that I do notice and prefer when I am fishing with modern reels. At $100 the newer Daiwa BG or Fuego LT is a much better option.

[WRB]

Didn't recall seeing other sizes. Learn something everyday, 700 & 2600 sizes! I own the 1600 from back in the 80's.

In the 70's the Zebco Cardinal 4 was the go spinning reel for bass fishing.

I bought my son a Shimano Stratic in the early 90's at a Boy's & Girl's auction and that reel model became my spinning reel of choice the past 25 years.

Tom

[Spankey]

I have an old 1300. Japan made. I think it is from about 1988 maybe before. I still use it. I rebuilt mine, at one time Daiwa sold it as a kit. Was an easy rebuild. When Rick Clunn won the classic is about when I bought it. Pretty sure I associated him with this reel.

 

I'm pretty much a Shimano guy. Don't think I'd buy another new version. But would buy one used and rebuild it if it were the older vintage worth doing.

[Big-Bass]

On 4/10/2020 at 3:45 PM, Spankey said:

I have an old 1300. Japan made. I think it is from about 1988 maybe before. I still use it. I rebuilt mine, at one time Daiwa sold it as a kit. Was an easy rebuild. When Rick Clunn won the classic is about when I bought it. Pretty sure I associated him with this reel.

 

I'm pretty much a Shimano guy. Don't think I'd buy another new version. But would buy one used and rebuild it if it were the older vintage worth doing.

I believe it was Guido Hibdon who won the Classic on an SS1300.  Picked up a Japan made SS700 and it's a nice little reel.  I have own 700, 1300, and 1600 in the past.  Should have kept them.  I believe they have been in the Daiwa lineup consistently starting in 1987.

[Spankey]

22 minutes ago, Big-Bass said:

I believe it was Guido Hibdon who won the Classic on an SS1300.  Picked up a Japan made SS700 and it's a nice little reel.  I have own 700, 1300, and 1600 in the past.  Should have kept them.  I believe they have been in the Daiwa lineup consistently starting in 1987.

I keep an eye out time to time for another. The rebuild was pretty easy. The one I use every once in a while is on a Billy Westmoreland Rod. 
 

I should not say I’d never buy a new version but it would be buying site unseen. No way I’d find it here. Great reel. 

[new2BC4bass]

I have a 1300 and 1600 that don't see any use.  1) I seldom use a spinning reel.  2)  I prefer an anti-reverse.

[waymont]

I used to use the SS 700 and 1300 all the time. The good points are they have a very good drag, they cast very well,  line management is excellent, IMO they are cool looking. Bad points are they are kind of clunky when casting, the rotor sometimes will bang around during casts, and no instant anti-reverse. They aren't the smoothest reel around , but they do feel good.

[CountryboyinDC]

I have seen some people fish these, and assumed they were from the 80s with their styling.  I learned that one was 3 years old.  I was able to handle and cast one.  I don't see anything magical about them and I didn't even notice the lack of an instant anti-reverse.  It was about a 3000 sized reel, and probably weighed upward of 10 oz.  I would imagine they have relatively few bearings, which may be the reason for their reputation of bulletproof.  They remind me of packaged roll of Kodak film, and I'm the kind of feller who uses the digital camera on my phone.

[mrpao]

These reels are still in production today.

They are still on tackle warehouse and daiwa's website.

Not sure why people think they are out of production.

You can usually find a used one for around $60 in good shape. 

[ImThatGuy]

Still the best drag on a spinning reel.  I have a few in rotation.  Rock solid, but not fancy.

[Guitarfish]

Can you explain 'best drag'?  Smooth or large?  Easy start up? Material?  I have never used a Daiwa spinner.

[Andres Jara]

On 8/30/2020 at 10:13 AM, Guitarfish said:

Can you explain 'best drag'?  Smooth or large?  Easy start up? Material?  I have never used a Daiwa spinner.

DAIWA SS Whisker Tournament spinning reels 700, 1300, 1600, 2600 use felt washers which have a very low start up inertia compared to carbon drag washers which will give you more drag power but have more start up inertia.  Also, the 5-degree oscillation line lay winding by the worm gearing adds to the great drag and casting performance. Main gears are forged , not diecast, hence the light weight and other gears are brass, hence the durability of these iconic reels. These great reels were born in 1987 and were the first reels in history to use an oscillating worm system gearing with a 5 degree line lay, the stem is set at 5% tilt to match the first guide on the rod, roller bail trip instead of extra parts for auto internal bail trip means less mechanical trouble and first spinning reel with a pen like bail trip spring which lasts many more years that a round compression bail wire used on older Mitchell, Penn, Daiwa Silver and Gold Series and many others. Also, they all came with a diecast aluminum side plate ensuring no flex of gearing under load like many other reels which used all plastic or graphite parts. and had issues with gears binding under load. It really was an anomaly of a design, too good and too long-lasting jewel of a reel with a superb drag performance due to line lay and spool geometry and great casting capabilities. It still holds its own against any modern reels costing many times more, that might feel smoother due to infinite anti-reverse bearing which eliminates the gearing direct interaction and a balanced rotor which by the way once you are retrieving a lure or fish you won't feel the wobble on the reel. The SIC ( Silicon Carbide ) line roller is harder that steel and dissipates heat faster and spins around a Teflon washer for a simple corrosion-proof solution to complicated modern systems with bearings. Another unique feature is their slow speed gear ratios, great for spinner fishing or lures that pull hard. These reels became legendary in the shallows of Florida, Bass Tournaments with 2 BASS Classics wins by Guido Hibdon and legendary amongst trout, steelhead, salmon, and European carp anglers. Unfortunately, this legendary series of reels has been discontinued in 2022 due to low sales volumes !!! If you can find a few new ones get them !! They are unique and iconic with elegant and retro look from the 80's which differ from the monotonous modern designs of today ,whether its reels or cars they all look similar. The SS WHISKER looks elegant and classy and has a legendary 35-year-old history to boot. It was never updated since its inception !! Have used these reels since 1987 and have also used many modern reels as well. The SS WHISKER TOURNAMENT reels are in a class all to themselves and will do perform superbly after over 3 decades and will outlast many offerings from today's marketplace. The interesting fact about these iconic reels is that it's been professionals who have used and created its legendary status. Most your anglers and novices think it’s too old and obsolete because it does not spin as newer reels or its wobble which today it's been taken out of modern reels. After 35 years of using them, I will have to say they are unique and bring a mid-price option and value to the table in today's market. I hope this post will explain why these iconic reels have been around for so long. Without a doubt of the great spinning reels of all time. For Smallmouth use 1300 size reel, it will make you a believer !!!!!Good Luck and Tight Lines !!!

[blackrain]

I have owned mine for over 25 years, made in Japan. It's still going strong. Love it.

[padon]

i had several of the 1300 and 1600 in the 90s. they were great reels back then. i mean they still are rock solid. i wouldnt buy a new one because technology has advanced and their are options i like better, but theres no reason not to use one if you still have it and like it. they do have an excellent drag.

[padlin]

Just gave my 1300 to my grandson. Once I got my first Stradic the 1300 was relegated to the box of unused nut too good to toss tackle.

[redmeansdistortion]

I'm still using the 1300 I bought 30 years ago and also have a 700 that's about a decade old.  Great bushwhacking reels for those multi day hikes in the wilderness when you need something dead nuts reliable.  It's the Land Cruiser of spinning reels.