Which Daiwa Reel Is The Reel That I Want?

[BASSclary]

They all look so similar, which one would I want for really light lures with light line? And for certain models, which year/color? Thanks.

[pitchinthejig]

IMHO I like the Pixy Airy Red the best I believe it handles the super light stuff a tad better then the other Pixys.. BUT on AVG. they cost more then the other model Pixys.. more less they are the same as the other Pixys with just a diff handle and a diff spool. when it comes to the really light stuff any of the Pixys will put the Alphas, sol ect to shame but the Alphas is overall a more versatile reel then the Pixys.. if you are looking for the light lure, light line king then any of the Pixys will suite you just fine... Just so you know the Airy red has the Mag V/Type R+ rotor as well and a Duraluminum spool Vs the other Pixys have normal Mag V rotors and TD-Z like GIGAS spool.

2003 Model Pixy is the Orange pearl Mica color

2004 is Yellow Pearl Mica color... Other then color they are 100% the same reel.

The Airy red like I said has the Tuned spool and a forged TD-Z style handle, Other Pixys have Stamped handles.

I like my PressoZILLAs better then my Pixzillas for the ultralight stuff IMHO my tuned Pressos will go lower then any other reel out there. BUT the presso holds VERY VERY little line the Presso spool VS the Pixy spool makes the Pixy spools look like a Deep spool lol. but if you want super light line and a reel that will cast the lightest of the light the Presso is the reel to go with. Any of them even in stock form will cast ultra light lures but this is a must, a drag upgrade if you are using 4-6# test line then the stock drag is fine if you are using them for anything else then do a drag upgrade.

[Hooligan]

Personally, the Alphas Ito is the most versatile and one of the most fascinating. I couldn't care less about the bling factor, but want a reel that works. The Ito does that as well as, or better than, many other models. I like some of the other reels, but at a point you reach sheer show factor and gain little or nothing in terms of performance. I own severl Pixies and they're an OK reel as well, but I still prefer my Alphas to them. If I want a light line reel, I'm using either an Alderbaran MG or Conquest 100. Both outperform my higest end Daiwa reels without question.

[Gone_Phishin]

Personally, the Alphas Ito is the most versatile and one of the most fascinating. I couldn't care less about the bling factor, but want a reel that works. The Ito does that as well as, or better than, many other models. I like some of the other reels, but at a point you reach sheer show factor and gain little or nothing in terms of performance. I own severl Pixies and they're an OK reel as well, but I still prefer my Alphas to them. If I want a light line reel, I'm using either an Alderbaran MG or Conquest 100. Both outperform my higest end Daiwa reels without question.

Don't forget the PX Type-R and PX 68; great reels right outta the box.

[Mils]

Another vote for the alpha Ito but any of the pixy reels would be great also . My Tdz reels throw light weights great also.

[J Francho]

I would pass on the Ito for shore/bank angling. I've had two, and neither held up particularly well, and I'm nice to my reels. An Alphas or a Sol would be your easiest bet, I have a couple/few of each and love them. They are workhorses that not only toss light baits, but are perfectly capable with anything else. The PX Type-R is the latest domestic offering for finesse casting. If you're not worried about money or durability, get a Megabass Zonda 68, LOL.

[Fishes in trees]

Most of my reels say Shimano on them somewhere, so I really don't know that much about Diawa reels. However, Christmas is just around the corner. I'd say you should buy several of each model mentioned previously and field test them extensively for several years before you form anything so binding as an opinion.

[Packard]

I'd go with a Sol because it can be found for much cheaper than the other two.

[baluga]

I think what you need is a conquest 100

[deaknh03]

I have a Smak Red Tune that will throw light baits a mile, and will be for sale sooner or later.

[sodaksker]

I have never owned a pixy so I cannot comment on that reel. I do own a sol and alpha type f. As I understand it the alpha is the Japaneese version of the sol. They are basically very similar in specs but the alpha requires parts ordered from japan, where you can get parts in the US for the sol. If you ever need parts for your japaneese reel you will pay a little more and wait consideralbly longer for parts. The sol gets my vote for that reason. I believe performance wise they will be very similar and the sol is a little less money as well.

[J Francho]

Almost all the parts to the Sol and Alphas are interchangeable.

[Raul]

I have Alphas Itö, Alphas Type F, Sol & 3 Airy red Pixies; none of the Alphas can cast a light bait like the Pixy does, but, the stock Pixy has a very light drag and upgrading the drag washers for a more powerful drag is not just switching the pads, it requires additional parts, also, the spool in the Pixy is quite shallow so it holds not too much line, 6-8 lbs test is what you can spool, spools bewteen the Pixy and Alphas/Sol are not quite compatible either ( Pixy spool fits Alphas/Sol but it leaves a gap between th spool and the frame, it needs a shim; Alpahs/Sol spool does not fit the Pixy ).

So which one ? if I were you I would get a Sol.

[BASSclary]

I was leaning towards the SOL before, and it seems like a good choice from the afore mentioned recommendations.

Has anyone had any experience with the 2011 Alphas?

Edit: I might be getting a killer deal on an Alphas Ito for about 150, very slightly used. Should I get that? Or a BNIB SOL for about 200?

[BASSclary]

Also, I plan on using 8 # Flouro, if that helps, for weightless baby flukes, and very small jerkbaits, and an occasional small sniper spinnerbait.

[.ghoti.]

If you can get the Ito for $150, go for it. That choice is a no-brainer. Be aware that the clear plastic side plate on that Ito will require tender loving care. So does the unfinished aluminum frame. I've always thought the unfinished frame on that reel was a real brain fart on the designer's part. Why would anybody with half a brain specify unfinished aluminum for a fishing reel frame; something that is going to exposed to the elements during normal use? It makes no sense to me.

But, if you can get one at that price, go for it, and take extra care with it. The Alphas are my favorite reels. I have a 103, two 103F's and an R Edition.

Your choice of rod for those baits is going to be at least as critical as choice of reel. Not many baitcast rods will load properly with baits that light. I only have one rod I would recommend; a St Croix LTB 6'9" ML-XF. There may be others available that would be suitable; I just don't have any experience with them.

Just a question for you; why not a good spinning combo for the baits you listed?

[J Francho]

Just a question for you; why not a good spinning combo for the baits you listed?

Not as hip at the local fishing hole.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Not as hip at the local fishing hole.

Gots ta have the bling.

FWIW a $60 president will perform the job better IMO. Won't be as nice or blingy, but will get the job done.

I'm sure there are other sub $100 spinning reels that would too.

Sometimes though, having something that is really nice, is worth the cost/headache

[deep]

So which Daiwa reel did you get, BC? Post a pic man.

[BASSclary]

So which Daiwa reel did you get, BC? Post a pic man.

I actually had my left rear tire blow out on me RABLLE RABBLE RABBLE. Next pay check.

Edit: Actually I have to wait until my paycheck then the next pay check after that. So 3 weeks. Buying a new tire/rim/brake part ran me about 225 or so. Basically ran me dry. And had to buy a new rim and some brake part because my tire blew up on the highway, not just a flat on some street. And I have to wait for two checks because I make on average $150 per 2 weeks. Minimum wage life I guess, haha

[BASSclary]

So which Daiwa reel did you get, BC? Post a pic man.

But anyways, I was bidding on a pixy and Alphas before the exceeded my price range, so I was just going to get a BNIB SOL, then supertune and upgrade the drag and bearing.

The plan is still another SOL, but upgrades will have to wait.

[deep]

I actually had my left rear tire blow out on me RABLLE RABBLE RABBLE. Next pay check.

Edit: Actually I have to wait until my paycheck then the next pay check after that. So 3 weeks. Buying a new tire/rim/brake part ran me about 225 or so. Basically ran me dry. And had to buy a new rim and some brake part because my tire blew up on the highway, not just a flat on some street. And I have to wait for two checks because I make on average $150 per 2 weeks. Minimum wage life I guess, haha

That sucks! I blew out a tire once, and something got busted up real bad. I had to spend like 400 bucks.

[BASSclary]

That sucks! I blew out a tire once, and something got busted up real bad. I had to spend like 400 bucks.

I thought they would have said something like that when I got to the closer ford dealership (parts), and I was shocked it came out so low. I only had 300 in the bank and I thought it would be ~$400 so i had called my grandparents to see if they could lend me money to pay for it. Thank the big man it was relatively cheap.