Andres Jara

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 !!!