I got a great deal on an used Daiwa Luna 253L, and I went ahead and bought it. I was originally looking for a Curado 301E, or a Cardiff 301A, The Daiwa I got for $120, so I thought I'm not going to lose money on it. If I don't like it, I can sell it.

Well, turns out it's the first non-shimano baitcaster that I actually like! It casts a mile, and the braking system doesn't seem too finicky. I'm never confident with magnetic brakes, but this one works just fine.

Drag works great too, and the retrieve is pretty smooth. Not Calcutta-smooth, but certainly Curado-smooth.

Great buy, I'd say.

Wait until you try some of their other reels

Yeah, I still like the Luna. But I don't see what's the fuss about all these Daiwa reels. It casts big baits (3 oz+) just fine, but seems kinda finicky with lighter baits (matt's gills and 6" hudds). I don't like it any better than my Curado 301E, that's for sure. If I had the choice, I'd have a Curado 301D/ E over the Luna.

Beggars, and college students, can't be choosers though, I guess!

But I don't see what's the fuss about all these Daiwa reels.

If you have ever owned/used a pixy,type r(especially this) or steez you would.