I am thinking of getting the Daiwa SS SV 103 JDM Casting Reel left handed for cranking. Does anyone have any experience with it? The reason I am considering it is a little silly. It is a $350 reel that I can get for $200. Logic says that a more expensive reel is better, though often it's just marketing. This is why I am asking in here. 

 

The reviews I've read online have been in Japanese. One American site gives it a 7.8/10, which isn't bad but isn't great.

 

I like the 5.4:1 ratio on it.

I think Raul has or had one but I think his was geared higher. Or, maybe it was ghoti I can't remember now. Somebody will be along to help you out 

I had one for a little while but I sold it. It is a nice reel but the braking profile of the spool is rather strong on it. Usually sv spools are great but that's the one reel/spool that didn't impress me very much. If you're target casting cranks short distances then it would be fine. For a long cast I'd look at a Daiwa different reel. The new tatula ct will be $198 and can be pre ordered right now from Tackle Trap in AL. 

I bought an SS SV 103 at two hundred bucks. It has a very comfortable profile. I agree with rippin-lips however. The SV spool's performance is somewhat limited by the braking.  I have no intentions of selling it. I like like but, my SV 103 performs better and has a better overall feel. I'm not trying to discourage you from getting one. It's a very good reel. I'm confident you would like the SV 103 more.

12 hours ago, Jeff H said:

I think Raul has or had one but I think his was geared higher. Or, maybe it was ghoti I can't remember now. Somebody will be along to help you out 

 

I got one and as you mentioned, mine is higher geared, 7:1. Pretty little reel and as said, $200 bones for a 350 bucks reel is a no brainer. I have used mine only a couple of times, liked it but that's just about it. Now if you are used to fish with aluminum frame reels you might find the magnesium frame has somewhat "plasticky and hollow" feel and many people don't like that ( I'm used to it because of my other magnesium frame reels )

The reason im asking about this one is that it's on sale at TW. I'm a shimano guy but they don't make the lower gear ratio reels for lefties. That is, unless I want to spend $350 for it. 

I love my sv103

12 hours ago, GoCougs14 said:

I love my sv103

 

Not only is the sv103 $70 more, it also doesn't come in the lower gear ratio I'm looking for. This is why I asked about the ss sv103 rather than the sv103. 

Get it, it's a great little reel and for 200 a no brainer.

I have one, and have no problems with it. Wish they had been $200 when I bought mine. LOL. If I needed another reel, and I don't, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another, or two or three, at that price.