Ugrade to Saltiga Expedition 5500H?

[Oliver Deakin]

Is the 2014 Saltiga Expedition 5500H a big improvement on my 2008- Stella 10000 SW?

I know the new model is said by many to be taking over the 2013- Stella from reviews, but how about compared to the old one?

I can swap out for the equivalent of USD 160!

[Mark Richie]

Hi Oliver,

It's nearly impossible for any reel to be much of an improvement over an 08 10k Stella! At this level and price bracket, it's all fairly minute differences between the shimano and daiwa top tier reels these days so unless the Stella is in need of replacement, I'd keep running it.

The only noticeable benefit of the 5500 exp is that you don't need a larger spool for pe8 work. Alan Hawk rates the expedition as the best reel he's ever used however read in to that as you like. I find his heavily engineering based reviews much less important than reviews from people on here that own and punish reels. That's not to take anything away from Alan as the man knows his spin reels.

 I'm more of a Daiwa man but if I were in your shoes, I'd be considering whether the Stella needs replacing?

Cheers
Rich

[Oliver Deakin]

So my Saltiga Expedition arrived today...

There is play in the bail arm where it joins the rotor on the opposite end to the line roller.

Is this normal?!

Any owners please respond!

[Mark Richie]

My 2010 6500h Saltiga has the same play. as does my 5000h Catalina.

It has not affected performance whatsoever but I was concerned about it when I first noticed it on the 6500h after it's first day out fishing where it landed a couple of geets in the 20-25kg region. I tried tightening the bolt where the play is and it was already as tight as it's gonna get. Once my Catalina arrived new, it was the first thing I checked and it still has that play. I haven't looked into it at all like I probably should have but it seems that they're designed with that play so as long as it keeps bringing in the fish while still feeling smooth as silk, I'm happy.

[Alex Gomez]

I have the 5500H and the 8000H (which I haven't used yet).

On discovering that the 5500H spare spool is $400 AUD, I am a little concerned about what a service is going to cost.

You may have been better sticking with the Stella!

Cheers AG

[Oliver Deakin]

You may be right.

I am a fool!

Any feedback on the play from one end of the bail though as you have two of these?

[Alex Gomez]

Definitely not a fool, we all want the best and the latest and greatest!

I haven't even noticed it? I have only had kings to around 10kg on the 5500H so not really tested to its limits.  No issues though.

Maybe speak to Daiwa service about it?

Cheers AG

[Billy Houghton]

An 08 Stella spool will still cost $350-400 from shimano Aus

[Mark Panhuyzen]

The play in the end of the bail arm is normal.    I asked daiwa in 2007 when I bought the original 6500 exp.  They didnt explain why but if it is still there on the new models there must be a reason.  I have Two  6500exp   8 years old and the play is no different now but I do grease that join regularly. I hope the new mag sealed bail roller bearings last longer than the old ones.

[Alex Gomez]

An 08 Stella spool will still cost $350-400 from shimano Aus

I suppose they contain the drag system and are machined from a solid block so it kinda makes sense but it still hurts to shell out that much for a spare spool!
The advantage with the 08 though is that there are a few used ones about and other brands that are compatible.

Cheers!
AG

[Matt Jones]

I've got the 5500 expedition and recently used it on a trip to Vanuatu catching plenty of yellow fin and smaller doggies. I've also just used it off cairns popping for GTs. So far I'm super happy with it! All round great reel!