The Saltiga 40 conventional reel ($430) from Daiwa is built to stand up to the abuse dished out by super-strong braided line. The reel combines a rigid frame machined from solid aircraft-grade bar-stock aluminum with a precision-machined aluminum spool, seven ball and roller bearings and high-strength alloy gears. A large, two-position handle, 4.9:1 gear ratio and grease-impregnated graphite and stainless drag tilt the odds in the angler’s favor. The reel holds 400 yards of 25-pound-test monofilament and 660 yards of 40-pound-test superbraid. Daiwa, Cerritas, CA; (562) 802-9589; www.daiwa.com.
