Are you guys ready for this? I've just received this information from a VERY reliable source! You guys are gonna just love these reels. We all know the success that Daiwa has enjoyed with their Sealine series even as far back as the 70's with the original Sealines to today's Grandwave reels. Here's their next step and frankly I think they've taken the right one!

The New Sealine SLD 2-speed reels should be available in March. This is their answer to the Shimano TLD-II. However one huge difference...the frame and left side plate is actually aluminum instead of graphite. OK...yes...they are a little heavier but I think they are going to sell the heck out of them. They list 6 ball bearings, a dual disc wet drag system, and a "dual point gear shaft support" whatever that is. It has an aluminum spool, and clamp and the foot of the reel is stainless steel. Now...you are probably thinking Tiagra $$$ because of the aluminum frame...but instead...they will be more like TLD-II $$$. The 20 2-Speed is List Priced at 299.95 and the 30 2-Speed is Listed at 309.95. What a bargain. What blows me away is that these are also available in single speeds at well under the $200 mark! Can you believe it???

OK...On to the big stuff...These are called the Sealine Tournament Series. If anyone has been around long enough you remember that back in the mid 80's, Daiwa had tried to get into this market. They had developed a big game reel in the 50 and 50W size. However, they didn't do well and subsequently were dropped. Now, with their heads in the right place, they have put together an awesome package. These are available in the 50 and 50W sizes. Like the smaller reels, they have the dual disc drag system as well as the same "dual point gear shaft support". I still don't know what that is. Micro-click preset drag adjustments and for those of you who don't want to have to have your reels worked over, it comes from the factory with a "Main shaft bearing stabilizer" already in place! They also come with a stainless steel foot as well as clamp. As far as pricing goes, I think you'll be excited about the 50 being $479.95 and the 50W only $524.99. I've saved the best for last. These reels come with a 90-day money back guarantee...no questions asked! Hows that for confidence??? You all need to check that deal out!

These are for real! The pricing has already been set. You can almost start counting the days to when they will be available.

One last note, they have also started the production of Saltiga 40's and 50's. I don't have any other info on them at the moment but if you have seen or have fished with one of the smaller Saltiga's, you know you should keep an eye out for the big brothers that are on the way!

Take care everyone! Let me know how to post pics and I'll do it when I get back from the Big Game 90 Freezer Special this weekend!

Darin