The new Coastal Barra 153H from Daiwa is a reel that is aimed specifically at the dedicated saltwater Barra angler. There are some neat features on this reel that should help it live up to that aim so let’s have a look at them.
6.3:1 Gear Ratio 5+1 CRBB Ball Bearings
4kg Drag
235 gram
Total corrosion protection
Aluminium frame and side plate
Lightweight free floating drilled aluminium spool
Centriflex
Super drag, 7 disc wet drag system
Infinite anti-reverse
Soft touch paddles
So what’s that mean to you? The total corrosion protection looks after the metal parts of the reel by giving them a coating that keeps the makes the reel more corrosion proof. Couple that with the use of all CRBB ball bearings (CR standing for Corrosion Resistant) and you have a reel that will stand up to the rigours of saltwater use with only minimal maintenance.
While some may think that a 4kg drag lacks a bit of stopping power when compared to other reels (some in the Daiwa range have up to 6kg) there’s still plenty of drag capacity for the job at hand. That said there’s a school of thought among many barra anglers to fish with relatively light drags and to use thumb pressure on the spool when extra stopping power is needed. It is thought that having just enough drag to set a hook and then keep the hook set will get the job done and the lighter drag setting minimises the chance of puling the hooks mid fight. The drag on this reel feels very smooth…….and for my mind this is the most important aspect of a good drag.
As with all baitcasters that will be used for cast and retrieve fishing the free spool is very important. Here the team at Daiwa have given us the Centriflex system that applies pressure to the spool only at peak spool speed; the time it is needed most. This means there is less friction on the spool throughout the cast allowing longer hassles free casts. While other reels that work on centrifugal force have brake blocks that have to be added or removed or engaged and disengaged the Centriflex system works by simply adjusting a dial inside the left hand side plate. Access to this plate is made simple by undoing one screw and the turning the plate to unlock it for removal. The only thing with this system that we do not like is that the plate comes off completely once removed and does allow the possibility for it to be dropped, with the worst case scenario seeing it in the drink! It’s a long shot though and certainly isn’t a deal breaker but definitely something to be aware of.
Straight from the box this reel looks and feels superb. The coating used on the frame and side plate has a velvety finish that feels soft to the touch. Disengage the spool for casting and you’ll see that the tiniest amount of effort will get the spool turning. Give it a reel spin though and you’ll be impressed by how long and how smoothly the spool turns, while this is to be expected in this day and age it’s still great to see.
So if you’re looking for a new reel for that next Barra trip or you just need a good freshwater baitcaster that can handle the salt when the mood hits you make sure you check out the Coastal Barra 153H from Daiwa.
For more information contact the team at Compleat Angler Melbourne
P: (03) 9620 3320
W: www.compleatangler.com.au
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