Words& Images: Dean Norbiato
One new bit of gear I had the luxury of testing out during our Pig Pilgrimage was the recently released Daiwa TD Black LT 2500D spin reel. Coming in six sizes the new TD Black is an evolution of Daiwa’s much-loved Generation Black range. With the LT moniker standing for ‘Light’ and ‘Tough’, the first thing I noticed about the reel was its meagre 180g in weight. It honestly felt like a kid’s toy in my hand, it was that light.
After spooling it up with the new 10lb Daiwa J-Braid Grand I set about testing out how ‘Tough’ this new reel, with a 5.3:1 gear ratio and six ball bearings, actually was. After casting an assortment of heavy and light yellowbelly lollies all weekend the one thing that overwhelmingly stood out was the lack of body vibration, courtesy of the new Zaion Body construction.
As we were out on the water at sun up and off it at sun down, you really need a spin reel that is as smooth as it is tough and I honestly couldn’t fault this black pocket rocket in that regard. Also attributing to the smoothness is Daiwa’s new Tough Digigear gears in the reel, which enhance gear smoothness, strength and power.
The final test to win me over was the 10kg of drag, a big number for a small reel, but the proof would be in the smoothness it came off the reel. If there is one thing that instantly gets me offside with either a baitcaster or spin reel it’s a stuttering drag. Nothing loses more fish during a fight than a spluttering, jittery drag.I’m pleased to say that while golden perch aren’t known for their searing surges like many of our pelagic species, they do have a few spirited dashes in them. The ultimate test came when we lightly pinned a pent-up 64cm yella and the smoothness of the drag under tension ensured the small, thin-gauge trebles stayed pinned for the entire 12-round prize fight.
