Daiwa Saltiga 15h Issues

[phergordon]

Hello all,

I just received my brand new Star Drag Daiwa Saltiga 15h and I don't think it's functioning correctly. Bear with me, I'm a novice when it comes to modern conventional reels.

When I pull the level to go into freespool and crank the handle, my spool rotates backwards. Also, there is a geary/rubbing noise when I crank the handle in freespool. I have adjusted the spool tension knob, and now matter how loose or tight, I am still having the problem.

Is this normal? If not, how should I go about fixing it? For a high end reel this doesn't seem right to me. I'd appreciate any help or advice y'all can give.

 

[swami 805]

How’s the free spool? If it’s good you should be fine

 

[phergordon]

The spool rotates about 5 or 6 revolutions before stopping when I forcefully spin it with my finger.

 

[mboy]

Post a video

 

[phergordon]

Video:

 

[skipjack]

why do you crank it in free spool?
It make zero sense to crank in free spool,reels are not designed to do that.
Nice reel!

 

[Exodus]

How tight is the drag set? I have the same reel and don't experience what you are describing.

 

[Exodus]

Also, is the spool lock button completely disengaged?

 

[hucklongfin]

why do you crank it in free spool?
It make zero sense to crank in free spool,reels are not designed to do that.
Nice reel!

If I do that with a lever drag and the spool turns it tells me that the drag disk is still touching the spool. With a star drag the spool arbor is dragging on the pinion gear. Either way free spool is negatively impacted.

 

[swami 805]

That’s not right, if it’s new send it back. If you crack it open they might void any warranty you might have.

 

[skipjack]

I would put it in free spool and spin the spool (not cranking in free spool) and listen for noise.
If none,I would think its OK.

 

[hucklongfin]

Maybe grease in the pinion causing it to stick to the spool arbor or there could be a burr on the pinion. On old reels I degrease the arbor and inside of pinion and make sure the inside of the pinion, and spool arbor are smooth. Only a drop of light oil in there, no grease.

 

[pacificscout]

It’s a lefty reel.

 

[phergordon]

I appreciate everyone's help.

Skipjack, I am aware that the reel is not designed to be cranked in freespool (there's no purpose), but I did so to see if there were any points of contact interfering with freespooling.

Exodus, Loosening or tightening the drag does not change the problem and the spool lock is fully disengaged.

Huck, I agree that there seems to be some point of contact interfering with the freespool. While it does not seem to have a major impact, I feel like this should not be happening. I feel as though a reel of this quality shouldn't be having this issue. If this was an older reel or one of a lesser price, I would open it up and take a crack at fixing the issue.


Swami, I think I will end sending it back. I agree. I don't have any interest in opening the reel up during the warranty period and possibly voiding the warranty.


Once again, thank you all for your time and help with this matter! You guys rock.

 

[griplimited]

With no line it’s hard to gauge duration of freespool. But you’ll find the sweet spot on spool tension after fine tuning over a few times.

I have the same 15h reel, well used and have a 20ha brand new and a 35ha.

While winding in freespool, it does make that noise on all my saltigas, 3 of them. But in gear, it’s perfectly silent. Same with Trinidad and Penn Fathom SD. My more used reels has less noise than the newer ones, I’m curious if it’s a combination of gears meshing and grease displaced more evenly overtime and use.

There is excess grease that’s making it spin while winding out of freespool as others has mentioned. This isn’t a defect, it’s just keeping all components properly lubricant and that pinion is an essential gear.

Try winding in gear and if you experience the same noise.

Other than that, I think you’re good to go. If you bought from a local tackle shop, ask them to compare with others.

 

[skipjack]

Bingo,griplimited nailed it.
now put some line on it and enjoy your new reel!