I'm looking for a replacement for my Daiwa 500C. I very pleased with the performance of the reel and it holds plenty of 8 lb braid for its tasks, but I just can't get used to the constant clicking. Instant AR isn't important to me, but silent AR is. After spending a good long while contemplating modifying the AR to a silent setup, I've concluded that it's just too intricate and difficult for the end result.

I'm wanting to stay at 5 ounces or less. If Daiwa can do it with the all metal 500C, I'm sure there's got to be something out there. I don't need back reel, in fact prefer to save the weight and not have it, and composite is fine. I find a lot of toys and gimmick reels, but I'm looking for a bona fide performer here.

I'm hoping that the days of the braid specific reel are near. Taking the 5 oz 500C, eliminating back reel along with the case shrinkage possible by removing the selector shaft, and moving to composite materials would easily bring this reel in at less than 4 ounces.

Jason Cosby
Cos Rods

At 6.3 oz., my little Tica cetus 500 does a good job with 2lb test. It has a good feel to it . The only use I have had for it is to launch 2inch sassy shad type plastics on 1\8 oz jig heads long distances to rising smallmouths in open water. I have caught them up to around 4lbs with it on 2lb test mono. It is a good ultra light but still heavier than what you are looking for.

Jason,
You might look at the US Reel 180 XL
Only 7.2 ounces with a lot of capacity. Very nice drag for a light reel.

Eugene Moore

Thanks for the input, guys. I guess what I'm looking for isn't out yet. I function OK with a SS700, it would just be nice to find everything I'm after. Too bad custom reels aren't accessible like rods are.

Jason Cosby
Cos Rods

We need to talk shimano into building a Stadic ci4 in a 500. The 1000 is so light a 500 would be sick

There should be some one in your area that can do it for ya ???

Bill - willierods.com

Hopefully someone will run with the ball, Phil. IMO we're past due for someone to cater for braid and all the downsizing that's possible. I can really feel the difference between the 5 oz 500C and the 7 oz SS700. I guess Daiwa set the bar pretty high with the 500C. I think that most of the savings are in the Teflon discs that take the place of the side bearings. SS bearing are no doubt heavy and I've had no issues with the Teflon. Hmmm...since I know the discs are the same size as standard Daiwa bearings, there may be an easy ounce for the taking in the 700.

Jason Cosby
Cos Rods