Daiwa has introduced a series of Luvias ST lightweight spinning reels designed for “finesse” fishing.
The Luvias ST SF (super finesse) is available in 1000 and 2000 sizes, which weigh 4.8 ounces. The Luvias ST LT (lite tough) is a 2500 reel that weighs 5.3 ounces.
“Serious trout anglers are always trying to lighten up their gear to match with the premium performance rods they already depend on, while at the same time seeking better performance,” says field marketing manager Chris Martin. “The Luvias family achieves both objectives.”
He adds that the 1000 and 2000 reels are ideal for casting such trout baits as inline spinners, small crankbaits and casting spoons, including Daiwa’s Presso Rave2 or Quanai spoons.
For stream or stocked rainbow, brook and typical-size brown trout, Martin suggests spooling the Luvias SF models with 4- to 6-pound XBraid Finesse, or 2- to 4-pound mono or Daiwa J-Fluoro Samurai fluorocarbon. These line weights are also good for panfish species, such bluegill, crappies and yellow perch.
Martin says the Luvias LT 2500 is a “great all-around size for everything from trout to panfish and perch, up to even walleyes and finesse fishing smallmouth and largemouth bass. And that’s not to say Luvias models can’t handle bigger fish — they can. … The three Luvias sizes and weights are best-suited for lighter gear and finesse tactics, however.”
Martin says the Luvias LT spools ideally with 6- or 8-pound XBRaid Finesse, or 2- to 6-pound mono or J-Fluoro fluorocarbon.
To acheive the light weights, Martin says, Daiwa builds the 1000 and 2000 reels on a 750-size frame, and the 2500 on a 1000 size body. Also, the SF and LT frames are engineered to accommodate larger gearing than comparably sized reels.
Sizing down the chassis saved quantifiable weight, and spool capacities are another factor to note. Designed for light lines, the reels are very shallow, so anglers won’t waste line filling the spools for maximum casting efficiency.
LUVIAS ST FEATURES:
Zaion monococque body Daiwa’s proprietary, single-component, high-density carbon fiber Zaion monocoque body is lightweight, rigid, durable and corrosion-resistant. By removing the traditional screws used to attach sideplates, the design maximizes internal space for larger-diameter, Digigear gears for improved power, torque and leverage.
Zaion Airdrive rotor The design reduces weight, provides even rotary balance and stress distribution, and reduces vibration, while maintaining strength.
Airdrive bail The design features a hollow, tubular stainless-steel bail that delivers rigidity and strength with minimum weight. Protrusion-free construction lets line easily flow to the roller for trouble free control.
Airdrive shaft The Airdrive shaft creates smooth, quiet rotation and provides enhanced torque and power. Additionally, both ends of the pinion gear are supported with bearings to transmit the crank power from the handle to the rotor with enhanced efficiency.
Airdrive spool Weight reduction is at the core of DAIWA’s progressive AIRDRIVE Spool. While lessening weight, the AIRDRIVE Spool also improves oscillation, minimizes resistance during winding, enhances reel balance, and makes the reel feel lighter and easier to use. This design also contributes to better casting performance with DAIWA’s Long Cast ABS.
Long cast ABS The two-stage spool features an upper wall angle that reduces line friction, allowing for tighter line exit and longer, smoother casts with fewer wind knots.
Suggested retail price is $429.99.
