WATCH! Daiwa adds POWERDRIVE to fire new 2025 Saltiga

Going head to head against the newly launched Shimano 2025 Stella SW is Daiwa’s response – the 2025 Saltiga.

Japan Fishing Tackle News reveals that the newcomer has switched the AIRDRIVE design for the POWERDRIVE, which contains major updates to two critical components of the reel – the body and rotor.

First is the introduction of an oversized power Digigear, which delivers stronger and smoother drive gears. The body of the reel has been significantly enlarged to accommodate these larger gears and the gear teeth have been optimised for better driving efficiency.

Another crucial update is the Roller Power Oscillation which brings back Daiwa’s original Silent Oscillation System used in earlier larger reels, replacing the old pillar-based system with ball bearings for oscillation. This upgrade reduces friction during oscillation, improving response and creating a smoother retrieve.

Daiwa has refined the POWERDRIVE Rotor, designed specifically for larger reels. Visually it shares the curved design with the AIRDRIVE Rotor, but has been strengthened for greater power and performance. It is not only lighter, but also more robust thanks to a design that doesn’t show external screws which blends perfectly with the Monocoque body.

Another new feature is the Crank Power Bail, which Japan Fishing Tackle News says addresses past concerns about the bail arm’s spring, ensuring the bail opens and closes smoothly and securely.

Daiwa has also improved the Tough Line Roller System, changing from the previous flat-line roller to a stepped design. It improves line attachment and boosts durability with a higher degree of rigidity in the roller shaft.

Described as one of the most exciting updates is the new DRD drag system, it introduces metal washers, offering a five-fold increase in durability. However, it is only available on reels sized 18000 and above. For 14000 and below, a carbon washer drag system (ATD-Tough) is used.

The new Saltiga ranges from 8000 to 25000, with the latter described as a ‘beast’ that is capable of holding 300m of PE12 line with an impressive 118cm retrieval rate. Despite its size, it weighs just 950g, making it comparable to the 18000 and 20000 models.