Daiwa T3 Ballistic Reel

[Bass1980]

You guys think this would be a good reel for flippin/pitching/punching? I'm looking to get a heavy setup and may get a nice deal on a T3 Ballistic. It has that weird large switch that covers the whole top. I'm thinking you can pitch and just flip the switch without even touching the handles to lock it. In case a bass takes the jig right when it hits the water.

[Finnz922]

I am sure you can. What I like mine for is casting though. With the Magforce3d, the T3/Ballistic excell in casting baits like spinnerbaits, rattletraps, and other crankbaits. It definitely would make a good pitching reel for swimming a jig. Buy one and try it out. I'm sure you will find a home for it whether it be flipping/punching or something else. Mine is a blast to fish with.

[Bass1980]

He only has one left and the gear ratio is 8.0:1 so yeah kind of fast for cranks and spinners.

[Nitroman77]

the reel works GREAT for pitching as you dont have to crank the handle over and just use the hood..I use my T3 for skipping and pitching jigs and it works fantastic..

[Bass1980]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I think I'll try to get that for my pitching setup. Guess it defeats the whole purpose of the flip top and T-wing design so you can cast further using it to flip and pitch. These reel didn't seem to get a great review by tackletour though. And I coworker said he doesn't think it's a $250 reel and more like a $175 range reel. Any thoughts on price point?

[damian_megabass]

I use mine with 65lbs braid specifically for 1/2 oz swim jigs and I love it...Casts far as heck without effort! No line grooves either.

Does your co-worker own one? I mean, even I can say a Steez reel looks like it should be worth $100 only, it's light so it must be crap!


Anyway, go to a local retailer and try one out.

[Finnz922]

He only has one left and the gear ratio is 8.0:1 so yeah kind of fast for cranks and spinners.

Yes it is but you never specified which gear ratio you were targeting. I was just telling you what I use mine for.

[Buck2thPerch]

He only has one left and the gear ratio is 8.0:1 so yeah kind of fast for cranks and spinners.

Yes it is but you never specified which gear ratio you were targeting. I was just telling you what I use mine for.

He could just slowly turn the handle.....

[Stockinger]

Anyway, don´t forget to add three BBs. Adds a lot of Smothness. And also SmoothDrags are a must...

[Bass1980]

I use mine with 65lbs braid specifically for 1/2 oz swim jigs and I love it...Casts far as heck without effort! No line grooves either.

Does your co-worker own one? I mean, even I can say a Steez reel looks like it should be worth $100 only, it's light so it must be crap!


Anyway, go to a local retailer and try one out.

He doesn't but of course he compares everything to his Curado E. He just felt it and read tackletour review and had opinions already. That's why I'm here asking people that has handle it. Thanks for the reply everyone. Hope to pick one up.

[Nitroman77]

go tell him to cast against your T3 B when you get and when you beat him by XXXX amount and see how easy it is to pitch with that thing and NOT having to turn the handle to engage he might change his tone..

[Finnz922]

I use mine with 65lbs braid specifically for 1/2 oz swim jigs and I love it...Casts far as heck without effort! No line grooves either.

Does your co-worker own one? I mean, even I can say a Steez reel looks like it should be worth $100 only, it's light so it must be crap!


Anyway, go to a local retailer and try one out.

He doesn't but of course he compares everything to his Curado E. He just felt it and read tackletour review and had opinions already. That's why I'm here asking people that has handle it. Thanks for the reply everyone. Hope to pick one up.

Sounds like he works for the Cabela's by my house. Shimano guys that can justify why every other reel has problems except Shimano but don't even fish the high end stuff.

[Bass1980]

Bought the reel, no looking back now. Got a hell of a deal at $150 too. Problem is season is over and got to wait for next year.

[muskyhunter]

The old model or the newer one with power handle?

[Bass1980]

It's the latest XS one at 8.0:1 gear ratio. Not even sure if its available. Didn't see it on TW at 8.0:1 but got it from a Daiwa rep.