Daiwa Tierra-Spinning Reel - California Fishing

BeachBear · 04-11-2007, 04:32 PM

I wanted to get my wife, MrsBeachBear, a new reel for Christmas. I wanted something high quality and something of good looks. She's a "girlie-girl" that likes her tackle to look pretty. Some husbands buy jewelry, I buy rods and reels. I thought it'd be cute if she got the Tierra (Earth) and I got the Sol (sun).

Shortly after getting the reel I took it out to test it, to get a feel for it, and to make sure everything was in order. WOW!! I just fell in love with it. It reminded me of a brand new car with clutch (Manual). That no matter what you did, you just didn't grind the gears and you took off like a rocket.

You quickly got a feel for the reel. So much in fact that when I went out I had my choice of Daiwa Exceler, Daiwa Sol, Shimano Symetre, and Daiwa Tierra and I would choose the Tierra. I tested it out so much my wife even said, "I didn't know I had a reel for Christmas until after Valentine's."

TIERRA VS SOL
It has great characteristics for the surf. It has CRBB's (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings) and a sealed waterproof drag just like the Sol, but nearly half the cost. It has 1 more bearing than the Sol, but it also has 1 less CRBB.

Both have the DIGIGEAR and AIR BAIL (TM) which means I haven't had loops in the reel or have had to restring the reels. Just very smooth and easy line retrieves and no digging in of the braid after fighting a fish. With lesser reels after catching and fighting a fish I would have to cast out and reel in just to lessen the cchance of loops or tangles. The end result I get more fishing time.

Gear ratio for both is 4.7:1 and both have the 24.4" line retrieve (both reels I have are 2000 size). The line capacity for both reels is the same for 6#, 8# and 10#). The Sol has a few more high end options than the Tierra, but what I notice most is the weight difference. The Sol is 8.1 ounces, while the Tierra is 8.7 ounces. Both are still very light, but 0.6 ounces is a huge difference to me. It may not be to some since the weight is spread out over the reel, but you have to decide for yourself.

The reel is priced at around $110, which is a bit costly, but not as bad as $200 for the SOL. In both reels you get what you pay for, but IMHO I believe the Tierra is a better bargain for the money spent. You get sealed drag, lots of bearings, Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings (CRBB's), a lightweight reel, and a high quality reel. It has DIGIGEAR which powers the SOL and an extra aluminum reel.

Choosing the SOL over the Tierra you have to decide if the high end extras are worth it, is the trade off between 1 more bearing and 1 less CRBB worth it, can I handle the 0.6 ounce difference?

tompayne · 04-11-2007, 04:36 PM

Damn Richard, thats another good reel review. Nicely done. I'm surprised your wife got the reel at all after you "tested" it. Hahaha

Tom

spooky007 · 04-11-2007, 06:57 PM

Good job Richard!!! Another reel to check out!!

Al

BeachBear · 04-11-2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tompayne

Damn Richard, thats another good reel review. Nicely done. I'm surprised your wife got the reel at all after you "tested" it. Hahaha

Tom

LOL, honestly I have to get my own now.

Jay_In_SouthBay · 06-15-2007, 03:11 AM

i "reely" like the Sol. I want one really bad. WE seel them at my work and I can get reallly cheap. I love the feel of them. They retail for 199.99 and I can get them for about 100. I am gonna get one soon. I also hear the Shimano Stradic is a great reel. Anyone have any experiences/?

mickeysindahous · 06-15-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay_In_SouthBay

They retail for 199.99 and I can get them for about 100. I am gonna get one soon.

You never should have said your price. Now you're gonna have people like myself asking for a HUSF discount. Good luck clearing your PM's for the next few days.

Sweet discount. I hate you!

Jay_In_SouthBay · 06-15-2007, 12:15 PM

yeah my discount doesnt start for another month and a half, but I am take advantage of it every chance I get. I wanna get the Avet HX too. 5 speeds and super nice. that one retails for about 400..... I don't know what I get it for but I really don't care either. i want that reel.

Beresford13861 · 06-15-2007, 12:45 PM

5 speed reel??

Jay_In_SouthBay · 06-25-2007, 12:27 PM

Yeah... this thing is freakin sick! It's the Avet HX-5. Check it out.

Jay_In_SouthBay · 06-28-2007, 01:06 PM

Ok I was wrong not 5 speeds........ I don't give two s#@ts though. the reel is still nice. I will be getting it soon. I'll let you guys know how it works.

D@T · 09-13-2007, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the recommendation Richard. Went out and got my self one with 10lb suffix braid, cast a mile with it! Awesome reel!

D@T

BeachBear · 09-13-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D@T

Thanks for the recommendation Richard. Went out and got my self one with 10lb suffix braid, cast a mile with it! Awesome reel!

D@T

Glad you like it and it works well for you. Very smooth, nice CRBB bearings and having it sealed is an awesome plus, especialy for the surf. Hope to see some reports soon

Walt · 09-13-2007, 09:01 PM

Got to agree with BeachBear, bought one a couple of months ago. Mainly for the color as it matches a 3 pc travel rod I wrapped so I can beach cast at sunrise in Cabo when I go there next spring for a week. The reel is as smooth as glass. I am going to load it with 12lb and picth Krockadiles into the surf.

It is extremely high quality for the price. Ditto the Beach Bear on all the positive reccomendations.

Walt