Re: DIAWA I'm not sure how this happened
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 4:57 am
Over the last few months I too have become infected by the Daiwa collection bug. I already had a mild case but now it has came back more than ever! It started with a really beaten up and neglected 7700, bought for pennies and transformed into a ‘user’. It sports a bail wire from a Mitchell 386 and a dodgy paint job but is now a formidable, bombproof reel. Encouraged by this outcome I started looking for the cheapest Daiwa’s I could find in any conditions , with the challenge of getting them useable. A 7350RL followed , that was in great nic and only required a clean up and service. I liked this reel a fair bit and felt it a step up from the basic models. The next target was a 7300RB , that was also in decent condition and only required minor tinkering. The bail ratchet spring on the bottom of the spool fell off and it is now the 7300RB ‘silent drag’ model but otherwise fully functional. From here a 7290AR in rather shabby condition was next. A boy’s reel , now running well , with battle scars . The handle had been riveted through the main gear shaft in a rather severe previous repair and this remains. (I couldn’t remove it if I tried!) Another 7290 (B) followed and required some rust removal from the bail wire , a service and clean and is another user. A pristine 755H (Japanese label)was next - a delux version of the 7350 - resplendent in bluey silver with red ratchet switch and handle. Runs like a dream. When another 755H came up for spares and repairs I thought it worth a punt for a few quid. After rubbing down the corrosion on the chrome handle and bail, a quick service and clean and bail reset , it is now purring. With confidence improving in knowing my way around these RL models I couldn’t resist another 7350RL in very good condition but with drag issues for a couple of quid! Beyond the top hat and spool everything was pristine after a quick overhaul. The missing drag washers have now been replaced and the drag is functional once more. The spinning top is not original or from this reel but functions and looks ok. What next? I need to start tying flies and knock this outbreak of Daiwaitis on the head. The 755H will become one of my favourite medium sized reels I predict. The smaller models will get put back into auction at a low price having amused me for a while , and will hopefully find a new owner(s) who will use them again. Well I’m relieved to have gotten all that off my chest!