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By George J. Roth

Introduction:  When purchasing a custom spinning rod, choosing the correct reel can have a dramatic impact on the “feel” of your rod.  I have used a number of name brand reels.  I was recently introduced to a reel that compliments the design of any custom or quality manufactured rod.

Impression:  My first Luvias was a model 3000.  I later purchased a model 2500.  The only difference between these models is the line capacity of their spools.  When fishing with small diameter lines, the larger spool was not necessary.  Should you anticipate using larger diameter lines of 8# or heavier and casting long distances, the model 3000 would be the better choice    

            When removing the 2500 / 3000 from their box, I was impressed with the beauty of these reels.  I then realized how incredibly light these reels were due to the Air-Metal, light weight body which is made from a magnesium alloy.  Initial working of the bail produced easy movement, secure locking and easy release when turning the handle.  Precision manufacturing produced a firm feel, free of any slop during operation.

            Comparing the Luvia to the Daiwa Capricorn, the enhanced quality was easily recognized.  When the Luvias was compared to the Daiwa Airity 3000, the difference was less noticeable.  This caused me to wonder if the Airity provided any obvious advantages, justifying an additional $200-plus cost over the Luvias.  It was noted that the knob of the Capricorn was more ergonomic and comfortable than the Luvias / Airity.

Casting:    I often use a 1/8–1/4 oz. weight for the drop shot technique, generally fished in a vertical presentation.  My rod of choice is most often a custom built St. Croix Legend Elite 5S70MLF spinning rod.  Instances where casting of the bait was needed, they were made effortlessly when using Sugoi 5-6# fluorocarbon line.

Retrieving:  Constructed with 6 anti-rust ball bearings and a titanium coated Twist Buster II (TB) line roller containing a ball bearing, retrieving was extremely smooth.  The TB II action produces a cross wrapping oscillation, thus preventing the line from burying in the preceding wraps, as it is laid down on the spool.  Absent are those annoying distance robbing jerks as the line is pulled free during the cast. 

Handle:  The handle folds with the push of a button for storage and locks securely when in use.  It reduces any chance of handle wobble or loss of the handle locking screw.  The “T”-style gray, plastic knob has a large surface area, fairly comfortable but could be more ergonomic as found in the Capricorn.  The Capricorn has a smaller surface area but it is depressed in the center to be more ergonomic.  You will notice below that a number of handle / knob options are available if the standard handle is not desirable.  

Drag:  While fishing 5-6# line, the Tournament Drag system is the finest that I’ve encountered.  The drag adjustment is found on the front of the spool which is easily adjusted.  It produces a click as the knob is turned, giving the angler an audible sense of how far the drag has been adjusted.  Drag adjustments were easily made, even while fighting a fish.  The drag system has been one of the most impressive features of this reel, as there is no noticeable increase in the line pressure required to release the spool.  This is incredibly important when fishing light lines where large fish may be encountered.  By simply adjusting the drag, I’ve found back reeling to be unnecessary.  Yes, I’m that confident in the smoothness of this drag system.  The Infinite Stopper II provides a locked position when the spool is stopped in any position.  This helps to insure a solid hook set once the fish does bite.

Applications:  The model 2500 reel with the shallower spool will perform well for many freshwater / saltwater spinning applications.  It is best suited for finesse techniques requiring a small line diameter.  The model 3000 would be better suited for tubes, split shot, jerk bait, light worm or jig techniques where heavier line or longer casts are required.  Because of their light weight and superb drag system, both of these reel models are especially well suited for finesse techniques.  When combined with a high quality rod, this combination would be difficult to beat.

Price:  The Luvias is by no means an inexpensive reel, currently commanding a price of $230.00 - $250.00 for both the 2500 and 3000 models.  This price will vary depending on the yen/dollar exchange rate.  The shipping and duty fee also need to be added to the cost of the reel.  Since this is a Japanese market reel, you will need to purchase one directly from sources in Japan or domestic sources with access to these reels.  These are some of the contacts I have used and should get you started:

Brooklyn Bill's Tackle Shop
P.O. Box 226         

Asbury, NJ  08802
Contact Bill at: info@brooklynbillstackleshop.com

Fishing Shop OGAWA
Hirayama machi 1096 Nagasaki city JAPAN  

Contact Mr. Harada at: mail@plat.co.jp

Website: http://www.plat.co.jp/english/english_top.htm

Japan Tackle

Japan Office (HQ)

Jun Sonoda (Owner)

2-35-18 Kami-Asao, Asao-Ku

Kawasaki, 215-0021 Japan

Phone (Fax) +81-44-951-1940 (1940 (Please call from 6 pm – 6 am EST in the US)

Email: question@japantackle.com

Website: http://www.japantackle.com

Warranty:  In discussing the issue of warranty with the sources noted above, they all agreed that the reel is best sent back to Daiwa Japan for warranty repair, if you can’t fix it yourself.  Bill states that you can ship your reel to him, then he will send the reel to Japan for repair or replacement.  Parts are not necessarily the same as domestic models, even though some may be interchangeable.  If the Japanese reels are repaired by Daiwa US or local shops, the warranty does not apply.  These Japanese companies can send you the reel parts if you are mechanically inclined.  Even if you aren’t, Ogawa stated they could provide an explanation of how to perform the needed repair.  I’m certain that Jun would be anxious to assist you, as well.  If a reel is returned to Japan for warranty work, it apparently covers some of the more costly components and the repair fee.  If you have further questions regarding warranty, please ask the seller what their policy is.  Below is Jun’s explanation of the reel warranty as provided by an email:

“Warranty works only on reels sent back to Daiwa Japan. Many components are interchangeable among Daiwa reels and you may have it fixed by US Daiwa service or local shops, but warranty is not applicable to those services.  The warranty of Luvias is limited lifetime warranty, effective at least 6 years after sales.  It covers the repair fee and parts if reel break by any kind of flaw, misassembling and etc.”  Jun

Design:  Excellent with the exception of the knob which could be more ergonomic as is found in the lesser priced Capricorn.  Overall, this reel is very comfortable to use all day whether you place the reel stem between the 3^rd - 4^th or 4^th -5^th fingers.  The handle angles farther away from the reel body slightly more than the Capricorn, increasing the ease of handle rotation. 

Upgrades:  A search revealed the availability of a 50 mm machine cut handle.  It weighs 25 grams.  It comes with a washer, 2 Ball Bearings, a screw, a tool for the cap but does not include the knob.  The cost of the machine cut handle is about $75.00.   An assortment of knobs can be selected for use with the machine cut handle.  The handle and knobs are available from any of the sources listed above.  The following links will give you some insight into changing the existing knob on your handle.  http://www.japantackle.com/Change_cork_knobs.htm or A spare spool for the 2500 model reel can also be purchased.  I did not find one listed for the 3000 model.  Prices listed below are subject to change.

Luvias 2500 / 3000 Upgrades

Japan Tackle offers this new upgraded reel called the “Luvias Tuned”.  The cost of the Luvias 2500 Tuned is $340.00 and the 3000 Tuned is listed as $360.00.  It comes with the standard folding handle but the MCH is included with the cork knob.  Just remember that the cost of these reels may vary considerably with the yen/dollar exchange rates.  Below is Jun’s explanation of these reels as copied from his website.

“Luvias, the best value light weight spinning reel now has a high quality machine cut handle and cork knob.  The machine cut handle doesn't fold down, which means there is no play. The "I" shaped cork knob is installed on two ball bearings, offering the ultimate smoothness. The knob surface is coated by clear plastic, and it is as durable as normal gray knobs.  The reel will be shipped with original folding handle, and the machine cut handle will be included into the box. Please swap the handle by your self.”  Jun.

Conclusion:  The Daiwa Luvias 2500 / 3000 spinning reels are the finest I have used.  They offer the quality performance and possess many of the options of the much higher priced Airity.  Their performance upgrades, when compared to the Capricorn are readily apparent.  The Daiwa Luvias will enhance the feel of any quality rod.  I’d heartily recommend this reel to any serious spinning rod enthusiast.

George J. Roth

George’s Custom Rods

850 W. 7^th

Weiser, ID.  83672

www.georgescustomrods.com

georgescustomrods@msn.com

Note: Graphics copied from Plat and Japan Tackle.  Information obtained from the Luvias spec sheet, Brooklyn Bill’s, Plat and Japan Tackle.  I’d like to thank them for their help and clarifications in translating some of the information.  Impressions are purely my own.