Comments: READ THIS! I have used so many spinning reels at this price point in both 1000 sizes for bass and 2500-3000 for steelhead. This includes the shimano sienna, shimano sonora, shimano sahara, shimano sedona, diawa laguna, abu cardinal, diawa exceller, and even tested off brand amazon reels. Here's what you should know about the laguna. LINE CAPACITY: I bought the 2500 size. Immediately after receiving it, I noticed how small the line capacity is for a reel of this body size. The spool is pretty shallow. I know some guys are into this, but there are other reels with similar spools with a much more compact body at this price. DRAG: while the max drag is not too bad on this reel, no one maxes out there drag anyways so who cares. THE DRAG IS NOT SMOOTH. the startup inertia is very low and smooth, which is obviously good, but once the spool starts spinning, it is very inconsistent, jumpy, and unpredictable. One click to loosen may result in completely slacklining your fish. I took it out anyways for a trip and caught a few steeliest. THE DRAG WASHERS LITTERLY GOT SHREDDED from 3 fish. embarrassing. I upgraded the drag to carbontex washers to give the reel a fair chance and it was still pretty much garbage. OTHER: it reels smooth, has a decent bail spring, and is pretty lightweight. BETTER BUYS: For 15 dollars less you can get the shimano sienna. The sienna blows this reel out of the water. Smoooooth drag, full compact carbon body, great line capacity, will last a solid 5 years, great value for 30 dollars. the only downside is that the bail spring isnt super strong, but its not like it doesnt work. Just doesnt make a loud satisfying snap into place. If your truly a diawa guy, I'd go up to the exceller. I use this reel in the 1000 size for smallies, no problems and handles great. Of course, Id expect this for 100 dollars. If your not super loyal to diawa, and don't wanna go very cheap on a reel, youd be better off going to the shimano sahara. Smoother and honestly you can feel the difference in all aspects. The pflueger president is also a great option. Built like an absolute tank but it is a lil heavy.

From: Benjamin: ILLINOIS 3/3/23

Comments: Bought the 4000 just to put another reel on an extra spinning rod and it handles just like any of my $200+ reels. Took a beating from multiple large fish and long days in salt water and still handles very smoothly. Highly recommend and will purchase again.

From: Unknown: 10/13/22

Comments: I bought two of these (2500s) to keep on the boat for extras. Man, these thing exceeded my expectations. They are smooth, have a good drag, and feels overall study in the hand. Now, I have some higher end spinners that are better, but honestly not vastly. You can use these and not feel like you're giving up much. Amazing what you get for $40.

From: D: Unknown 2/23/22

Comments: I have had a recurring problem with Daiwa's Light Tough series. I have owned both the Laguna and the Crossfire. Both reels functioned perfectly for a few months before the same problem occurred- the bail broke. One day I simply opened the bail to make a cast, I heard a strange click/snap, and the bail spring mechanism was broken. This happened to BOTH of these reels so I am assuming they share common hardware. I'm going to stay away from this series of reels from this point on, and I suggest you do the same.

From: Trevor: San Diego 1/2/22

Comments: it seems that Daiwa's weird sizing can be kinda tricky, so ill save you the trouble of looking up the specs: its small for a 2500. i switched from a 2500 sized shimano sienna, 15lb braid and i had a decent amount of backing via monofilament on there. i transferred the braid over to the new laguna and it barely fit JUST the braid, with a thin layer of electrical tape as backing. now, am i ever going to get spooled? probably not. its got 22lbs of drag and i'm braid. If i was using monofilament, even 8lb test, i'd probably be annoyed at how often I may find myself respooling though.

From: BJ: New York City, NY 11/11/21

Comments: You'll be more than challenged to find a better spinning reel for the price of the Daiwa Laguna LT. Among my spinning reel line up are a few top-of-the-line models; however, for drop shotting and throwing weightless Senkos, I haven't a better reel. I now have four of them and use at least two on every outing. Smooth casting and reliable; I use them with 8 lb. braid tied onto 8-10 lb. fluorocarbon. Highly recommended.

From: Trace: California 11/9/21

Comments: For the price point a super smooth reel and pretty solid compared to other cheaper spinning reels I've tried.

From: Mike: Alabama 11/8/21

Comments: This reel is the same quality as all the other daiwa spinning reels up to the $80 price range. So save your money and just get this reel. Light weight, good drag, high gear ratio.

From: Jason: Salem, OR 10/28/21

Comments: Stumbled upon a YT video on this sleeper reel and decided to give it a shot. Upon receiving the 2500 it was sound and tight. Spooled it up with some 15lb braid and 7lb flouro leaded for finesse applications. Tee is currently tied into a dobyns 702 and it is by far one of the funnest setups to fish with. I did upgrade the drag washers from the delta to a carbon fiber disc and this baby is smooth as glass. So for a $3 upgrade and $50 reel. I would put this reel in the $300+ reel performance range. Going to try the 1000 size for an ultralight setup on panfish and trout.

From: Unknown: California 9/1/21

Comments: Great real, smooth drag, small line capacity. At this price point, daiwa can't be beaten.

From: Unknown: 9/1/21

Comments: As a fishing guide I look for solid, affordable equipment to give my clients the upper hand while fishing. The Daiwa Laguna LT spinning reels provide just that. They have been smooth, and solid throughout this busy summer. Clients have reeled in everything from doormat fluke to bruiser sharks and rays. These reels have exceeded my expectations in every way. And while there are better reels out there, for the price and durability (so far), these reels can't be beat!

From: Frank: Cape May Court House, NJ 8/11/21

Comments: Other Daiwa spinning reels had me seriously concerned to purchase another one ever again. Bought one, then another, then another, and another! These are great. The 2500 size is very light but does have to be managed properly for line twist and loops. The 3000 size is much more forgiving.

From: Ryan: California 8/11/21

Comments: Great reel! Used it for over a month now and it has held up great!

From: Owen: 7/19/21

Comments: Amazing Reel so far. I bought 2 of the 3000s and 2 of the 4000s. I paired the 3000s with a 8'6" shimano clarus. I use 30 pound braid straght to soft plastics or hardbaits. I ended up catching two legal white seabass with these. The fish were about 10-15 pounds. I also caught a bunch of calico bass. The drag worked well and the reeled held up. I hope it lasts long

From: Unknown: California 7/16/21

Comments: Phenomenal reel! I use it for light tackle inshore fishing paired with a 7'3" medium rod. I've pulled in over slot reds with ease. The drag is nice and smooth. Get one! You won't regret it

From: David: South Carolina 6/15/21

Comments: It's a Great Reel for light weight angling. I just recently purchased one with an Aird-x by Daiwa, medium light fast action, and its an awesome combo. Very responsive even with the lightest tackle.

From: Joshua: Jacksonville 3/15/21

Comments: Great reel smooth when reeling handle are soft and fish like a champ best budget reel for 2021!

From: Emanuel: Arroyo Grande, CA 2/5/21

Comments: Great reel for the money. Smooth drag and casts great.

From: John: Discovery Bay, CA 1/22/21

Comments: I was looking for a good reel for a finesse setup. After filling spool and feeling how smooth the reel was I'm confident it will work great. I can't wait to put it use!

From: Adam: West Virginia 1/1/21

Comments: Great job on the reel Daiwa. Needed a panfish reel to pair up with my panfish rod and this one did the thing.  Its light small and feels great for the setup. This reel is better than i thought it to be.

From: Unknown: Milwaukee, WI 12/13/20

Comments: Great reel, great price. I was looking for a slightly larger reel to handle some heavier line and this was a perfect fit. Very smooth and well balanced. Works out well with a 7'6" med/hvy fast action graphite rod. Another winner from Daiwa.

From: Mike: Huntington Beach, CA 11/17/20

Comments: I have always been a fan of Davies reels. The reel is sound. I don't like the fact that they eliminated the free spooling mechanism. You can only reel forward. I would not recommend or purchase this reel again.

From: Kitk: Martinsville, IN 10/17/20