The aforemention reel in action.

He could not turn the fish(yellowfin??) on the 50.

 

I experimented Saltist 40 with carbontex drag washers for tuna jigging recently.
I had about 15 tuna in 40-60 lbs range on the reel including 5 tuna yesterday's canyon trip. Considering my Torium 30's anti-reverse gear got broken and it made strange sound after I caught 20 tuna on the reel, Saltist performed very well so far and it seems the reel is much stronger than Torium.
I've been using Saltiga 40/50 for jigging tuna for many years and I believe Saltiga is the best star drag reel in the market. Saltist is not Saltiga, but I am pretty impressed with the performance of Saltist.
While Trinidad and Torium have the same drag material, Saltist has cheap drag washers which can be a problem to fight big fish on the reel.
I suggest to replace drag washers of the Saltist with carbontex drag washers.
Many people believe the carbontex drag washers is even better than Saltiga's.

 

I have one that I can honestly say I really put to the test. While I've caught everything from Yellowfin to AJ's on them, I am not impressed at all by the reel... maybe I just killed it or something. The star drag is actually weak on this reel regardless of what they claim it at (and weakens very quickly if battling a few large fish) and drag washers need to be replaced i'm assuming.

On top of that the clutch to engage to freespool keeps slipping for me even after taking it a part twice to fix it and just now having issues with the clicker slipping and engaging for no reason. Maybe I just got a bad reel or maybe I myself put too much stress on it, but I won't buy another one. It does however have a great gear ratio but can't justify getting this reel over a good lever drag.

This is probably a great Snapper Reel or Lure Chunking Reel for Blackfin, otherwise you may fry it on anything larger.

 

Yes they are capable until you can get your 2speed! They produce 20-22lb of drag and when rigged with 500 yds of 65-80# spectra and topped off with 60-80# mono they will get the job done and be easier on your pocketbook.

 

No reason they wouldn't work and they'd make a good back up reel no doubt. They also have the flexibiility factor that they make pretty decent surf reels so you can make em go both ways.

 

KEVIN; I think you're too late if you're referring to teamprosport's ad. I think I bought the 4th one, but check w/ him. I have a50SST 4.9 & I like it a lot. great all-around reel for $189 retail, but even better at a couple of eBay stores I stumbled onto for $151&$153,BUT DIDN'T BOOKMARK,you'll have to search.

 

Go to thehulltruth.com and another guy is selling 5 combos with C&H rods for $190 each.

 

Man those were it...great rods and reels, but when I scrolled down, they were all sold Im lookin for any good deals now...still.