Daiwa’s Pluton can
be described with one word…. Solid
Date:
1/15/09
Tackle type:
Reels
Manufacturer:
Daiwa
Reviewer:
Zander & Cal
Total Score: 8.16 + ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST
AWARD!
Introduction: The Daiwa Pluton has
arrived and is already available now at a number of online retailers. Since our
original preview of the Pluton we have tested a mass production reel in a number
of applications and it is now time to release our complete field test of this
solidly built round reel.
Daiwa
Pluton 200H/200SH
Specifications
Line Capacity (lb/yds)
12/185, 14/155, 17/120
Gear Ratio
5.1:1 - 200H
6.2:1 - 200SH
Line Retrieve per crank (in)
23.6" - 200H
28.7" - 200SH
Weight
12.5 oz. - 200H
12.7 oz. - 200SH
Bearings
8BB + 1RB
Additional Features
Corrosion resistant bearings, machined aluminum frame, infinite anti
reverse, swept handle, three point laser engraving
Origin
Made in Japan
MSRP
$369.99
Mouse over the TackleTour
3DVR window to view the product in three dimensional view
Impressions:When
we originally previewed the Pluton we were looking at one of the very first
reels off Diawa’s line. We have since returned that “pilot run” reel to Daiwa
and purchased a reel from Tackle Warehouse.
The Daiwa Pluton has arrived at
e-tail and retail stores
When comparing the two reels we
found the mass production reel was identical in all respects except one, the
reel we ordered was actually smoother than the first run sample!
Cal decides to try the Pluton even
though the reel is available only in right hand retrieve
Just as originally
observed on the first sample the Pluton feels extremely solid in hand, not only
when examining the reel in hand but also when cranking. The Pluton reminded us of
a smaller Saltiga with a levelwind added on, and the gearing feels particularly
exact. On the first sample we noted that “the reel was smooth, but not buttery
smooth” but on the mass production reel we ordered we noted the components were
better lubricated and the tolerances in the gearing appeared to be further
refined.
The Pluton paired on a Zillion
Swimbait rod
The Pluton was designed by
Daiwa to be a multipurpose reel, one that can be used for tossing big freshwater
swimbaits, targeting inshore species, or loading up serious big game with light
line. The reel is designed to handle superlines as well as monofilament, and
since the Pluton is can operate in saltwater applications just as much as
freshwater Daiwa put extra emphasis on properly sealing the reel and loaded it
with eight corrosion resistant CRBB bearings plus one roller bearing. The entire
frame is machined out of a single piece of aluminum and machining marks are
visible inside the center of the reel.
The Pluton feels extremely solid
in hand
At the current time the
Pluton will be offered in both a 200H and 200SH version with respective retrieve
ratios of 5.1:1 and 6.2:1 and both reels will feature the same machined spool
which has a line capacity of 12/185, 14/155, 17/120. The 200H will be capable of
winding in 23.6” of line per crank and the 200SH will add another 5.1” on top of
that. Unfortunately fans of left handed reels will have to wait longer or opt
for a right handed version for now.
Zander prepares to cast a swimbait
with the Pluton to target Alpers