When it comes to reels, there are a lot of options out there - particularly for spinning reels. If you walk into a Canadian Tire or Cabela's and take stock of the inventory, to the untrained eye, there's not much difference between a $49 and $499 reel. Perhaps besides a slightly smoother feel or polished appearance, they're pretty much all the same - right?
The key is finding a balance between quality and price, and a cursory once-over of a bare reel doesn't tell you a thing about the drag system or how it performs when there's an aggressive pike on the end of the line.
I was looking for a good, all-purpose spinning reel primarily for pike and walleye fishing here in Saskatchewan and purchased the Legalis LT (2021) for the task from Bass Pro Shop (a former Cabela's) in Saskatoon. It was on sale for around $80 CAD though is currently listed for $119.99 CAD online.
There are two variations of the 2500 size, 2500D and 2500D-XH - the only difference is a faster retrieve with the 6:2:1 gear ratio on the XH.
Weight & Feel
The reel has a premium feel; it's solidly built and silky-smooth. It weighs in at just over 200 grams (7.2 oz) which is lighter than many other reels in the same price range. The LT from Daiwa stands for light and tough - which accurately describes what you can expect.
Even a few grams can make a difference after a full day of casting (and hopefully reeling in some monsters).
Field Testing
I paired the reel with a 6.6ft Shimano Stimula medium spinning rod and took it out for a day of fishing. Before we left for our destination of the day, I broke it in with a dozen or so perch off the dock. Good start.
It performed beautifully over the course of the day with about two dozen walleye and a pike on the other end of the line.
Drag System The drag system is where this reel really shines for its price point. The ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag) provides smooth, consistent pressure throughout the fight. Even with exceptionally hard runs, the drag never stuttered or grabbed - just smooth resistance and steady tension. The max drag of 22 lbs on the 2500 size is more than sufficient for Saskatchewan species.
Build Quality & Features The machined handle feels solid with no play, and the rubber handle knob provides good grip even with wet hands, though there are some seams that you might not see on a higher end rod. The 5+1 ball bearing system keeps everything running smoothly.
Value
At the $80 CAD sale price, this reel punches well above its weight class. Even at the regular $120 CAD price point, you're getting features typically found in the $150-200 CAD range.
Final Verdict
For casual anglers targeting freshwater species like pike and walleye, the Legalis LT 2500D offers exceptional value. It's light enough for all-day casting, tough enough for aggressive northerns, and smooth enough to make you forget you didn't spend $300+.
If you can snag it on sale, don't hesitate. At full price, it's still a solid investment that won't leave you wishing you'd spent more.
GEAR REVIEW
Daiwa Legalis LT 2500D
Spinning Reel
Price
$119.99
CAD Regular
Weight
7.2 oz
200 grams
Max Drag
22 lbs
10 kg
✓ Strengths
- • Exceptional ATD drag system
- • Lightweight at 7.2 oz
- • Premium feel at budget price
– Consider
- • Build quality lacks polish up close
- • Materials match the price (carbon fiber vs aluminum)
- • Nearly 5-year-old model
Bottom Line
For Saskatchewan pike and walleye anglers, the Legalis LT delivers features typically found in the $150-200 range. Snag it on sale for unbeatable value.
Field tested in Saskatchewan waters
Review by CabinLiving.ca
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