Daiwa 7HT

[Oblickta]

I was always put off these reels cos of the small double grip handle but the newer models have bigger single handles. There's a new mag model advertised in Sea Angler that looks the doggies doo dahs and I wondered if any of these are in stock in the local shops or when they are expected in so I can have a peep, nothing showing up on flea bay yet!

The other thing that puts me off past models is the free spool button rather than a lever, looking like water and sand could get in. I'd apprieciate any input from anyone who uses these reels

[sless]

ive always thought these reels were good for casting
but didnt realy have any guts to pull owt in
if you know what i mean

[Davyred]

Had mine for years now. I used to use it for everything (even had a double figure Cod on the South using it - which I lost). That was until the Slosh came out.

Now I use it for whities and flatties. As a casting reel, its fantastic to use. The beauty of it being you can use it straight out of the box.

[Oblickta]

I've got a slosh 50 for pulling in kelp and rocks but thinking of getting something lighter for clean ground. As long as it can handle a 6oz gripper it will be fine cos I never catch any fish from the shore lol

[mark]

I've got a Daiwa 6HM, fore-runner of the 7ht, been used and abused for years but still going strong. the free spool button as never given me any bother at all, despite many dunkings and getting covered in sand. casts brilliantly, and has pulled many a pollock out of the kelp when spinning, never tried proper rough ground fishing with it though.

every year I keep saying I'll get a new 7ht, but this seems so unbreakable I think why bother

the twin handle is no big deal, ok not as big and chunky as something like a slosh handle, and if I've used the slosh for a whole then pick this up it does initially feel very small and a bit odd but I soon forget that

[Oblickta]

I like the sound of the new mag version but think I will wait 'til they appear in the shops so I can get me fingers and thumbs on one to see if it fits.

My issue with the handle is just cos i've got hands like shovels and find the double sided handles awkward. I always wanted a shimano bait runner but tried one in ID Fishing a while ago and it felt like the other grip was getting in the way

Thanks for the input lads

[red rock]

I've got a Daiwa 6HM, fore-runner of the 7ht, been used and abused for years but still going strong. the free spool button as never given me any bother at all, despite many dunkings and getting covered in sand. casts brilliantly, and has pulled many a pollock out of the kelp when spinning, never tried proper rough ground fishing with it though.

every year I keep saying I'll get a new 7ht, but this seems so unbreakable I think why bother

the twin handle is no big deal, ok not as big and chunky as something like a slosh handle, and if I've used the slosh for a whole then pick this up it does initially feel very small and a bit odd but I soon forget that

used to have a 6hm and used it all the time on the likes of blyth beach. they were brilliant little reels to use,easy to cast and a lot easier to control than the abu 6500 reels, then i got a 7ht and that was just as good. would not mind a look at the new one myself if they cast as good as the 7ht

[johnw]

I Had My 7ht For About 4 Years Believe Me Its A Fantastic Casting Reel. Totally Agree About The Handle, Had A Old Diawa Boat Reel And Swapped The Handle Over And It Brilliant Never Had A Problem With It, This New 7ht Mag Is Ganna Be A Belta Cant Wait To Have A Good Look At It

[Topfly]

I have been using the 7ht turbo for about a year and cant fault it.if the new 7ht mag puts 50yds on my cast i'll get one lol

[Seafisher]

7HT's a nice reel but not a big distance reel, anyone who wants start using a multiplier should have no problems with them coz there easy to use. Having said that a friend of mine has a 7HT turbo and it's been back twice with stripped cogs. Also your right about the free spool button, if there's a bit wind on the beach sand gets in there. As for the mag version it might be ok but the new abu hi speed looks a better bet.

[peter.m]

The new mag version is due in the shops in December.

I know some people put an Abu power handle on them. I did the same with my Abu 6500CT, got a power handle off a Mag Elite, you just need to change the locking plate with it. Think the handle was £7 and the plate £2.

I only use the 6500 for light work on clean beaches or spinning. When the sea is bigger or the ground mixed then it's the SL20 or 525 mag.