Daiwa's new Fuego-A Spinning Reel Still on Fire?
| Date: | 10/20/10 |
| Tackle type: | Reel |
| Manufacturer: | Daiwa |
| Reviewer: | Zander |
Total Score: 8.33 - GREAT
Introduction: Daiwa updates their Fuego spinning reel with an entirely new design that not only features modernized styling but a new base material. While the previous generation Fuego made use of a magnesium frame the new reel now is constructed from Zaion, Daiwa’s own super-carbon material, which first debuted on the Zillion rod seats. Is this new reel all “sizzle” or does the Fuego-A “fizzle” out in comparison to other competing reels? Let’s find out.
Daiwa Fuego-A 2000 Specifications | |
| Line Capacity (lb/yds) | 6/135, 8/110, 10/90 |
| Gear Ratio | 4.8:1 |
| Line retrieve per crank | 25 inches |
| Weight | 7.0 oz |
| Bearings | 3CRBB, 3BB, 1RB |
| Additional Features | Zaion frame, sideplate and rotor construction. Sealed drag system, airbail, CRBB, identical spare spool |
| Origin | Made in Thailand |
| MSRP | $279.99 |
The new Daiwa Fuego-A makes use of Daiwa's Zaion construction
Impressions: Both Shimano and Daiwa went in a similar direction with the introduction of their spinning reels that once made use of magnesium (Stradic Mg and Fuego) and now utilize advanced carbon composites. While some of us would speculate that the new materials actually make it cheaper to manufacture these reels there is no denying certain advantages of using these new fangled composites. Unlike magnesium these carbon based reels are corrosion resistant and are designed to deliver a better strength to weight ratio.
Daiwa describes Zaion as a "super-carbon" material
Each Fuego-A comes loaded with seven bearings (4CRBB, 2BB, 1RB), this is one CRBB bearing up from the previous generation. All but the smallest 1000 size comes with a 4.8:1 gear ratio, the smallest size has a ratio of 4.7:1 and every reel comes with an identical aluminum spare spool which is a very nice plus for a high end reel, these days it seems like only the midrange reels come with an identical spare spool while the value reels still come with down-spec spools and the high end reels come with none.
For our tests we paired the new Fuego-A with the same Steez spinning reel we used to test its predecessor
When it comes to styling the new Fuego-A is definitely toned down from the previous generation which entirely painted red, there was simply no mistaking that the previous reel wanted to convey the message of “fire,” and in comparison the new version has a much more subdued look. The new reel’s frame is now matte grey and there are anodized red styling cues found on the handle and spool which tie the reel in with its moniker. The Fuego-A is more clean and utilitarian looking and will likely appeal to a wider audience as it can be more easily paired with a greater variety of rods.
The new reel has a thin profile
Real World Test: To test the Daiwa Fuego-A I paired the reel with the same Steez spinning rod that I tested the previous Fuego reel on and mainly focused on finesse applications like drop shot, shaky head and split shot with lighter 4 to 6lb lines. I targeted fish in both the clear water of Lake Pardee and the bass paradise that is Clear Lake.
The reel features Daiwa's latest design including Digigear (digital gear design) for better mesh
Casting: The Fuego-A is capable of casting even the smallest and lightest lures when paired with 4 and 6lb. test lines. The ABS machined spool does a fine job holding line and letting it out in large consistent loops. The bail system on the new reel is a monumental upgrade from the outdated external bail trip mechanism found on the previous version. The previous version’s bail trip mechanism was actually built into the side of the rotor where a lever would extend when the bail is open and flip closed when it came in contact with the reel’s arm during rotation.
The ABS machined aluminum spool improves casting distance
Casting cont'd: While functional this system did have an annoying side effect, the bail trip mechanism was much easier to reset with a little momentum and if the reel was retrieved very slowly and the lever comes in contact with the reset point at very low speed the reel feels like it locks up, and you have to either close the bail by hand or really press down on the handle to force it to flip the bail back. It was my biggest point of contention with the previous version and suffice to say I am very pleased to see that Daiwa has gone with an internal trip system on the Fuego-A. 
During the tests I did a lot of drop shotting Trokar hooks
Retrieve: Hardcore Daiwa fans swear by the Steez spinning reel’s ultra refined feel and it can be argued that the Fuego-A is the next best thing in the US lineup. The fact is that while the Fuego-A is very smooth it does not come close to matching the Steez’s friction free feel but when compared to many competing reels from it does feel very polished. The Digigear design meshes up the gearing nicely and the reel feels smooth by itself while some reels from other brands feel a little “gummy” because of their reliance on oil and grease to deliver smooth rotation when cranking.
Daiwa makes use of their tubular air-bail
Capable of winding in 25 inches of line per handle crank the Fuego-A 2000 does a good job bringing fish back to the boat once you feel that tick at the end of the line and set. The Fuego-A is so lightweight that it is easy to hold the entire combo at a relaxed angle so your attention is focused on line sensitivity rather than pressure exerted on your wrist from holding the combo and imparting action on the rod tip. I definitely recommend fluorocarbon or braided lines with a top shot for finesse fishing with this reel as you definitely can more easily detect strikes.
The titanium coated line roller is both durable and reliable
Even after complete submersion during stress testing the Fuego-A remained extremely smooth and both the CRBB and standard bearings held up well over time. The Zaion frame proved to be rigid enough to hold the Digigear master gearing in perfect alignment alleviating some early concerns that the reel would exhibit some degree of flex like more affordable graphite based reels.
The anti-reverse switch is positioned behind the rotor and the reel's underside
Drag: Daiwa drags are not always the beefiest but they are historically among the most consistent, the Fuego-A continues that tradition. Instead of flat out raw stopping power I found the Fuego’s drag to be more about gently doling out the right amount of line to tire fish out. I prefer this on spinning reels as I personally make use of them for more finesse applications. In the lab the Fuego 2000A delivered 8.3lbs. of drag pressure which is .5lbs. shy of the manufacturer’s specification and 5lbs. less than what we could achieve with the previous version.
Even the rotor is ported for weight reduction, how light is the Fuego-A? Almost as light as the Steez, the 2500 size is only .8oz. heavier
In the field I found that adjusting the drag in small increments was easy and the waterproof gasket is a nice touch. This system isn’t something that you really need while fishing but does help a lot afterwards when you want to rinse off your gear. You can basically run the reel right under a hose and the gasket will prevent contaminates like particles and salt from breaching your drag system.
Drop shot fish courtesy of the Fuego-A
Ergonomics: The original Fuego spinning reel was already quite good ergonomically speaking but the new Fuego-A definitely dials up the heat when it comes to refinement. The magnesium based original 2000 sized reel weighed in at a respectable 7.9oz. while the new Fuego-A 2000 weighs only 7.0oz., and the difference is actually noticeable when paired with lightweight rods. The new internal drag system now makes it easier to advance the reel no matter where the open bail is angled. 
Each reel comes with a machined aluminum spare spool
Durability: So does the Fuego-A feel like it is constructed out of metal? No. The reel’s Zaion frame actually feels like aluminum when you tap on it. It is important to note that the entire reel is constructed out of Zaion, not just the frame, this includes the sideplate and the rotor. During testing I did observe some boat rash to the finish of the Fuego-A and while it did get scratched up the good thing is that unlike magnesium scratches do not increase the chance of corrosion. These scratches are purely cosmetic and did nothing to alter the performance of the reel whatsoever.
The drag knob features a gasket to seal the system
Price & Applications: The Fuego A performed well throughout our tests but when it comes to price the new reel may simply be too expensive for some mainstream consumers. The previous generation Fuego retailed for $249 dollars and the new version costs an additional 30 dollars. That small increase can probably be stomached by most anglers but then you have the competition to contend with. The Shimano Stradic CI4 retails for only $199-$219 depending on size, that’s significantly less than the Daiwa offering.
The drag system is pinned in place by a wire spring
Daiwa fans will still likely buy the Fuego but don’t mistake the Fuego for a more affordable Steez, it is by no means even close to being as refined or smooth on retrieves. If you fish with the Fuego-A by itself I caution you regarding picking up a Steez. The Fuego-A will feel extremely smooth up until that moment when you crank the handle on the Steez, fished side by side the Steez is in a class of its own. Of course the comparison really isn’t fair when you consider that the Steez is 220 dollars more expensive than the Fuego.
The handle is easily screwed on either side for right or left hand retrieve
The Zaion body on the Fuego-A does make it a much more viable option for saltwater inshore fishing and anglers can use this reel for multiple species. The Fuego-A series of reels is available in a wide range of sizes from 1000-3000 and the larger reels pair well with medium action rods and sport beefy drags capable of handling larger species.
The entire handle arm is anodized red in keeping with the Fuego "fire" theme
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus Minus | |
| + Durable Zaion construction is more corrosion resistant than magnesium | - More pricey than the previous version and the competition |
| + Light in overall weight, lighter than previous version | - Smooth drag but not as strong as competing drag systems |
| + The internal bail trip is a major upgrade from the previous version | |
| + Washable design with a sealed drag system | |
| + Included spare identical aluminum spool | |
The Daiwa Fuego-A is yet another quality spinning reel from Daiwa and a definite upgrade from the previous version. Though I had initial concerns about the Zaion construction by the end of the tests I was a believer
Conclusion: The Fuego-A may not be as flashy as the previous generation but when it comes to performance enhancements the new reel is a definite upgrade. The only real downside for the Fuego-A is the increase in cost and the fact it faces very stiff competition from the more affordable Shimano Stradic CI4 which also is made from advanced carbon composites. Both reels deliver light overall weight that is very comparable and when it comes to which performs better consumers will likely stay within party lines and pick the manufacturer they have traditionally stuck with. Though the Fuego-A costs sixty dollars more Daiwa fans that want a lightweight refined reel but don’t want to go all out for that premium Steez reel will find that the Fuego-A is yet another quality spinning reel from Team Daiwa. This reel is a step up from both the previous generation Fuego and Sol spinning reels and try as they might the competition still can’t extinguish the fire that is that is the Daiwa Fuego.
Looking for the Daiwa Fuego-A? Try Tackle Warehouse
0 comments:
Post a Comment