Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

Maxel is 13 oz, Saltiga is 14.3.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

The saltiga is incredible. I adore my 15. However you are spot on with the fathoms. What you are getting for the price is fantastic. I have used my fathom 12 for everything from porgy to pollock in 300ft of water. Great reel by Penn.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

Amen. I've got Squidders, Jigmasters, Calcuttas, Avets, Ambassadeurs, and points in between. If I was starting over, a Fathom 12 star drag would be at or near the top of my list. Spooled with braid, it's enough reel for most anything short of tuna, and a bargain considering what it does.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

Have Avet Penns daiwa shimano
Release now truth and some others in star and lever drags probably fish about close to 150 times a year and like star drags for bottom fishing checked out maxell hybrid at show last week seems nice but my thumb didn't fit between spool which wasn't comfortable so I passed good luck

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

I have used the Maxel Hybrid all of last year for blackfish season as i was one of the first ones to get my hands on one. I also was concerned about not being able to get my thumb to fit in between the spool due to narrow spool. What you need to take into account is when you have reel filled with line it is not an issue. Put that reel through the ringer during blackfish season and had several fish over 10 lbs. Super light with more drag than you will probably ever need.
Was very happy with it. I also fished the Micro jigger 100H which is a level drag reel. Also super light with a ton of drag. These became my gotto reels this past winter while trophy hunting. I have no issue using level drag when bottom fishing and actualy prefer it as it allows me to back off drag when fighting big fish towards the end of the fight when fish take that final run when they see the boat. Picked up both of these reels at Jigging World (sponsor) and could not be happier with both reels and service received at store.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

Just got a maxel. Love them, super durable and strong little reels. I have both maxel and truth, by far prefer my maxel.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

I own the new Maxel hybrid& I have yet to use it. I also own the Truth & have yet to use it as well. But I do own 3 Saltigas 20,30 & the 50 I fish them hard & never ever failed me at all. I have owned Avets I don't like the lever drag I can't get used to it. But I can see it as a good top water reel but I don't do enough of top water stuff to need one. As far as the weight of the Saltigas they are a little bit heavier then the average reels but my rods are so light it doesn't matter. A good balance if you ask me a little bit of weight on the back of the rod is good. If I was looking into the Saltigas I would look for the older used models they are like the old timex watch's they take a licking & keep on ticking.

Re: Maxel Hybrid Star Drag Reel
 

I came close to buying the Maxel but pulled the trigger and bought the Daiwa Saltiga H15 at Tackle Direct today! They are both very nice reels.I just wanted a star drag. Good for the party boats.