Diawa 175s reels

[wishiniwasfishin1]

Hey,
I know there are a lot of guy on here that used to mooch / troll in the 80s. I recently cam across two Daiwa 175s aluminum reels and one Zebco Z300 alum reel. I believe Daiwa made the Zebco reels, as they look almost identical with the zebco being larger.

I was pretty young in the 80s but from what I remember these reels were pretty solid and a lot of guys used them when fishing livies.. They are alum, and the drag can be set tight and they seem bulletproof. Just wondering why they aren't still around and why guys would pay $600 for an islander when these can be had for well under a hundred (likely under $50)?. Are Islanders that much better than this similar looking and feeling reel?

Also, what type of maintenance should be done on these reels?
Thanks for any input..

 

[Seafever]

The drag washer on some of these newer pricier aluminums is much bigger than the ones made back in the day...

Got a pic?

 

[high tide]

mine are still in fine shape, take the spool off from time to time, wash well, grease er up. Keep handles and center-pin lubed. Rinsed after every use.

They are no Islander though.

HT

 

[Peahead]

I have basically the same reel the 275 ( larger spool) which I rarely use anymore . Its light grey aluminum colour. Great mooching reel in its day and nothing beats the sound those reels make when a fish is screaming out - very high pitched ratchet sound - just love it. The rod attachment bracket broke off so that was replaced as were the handles but it works fine. The 1 way drag didn't exist at that point as far as I know so of course its a 2 two way drag reel which is probably why I don't use much.

 

[Sitkaspruce]

Have a 275 and the newer 375, both work well and have caught a ton of fish. Love the sound they make!!!!!

Cheers

SS

 

[vetteman]

Hey,
I know there are a lot of guy on here that used to mooch / troll in the 80s. I recently cam across two Daiwa 175s aluminum reels and one Zebco Z300 alum reel. I believe Daiwa made the Zebco reels, as they look almost identical with the zebco being larger.

I was pretty young in the 80s but from what I remember these reels were pretty solid and a lot of guys used them when fishing livies.. They are alum, and the drag can be set tight and they seem bulletproof. Just wondering why they aren't still around and why guys would pay $600 for an islander when these can be had for well under a hundred (likely under $50)?. Are Islanders that much better than this similar looking and feeling reel?

Also, what type of maintenance should be done on these reels?
Thanks for any input..

I've got a half dozen or more 275's, 375's and even a smaller 175. They all caught their share of fish but the two way drags are a bit of a pain. I now use M Ones and M One Plus models on all my rods. These reels have a one way drag and are a lot more used friendly in my opinion.
If you're set on a 175 or 275 I've got a few that I'd sell.
And yes, the Islander reels are that much better. Maybe not $600 better but far superior to the mass produced Daiwas and Shimanos.
Dave

 

[high tide]

My bunch of reels consists of 175's, the rare gold 270's (beauty's), 275's, 375's, all Diawa. Love em all and they have boated a whole Wack of fish over the years. Parts can still be had, when you look after things they last !

HT