Daiwa Procyon 2500 SH: First Look

Here is the first look at the new Daiwa reel. There are two brands that I use for my fishing and I think they are the best brands the market offers. I am talking about Daiwa and Shimano. From bottom to the top of the range they offer products that can satisfy the needs of all the anglers. I found out about the Procyon while browsing the Daiwa US website. 

Minimal Design. Vivid Color. The box is cool.

Usually Daiwa US introduces a couple of models every year. According to the model list and the latest "retirements" I think that the Procyon is a model that is replacing the old Team Daiwa Advantage. The price range is the 150$ and the specs a pretty much similar. 

 What is so special about the Procyon? It is basically a toned down version of the Ballistic which is comparable to the more famous Daiwa Freams for the Japanese market. The Procyon comes with some features that I was looking in a medium priced reel.  Aluminum body and a lighter rotor.
Already an user of the old TD Advantage I was happy to see a similar body material plus the benefit of having a rotor made with the revolutionary Zaion material.

The detail of the spool is quite good. Trying to look like a Certate.

Hera are the specs taken from Daiwa's page:



Narrow, rigid aluminum “HARDBODYZ” body design

My Comment:
This is a "classic" feature found in Daiwa reel. I think aluminum is still a great option if you are looking for some rigidity.

Three CRBB corrosion resistant ball bearings plus roller bearing

Corrosion-proof Zaion body cover

My Comment:
With the main body in aluminum, having a Zaion cover is a plus. The real stress is on the reel foot so no problem here.


Air Rotor for lighter weight and greater sensitivity


My Comment:
The use of Zaion for the rotor is a great plus. It shaves some weight. I am actually not that picky on the weight issue. I use my rods to balance my reels according to length and size. If the balance is OK I don't mind those 20 grams shaved off the reel.

Lighter rotor.

Detail of the rotor. The matte grey is a plus.

Air Bail®–tubular stainless for lightweight strength:

My comment:
Another feature that has been implemented for years.

I always like the think bail of the Daiwa.

Digigear

Oiled felt seal keeps water out of body


My comment:
This is something new. Need to test it and see if it holds the claim.


Sealed, water proof drag with click adjustment


My comment:
I had the same feature on other reels including the TD Advantage. It is always a plus to have a drag that will not be affected by water.

Waterproof drag is always welcome. Need to check how it performs.
The 2500H has about 4kg. of drag.

Machine cut aluminum handle

Always a great looking handle. I still wish they could make it "screw in"
model like in most medium range Shimano reels. 

ABS design aluminum spool

Another proven feature. It ensures long casts.

First Impressions:

The reel is smooth and quiet. Digigear is again a plus.
I like the color choices, especially for the rotor and the "gold" trims on the spool.
I think I will be able to spool 200 meters of PE 1 line. Too bad that US models still don't have a PE line holding capacity chart.
The gear ratio is 6.0 so it is a pretty fast reel, the type I prefer for my fishing.
240 Grams is pretty much what I need to balance my Yamaga Blank Early rod.
At 150 USD I think I got  myself a reliable reel for occasional medium power use. I hope to write more in the future once I spool it with my YGK G SOUL PE 1 line.

MORE DETAILS:  Daiwa Procyon Reel