Daiwa BG2000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel – A Reliable and Versatile Fishing Reel

The Daiwa BG2000 is an excellent saltwater spinning reel that offers premium features and performance at an affordable price point. Part of Daiwa’s popular BG series, this reel is designed for inshore and light offshore saltwater fishing. I recently had the chance to test out the BG2000 and was very impressed with its smooth drag, quality construction, and versatile performance.

Overview

• Brand: Daiwa
• Model: BG2000
• Type: Spinning reel
• Key Features: Anodized aluminum body, Digigear drive system, Air Rotor, carbon ATD drag

The BG2000 has a rugged yet lightweight anodized aluminum housing and side plates, making it corrosion resistant while still being lightweight. It utilizes Daiwa’s Digigear system along with a carbon ATD drag system that provides silky-smooth drag performance. With a gear ratio of 5.6:1, it has a good blend of cranking power and speed.

Design and Construction

The machined aluminum body and side cover give the reel a high-quality feel, while being engineered for saltwater use. The screws are stainless steel and the reel has a watertight drag seal. The oversized Digigear system (20-40% larger than competitors) and Air Rotor design make it extremely durable.

Performance and Drag

Casting and retrieving with the BG2000 is incredibly smooth. The digigear system transmits plenty of cranking power with zero roughness. The drag is the real highlight - Daiwa’s carbon ATD system provides silky smooth startup and adjustment. It provides up to 4.4kg max drag for stopping hard fighting fish.

Usage Scenarios

The BG2000 is ideal for inshore saltwater fishing applications like:
- Fishing off the pier for spotted sea trout, redfish, and flounder
- Targeting snook, jacks, and snappers from the surf
- Vertical jigging for schooling species offshore
- Casting artificial lures for coastal striped bass

User Feedback Analysis

The Daiwa BG2000 has earned rave reviews from anglers for its buttery-smooth drag system and rugged durability. The vast majority of customer testimonials rate this reel 5 stars, with users praising its incredibly smooth casting and retrieval.

Many reviewers mention the BG2000’s carbon ATD drag as being on par with reels costing over $200. They describe it as “silky” and “butter-smooth” with absolutely zero chatter or stickiness. Even when battling larger fish that make blistering runs, the drag remains steady with no jerkiness.

Customers also consistently praise the BG2000’s lightweight yet rigid aluminum construction. The anodized finish resists saltwater corrosion and the oversized Digigear drive system provides cranking power comparable to much larger reels. Owners love that it holds up to back-to-back saltwater trips without any issues.

In terms of drawbacks, a handful of anglers have noted the bail closure on the BG2000 can occasionally be sticky and doesn’t trip over smoothly. However, this seems to be an isolated issue and most users are extremely satisfied with the reel’s performance.

Overall, feedback from seasoned anglers indicates the BG2000 offers a near-flawless combination of silky smooth carbon fiber drag and robust construction. For its price point, most customers feel it simply can’t be beaten.

Pros and Cons

Pros
- Silky smooth carbon drag
- Durable construction for saltwater
- Lots of cranking power
- Great value for money

Cons
- Max drag limited to 8-10 lbs
- Bail closure can stick occasionally

Price

When it comes to value for money, the BG2000 is in a class of its own. This reel delivers features and performance on par with competitors costing nearly twice as much.

The machined aluminum body and carbon fiber ATD drag systems found in the BG2000 are typically reserved for high-end reels $200 and up. However, Daiwa has made this technology affordable for anglers wanting premium quality on a budget.

Additionally, the Digigear drive design in the BG2000 reinforces its price-to-performance ratio. Digigear technology provides greater cranking power and longevity compared to standard gearing. Owners love that this reel has the ruggedness to withstand years of saltwater fishing.

While $100 is not an insignificant amount, most anglers feel they are getting much more than their money’s worth with the BG2000. For shoppers looking for silky smooth carbon fiber drag in an aluminum body, there simply isn’t a better value on the market today.

Conclusion

For its price point, the Daiwa BG2000 offers top-notch performance and durability. Anglers looking for an affordable saltwater spinning reel that can handle inshore species like redfish, snook, and trout should definitely give the BG2000 a look. Its innovative design and carbon fiber drag allow it to outperform reels costing far more.

Specifications

• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
• Bearings: 6BB + 1RB
• Line Retrieve Per Crank: 28.3”
• Max Drag: 8-10 lbs
• Line Capacity (lb/yards): 6/135, 8/110, 10/90
• Weight: 7.8 oz

Box Contents

The BG2000 comes packaged with:
- Reel
- Spare spool
- Manual

How To Use

The BG2000 can be used right out of the box for saltwater fishing. Some tips for getting the best performance:

• Fill with quality braided line like Daiwa J-Braid
• Keep drag lubricated and wash after each use
• Rinse with freshwater if dunked in saltwater
• Avoid excessive pressure on the handle to reduce wear

With proper care, the BG2000 will provide years of smooth and reliable fishing performance.