I'ZE Factory Saltiga Z20

13 years ago, Daiwa released an iconic overhead jigging reel called Saltiga Z for the Japanese market. It came in three sizes, 20, 30, and 40. The smallest, Z20 and Z20L, could be the most popular among the three, and for good reason. It is build like a tank, it is all metal, water resistant using rubber seals all around areas that could let in saltwater, and absolutely easy to maintain. The parts are few, simple, and very tough. I figure, Daiwa might have made a mistake of making the reel too tough as they never had the chance to release a newer version. Angler's can't fault the reel and see no reason to get a replacement. These days, the reel is a rarity. You can still find a few in great condition but the price still hasn't changed much. Perhaps anglers are reluctant to sell theirs as there is no reason to. That's how reliable the reel is.

Unknown to many, there were custom reels that were released based on the old Saltiga Z series and one of the rarest is the Saltiga Z20 by I'ZE Factory. It has an etching from I'ZE Factory on the side plate and a custom jigging handle with a gold power knob made of aluminum. The handle can be tightened and loosened by cranking it backwards or forward.

Last week, a local tackle connoisseur and jigger asked me for help in upgrading his I'ZE Saltiga. A local tackle shop refused to upgrade the reel because they are not familiar with the internals.

Anyway, I gladly accepted and performed the upgrade on the drag, bearings, and etc.

Upon opening, the first thing I noticed were the rubber seals that are well positioned in the possible areas where saltwater will get it. One of these seals is located in the spool. I noticed that the seal appeared distorted. Upon close inspection, there were leftover braid tangled in the shaft and coiled up the rubber seal. Because of this, saltwater got in and reached the bearing near the pinion and it already had some signs of corrosion on the outside but the internal balls are still ok. Probably the user left the spool tension knob too loose and jigged. The line got caught in between the spool and the reel frame and probably snapped. The original owner probably thought that that was it and just ignored what happened not knowing that there were still leftover lines inside the spool shaft. After I removed the line and re-applying lube on the seal, it again looked like new.

I removed the bearing from the sideplate and the one under the drag star. I was asked to replace them with these orange seals (probably from Boca). To be honest, I am not a fan of these orange seals. For freshwater reels, they are ok. But for saltwater jigging reels, these bearings will not last. I installed them after soaking them with Corrosion X but I advised the owner to get the stock bearings from Daiwa. They are CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings) and they are built for saltwater.

The old drag washer was the stock plastic-composite washer from Daiwa. They are still ok but they no longer deliver the drag force that was advertised (10kg) and the increment when adjusting the drag was not there anymore. You have to tighten the star to get the drag to take effect. I replaced them with carbon fiber drag washer which I think came from Smoothdrag. I removed the old washers, cleaned the metal washers, applied a generous amount of Cal's Drag Grease, wiped the excess, and reinstalled the drag stack.

When I was about to reassemble the reel, I noticed that the spacing sleeve -- the one pressing the drag plate into the main gear is not the original Saltiga part (Part 55). The one installed in reel doesn't have a notch that fits the main washer. Aside from that, the rubber o-ring is torn to pieces. I replaced the o-ring and reinstalled it. I advised the owner to get a stock part 55 and see if it will cure the drag increment issue.

I re-assembled the reel and checked the drag. It has improved significantly due to the new drag washer but I wonder if the adjustments will improve if the stock part is installed. I guess I have to wait until the parts arrive.

My impression of the reel? It is a beast and the I'ZE Factory refinements made it even better. For a 13-year old reel, it showed no handle and anti-reverse play whatsoever. It is rock solid yet extremely smooth when cranking. A true high-quality reel unlike those new reels with just bells and whistles but lacks durability.

I sure hope I will be to one who gets to buy it when the owner finally decides to sell it. Or maybe I will just keep it. Lol!