Make no mistake about it, Tsunami is changing the game when it comes to high-end spinning reels that can withstand anything and everything the Northeast saltwater angler can throw at it. Most of us are already well aware of their SaltX II which has quickly risen through the ranks as a reliable and durable workhorse that can take a beating, the Forged reel is built off the SaltX concept, with attention paid to lowering the cost while still delivering on that promise of waterproof durability that welcomes a fight.
Out of the box, the Forged stands as a formidable beast! I think the thing I love most about them is the precision gearing. You can actually feel the gears meshing when you turn the handle. When I say that, I don’t mean you can feel the teeth coming together, I mean you can feel how perfectly they interlace, because there’s zero play in the rotor and zero ‘texture’ to each turn; the thing feels like it’s lubricated with hand-churned Amish butter! When you put this reel in your hand it’s smooth, but what’s immediately apparent, is its power. Whether you’re battling inshore stripers, leaning on jig-hooked tog in gnarly structure, or putting the brakes on a freight-train albie, the reliability of the Forged will put your mind at ease.
I might be the perfect person to review this reel because I already own multiple SaltX reels and I love them. In my testing period with the Forged, for all intents and purposes, it performed as well as the SaltX II. The areas where they differ are in their sizes, drag ratings and in the gears themselves. You’ll notice that the Forged sizes fit neatly between SaltX sizes at 3500, 4500 and 6500. The patented Hammer Drag system is just as smooth and just as reliable, but it sits back ever-so slightly in the max drag rating. The Forged is driven by precision-machined brass gearing and is protected by 16 internal seals to maintain an IPX-7 waterproof rating.
For all-around toughness and to eliminate frame flex under heavy loads, the body and rotor are machined entirely out of high-strength aluminum. The nerdy details on the guts of the Forged are that your cranking power is transferred through their precision-engineered Brass B-Drive gear system, which offers smooth and reliable cranking torque when battling hard-fighting fish, even in heavy current. This internal drivetrain is supported by a corrosion-resistant 4+1 bearing layout, utilizing four sealed stainless steel ball bearings alongside a single sealed anti-reverse clutch bearing.
The spool is constructed from forged, anodized aluminum and it’s braid-ready, featuring a soft band that prevents slick braided lines from slipping. Cranking comfort is enhanced by a non-slip rubber power knob mated to one-piece aluminum handle that matches with the toughness of the rest of the design, and the handle can be switched for either left- or right-hand retrieve. I’m also a fan of a manual bail and the design Tsunami uses on the Forged (and the SaltX) is one of the best in the game.
The Forged lineup comprises three sizes to cover everything from light inshore duty to heavy surfcasting. The compact 3500 weighs 12.16 ounces, with a peppy 6.2:1 gear ratio retrieving 36 inches of line per turn, holds 180 yards of 20-pound braid and puts out 20-pounds of max drag, with a sticker price of $300. The 4500 weighs in at 13.31-ounces while maintaining the same 6.2:1 gear ratio, and a 20-pound max drag, but increases line recovery to 42 inches and boosts spool capacity to 320 yards of 30-pound braid, also for $300. For heavy surf and bigger game, the 6500 scales up to 19.42 ounces, utilizes a powerful 5.7:1 gear ratio yielding 44 inches of line per crank, delivers an increased maximum drag of 30 pounds, and accommodates 370 yards of 40-pound braid with a $340 price tag.
The two smaller Forged reels are guaranteed to become a fast favorite for inshore and kayak anglers, with their reliable gearing and nearly impenetrable sealing, they will shed salt spray, sand and grime and even shake off being dunked without issue. Surfcasters looking for a reliable reel that won’t shatter the piggybank, the 6500 will take on whatever task you ask it to, it will shed the salt and sand, take a dip or a swim, and keep right on cranking. The Forged series from Tsunami should not be overlooked by any serious angler. It has quickly become one of my favorite reels.
