I purchased my Daiwa Prorex MQ LT 2500XH from Discount Tackle in January 2026. It shipped promptly, arriving well-packaged, and in great condition. Daiwa's writeup specifications for the Prorex MQ LT series does not mention if it has a crank in handle -- a feature I look for in all of my spinning reel purchases. Since I already owned Daiwa MQ LT spinning reels from 3 other series -- all of which have crank in handles -- I gambled the Prorex MQ LT would also have this feature. It indeed has a crank in handle! I would advise Daiwa and Discount Tackle to mention this feature -- as additional anglers I know -- look for this feature when purchasing spinning reels -- especially any spinning reel over $200.
I chose the 2500 reel primarily for rainbow trout, arctic grayling, and northern pike, but also intend to catch coho, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon in Alaska rivers north of Anchorage. The 2500 (with a standard, rather than deep spool) holds plenty of line. At the same time -- I did not need to fill the reel with excessive yards of expensive braided line to ensure a full spool / optimize casting performance. I filled the spool with 20 lb. superbraid, which casts well on this reel, and provides extra strength -- an important feature when fishing for toothy northern pike without a leader. I will avoid heavier line on this reel -- as it would not hold less line than I prefer, and applying too much pressure with heavy line could damage the reel. I prefer the lower 5.2:1 gear ratio found on other reels in this series for easier cranking / more power when fighting larger fish, however, I trust Daiwa's monoque (MQ) design to deliver enough power for fighting fish to 15 pounds with pump, then reel technique.
Weighing 6.5 ounce, this 2500 Prorex MQ LT competes with even Daiwa's high-end Exist series in lightness of weight. The Prorex MQ LT gears are housed in Daiwa's Zion V material, which will have more flex in the reel stem compared to a metal housed reel. All Daiwa's MQ LT spinning reels I've fished, however, have a more solid feel compared to spinning reels made with less expensive composites. The Prorex MQ LT has a lightness in hand, and a smooth easy cranking feel -- the essence of a premium spinning reel. With However, care should be taken to maintain premium properties. It will be protected in the cab, when I drive to fishing spots. I keep pressure on the reel low, when attempting to pull snagged lures loose from obstructions. I own and operate a fishing guide service, and provide my guests an opportunity to fish custom built rods / premium reels like the Prorex MQ LT. However, guests who repeatedly drop premium rod / reels on rod trays, rather than resting them gently, as we boat toward the next fishing spot, will subsequently be provided a stouter rod / reel combo, better suited for that use pattern.
On the tough side of LT (light and tough) the Prorex MQ LT has the larger more robust hollow air bail found on many of the higher-end Daiwa spinning reels. I much prefer the stouter, easier-handling, feel of this thicker hollow air bail compared to the thinner bails on many less expensive spinning reels. Another Note: In my experience, Daiwa's Advanced Tournament Drag system in several of their spinning reels provides extremely smooth, consistent pressure, and stays at the same setting throughout a day (or weeks) of fishing.
After examining, cranking, and spooling the Prorex MQ LT 2500- XH with line, I intend to wait for ice out on lakes and rivers in my part of Alaska (early May) before use on fishing charters. From that perspective, this review is partially based on my experience with other Daiwa spinning reels, however, after receiving, examining, and cranking my first Prorex MQ LT, I have also ordered two different-sized Prorex MQ LTs that I intend to fish / let charter guests use primarily for large ocean-run salmon. The 4000-size will be spooled with 30 lb. superbraid, and will be a primary reel, when fishing for king salmon that may weigh / exceed 20 - 30 pounds, but the 4000 will also be fished for smaller salmon species. The 3000-size reel will be spooled with 20 lb. superbraid (although I may try up to 30 pound ), and fished primarily for coho, chum, sockeye, and pink salmon. I intend to fully test these reels by fishing each, as much as possible, for its primary purpose during my 2026 open-water guiding season.
I cheer Discount Tackle, for providing great pricing, sales pricing events, and free shipping on domestic U.S. orders over $59. Each services has been a deciding factor in my ordering and satisfaction with your business during the past year. I ordered two of my three Prorex MQ LT spinning reels from Discount Tackle because of your pricing / free shipping. Cheers for your prompt shipping policy. You've earned my trust.
Andy Couch
