The best all-round pick for deep-drop fishing: heavy-fish drag, fast line speed and a long motor warranty in a light reel.
Amazon $1,199.99 eBayThe Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) is the better electric reel overall, rated 4.2 to 3.5. The Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) leads on warranty, value and weight. The Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) costs $334.40 less ($1,199.99 vs $1,534.39).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
A high-end reel for deep-drop anglers who want the automatic stop at depth and fast retrieves, at the price of weight and cost.
Amazon $1,534.39 eBayWhich should you buy?
- Choose the Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) for warranty (36 months vs 12 months), value ($52.17 per kg of drag ($1,199.99, 23 kg) vs $66.71 per kg of drag ($1,534.39, 23 kg)) and weight (30.7 kg of drag per kg of reel (23 kg, 750 g) vs 22.8 kg of drag per kg of reel (23 kg, 1,010 g)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 14 to 24 kg drag electric reel; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) | Daiwa Seaborg 500MJ-AT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 47 $52.17 per kg of drag ($1,199.99, 23 kg) | 29 $66.71 per kg of drag ($1,534.39, 23 kg) |
| Drag 20% | 68 23 kg maximum drag | 68 23 kg maximum drag |
| Line speed 20% | 100 165 m/min with a 1 kg load | 100 180 m/min with a 1 kg load |
| Weight 15% | 100 30.7 kg of drag per kg of reel (23 kg, 750 g) | 85 22.8 kg of drag per kg of reel (23 kg, 1,010 g) |
| Warranty 15% | 100 36 months | 20 12 months |
Specifications
| Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) | Daiwa Seaborg 500MJ-AT | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Maximum drag | 23 kg | 23 kg |
| Standard pulling force (JAFS) | 20 kg | 22 kg |
| Line speed, 1 kg load | 165 m/min | 180 m/min |
| Gear ratio | 3.8:1 | 3.7:1 |
| Line per handle turn | 58 cm | 57 cm |
| Line capacity (PE no. - metres) | PE 4-500 / 5-400 / 6-300 | PE 4-500 / 5-400 / 6-300 |
| Power | ||
| Power supply | DC 12-16.8 V | DC 12-16.8 V |
| Battery in the box | No | No |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Motor warranty | 3 years | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 750 g (26.5 oz) | 1,010 g (35.6 oz) |
| Bearings (ball/roller) | 16/2 | 22/1 |
| Handle | Right | Right |
| Released | 2026 | - |
