2026.11.10

Daiwa Luvias SF vs Luvias ST: What Changes in the Super Finesse Models?

minagiman

Daiwa’s already excellent Luvias now has super finesse versions: the Luvias SF and the Luvias ST SF, released in March 2025. What changes when a reel is built for even more delicate fishing?

Using a general-purpose 2000-size reel with very light lures can feel awkward: the gear ratio is a bit high and the weight is noticeable. Meanwhile, pier and fishing-park anglers who started with sabiki rigs increasingly want to step up to lures for small fish. Super finesse reels are made for exactly that.

Price: ¥46,700–47,700 before tax.

Contents

Luvias SF
Luvias ST (Special Tune)
Specs
- Luvias SF
- Luvias ST
SF or ST?
Summary

Luvias SF

Lighter and more compact than ever

Under the “Super Finesse” concept, the Luvias was redesigned from scratch. It weighs just 135 g in 2000 size and 140 g in 2500 size. You might worry about durability at that weight, but the ZAION body is thinned to the limit while keeping the rigidity it needs.

Sensitivity and casting

Even with lures under 1 g, you get clear feel through your hand. The lighter, more compact body raises swing speed by about 12% and casting distance with light lures by about 7%.

Control

With Airdrive Design and an optimised body size, the reel feels like part of your hand. It lets you control lures precisely in delicate games such as ajing and area trout. High-gear versions are available too.

Luvias ST (Special Tune)

Tuned for the lightest winding

The ST pushes the already light Luvias further towards light winding. The main change is that the key rotating bearings switch from grease-spec to oil-spec bearings with a low-viscosity oil, putting light rotation first for more delicate control.

Lightness over water resistance

Daiwa took the bold step of not using Mag Sealed on the pinion, a key part of water and dust protection. That saves weight, but you need to look after the reel to avoid salt build-up.

A finesse-only line-up

There are six ST models across ST SF and ST LT, from ST SF1000S-P to ST SF2500SS-H plus ST LT2000S-P and ST LT2500S-XH, covering area trout, ajing and mebaring.

Lightened knob

The High Grip I-shape finesse knob has material cut away to save weight while staying easy to grip and sensitive.

Specs

Retrieve in cm per handle turn; PE capacity in Japanese size and metres; prices before tax. All have 3 kg max drag except ST LT (5 kg).

Luvias SF

Model	Weight	Gear	Retrieve	PE	Bearings	Price
SF2000SS-P	135 g	4.6	60	0.3-200	8/1	¥46,700
SF2000SS-H	135 g	5.7	74	0.3-200	8/1	¥46,700
SF2500SS	140 g	5.0	70	0.4-200	8/1	¥47,700
SF2500SS-H	140 g	5.7	80	0.4-200	8/1	¥47,700

Luvias ST

Model	Weight	Gear	Retrieve	PE	Bearings	Price
ST SF1000S-P	135 g	4.6	57	0.3-200	8/1	¥46,700
ST SF2000SS-P	135 g	4.6	60	0.3-200	8/1	¥46,700
ST SF2000SS-H	135 g	5.7	74	0.3-200	8/1	¥46,700
ST SF2500SS-H	140 g	5.7	80	0.4-200	8/1	¥47,700
ST LT2000S-P	145 g	4.9	64	0.4-200	9/1	¥46,700
ST LT2500S-XH	150 g	6.2	87	0.6-200	9/1	¥47,700

SF or ST?

Luvias SF: the standard super finesse model, redesigned for light weight and sensitivity; the easier all-round choice
Luvias ST: oil bearings and no pinion Mag Sealed for the lightest winding; for anglers who prioritise feel and will maintain the reel

Also see my Daiwa 24 Luvias review and winter ajing for beginners.

Summary

Luvias SF: 135–140 g, about 12% faster swing and 7% more distance with light lures
Luvias ST: oil-spec bearings and no pinion Mag Sealed for even lighter winding
Built for ajing, mebaring and area trout
¥46,700–47,700 before tax

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