Determine the Condition of Your Daiwa Millionaire

How to Determine the Condition of Your
Daiwa Millionaire or Other Reel

By Michael R. Guffey

Daiwa Millionaire Logo

It is often times very difficult to ensure that a reel buyers idea of Very Good or Excellent is the same as one who owns a reel and has decided to put it up for sale. Therefore, I have tried to describe here in detail my thoughts and ideas on what constitutes 5 different conditions (Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair).

Fishing reels are typically categorized by Grade or Condition by using a 2 number numbering system representing the Physical Appearance (A) and Mechanical Condition (M) of the reel. The numbering system ranges from 1 to 10 for each with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. A reel in Excellent Physical and Mechanical condition would rate a A10/M10.

Mint Condition A10/M10 only + Never Used and In-New Condition

Excellent Condition A10/M10 (Possibly a A9/M10 or A10/M9) - see below

Physical Appearance	Mechanical Condition
No deep scratches, dents, or chips, rub marks.	All parts work as new.
No metal wear. All metal shiny and clean.	Interior of reel cleaned, and lubricated.
No corrosion or pitting.	Levelwinds very smooth and functional.
All original factory decals intact, printed text on the reel in original condition.	Handle, knobs, star drag etc. original and functional unless replaced w/factory parts.
No engraving, initials or other personal identification etched on reel.	All adjustment knobs, nuts, work correctly and have smooth action.
Small parts sharp, shiny, and original.	No click wear.
Screws, bolts, nuts, knobs are not stripped or distorted. No plier or screwdriver marks.
Original paint w/out touch-up marks to cover any bare spots, scratches.
Reel foot shiny and original (no modifications)

Very Good Condition A8-10 / M8-10 (such as A8/M9 or A8/M8) - see below

Physical Appearance	Mechanical Condition
Slight scratches, or rub marks. No major chips, dents or dings. Slight boat rash.	All parts work effortlessly.
Slight metal wear. Metal still shiny and clean.	Interior of reel clean, and lubricated.
No corrosion or pitting.	Levelwinds functional w/out excessive noise.
All original factory decals intact, printed text on the reel in good readable condition.	All adjustment knobs, nuts, intact and work correctly.
No engraving, initials or other personal identification etched on reel.	Some slight click wear.
Small parts sharp, shiny, slight wear.
Screws, nuts, knobs in very good shape. Very minor plier or screwdriver marks.
No touch-up paint marks to cover bare spots, scratches, etc.
Reel foot shiny, minor scrapes/scratches.

Good Condition A6-8 / M6-8 (such as A6/M8 or A7/M7) - see below

Physical Appearance	Mechanical Condition
Some scratches, chips, or rub marks. Slight dents or dings. Some boat rash.	All parts work.
Evident metal wear.	Interior of reel not too dirty and lubricated. Normal wear of gears, drag washers, etc.
Slight corrosion and/or pitting.	Levelwinds functional.
Some decals or factory printed text parts rubbed off or scratched.	All adjustment knobs, nuts intact and work.
No engravings, initials or other personal identification etched on reel.	Click wear.
Small parts dull with evidence of wear.	No reel parts missing.
Screws, nuts, or knobs distorted. Slight plier or screwdriver marks evident.
Reel foot wear w/scratches or scrapes.

Fair Condition A4-7 / M4-7 (such as A5/M6 or A4/M7) - see below

Physical Appearance	Mechanical Condition
Scratches, chips, or rub marks, dents and / or dings. Heavy boat rash.	Most parts work.
Metal wear (some possibly down to brass).	Interior of reel probably dirty. Excessive wear and tear of gears, washers, etc.
Corrosion and/or pitting.	Levelwinds not smooth from side to side.
Some decals or factory printed text parts rubbed off, scratched or missing.	Adjustment knobs, nuts, worn.
Engravings, initials or other personal identification etched on reel sides or bottom.	Excessive click wear.
Excessive wear on small parts.	Some reel parts possibly missing.
Screws, nuts, or knobs distorted. Several plier or screwdriver marks evident.
Reel foot wear w/scratches or scrapes (possible modifications or shaving to fit rod).

In determining a $$$ value for a reel other factors will also come into play. Do you still have the original Box the reel was purchased in? Original Receipt? Cloth Bags or Cases the reel came with? Original Spare Parts Tube, Oil Tube or Bottle, Reel Tools? Do you still have the original Warranty Card, Instruction Manuals and / or Parts Diagrams? Although these items will not increase the Condition of your reel they may well increase it's value to another buyer!

Rarity is another factor! Some reels were only made in small lots or only released in certain countries. Some anniversary edition or special event reels might have been made during certain time periods. These and similar factors may increase the value of your reel and bring more $$$ for it.

M. Guffey