Didn't know that about the 6500 saltist, thought there must have been a typo in the new daiwa catalogue as it said 15kg, in hindsight it seemed like alot of drag for the price 30kg for under $300..anyway on topic im looking into getting a outfit for kingies at the momment aswell im leaning towards a daiwa excelor da saltwater 6500 for around $250 its got a lower ratio than the saltist so it should have a bit more grunt down low. for a rod im thinking either a saltist demon blood 762X around $300 or a older daiwa monster mesh rod on sale at the local for $200. 300 meters of 50pd fins for about 70$.
so around 600 -700 bucks you got a combo which is capable of stopping alot of big fish and not breaking the bank either, thats the road im taking anyway.
cheers ben.