IPX Ratings Explained: What Happens When You Actually Submerge Saltwater Reels

If you’ve shopped for a saltwater fishing reel recently, you’ve probably seen IPX ratings everywhere. IPX6. IPX8. Fully sealed. Submersible. But what do those numbers really mean, and more importantly, do they matter when you’re actually fishing?

At The Saltwater Edge, we decided to stop guessing and start testing. In this SWE Lab experiment, we submerged several popular saltwater reels for 30 minutes, sprayed them down like a real rinse, and then took them apart to see what was really happening inside.

What Is an IPX Rating?

IPX stands for ingress protection. It is a rating system originally designed for electronic devices, not fishing reels. The higher the number, the greater the protection against water.

• IPX6 means protection against powerful water spray for extended periods
• IPX8 means protection against continuous immersion under specified conditions

Because IPX testing was designed for electronics, not reels with moving parts and oscillating shafts, real world testing is critical to understanding what these ratings actually mean for anglers.

Why Water Intrusion Ruins Fishing Reels

Saltwater is extremely corrosive. When water enters a reel and stays there, it leads to rust, pitting, seized bearings, and eventual failure.

Freshwater reels often survive because freshwater can actually rinse salt away. Saltwater does the opposite. Once it gets inside and sits, damage happens fast.

This is why sealing matters most for surf anglers and anyone who regularly fishes wet environments.

How We Tested These Reels

Every reel went through the same test process:

1. Submerged in approximately two feet of water for 30 minutes
2. Removed and lightly dried to prevent false water intrusion during teardown
3. Sprayed down aggressively with a hose to simulate real rinsing conditions
4. Fully disassembled and inspected for water intrusion

This simulates surf fishing, wave splash, rinsing at home, and general real world abuse far better than spec sheets alone.

Reel-by-Reel Results

Shimano Spiros SWA (IPX8)

The Shimano Spiros SWA is often considered a budget friendly reel, but it surprised us. After the full submersion and spray test, the internal body remained dry.

For anglers who want strong sealing without a premium price tag, this reel performed extremely well.

Tsunami SaltX II

Designed as a fully sealed reel without an official IPX rating, the SaltX II performed exactly as intended. Internal components stayed dry, and the gasket placement and screw design clearly prevented water intrusion.

This reel validated Tsunami’s claims of true submersibility.

Tsunami Evict II (IPX6)

The Evict II is rated IPX6, meaning spray resistant but not designed for full immersion. When submerged, some water did enter the body.

It continued to function, but the results reinforced the difference between spray resistance and true submersibility.

Quantum Cabo (SeaLock 8)

Quantum’s SeaLock sealing system is tested to IPX8 standards. After submersion, the internals remained dry, and the reel performed similarly to other IPX8 rated reels in the test.

This reel proved that proprietary sealing systems can hold up when executed correctly.

Van Staal VR

This reel had been fished hard for three years with no service. Even after submersion, the internal body was impressively dry.

The simple internal design and full sealing explain why this reel has earned such a strong reputation among surf anglers.

Van Staal X2

The X2 showed only minor condensation after the test, with no rust and no pooled water. Considering its extended use and the dunk test, this is exactly what you want to see from a fully sealed surf reel.

This reel continues to set the benchmark for durability in harsh environments.

What We Learned

• IPX ratings are helpful, but not the whole story
• IPX6 reels are best for spray, boats, and kayak fishing
• Surf anglers benefit most from fully sealed reels
• Simpler internal designs tend to hold up longer
• Even sealed reels still need servicing over time

If your reel regularly gets dunked, real world testing matters more than marketing claims.

Want to See More Real World Gear Testing?

If you like this style of in depth testing, let us know. We have the ability to test gear the way anglers actually use it, and we plan to keep pushing manufacturers’ claims whenever possible.

Fly reels are coming next, and it is not going to be pretty.