I have/had both. I owned a Daiwa Steez, atm I own a Daiwa SV103. I have 2 Shimano's now, with the MGL spool. I've always liked the magnetic brake system. But the new MGL spools on the Shimano's are outstanding. I actually prefer my Shimano's over the Daiwa's. I'm not saying Daiwa is bad, they make terrific reels. But ultimately, you have to decide for yourself by using them.