Daiwa Steez 103H Opinions

[stkbassn]

Hey folks,

 

I've been toying around with the idea of buying one of these reels for my spinnerbait rod but reading a Tackle Tour review it sounded as if this reel isn't ideal for the application but more so for jigs, worms, etc. Before I decide to put a few bucks back over the next month or so to buy one of these I just wanted to get some opinions from Steez owners on this. Why would this reel not handle spinnerbaits well?   I am planning to buy another Chronarch 100BSV tjhis week but the Steez was/is next on my list.

 

Thanks guys!

[new2BC4bass]

Did you mean 103H?  No opinion of my own.  I have read that the 103 can be touchy.  Bought a nice Daiwa from a gentleman who was also selling his 103 for that very reason.  Guess it all depends on how good your thumb is as many like the reel.

[stkbassn]

Yes, thanks, I fixed the title. Thanks for the info as well. I was hoping for a trouble free at that price point. I'll see if others chime in on this. I've had zero casting or backlashing issues with the Tatulas unless I dial way down. Otherwise I was casting a mile with those without worry. Thank you.

[Cgrinder]

The 103 is "designed" for pitching and has Magforce V. I would get the 100 for casting because I like Magforce Z. I'm sure you'd be fine with the 103 but it is "wilder" and there are better reels for the job.

 

The X factor with the Steez frame is that you have a lot of spool options, including the popular RCS 1016. I also might wait for Daiwa's new Steez SV that should be coming at I-Cast.

[rippin-lips]

Take a look at this review of the 103HA

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewsteez.html

I've heard the same about it being 'wilder' than the 100, but people say it's not terrible. You can also get the SV1000 spool for it or the 1016.

[Silas]

I have both of the Steez reels : 100 and 103.

Here are MY observations.

If you are a relatively inexperienced bait caster then these are not the reels you should be looking at.

They both are better In the hands of a bait caster who has learned the fine art of "thumbing" a bait caster.

The 100, in my opinion , requires a bit less experience. The 103 requires some "adjustment."

Also, neither responds to a "wanging" of a lure as hard as you can cast. They require a fluid motion.

However, they are both joys to cast: a wonderful,connected feel ,almost effortlessly.

I have the 103 mounted on a Dobyns Exreme 702 rod, and the 100 on a MB Rattle Viper Technical game.

I wouldn't sell or trade either set up.

[rippin-lips]

That's pretty far fetched! I can throw my 100hla all day and not ever touch the spool except right before splashdown. I'm by far not a Jedi thumb master. Honestly I have my reels setup to where it's not needed. I can do it, but I just don't. I'm pretty sure I don't suffer any reel distance loss, or lack of fish. I can still cast 40 yards. I'd rather be accurate with my casts verse distance anyhow.

A friend who had never even held a baitcaster was playing around with it during our annual Mothers Day tournament. He probably used it for 15 minutes and had zero backlashes.

I have zero experience with the Steez 103. I've had my 100 for a few years, and those are my results since I bought it.

[bass1980]

I wouldn't put myself as an expert or pro thumber, but I'm good enough so this is my experience. By now I've used a Steez 103, 103+1016 spool, 103+sv spool, IS71, and Steez LTD. So I've seen many variations of them and I didn't include adding bearings yet. The stock 103 isn't the easiest reel to cast in my opinion. Add bearings and it's a wild child. To the point I had to put mag brakes at 10!

 

For spinnebaits I would look at another reel. For one with the wild or wilder spool throwing spinnerbaits that gets caught airborne with those blades is asking for trouble with a gust of wind. Another thing is with the short 80mm handle (I think) and for whatever reason this reel isn't a torque monster. You'll be in for a work out throwing resistance lures. I use my Steez variants on Trig most of the time and one on weightless senko/plastic. Pitching is great and reeling it back with non resistance lures is butter. That's my opinion but I'm sure others may feel different.

[new2BC4bass]

I wouldn't put myself as an expert or pro thumber, but I'm good enough so this is my experience. By now I've used a Steez 103, 103+1016 spool, 103+sv spool, IS71, and Steez LTD. So I've seen many variations of them and I didn't include adding bearings yet. The stock 103 isn't the easiest reel to cast in my opinion. Add bearings and it's a wild child. To the point I had to put mag brakes at 10!

 

For spinnebaits I would look at another reel. For one with the wild or wilder spool throwing spinnerbaits that gets caught airborne with those blades is asking for trouble with a gust of wind. Another thing is with the short 80mm handle (I think) and for whatever reason this reel isn't a torque monster. You'll be in for a work out throwing resistance lures. I use my Steez variants on Trig most of the time and one on weightless senko/plastic. Pitching is great and reeling it back with non resistance lures is butter. That's my opinion but I'm sure others may feel different.

 

Excellent feedback.  Especially since you have used more than one Steez.  Your opinion of the 103 matches what I have had 2 or 3 other people tell me.  I'd be willing to bet your thumb is better than average. 

[Silas]

Rippin Lips,

I see you haves Steez for sale.

So what are you going to replace it with and why?

I love to experiment with reels too.

[DelcoSol]

I have a 103 and was worried about this as well but when it had braid I had no issue. I went from Shimano to this with no problems. I did get an SV spool and its awesome. Nicest reel I have had yet. 

[masterbass]

I have a 103 and was worried about this as well but when it had braid I had no issue. I went from Shimano to this with no problems. I did get an SV spool and its awesome. Nicest reel I have had yet. 

I agree that braid is the way to go for me on my 103.  It was really wild and finicky with fluoro.  After I put 30lb braid it became one of my favorites for pitching and casting.  I use mine on my jerk bait special for jerk baits, topwaters and shallow to mid cranks.  It's one of the smoothest reels I've used.

[rippin-lips]

Rippin Lips,

I see you haves Steez for sale.

So what are you going to replace it with and why?

I love to experiment with reels too.

Yes, I do. I bought it because the price was right, and it was helping out another member by putting money in his pocket. I already own a Steez 100hla. I really don't need two of them, but I'm not upset either if it doesn't sell. Who would be mad about having 2 very lightweight,refined, and smooth reels? Also I don't have a rod for it, and that means spending another $200-300 on a rod. I also just bought a TD-Z so I could put the money towards upgrading a few things on it. I like to try out different reels too. So having doubles isn't exactly my first choice either. I sold off some things last winter to build a smaller arsenal of nicer combos. Well now I have just as many as before, but nicer. I'd really like to get it down to 5 casting setups, and 1 spinning setup again. I don't fish many tournaments due to no longer having a truck to tow my boat. When I fish the bank I usually take 3. When using my kayak I take 4-5. Generally end up just using 3 anyways. So everything else just sits on the rack in my basement. I was at the point of having it cut down for a short time. That didn't last too long haha. I'm a sucker for a good deal I guess. Unfortunetly quality fishing gear isn't one of those things that you'll get your money back when selling. Honestly the cheaper stuff gets you a better return. You still lose money, but it doesn't seem to be as much. I refuse to lose my rear end when selling things so I just end up holding on to them. It's mildly entertaining when you list a $500 reel for $230 and someone offers you $180. No thanks I'll keep it before I do that. Sorry for the long post.

[kickerfish1]

For spinnerbaits I would look at a the older Zillion reels. Mag Z braking, more beefed up internals, and bullet proof. The Steeze series reels would be better for tipup presentations.

[Tywithay]

If you find a 103 for a good price, it's well worth it. They're outstanding reels. Also keep in mind that the reel doesn't have magV, the spool does. Find another deal on a 1016 or 100 spool and you now have magZ.

[stkbassn]

Thanks guys, this has been very helpful and informative. It sounds like I can save some cash and probably won't be buying a Steez as I really don't need it. The older Zillions have been on my radar for a while and if they are as good or better than the Tatula and just easy to cast I don't think I can go wrong there. I might just buy some more Tatula Type R's for that matter.  Thanks again!

[bass1980]

If you're talking Steez then your budget must be high. May I suggest a reel thats as refine as the Steez but more of a work horse reel and would be better for resistances lures. Take a look at a Megabass IP68. I don't have that one, but I do have the IP79. They are amazing reels and so smooth out of the box. PM me if you're interested, I can link you details and pics of my setup.