Exsence DC

[bassbassontherange]

I'm considering picking one up for freshwater use. I know this reel is catered to the saltwater community, but it looks to me like it'd be excellent in any capacity.

The reason I want it is... well I just want a new, cool reel and I haven't owned a DC.

I'm asking for input though, from those of you who own one or have used one quite a bit. If I'm going to invest the money, I want to know I'm getting a killer reel.

I own a couple Chronarch Ci4's, Curado I's, 50e's ect, so I have a nice arsenal. How does the Exsence DC compare? I'm specifically curious about what you think of the DC system.

 

Thanks in advance! Happy New Year.

[kickerfish1]

If you haven't read these reviews here are 2 good perspectives of the reel:

http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=49170

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

I purchased one once the price went down to about $250. After using it for several months I decided to buy a 2nd from Digitaka. The frame is basically that of a Core 100 or Chronarch D. The features are outstanding. It has clicking drag feaure while fighting fish, all DC system adjusments are external so there is no need to open the reel, and it palms well. You can cast with the wind and against just as easily by choosing the appropriate mode. It won't backlash on ya if you choose the right settings for your conditions. Casting distance is as good or better than any reel I own. For niche techniques they would excel at frogs, jigs, plastics, or burning reaction baits. They are quite powerful and incredibly smooth. They may not be great for techniques requiring low IPT as there isn't any other compatable gears from my understanding. It needs no mods and is probably the most fun reel I have ever fished. 

[IAY]

It's a chronarch D with x-ship and DC braking system. chronarch d gears aren't compatible because of x ship.

[bassbassontherange]

39 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said:

If you haven't read these reviews here are 2 good perspectives of the reel:

http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=49170

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

I purchased one once the price went down to about $250. After using it for several months I decided to buy a 2nd from Digitaka. The frame is basically that of a Core 100 or Chronarch D. The features are outstanding. It has clicking drag feaure while fighting fish, all DC system adjusments are external so there is no need to open the reel, and it palms well. You can cast with the wind and against just as easily by choosing the appropriate mode. It won't backlash on ya if you choose the right settings for your conditions. Casting distance is as good or better than any reel I own. For niche techniques they would excel at frogs, jigs, plastics, or burning reaction baits. They are quite powerful and incredibly smooth. They may not be great for techniques requiring low IPT as there isn't any other compatable gears from my understanding. It needs no mods and is probably the most fun reel I have ever fished. 

I checked out both of those reviews, and they're partly why I'm excited. Do you own any of the new I series reels? Would you say it's performance bests them in most applications?

[kickerfish1]

I have not used any of the new "I" series reels though I have fondled them at local shop. A few guys I know have fished the I series extensively and have nothing but positive things to say about them but I have not used them. I am planning on adding a 13 Met XG and 70 Series Curado I prior to spring.

What were you wanting one for primarily? Fun, Technique Specific, All around use?

The only possible negatives are the weight of the reel and gear ratio.

[bassbassontherange]

This may sound stupid, but I'm not trying to fill any specific need with the Exsence. I like that it's different as I'm looking forward to trying something new. I just wanted it for fun, yeah, but at the same time, I'm admittedly an elitist when it comes to performance, and even if it's different, I don't want to be disappointed.

For that reason, when I got comfortable with the Chronarch Ci4's and the Curado I's (and a 13 Met XG), I sold most of the other reels I had because they just didn't perform as well and weren't as much fun to use. The only reels I kept were a 50e Curado and a Revo MGX because they're freaking fun to use.

I just want something fun and a top notch performer if I'm going to justify to myself spending top dollar, and there's not as much feedback on this reel so I thought I'd ask.

Side note on the 13Met and the Chronarch Ci4... do it! They're both fantastic reels. I can't decide which I like better. Honestly, they are near identical in my hands. I know you didn't mention the Chronarch, but since more people own it, it seems to be for sale on the flea market quite a bit. I've seen them go for under $190 recently new, and that's a heck of a deal in my opinion.

The Curado I's are nearly equals from a performance standpoint and often I find myself liking the more solid, slightly heavier feel of them. I have no doubt the new 70's are going to be fun. That's actually the other reel I was considering along with the Exsence.

 

[21farms]

i love mine. my only regret is that i bought it before lefty versions were available. the DC system works as promised...i occasionally get out an hour before first light and use the night mode (no thumb required) and it works. i love the angry mosquito sound it makes and the drag clicks when line is being pulled out by a strong fish...very cool. the only negative in the performance for me is that it doesn't pitch light lures particularly well but i have other reels for that.

[MIbassangler30]

I just purchased one from Digitaka, which has the lowest prices, excellent customer service, and fast shipping from Japan. It's a smooth and flawlessly engineered piece of equipment. I'll be pairing mine with a Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch for frogging and flipping, since Exsense was especially designed for use with braid. The Tackle Tour review is right on, you won't regret pulling the trigger on this beast. Admittedly, I wanted it for the same reasons you mentioned, and I'm so glad I chose a unique DC reel. It's just flat out cool. I own a Ci4+ and the Exsense has obviously more weight to it, which is one of the main complaints from most people. The other being the single gear ratio. Neither of these "drawbacks" deterred me; I like a reel with a little extra weight as long as the rod/reel combo is balanced. The Exsense doesn't feel like a toy reel. All of my reels are extra fast, since I don't do any deep cranking, and high speed is an advantage in every area for me. I had to reply to your post; if I would have sought advice on Bass Resourse before pulling the trigger on mine, I would have posted the exact same thing as you. If you get it, or should I say, when you get it (after reading these replies), let us know what you think.  

 

JC

[bootytrain]

I had mine out last weekend slinging a spoon an easy 80 yards with a half effort cast. I forgot how fun this reel is. This reel is easily worth $400 imo. But its currently around $240. Buy one ASAP.  Look at what else is available for $240.. I don't see anything that I would buy before the Exsence DC.  Super long caster, super smooth, and very solid. 

[bassbassontherange]

2 hours ago, 03cole said:

I just purchased one from Digitaka, which has the lowest prices, excellent customer service, and fast shipping from Japan. It's a smooth and flawlessly engineered piece of equipment. I'll be pairing mine with a Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch for frogging and flipping, since Exsense was especially designed for use with braid. The Tackle Tour review is right on, you won't regret pulling the trigger on this beast. Admittedly, I wanted it for the same reasons you mentioned, and I'm so glad I chose a unique DC reel. It's just flat out cool. I own a Ci4+ and the Exsense has obviously more weight to it, which is one of the main complaints from most people. The other being the single gear ratio. Neither of there drawbacks deterred me; I like a reel with a little extra weight as long as the rod/reel combo is balanced. The Exsense doesn't feel like a toy reel. All of my reels are extra fast, since I don't do any deep cranking, and high speed is an advantage in every area for me. I had to reply to your post; if I would have sought advice on Bass Resourse before pulling the trigger on mine, I would have posted the exact same thing as you. If you get it, or should I say, when you get it (after reading these replies), let us know what you think.  

 

JC

That's a great price! Free shipping to boot. I've never used Digitaka, but on your recommendation I've got one on the way. I thought most of the Japan stock was used or $300+ based on what I saw on the main sites and eBay.  This is cheaper than I'd likely get it used after shipping.  Thanks for the heads up!

Pretty stoked!

[MIbassangler30]

10 minutes ago, bassbassontherange said:

That's a great price! Free shipping to boot. I've never used Digitaka, but on your recommendation I've got one on the way. I thought most of the Japan stock was used or $300+ based on what I saw on the main sites and eBay.  This is cheaper than I'd likely get it used after shipping.  Thanks for the heads up!

Pretty stoked!

They're great. I was skeptical too when I saw their prices and the quality of their web site, but they really are good. Totally legit. I'll definitely give them more of my business. You'll probably receive your reel in 10-14 days, which is pretty solid for free shipping from Japan. Let us know what you think. 

[kickerfish1]

Congrats on your new acquisition! I am sure you will like the reel and its fun factor. I got mine from Digitaka as noted in my post but also note that they are currently shut down due to the Japanese Holidays and your reel will likely ship on the 7th or 8th. Once shipped it will literally take 3-4 business days to arrive. Just use the tracking number they provide in the shipping email to track it using EMS traking in Japan. The package will require you or someone to be home to accept it and likely sign. In the event you are not home or miss the delivery person you can pick it up at your local post office or reschedule your delivery.

[bassbassontherange]

Thanks;!

[Dwight Hottle]

Your going to love it. It will show up at your door much quicker than you think. My experience with EMS shipping has been less than a week delivery time. 

[Master Bait'r]

Just wanted to say that if you're out to try a DC reel you can get the same I-DC+ system in the Scorpion DC and DC7, and in more useable gear ratios of 6.3 & 7.1 (I think) It's a bit more practical although it only gives 3 settings and is a bit more set-it-and-forget it.  Lighter too I believe.  

 

Or so the Bait Monkey tells me- pass it on!  

[bootytrain]

21 minutes ago, Master Bait'r said:

Just wanted to say that if you're out to try a DC reel you can get the same I-DC+ system in the Scorpion DC and DC7, and in more useable gear ratios of 6.3 & 7.1 (I think) It's a bit more practical although it only gives 3 settings and is a bit more set-it-and-forget it.  Lighter too I believe.  

 

Or so the Bait Monkey tells me- pass it on!  

The DC systems of the Scorpion and the Exsence are very different. The Exsence has the IDC+ "Exsence" tune.  The Exsence has far more adjustability and it eats my Scorpion DC in casting, plus it has the trademark whine while the Scorpion doesn't.

[Master Bait'r]

Huh.  Guess I was wrong then.  Good to know!  

[Silas]

Got one on way from Digitaka!  

This will be my second DC reel. Bought a used Conquest 100DC AND AM AMAZED at how effortlessly it casts!  

I figured that I really like the shape of the old Core 100 and CHRONARCH D ( even better than the Core 50) as it Fits my hand better.  The Exsence should be best of both worlds. 

[Logan S]

Guess you don't need anymore convincing, but I'll just agree with everyone else that it's an awesome reel.  I love mine and I keep thinking about adding another... For the price you won't find a more feature packed reel.  If there were a few different options for gear ratio's I'd likely already have a few more, the 8:1 gears are FAST.  

I use flouro on mine, but I've found the flouro (F) brake setting to be a little conservative...It's good in heavy wind or for skipping but distance-wise it's not really any different from a normal reel.  I typically use the minimum brake setting and it will flat out bomb a 3/8 or 1/2 jig while still keeping the spool in check.  I don't really use the SP mode since distance is poor, but it's basically thumb-free casting which is impressive.  The DC whine is also strangely addicting .

Mine is on my casting jig rod.  The combination of extra long casts and an extra fast retrieve make it perfect for that application for me.  

 

[kickerfish1]

I agree Logan! I added a 2nd one because of many of the reasons you noted above. One of mine is on a Gen 1 Cumara 7'2 jig rod and the other is likely going on a custom that I am having built. It would never be a true finesse caster as the weight is a bit much even if spool options existed. I would also like to see a few more gear ratios options especially one around 6:3.1 It would also be cool if they introduced a 2nd Gen Exscence DC with a magnesium frame like the Core 100 and see if they can get the weight closer to where the new Metanium DC is. I would pay few more $ for the weight saving to help balance on lighter or shorter rods. These are probably the best performing and most enjoyable reels around $250 that not many are using or talking about. For all the die hard Chronarch D guys out there and the crazy prices those reels are going for, why not get one of these new for less, with X-Ship, faster gear ratio, DC controls, and the clicking drag.

 

[bassbassontherange]

I started looking at the Exsence because of the similarities to the Chronarch D, and I agree. Why not buy a hopped up, more attractive, feature packed version of it for around the same or less you could get a used Chronarch? 

I'm planning on using mine to burn 3/8 spinnerbaits and maybe some popping/frogging... 

Oh heck I don't know yet. I'm just excited to get it. I'll be the idiot in my front yard casting my new reel in the snow if you drive by.

By the way, do the bearings need flushed? Are they easy enough to get to?

[bassbassontherange]

Oh and btw, if you're considering picking up one of these from a Japanese dealer, do it NOW. The price has fluctuated $10 in the last six days for the worse, and if you follow the global markets at all, what's happening today could make a pretty big impact on the exchange rate. I don't know if it'll get better or worse for us in the US, but I can promise it'll change. Be on the safe side and pick one up. They're running about $250 right now.

[kickerfish1]

I haven't flushed them or really been inside the reel for that matter. I felt quite satisfied with the way it was from the factory but I am sure it may add some performance gains by doing so. 

There shouldn't be any negative affects of using a DC Reel in cold temps. I used mine in the fall with temps to about 40°. I can't wait to hear about your snow test in the yard. Try all the modes but for distance the very last adjustment on the dial labeled "min" should really bomb a casting plug or such. Also don't forget to use the SP mode without using your thumb at all. It took me a few casts to tell my brain "hey I don't need you". Distance on the SP mode was still quite acceptable.