BrianSmithFishn Posted August 28, 2016 Posted August 28, 2016 In the market for a dc reel. What is the best one out there today? Or some good ones, maybe a go to legend that has been proven over time.. I know pretty much nothing about them other than they sound cool as hell and I want one. 1 Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted August 28, 2016 Super User Posted August 28, 2016 Lots has been written on here and other sites about various DC reels. They are not cheap so the cost of admission is quite high. $250 on the low side and $600 on the high side. The only disadvantage is the weight of the reel due to the Digital Control computer inside it. By all accounts the new 2016 Antares DC is likely the best DC reel to date. It is lighter than the previous models and is a brilliant caster but is pretty spendy for one reel. The Scorpion DC is an okay reel but more of a trouble free reel ideal for newbies or windy conditions. The Metanium DC seems to be the best at casting lighter weight baits but is not a really long distance caster. The Exsence DC features a drag that clicks as a fish pulls line plus it is very good caster distance wise and has a mode that allows for casting without thumbing and no backlash. It is fairly heavy at 8.5 ounces but it palms really well (Same a Core 100 or Chronarch D). The Conquest DC is also a great reel that seems to be popular for moving baits. I would pick the one that fits your needs or intended uses the best. 2 Quote
BrianSmithFishn Posted August 28, 2016 Author Posted August 28, 2016 1 minute ago, kickerfish1 said: Lots has been written on here and other sites about various DC reels. They are not cheap so the cost of admission is quite high. $250 on the low side and $600 on the high side. The only disadvantage is the weight of the reel due to the Digital Control computer inside it. By all account the new 2016 Antares DC is likely the best DC reel to date. It is lighter than the previous models and is a brilliant caster but is pretty spendy for one reel. The Scorpion DC is an okay reel but more of trouble free reel idea for newbies or windy conditions. The Metanium DC seems to be the best at casting lighter weight baits but is not a really long distance caster. The Exsence DC features a drag that clicks as a fish pulls line plus it is very good caster distance wise and has a mode that allows for casting without thumbing and no backlash. It is fairly heavy at 8.5 ounces but it palms really well (Same a Core 100 or Chronarch D). The Conquest DC is also a great reel that seem to be popular for moving baits. I would pick the one that fits your needs or intended uses the best. Im looking for a long distance caster. Not to into the 8:1 gear ratio of the Exsence, does it come in different ratio? What else is out there for the best long distance? Where can i look at like a line up on these reels, so hard to find and research. Thanks Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted August 28, 2016 Super User Posted August 28, 2016 The "best" long distance casters of Shimano's DC reels would be those having the 4x8 digital control systems. That would mean: The recently discontinued JDM Antares DC (produced in 5.8:1 and 7.0:1 ratios) and the USDM equivalent, the Calais DC (only sold in 7.0:1). You might check eBay to see what's available new or used for these. OR, as kickerfish1 already mentioned, the new JDM (for now) 2016 Antares DC which has the latest iteration of the 4x8 system. As far as reading up on these reels, Jun Sonoda at Japan Tackle does a great job of describing the reels on his website: 2006 Antares DC 2016 Antares DC 2 Quote
BrianSmithFishn Posted August 28, 2016 Author Posted August 28, 2016 1 minute ago, Goose52 said: The "best" long distance casters of Shimano's DC reels would be those having the 4x8 digital control systems. That would mean: The recently discontinued JDM Antares DC (produced in 5.8:1 and 7.0:1 ratios) and the USDM equivalent, the Calais DC (only sold in 7.0:1). You might check eBay to see what's available new or used for these. OR, as kickerfish1 already mentioned, the new JDM (for now) 2016 Antares DC which has the latest iteration of the 4x8 system. As far as reading up on these reels, Jun Sonoda at Japan Tackle does a great job of describing the reels on his website: 2006 Antares DC 2016 Antares DC Ok thanks, I will probably try and find an older antares or calais. Although that new one sure is tempting the price tag isn't. Quote
Big-Bass Posted August 28, 2016 Posted August 28, 2016 Calais DC But truthfully today, I think the absolute pinnacle of Shimano workmanship (aside from the Conquest) is the 16 Antares DC. 1 Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted August 29, 2016 Super User Posted August 29, 2016 Let me also say that the overall size of the older Calais DC or Antares DC is quite large. Some complain that the reel is not so easy to palm plus the weight of the reel is pretty significant. That is where the 2016 Antares DC comes into play. It has a smaller frame and is much lighter but those two improvements come with a steeper price tag. You can find some good info on the various reels by Googling them and paying attention to the search results that are for the TackleTour review. They just recently reviewed the Metanium DC but you can find a review for about all DC reels produced. Like Goose52 mentioned if distance is your most important objective get yourself hooked up with some flavor of the Antares or Calais DC. 1 Quote
Maico1 Posted August 29, 2016 Posted August 29, 2016 16 hours ago, BrianSmithFishn said: In the market for a dc reel. What is the best one out there today? Or some good ones, maybe a go to legend that has been proven over time.. I know pretty much nothing about them other than they sound cool as hell and I want one. The 16 has certainly raised the bar, but then again it was time for Shimano to revamp their Flagship DC reel. I for one do not have a problem with the Calais DC 7/ Antares DC with all the " it's to heavy or to big" however I have to tell you the 16 simply outperforms it. That said you would not be disappointed with a Calais DC7/Antares DC if distance is what you are after . I still employ a DC7 on a Frog rod and a Top Water rod with no problems getting distance it is just that the 16 goes farther and is more fun to use because of that. The 16's price was just under 560. when they first came out but as you know they have gone up which can be a factor however which one you choose I for one do not think you would be disappointed..... Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted August 29, 2016 Super User Posted August 29, 2016 I am very surprised nobody has mentions the Met DC? Very good reel! But you said best, and from the ones I have, The 16 Ant DC takes the cake! Jeff Quote
DanQS13 Posted August 29, 2016 Posted August 29, 2016 Just fyi, the Exsence DC is absolutely amazing. The Exsence is where they finally started fixing the issue with DC reels not being able to reliable cast lures lighter than 3/8oz without a crap ton of headaches. Even though it is meant for PE line, I throw 3/16oz shakey heads on 12lb InvizX with baby beavers and skip 1/4 finesse jigs all day and never have any issues with the DC. If you put 30lb braid on it to the #1 or #2 PE setting, the cast distance is ridiculous. The Exsence also pitches very well which some of the other DC reels didn't like to do. If you aren't going to spend the $ on the Antares or the 2015 Met DC, then go Exsence. You can even buy 2 for the price of one Antares, lol. I also prefer the Core style body... Easily the best combo I have is that Exsence DC on a DC734c. Even my Zillions don't hold a candle to that reel. Quote
Dypsis Posted August 29, 2016 Posted August 29, 2016 31 minutes ago, 00 mod said: I am very surprised nobody has mentions the Met DC? Very good reel! But you said best, and from the ones I have, The 16 Ant DC takes the cake! Jeff I love my Met DC XG!!!! 1 Quote
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