With which reel would you treat yourself?

[j bab]

I'd get a Shimano Aldebaran or a Daiwa Steez SV TWS.

If you treat them right you'll easily get 10 years out of them.

[freelancer27]

35 minutes ago, j bab said:

I'd get a Shimano Aldebaran or a Daiwa Steez SV TWS.

If you treat them right you'll easily get 10 years out of them.

Yes, this is where my head is heading towards now.

I want to replace my Bass Pro Shops reel. It is a good all purpose reel but I am just not getting the distance out of it, it is heavy and bulky.

I would put the BPS reel on my 2 piece rod and have it in my car for 'just in case there is a lake around' scenarios.

Though the questions is, which rod to combine it with... would be a bit of a 'waste' if I put the reel on my Bass Pro Shops Extreme Casting. I actually like the rod what it does for the money.

Hmm, maybe I need approach this from a different angle... here are my combos and how I use them:


Casting Combo 1:
* Rod: G. Loomis E6X Casting Rod 6'8" Med Hvy 803C JWR

* Reel: Lews Team Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spool (7.1:1)
* Line: 12 pound Fluro
*Applications: Worm/ light jigs and Jerkbaits

Casting Combo 2:
* Rod: St. Croix Avid X Series Cast Rod 7' Med Hvy
* Reel:  Shimano Curado 200 I
* Line: 12 pound Fluro (thinking of putting 20 pound braid on it)
* Applications: Big bottom bouncing lures (Weighted creature baits, Jigs)

Casting Combo 3:
* Rod: Bass Pro Shops Extreme Casting, Medium heavy, fast tapper
* Reel: Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 6.4:1
* Line: 14 pound Mono
* Applications: Spinner baits, (lip less) crankbaits, small swimbaits

Casting combo 4:
* Rod: Okuma Scott Martin TCS Casting Rod 7'11" Heavy

* Reel: Daiwa Coastal
* Line: 50 pound Praid
* Applications: Top water and heavy punching


Casting Combo 5:
* Rod: M1 Inshore SMX-79H7'9"
* Reel: Lew's Inshore 2
* Line: 25 # Fluro
* Applications: Heavy swimbaits

I also have a spinning combo but that is just a back up and I barely use it.


Since I have the attention of such a experienced group, I would like to get your feedback on my set up.

Clearly Combo 3 is where I am thinking of upgrading. Would a Daiwa Steez/ Shimano Metanium be a good reel for those applications?


Thanks a ton guys for all your thoughts, opinions and suggestions!!!

[bassbassontherange]

I think you'd see the most benefit of a higher end reel (and a light setup in general) if you're using it for bottom contact or suspending baits. The idea in this case is that a lighter reel/rod combo will give you improved sensitivity to be able to feel bites. With moving baits (most of what you throw with the combo you're replacing), often the fish more or less hook themselves. 

That's the logical perspective, if you're asking for it. I don't always fish logically. Most of the time I use what I'm in the mood for unless I'm tourney fishing. For the combo you're replacing, I really like what I'm using, an Aldebaran 50 on a Poison Adrena M F. I throw mostly spinnerbaits (anything but huge ones), bladed jigs, small squarebills and lipless cranks with it. I use it for more than I probably should because I enjoy throwing it so much, but it's just too fun to use. 

If you're looking at replacing that setup specifically, I'd do something like that. You won't be disappointed in a Met or a Steez for the same purpose either, I just giggle a little bit inside each time I pick up the Alde/Adrena combo. It's probably one of the very lightest combos you can find, and you can find a crazy good deal on the Poison Adrena's if you look around a bit. 

I'd say if you're looking at throwing anything but smaller swimbaits though, you'd be better served with something a little meatier. I think you're going to be happy with whatever you end up with. I'd say though keep your gear ratio in the 6's. Reels in that ratio are sometimes a little less sought after, so that can be of benefit to you if you're buying used. I've nabbed some really good deals on this forum and others when looking for slower geared reels.

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, bassbassontherange said:

I think you'd see the most benefit of a higher end reel (and a light setup in general) if you're using it for bottom contact or suspending baits. The idea in this case is that a lighter reel/rod combo will give you improved sensitivity to be able to feel bites. With moving baits (most of what you throw with the combo you're replacing), often the fish more or less hook themselves. 

That's the logical perspective, if you're asking for it. I don't always fish logically. Most of the time I use what I'm in the mood for unless I'm tourney fishing. For the combo you're replacing, I really like what I'm using, an Aldebaran 50 on a Poison Adrena M F. I throw mostly spinnerbaits (anything but huge ones), bladed jigs, small squarebills and lipless cranks with it. I use it for more than I probably should because I enjoy throwing it so much, but it's just too fun to use. 

If you're looking at replacing that setup specifically, I'd do something like that. You won't be disappointed in a Met or a Steez for the same purpose either, I just giggle a little bit inside each time I pick up the Alde/Adrena combo. It's probably one of the very lightest combos you can find, and you can find a crazy good deal on the Poison Adrena's if you look around a bit. 

I'd say if you're looking at throwing anything but smaller swimbaits though, you'd be better served with something a little meatier. I think you're going to be happy with whatever you end up with. I'd say though keep your gear ratio in the 6's. Reels in that ratio are sometimes a little less sought after, so that can be of benefit to you if you're buying used. I've nabbed some really good deals on this forum and others when looking for slower geared reels.

Thanks for your reply!

Since I am looking to throw Spinnerbaits, Cranbaits and swimbaits up to 3/4 of an ounce I am not sure if the Aldebaran is not too fragile (its soo light) and has enough line on it. In this case distance is important.

I a m a bit sceptical towards shimano rods, because of their 1 year warranty only...

[buzzed bait]

13 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

I a m a bit sceptical towards shimano rods, because of their 1 year warranty only...

don't be.... if you use it regularly and it doesn't break in the first year it's fine.  anything that breaks after year 1 was likely user error.  problem with that lifetime warranty is all the tools that abuse it....  what that means is that people like me who take good care of their gear pay the price for those that don't....

[DaveT63]

I've had a Steez and loved it, but traded it for a Shimano Core 51Mg7 and haven't regretted it one bit.  That said, one reel I LOVE and highly recommend is the Daiwa Pixy.  You can find almost like new used ones on the bay for as little as $150 shipped, and I prefer it over the Steez.  If you upgrade it to the "Pixzilla", it will handle anything you want to fish for in fresh water.  Depending on the size of your bonus, if you get one of these, you may have enough to buy an awesome custom built rod, and have a high end combo you will love for years to come.  Take my word for it, the Pixy is a pleasure to fish.

Just my two cents,

Dave

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

Gary was so nice to give me his thoughts on the subject as well.

He is suggesting to go with either the Zillion SV TW or the SV103H and add the remaining money into a new rod (Megabass XX Spinner Bait Special, or perhaps even a Diablo Spec R).

I just did a quick search on youtube and I found a guy reviewing the Zillion SV TW, saying that the distance out of the reel was just not that great.

What do you guys think?

Thanks.

Best,
Seb.

[5fishlimit]

4 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

I just did a quick search on youtube and I found a guy reviewing the Zillion SV TW, saying that the distance out of the reel was just not that great.

I would much rather take Gary's advice and suggestions than a guy on youtube.  Gary has a business and reputation to uphold.  The youtuber is just looking for clicks and views.

[bassbassontherange]

4 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

He is suggesting to go with either the Zillion SV TW or the SV103H and add the remaining money into a new rod (Megabass XX Spinner Bait Special, or perhaps even a Diablo Spec R).

I just did a quick search on youtube and I found a guy reviewing the Zillion SV TW, saying that the distance out of the reel was just not that great.

 

When you get above about $200 retail, almost any reel you buy is going to cast extremely well. The rod will impact distance more than the reel above that price point. The MB SSS is a really good option for the applications you detailed. I'm a big fan of that recommendation for what you need.

I have less experience with the new Zillions than the older ones, but they're no slouches. What are you looking for, exactly? If it's the best caster, smoothest retrieve, most features ect... I'd have a couple of different answers. Based on your earlier post, I'd still go Metanium or Aldebaran. My opinion only here, but when it comes to a general purpose reel (which seems to be what you're looking for), I think Shimano has the best options. If you're looking for finesse it's another story. Daiwa gives you more choices and usually more customization possibilities. 

[freelancer27]

I am demoing the Metanium and the older Daiwa Steez at the end of the week. I used TW demo program.

The Daiwa should be representative of the Zillion SV TW. I am hearing a lot of good things about the Metanium, so I would like to give it a try and see.

I still might get the Rod that Gary was suggesting though! This seems to be a unfortunate pattern. I go out set a budget (which is already high) and still come home with having exceeded that budget. Why does that always happen when I buy fishing gear...

[Mike Murphy]

I really like the Shimano Curado,  as old as it is I am buying another this week.  One day when I backlas... *cough*  try..yes, try another rod and reel I may find one I like better.  I still have years of fishing ahead of me to allow new fishing weapons, but some oldies are still goodies.

How dangerous to ask what to get next, that's like a synonym for what is best...  lol    Be sure to let us know and post on what you have decided, as I just notice this post is 3 pages and 59 strong...  Sorry if it's been answered. 

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Mike Murphy said:

 

How dangerous to ask what to get next, that's like a synonym for what is best...  lol    Be sure to let us know and post on what you have decided, as I just notice this post is 3 pages and 59 strong...  Sorry if it's been answered. 

Not yet!

That is part of (my) enjoyment of fishing. Researching and discussing gear!

[Brewter Beans]

Shimano Antares 

abu Garcia 1000$ combo

[freelancer27]

4 hours ago, Brewter Beans said:

Shimano Antares 

abu Garcia 1000$ combo

For this the bonus (and my ego) are not big enough.

[blckshirt98]

I noticed the OP is in Marin and listed a Lew's Inshore and Daiwa Coastal in his initial post.  Are you planning on using this reel in the saltwater, like in SF Bay?  Be careful about buying a magnesium reel that's not engineered for saltwater because one use in the salt will destroy that reel.  The Steez in particular some models are not coated and saltwater will f*** that thing up!  A Calcutta or Curado E might be a good choice, both are tanks that will hold up well in freshwater/saltwater.

[freelancer27]

24 minutes ago, blckshirt98 said:

I noticed the OP is in Marin and listed a Lew's Inshore and Daiwa Coastal in his initial post.  Are you planning on using this reel in the saltwater, like in SF Bay?  Be careful about buying a magnesium reel that's not engineered for saltwater because one use in the salt will destroy that reel.  The Steez in particular some models are not coated and saltwater will f*** that thing up!  A Calcutta or Curado E might be a good choice, both are tanks that will hold up well in freshwater/saltwater.

Great attention detail!

I have a couple of combos (two I mentioned) that I would be using for my salt water fishing. The reel that I am planning to buy is purely for freshwater fishing. I will use it for fishing in the California Delta, so some brackish water might be the case.
 

[Brewter Beans]

3 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

For this the bonus (and my ego) are not big enough.

Go for it man go big or go home 

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Brewter Beans said:

Go for it man go big or go home 

That is for a next bonus!
(Though a Hobie Pro Angler is next...)

[Hogsticker]

On 10/23/2016 at 6:03 PM, freelancer27 said:

Thanks for your reply!

Since I am looking to throw Spinnerbaits, Cranbaits and swimbaits up to 3/4 of an ounce I am not sure if the Aldebaran is not too fragile (its soo light) and has enough line on it. In this case distance is important.

I a m a bit sceptical towards shimano rods, because of their 1 year warranty only...

SV 103 all the way for this. The Steez SV TW is more of a power finesse reel. Gary will tell you the same thing. 

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Hogsticker said:

SV 103 all the way for this. The Steez SV TW is more of a power finesse reel. Gary will tell you the same thing. 

He recommended the Daiwa Zillion SV TW. I generally like the idea.

I just received the demo reels from TW.

The Daiwa Steez SV and the Shimano Metanium Casting (old model).

Out of the box I have to honestly say that I am not that impressed by the build quality. Both reels warble a bit at the handle. The cheaper Metanium makes actually a better impression. When I compare the Metanium with my Curado, there is no 200 USD difference to my eye in terms of build quality.

Well, when I cast them I make my ultimate judgment, but what I am seeing so far, lets me honestly doubt if I should be spending 400plus USD on a reel, when a 250USD offers the same build quality.

[Hogsticker]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

He recommended the Daiwa Zillion SV TW. I generally like the idea.

I just received the demo reels from TW.

The Daiwa Steez SV and the Shimano Metanium Casting (old model).

Out of the box I have to honestly say that I am not that impressed by the build quality. Both reels warble a bit at the handle. The cheaper Metanium makes actually a better impression. When I compare the Metanium with my Curado, there is no 200 USD difference to my eye in terms of build quality.

Well, when I cast them I make my ultimate judgment, but what I am seeing so far, lets me honestly doubt if I should be spending 400plus USD on a reel, when a 250USD offers the same build quality.

You're handling reels that have been through who knows how many hands of people that have done who knows what to them. My 16 Steez is tight and connected. Feels amazing 

[freelancer27]

2 hours ago, Hogsticker said:

You're handling reels that have been through who knows how many hands of people that have done who knows what to them. My 16 Steez is tight and connected. Feels amazing 

Fair enough!

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

so, after work today I had a chance to pick my Bass Pro Extreme Rod and 4 reels to test them against each other.

The reels were:
* Lew's Team Pro
* Daiwa Steez (old model)
* Shimano Metanium
* Bass Pro Qualifier

I used 4 different lures (from very light to heavy) to see what differences it would make.
Overall I have to admit though that I was a bit disappointed with the performance of the Steez and the Metanium. Yes, they were lighter and also much smoother but even my beat up Bass Pro Qualifier was not far off.

I tweaked quite a bit to get the best result. Here is what I (roughly) measured (in meters):


 

I think this makes it easier for me to pass on a 400 USD reel...


Thoughts on that?

[Big Bait Fishing]

37 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Hi all,

so, after work today I had a chance to pick my Bass Pro Extreme Rod and 4 reels to test them against each other.

The reels were:
* Lew's Team Pro
* Daiwa Steez (old model)
* Shimano Metanium
* Bass Pro Qualifier

I used 4 different lures (from very light to heavy) to see what differences it would make.
Overall I have to admit though that I was a bit disappointed with the performance of the Steez and the Metanium. Yes, they were lighter and also much smoother but even my beat up Bass Pro Qualifier was not far off.

I tweaked quite a bit to get the best result. Here is what I (roughly) measured (in meters):


 

I think this makes it easier for me to pass on a 400 USD reel...


Thoughts on that?

still think you should get a sweet custom rod built ....

[freelancer27]

48 minutes ago, Big Bait Fishing said:

still think you should get a sweet custom rod built ....

Custom build rods are a completely new territory for me.

I am planning to get a new combo with a much more affordable reel and for the rod something like this: Orochi XX Casting Rod 6'10" MH Jig And Spinnerbaiting

What benefits would a custom build rod give me? (I like the warranty on the Megabass, not sure if a custom builder offers such warranty). Also I think for a pure reaction bit rod (Spinnerbaits, Cranks and little swimbaits) the sensitivity of the rod is not really important.

Distance, Power and weight, material quality is though!