Steez 100hla feedback please

[Deeare]

I have an opportunity to buy a used steez 100 hla.   I'm mostly a spinning guy but I have a decent baitcasting setup that I've learned how to cast with and I'm looking to upgrade.   I just bought a megabass rod (rated up to 1oz) and need a reel to go with it.  I'll be using this set up to throw heavier baits:   Jigs.  Spinnerbaits and cranks.  

 

Any feedback on this reel and other options are appreciated.   My price range is 200-250. 

[Yudo1]

The steez 100hla is a refined, beautiful reel. The 100hla is also easier to cast than the 103 which in my hands can be a bit wild. One of my favorite things about daiwa is you can interchange spools and completely transform the reel. The steez can fit other 34mm spools and there are some guys out there with quite a collection of spools. Some of my favorite spools are the 1016, sv1000 and rays studio bfs. The rays studio bfs gives the reel the ability to cast 1/8oz lures with the right rod. It's a very versatile platform. In that price range you have a ton of options, but you can't go wrong with a steez IMO. 

[DaveT63]

I agree with Yudo1.  Awesome reel with SO many options.  There isn't much from a bass fishing standpoint you can't do with it with the many mods available for it.  If you can get one in that price range, especially closer to the lower end, you won't regret it, unless it was abused and not taken care of.  In good condition, you will love it.

[rippin-lips]

First high end reel I ever bought. With all the spool and gear set options you can do anything with it. They’re currently selling for around $200-225 in good used condition. Saw 3 righties the other day for $150ea. 

[new2BC4bass]

Don't know if you are looking to buy from the same guy I did on another forum, but if so buy with confidence.  Mine won't see any use for several months, but I can relay some information I gathered a few years ago.  The 100 is the reel you want.  The 103 is for lighter baits and one common thread with this reel was that it could be a wild child.  No such problem with the 100.

 

I seriously doubt you will regret getting the 100HLA.  The option for various spools is one you shouldn't need given what you plan on using it for.  Of all the Daiwas I have, only one gave me trouble and it is one everyone else claimed to be almost backlash proof.  Yet it was my worst backlashing reel before sending it out for a tune and upgrades.

[rippin-lips]

The 103 is only wild because of the type r rotor on the spool. With a little thumb it can cast just fine. You just can’t be forgetful. 

[new2BC4bass]

6 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

The 103 is only wild because of the type r rotor on the spool. With a little thumb it can cast just fine. You just can’t be forgetful. 

I was given a U.S. Trail with a 103 spool from a Steez.  Need to make a spacer first, but am looking forward to giving it a try.  Unfortunately my thumb isn't as educated as yours....or many others on here.    Also at my age I am very forgetful. 

 

 

[rippin-lips]

7 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I was given a U.S. Trail with a 103 spool from a Steez.  Need to make a spacer first, but am looking forward to giving it a try.  Unfortunately my thumb isn't as educated as yours....or many others on here.    Also at my age I am very forgetful. 

 

 

That should do pretty well. The tdz has a little stronger braking profile from what I remember. A great all around spool is the rcs 1016. I just picked up a Steez 100 spool with the 1016 rotor and r+ spring. I’m looking forward to testing it out. Should be pretty close to the rcs. I got spoiled by using sv spools all the time since they require very little thumb if any. 

[Deeare]

Thanks for all the replies/info. Very helpful and greatly appreciated. 

[iabass8]

15 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I was given a U.S. Trail with a 103 spool from a Steez.  Need to make a spacer first, but am looking forward to giving it a try.  Unfortunately my thumb isn't as educated as yours....or many others on here.    Also at my age I am very forgetful. 

 

 

 

7 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

That should do pretty well. The tdz has a little stronger braking profile from what I remember. A great all around spool is the rcs 1016. I just picked up a Steez 100 spool with the 1016 rotor and r+ spring. I’m looking forward to testing it out. Should be pretty close to the rcs. I got spoiled by using sv spools all the time since they require very little thumb if any. 

Where does one go about getting a spacer to make the 100s use a 1016 or 103 spool? Or what size/kind do you use. 

[rippin-lips]

1 hour ago, iabass8 said:

 

Where does one go about getting a spacer to make the 100s use a 1016 or 103 spool? Or what size/kind do you use. 

Zpi offered spacers. You can still pick them up online from overseas auction sites. I also believe Ian Shields can source them for you. You need 36/34. 

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, iabass8 said:

 

Where does one go about getting a spacer to make the 100s use a 1016 or 103 spool? Or what size/kind do you use. 

I make my own since I work in a machine shop.  The only problem is....time.  Hard to find it in order to run off the spacers.  I have 2 sets left over from a previous run made from PVC.  Do you want a set to try? I have some Teflon bar ends saved that I plan on making spacers from.  Never made them from Teflon before so I don't know if that material will hold up very long.  (Maintain size to hold spacer in reel.  I make a press fit which is why one size doesn't always work for every reel).

 

EDIT:  I made some for a gentleman on another forum.  He had purchased a set from Japan.  Cost $50 and he tells me they aren't near as nice as mine....which are free.  He sent me his reel and spool, so the spare spacers I have are made to fit his combination.  I can also try a set in my reel to check fit.

[iabass8]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I make my own since I work in a machine shop.  The only problem is....time.  Hard to find it in order to run off the spacers.  I have 2 sets left over from a previous run made from PVC.  Do you want a set to try? I have some Teflon bar ends saved that I plan on making spacers from.  Never made them from Teflon before so I don't know if that material will hold up very long.  (Maintain size to hold spacer in reel.  I make a press fit which is why one size doesn't always work for every reel).

 

EDIT:  I made some for a gentleman on another forum.  He had purchased a set from Japan.  Cost $50 and he tells me they aren't near as nice as mine....which are free.  He sent me his reel and spool, so the spare spacers I have are made to fit his combination.  I can also try a set in my reel to check fit.

That would be super. I'm wanting to put a 103 spool (34mm) in a TD-Z100 and OG Zillions. (36mm spools)