For you guys that fish both Shimano and Daiwa baitcasters...

[cjam93]

If you fish both of these brands, is there specific times that one brand or model from the brand stands out to you and makes you reach for that brand over the other?

[Shimano_1]

I fish both and in my opinion the daiwas excel in windy conditions,  pitching/ flippin, any time I have inexperienced people in my boat I hand them a daiwa. The shimanos excel in distance and ergonomics.  I personally feel the daiwas are built a little tougher. All personal perspective.  If I had to choose just one brand....after years of shimano it would be daiwas. Both make a fine product tho

[mrpao]

I find that my daiwa reels are a little more finicky than my shimanos. I can pretty much set it and forget it with my shimanos. My daiwas take alittle more to get it dialed in. I also find the paint on daiwas much easier to scratch up. Shimano's paint seems more durable.

I'm also not a fan of Daiwa's SV spools. I like a faster spool.

I find both are equally smooth. But daiwa makes a much better looking reel. Most shimanos, I find kind of plain and ugly.

[TcRoc]

I have both but really can’t compare them in a sense as my Shimano’s are Dc reels. With that said the 2 text reels that I get are Daiwa’s. 

[PhishLI]

For night fishing its Daiwa all the way for me, even with looser settings. They're just less tricky to deal with during the second half of the cast.

[ABurk]

I think a fine mixture of both does just fine. But I’ve only owned the Tatula CTs, SLX XT, and SLX DC. So my word won’t be as valuable as others who have a broad range of experience with both brands, but I could fish with the CTs and SLX DCs for as long as I’m able to fish and never pick up something else. That being said, I will probably try more reels from both brands because the bait monkey will tell me to. 

[Hammer 4]

Being an old Shimano fan from a few years ago, I now own 1 Shimano, and 6 Diawa baitcasting reels and 1 Diawa spinning reel.

 

I feel the Diawa's are a better value. Out of the box, the Diawa reels are way smoother. I'll keep buying Diawa's, until someone has a Shimano Curado 301 E7 for sale at  a reasonable price.

 

[roadwarrior]

I have one Diawa Alpha and fifteen Shimano reels.

I'll just leave it at that.

 

[Lead Head]

Put me down as a Daiwa fan. Absolutely nothing wrong with Shimano, and if I wanted pure distance on a calm day they are what I would choose. Reality is, pure distance is rarely important to me and perfect days don't come along that often. For me, Daiwa is better than or equal to Shimano in every other quality I look for in a baitcaster.

[Bankc]

I used to be a Shimano fan.  They used to make higher quality reels than Daiwa, in my opinion.  But then Daiwa cam out with their Magforce Z breaking system, and I just think that's far superior to anything Shimano has.  Especially on windy days, which where I live, is everyday.  And I feel like Shimano's reels have lost some of that quality edge they once had over Daiwa in the last several years.  Maybe not in their flagship models, but at least in the middle tier (Curado Line) on down. 

 

Shimano still makes good reels.  I'd be more than happy to fish one any day of the week.  But when it comes to what you get for your money, I feel like Daiwa has them beat at just about every price point.  But if I found a comparable deal on a Shimano to a Daiwa, and I was looking to use it for something that didn't necessitate a top end braking system (like flipping and pitching), then I'd probably get the Shimano.  Shimano's are usually a bit more comfortable, which to me isn't a big plus, but it's still a plus.  

[waymont]

2-Curado k

2-Curado MGL 70

1-Bantam mgl

5-Tatula sv tw

1-Tatula 150

1-Tatula ct type r

 

I mostly use my Shimano reels for moving baits, except the MGL’s are used for light baits, mostly light jigs, t rigs, small swim baits 

 

I mostly use my Daiwa reels for all bottom contact, and everything else.

 

Both brands are excellent, I’ve just gravitated to this because it feels right.

I do find the 200k and Bantam reels are not as good with lighter baits. That’s probably why I use them for moving baits like spinner baits, chatterbaits, top water. Heavier stuff

[J._Bricker]

15 hours ago, cjam93 said:

If you fish both of these brands, is there specific times that one brand or model from the brand stands out to you and makes you reach for that brand over the other?

I fish both Shimano and Daiwa reels, and IMHO both companies produce high quality reels. Like @waymont, I use my Shimanos for moving baits and have been for quite some time. As for my Daiwas, I like to use them for target oriented and bottom contact techniques. 
BTW, try as I might, those old “B” series still grace my deck...

[CFDoc]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

Yes.  Daiwas for skipping, pitching and casting into the wind or Kayaking getting blown in circles and all around use.  Shimanos for all around use and distance casts.  

 

This. 

 

My only difference is I've gravitated more towards the SLP line of Lews these days for pitching/skipping based solely on ergonomics and palming of SLP reels over Daiwa.

 

For whatever reason, I just can't seem to find a Daiwa that feels "natural" in my palm. Great reels however.

[Junger]

46 minutes ago, CFDoc said:

For whatever reason, I just can't seem to find a Daiwa that feels "natural" in my palm. Great reels however.

 

Ever try an Alphas platform Daiwa? I found that to be the best for me.

[WRB]

My 1st Shimano bait casting reel was the low profile Bantam 1000 early 70’s, prior casting reels were Abu Ambassador round reels. Liked the Bantam but put to away continuing with round reels until the early 90’s when Daiwa introduced TD HAi 103&105 reels. Game changer low profile, incredible free spool casting, bought 5 of them and put away my Abu round reels. The same time frame Shimano came out with Curado green reel    That was too wide for. I was getting into more big swimbaits and bought 2 Shimano Calcutta 250, heavy duty reel very smooth drag system.

Stayed with Daiwa low profile reels and now use Tatula R100 reels for the last 8 years.

Spinning is a different story, went from Zebco Cardinal 4 to Daiwa TD1300 to Shimano Stratic 1000 & 2500 series in the 90’s and still use the same Shimano Stratic reels after 25 years.

Sold nearly all my reels this year and kept 4 Daiwa casting and 2 Shimano Spinning reels.

Tom

[Boomstick]

Daiwas excel at skipping, pitching, windy days or basically any situation you would ever want more functional brakes.

 

However, you don't bring a Daiwa baitcaster to a distance casting competition, Shimanos win pretty handily here. None of my Daiwas can come close to my oldest son's Curado K.

 

A lot of people say Shimanos are shaped better to fit in the palm of your hand, but I find both brands for the most part have their imperfections, it's just one of those things you learn to deal with.

 

Most of my reels are Daiwas, but I would seriously consider something like a Shimano Aldebaran for casting deep diving crankbaits where you want to keep them down in that zone for longer and stick with the Daiwas for bottom contact baits.

17 hours ago, mrpao said:

I find that my daiwa reels are a little more finicky than my shimanos. I can pretty much set it and forget it with my shimanos.

I'm curious, which Daiwas do you have? I have the opposite experience. With the Tatula CT, SV or 150, for the most part you set the tension knob to the point the spool stops clicking and once you find the brake setting that works with your rod and you're good - I rarely even have to change anything when I go to a heavier or lighter bait and if I do it's increasing or decreasing the brake by a click, or maybe a click or two if the wind starts blowing. In short, they really couldn't be any more set it and forget it.

[CFDoc]

1 hour ago, Junger said:

 

Ever try an Alphas platform Daiwa? I found that to be the best for me.

 

I have not. I've never ventured into Daiwa JDM world at all really.

 

I've owned or spent time with Fuego's, several Tat variations, Zillion, and a few moments with Steez.

 

I thought the Alpha's were pretty much all BFS focused? Is there an Alpha frame that would handle 1/2oz and up jigs, chatter baits, tubes, etc. that are my go-to skippers?

[fishwizzard]

1 hour ago, CFDoc said:

 

I have not. I've never ventured into Daiwa JDM world at all really.

 

I've owned or spent time with Fuego's, several Tat variations, Zillion, and a few moments with Steez.

 

I thought the Alpha's were pretty much all BFS focused? Is there an Alpha frame that would handle 1/2oz and up jigs, chatter baits, tubes, etc. that are my go-to skippers?

There was an USDM Alphas, but for some very dumb reason Daiwa just called it the "SV105", which makes it really hard to search for, but it's mechanically identical to the JDM "Alphas SV".  

 

The Alphas AV/SV105 reels are not really "BFS" reels, but they are better for lighter lures the most "standard" reels.  I have three of them and they really shine in the 1/4-3/4oz range.  They will throw down to about 1/8oz but it's not ideal unless you are using light line and rod that loads that weight really well.  They will throw over 3/4ox but the breaking can't give the same level of control.  There are other, more finesse focused Alphas reels out there, but the OG version and the two SV versions are very good reels for lures in the 1/4-3/4oz range.  I have two of mine on Loomis 3 power MRB rods and I think they are a perfect fit for them.  The Alphas AV is the most "wild" of the SV reels/spools I have tried, but that is only relative to the usually very controlled SV experience.  If you have a good thumb or an ego that lets you keep the brakes above 50%, they are very very good reels for most "heavy Medium to light MediumHeavy" rods.  

[Junger]

1 hour ago, CFDoc said:

I thought the Alpha's were pretty much all BFS focused? Is there an Alpha frame that would handle 1/2oz and up jigs, chatter baits, tubes, etc. that are my go-to skippers?

 

All the Alphas I have are SV105's, which are the 'Murican version of the JDM Alphas SV. They hold enough line for all of those presentations. I swapped out the handles for 100mm carbon fiber handles for like $20 on Amazon. I found the spools a little fast/wild for me, so I changed the stock inductor on them to something more controlled and they cast anything from 1/8 oz and up with the right rod. The gears are brass, and super smooth. I have one on heavy power rods that I throw weightless paddletails on in heavy pad cover and I've had no issues. 

 

But if you're going with heavy fluoro, like 17lbs+ and you have several breakoffs and want to do a long cast, you might spool the SV spool.

 

There are also other deeper spool variants like the Alphas103, or more finesse oriented ones like the new Alphas SV CT, but I don't see a need for those because the SV105's that I modded fits all my needs.

[new2BC4bass]

4 hours ago, CFDoc said:

 

I have not. I've never ventured into Daiwa JDM world at all really.

 

I've owned or spent time with Fuego's, several Tat variations, Zillion, and a few moments with Steez.

 

I thought the Alpha's were pretty much all BFS focused? Is there an Alpha frame that would handle 1/2oz and up jigs, chatter baits, tubes, etc. that are my go-to skippers?

There is a LH 'Alphas' for sale on another forum for $115 in pretty good condition with 7.2 gears installed (5.8s come with it).  It is called a TD Sol.  Never tried below 1/4 oz. with any of my Alphas reels.

 

17 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

Being an old Shimano fan from a few years ago, I now own 1 Shimano, and 56 Diawa baitcasting reels and 1 Diawa spinning reel.

 

I feel the Diawa's are a better value. Out of the box, the Diawa reels are way smoother. I'll keep buying Diawa's, until someone has a Shimano Curado 301 E7 for sale at  a reasonable price.

 

 

You da man!      I'm close, but won't be catching up.  May get one more Daiwa...a Tatula Elite.  Currently I have 10 Shimano and 47 Daiwa casting reels.  Two Shimano and 10 Daiwa spinning reels.

 

I know many love the Curado 50E for lighter baits.  I've got 2...one tuned by DVT.  Not used my Scorpion 70 enough to know what it will do in the light lure category.   Nor have I used my Scorpion 1001 4x4 SVS enough.  Needs cleaning as drag is sticking.  Personally I usually reach for a Daiwa when planning on casting light lures.  Pixy or TD-Z 105H  and sometimes a Carbonlite (the gold one).

 

[Hammer 4]

9 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

There is a LH 'Alphas' for sale on another forum for $115 in pretty good condition with 7.2 gears installed (5.8s come with it).  It is called a TD Sol.  Never tried below 1/4 oz. with any of my Alphas reels.

 

 

You da man!      I'm close, but won't be catching up.  May get one more Daiwa...a Tatula Elite.  Currently I have 10 Shimano and 47 Daiwa casting reels.  Two Shimano and 10 Daiwa spinning reels.

 

I know many love the Curado 50E for lighter baits.  I've got 2...one tuned by DVT.  Not used my Scorpion 70 enough to know what it will do in the light lure category.   Nor have I used my Scorpion 1001 4x4 SVS enough.  Needs cleaning as drag is sticking.  Personally I usually reach for a Daiwa when planning on casting light lures.  Pixy or TD-Z 105H  and sometimes a Carbonlite (the gold one).

 

 

Please note, 56 Diawa reels was a Typo,  I edited to 6, which is what I currently have. Sorry for the confusion..

[Boomstick]

2 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

This is true but there are a few Daiwas that can really bomb baits with distance tuned spools.  These are few and far between though.  TD Zillion HLC is one of them and an absolute distance monster with baits over 1/2 oz.  I also have a freak of nature defect 1016 spool that could only be tamed my LIN10 and just barely.  It is right up there with my TD Zillion HLC spool for distance.  I wish Daiwa made more distance tuned reels/spools and less SV.

If I had a Tatula Elite I would get better distance as well, but even the Tatula CT can't touch a Curado K in casting distance.

[Boomstick]

8 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

I heard the tat elites described as casting far effortlessly but not so much as pure distance monsters.  I have a few spools that are this way that cast a real good ways with no effort but really can't be cast hard to force more distance out of them without trouble.  I have others that require hard casts or they dont even bother to brake.  Both my HLC and the wild defect 1016 spool will spool themselves of braid easily with a frog.  Every cast leaves no line on the spool.

For the Tatula line, I'm pretty sure they're the furthest casting which was why I mentioned that. Higher lines will cast further, I'm just trying to compare apples to apples here.

 

That said, Shimano does seem to win in the distance department even at higher lines at least from what I've seen

[Boomstick]

8 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Higher end Diawas does not mean that they cast further.  The Steez SV isn't exactly known as a distance reel and that is near the very top of their offerings.  I wish they would make more distance tuned Daiwas at the high end level actually.  I'm curious about these new "SV boost" spools in the newest high end Daiwas though.  

I just meant that the Zillions and Steez's generally outcast the Tatulas for the most part, even the SVs. Like we both said, Daiwa doesn't make many reels that win in the distance game.

[GReb]

Daiwa has the best mag brake system and Shimano has the best centrifugal. Personally I prefer the magnetic for moving baits under 1/2 oz. I prefer the centrifugal for heavier baits and pitching. Therefore both brands have a place on my deck