2021 Antares DC vs 2021 CC HG vs SLP Ryoga for Chatterbaits/Spinnerbaits

[freelancer27]

Hi all,


I have decided to upgrade my reel on my chatter-bait/spinnerbait rod (St.Croix 7'4H legend elite). I am running a older Daiwa Coastal on it right now and while the reel is decent it is just not as smooth as I am hoping for and just not as sexy. ?

The two reels that I am choosing between are the 2021 Antares DC (probably in XG) and the 2021 Calcutta Conquest 201HG (I have the 101HG and I am digging it!), also throwing in the SLP Ryoga (I am hearing though that this reel has some side plate issues that can lead to wobbling of it).

Would love to get some thoughts from people who have either reel (or even both) to see what they would recommend.
I am mostly throwing spinnerbaits, chatter-baits and underspins with this combo, where the total weight lure ranges between 1/2 -1.25oz.
Since I am using this combo a lot from the bank, distance is important but I also would like to invest in a reel that is and stays smooth.

I had the 2016 Antares DC and still have the 2018 Antares DC MD. Both of these reels were smooth to begin with, but just didnt stay as smooth as one would hope for.

Would appreciate any opinions and suggestions.

Thanks folks!

[newapti5]

On 11/14/2021 at 11:53 AM, freelancer27 said:

the SLP Ryoga (I am hearing though that this reel has some side plate issues that can lead to wobbling of it)

 

I don't have the SLP Ryoga, but I do have the 18 Ryoga 1016 Crazy Cranker. The wobbling sideplate issue does exist, even for reels right out of box, but I wouldn't say it's wobbling. It's more like tiny clicking when you twist the side plate back and forth. It's so small that I don't believe it would affect performance or smoothness, but someone might find it a nuisance. It's due to the latch being a plastic ring. In case the ring breaking in the future, you can order a spare one from Plat.co.jp for $2. 

 

The reel itself is very smooth, even a bit smoother than 21 CC, thanks to the so-called Hyper Mesh Gear.  This might be the only model ever to have this gear design. Daiwa went the other way of gear design with current high-end reels. The original spool is not made for light lures, but you can get tons of alternatives of 1016 or 1512 spools. 

 

It's a little larger and heavier than CC 200, and sits a bit higher on a rod as well. Oddly, it fits a GLX MBR rod PERFECTLY, much more comfortable than CC and other Shimano reels. 

 

Spinnerbait/chatterbait are high resistant baits that put a heavy toll on reel gears. IMO it's only a matter of time that any reels start developing "geary" feeling, but larger gears and lower ratio may delay that. 

 

 

 

[ATA]

I dont have another reels, but I have two Antares 21 DC and I can say they are the end of the reel, I feel thats as far as they can go, Even to compare with my other 18 and 16 Antares DCs. So I highly recommend the Antares specially that the price dropped.

[NHBull]

I am using the Calcutta Conquest 201 and the Antares non DC.....for that bait the calcutta all day long and twice on Sunday's ?

[freelancer27]

THanks guys!

I have ordered the 2021 Antares DC yesterday. It was a close call between the three reels. All had pros and cons. 

If I didn't own already two Conquests (2021-101HG and 2018 - 401), I would have gone with the Conquest. The Ryoga only one in the looks department. It was the heaviest, least line capacity and the issue with the sideplate was a concern as well.

Let's see how I like the 2021 Antares DC. If it is as smooth and performant as my 2019 Antares MGL, I am a happy camper! ?

4 hours ago, ATA said:

I dont have another reels, but I have two Antares 21 DC and I can say they are the end of the reel, I feel thats as far as they can go, Even to compare with my other 18 and 16 Antares DCs. So I highly recommend the Antares specially that the price dropped.

What are you using yours for?

[ATA]

40 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

What are you using yours for?

Mine is on my Conquest 842C For smaller jerknait and cranks and lighter poppers.

the other one on Conquest 903C for heavier of above pluschatterbaits and finesse(true Finesse) jigs.

[FishTank]

Conquest 200 size would be my choice or depending on line choice, an Antares 70A.

[freelancer27]

14 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Conquest 200 size would be my choice or depending on line choice, an Antares 70A.

I have a Antares 70 on a Megabass Super Destroyer for smaller chatterbaits and paddletails. Great reel but no enough line capacity. 

 

 

45 minutes ago, ATA said:

Mine is on my Conquest 842C For smaller jerknait and cranks and lighter poppers.

the other one on Conquest 903C for heavier of above pluschatterbaits and finesse(true Finesse) jigs.

I am surprised that you use the DC for such lighter lures, where the Antares 70 would probably fit better. 

 

I have read other comments that suggest that the 2021 Antares DC is better equipped for heavier lures. 

Interesting how opinions can vary:-)

 

[FishTank]

2 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

I have a Antares 70 on a Megabass Super Destroyer for smaller chatterbaits and paddletails. Great reel but no enough line capacity. 

 

 

I have the same rod but I have an older Calcutta 101 TE GT parked on it.  Fun set up to fish.  

 

I would also agree that if you fish about 15lb and are launching a heavier bait, you will run out of line.  That is the one down side to some of Shimano's upper end low profile reels, line capacity.  I like the MGL spool but not much help there if you want to throw some heavy lures with big line.  The options turn to the Calcutta/Conquest and the Tranx.   You might look at the new Steez Hyper Long Cast.  JDM but it's made for big baits.  $400 at JapanTackle.

[ATA]

23 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

I am surprised that you use the DC for such lighter lures, where the Antares 70 would probably fit better. 

 

I have read other comments that suggest that the 2021 Antares DC is better equipped for heavier lures. 

Interesting how opinions can vary:-)

I have 5 Aldebaran For lighter lures

[freelancer27]

39 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

I have the same rod but I have an older Calcutta 101 TE GT parked on it.  Fun set up to fish.  

 

I would also agree that if you fish about 15lb and are launching a heavier bait, you will run out of line.  That is the one down side to some of Shimano's upper end low profile reels, line capacity.  I like the MGL spool but not much help there if you want to throw some heavy lures with big line.  The options turn to the Calcutta/Conquest and the Tranx.   You might look at the new Steez Hyper Long Cast.  JDM but it's made for big baits.  $400 at JapanTackle.

I think the Antares DC should have enough line capacity for 16# FC

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

I think the Antares DC should have enough line capacity for 16# FC

 

Definitely would have plenty.  I am just not the biggest fan of DC reels even though I have a Curado DC (great reel by the way).  They have their place but I tend to like the regular brakes for most of my fishing.   On the other hand, the baits you have picked would be ideal for a DC reel.  So I guess the question is.... Why not the Antares DC then?

 

 

[ATA]

34 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

I think the Antares DC should have enough line capacity for 16# FC

it has enough capacity :

0.285mm(US10lb)-130m(145yds) so 120 years 16lb I think.

[freelancer27]

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

Definitely would have plenty.  I am just not the biggest fan of DC reels even though I have a Curado DC (great reel by the way).  They have their place but I tend to like the regular brakes for most of my fishing.   On the other hand, the baits you have picked would be ideal for a DC reel.  So I guess the question is.... Why not the Antares DC then?

 

 

Well, have ordered the 2021 DC yesterday already ?