Daiwa Steez 7'1" H review

[The_Natural]

With the wife and I agreeing that we would each get one nice thing with our tax return, I pulled the trigger on a Daiwa Steez rod.  I had previously considered a Megabass or Evergreen, but felt like I was making too many sacrifices to get one.  Warranty was one of my main concerns, and I have broken several rods (three last season), all due to my mishandling.  I don't want to be out $500 every time I break a rod, so a lifetime warranty is crucial.  Daiwa warranties the Steez for life, and Cabelas confirmed they will take the rod back if it breaks.  My next concern is the fact the Steez is a split-grip trigger handle, and every split-grip I have handled in the past has felt tip-heavy to me.   The balance point doesn't lie, and Tackle Tour's previous split-grip rod reviews have shown this.  The closer the balance point is to the reel seat; the more balanced the rod is.  Tackle Tour generally uses an mbr783c GLX as a benchmark for comparisons, and it is the most balanced and agile rod I have ever used or held.  Tackle Tour finally reviewed a Steez rod (the 6'3"), and the rod proved to be more balanced than even the venerable 783 glx.  This raised my brow.  Split grips are always going to be lighter than their full trigger handle counterparts, but the Japanese rods have proved to be a little on the chubby side considering overall weight.  My Steez weighed in at 3.96ozs on my digital scales, and there isn't a rod in this power range that comes close.  The rod is rated at 1/4 - 1.5ozs, and 16-30lb line, which is equivalent to a Croix' heavy power or Loomis 5 power...all at under 4ozs.  Unreal.  I've had it since Tuesday, but finally went out for around 20 minutes today to give it a try.  We have had snow and ice for a week, so this trips purpose was mainly to test the rods sensitivity.  Sensitivity was as expected, which was exceptional.  Rest assured Loomis guys...it doesn't surpass a glx.  It is close or on par with an MBR GLX, but I still feel that the BCR GLX is the absolute pinnacle of rod sensitivity.  The tip of the Steez is so light, and the rod is so balanced, the tip wants to shoot in the air, making my 3/8oz jig very easy on my wrist to work...no fatigue what so ever.  I have zero complaints about the rod, and would recommend it to anyone that wants a taste of Japanese craftsmanship, without the negative attributes that have come with an overseas rod purchase in the past.  So am I going to sell all my Loomis rods now?!  Not hardly.  The Steez lineup is abbreviated, with only 4 casting models available.  Compared to the MBR series of Loomis rods, the Loomis will be more versatile due to that tip or speed that we have all come to love for nearly everything.  However, if you want a jig or c-rig rod that is lighter than a fart, ultra-sensitive, and resembles contemporary art...look no further than the Steez  8-)

[Captain Cali]

That's a purty picture. Very well written. Thanks for the review.  

[Grey Wolf]

Enjoy that baby !

[5bass]

SWEEEEEET ROD !!

[Raul]

Man, that TDZ needs a little cosmetic upgrade to match the red accents of the rod, something like this:

and a spool like this one:

Sorry that the red anodized spool tension knob found in the TDZ Type R+ is not sold as a sapare otherwise it would look great.

[Alpster]

Great review and a usefull comparison. When I get some more time and fortitiude, I will break out of my G-loomis fixation and try some competitors. Good is good, but better is best.

Ronnie

[The_Natural]

Man, that TDZ needs a little cosmetic upgrade to match the red accents of the rod, something like this:

and a spool like this one:

Sorry that the red anodized spool tension knob found in the TDZ Type R+ is not sold as a sapare otherwise it would look great.

I was thinking maybe some $5 reel grips  ;D.  There isn't anything better than the ZPI magnesium spool, but my TD-Z is the 105, or shallow spooled version, and it performs better than I dreamed it would for all casting or pitching.  I just couldn't justify spending the money on the ZPI (if you can find one) just to have a red spool.  I've considered handles for my Mg50's, and think the bearing upgrade would be nice, but I'll probably leave the TD-Z handle alone.  I've been debating some reel grips since they were introduced, and don't mind paying $5 to check them out.  Looking 'gaudy' and loud have held me back, but this is a bling-bling rod, so I figured what the heck  8-)

[Redlinerobert]

Beautiful.  I picked up that same rod at the Expo in Sacramento this weekend.  It weighed nothing!  Daiwa hs taken rod design and development to the next level.

[Lightninrod]

Excellent rig TN!  Love the colors but have never held or used one.

Dan

[The_Natural]

Excellent rig TN!  Love the colors but have never held or used one.

Dan

Yes Dan, it's all over for me.  I already want another one, and am finding myself on Tackle Tour more often, lusting after the Japanese stuff.  I wish all the Japanese rods had a USA division and were available.  

[Lightninrod]

Excellent rig TN! Love the colors but have never held or used one.

Dan

Yes Dan, it's all over for me. I already want another one, and am finding myself on Tackle Tour more often, lusting after the Japanese stuff. I wish all the Japanese rods had a USA division and were available.

Sounds like it's turning into an addiction...  Rods Anonymous's number is 555-929-5311 and you can find a meeting nearby hopefully ;D  I've got a used MB rod being shipped even as we key here.

Dan