Dawia Aggrest Reel

[mikeeasttn]

Have been looking at the Dawia Aggrest reel and seriously thing about purchasing one. Can anyone who has one give me some info on smoothness, drag, casting and any other features. If possible compare it to a Shimano Curado 200 E7 or a Daiwa Team Zillion as these are 2 reels I own and about the only reels I use and can relate to.

Thanks

[LuckyHandsINC.]

I do not own one but the word on the street is your money will be better spent elsewhere. Based on what I've read about it I don't think you'll even find a daiwa fanboy who will tell you to buy it. The consensus seems to be its a souped up exceller.

[J Francho]

That rumor is a bunch of rubbish promoted by reel snobs that don't know any better, and never tried it. I know a few guys around here throwing them, and no complaints after a year. It's Daiwa's "Curado price point" reel. The Aggrest was out long before the Exceler on the JDM, and was designed for light offshore duty. The Exceler is a graphite frame, cheaper, dumbed down version of the Aggrest. They even have "special" models that are popular over here, like PE braided special. It's a fine reel at it's price point. you should be able to find them well below retail, making them an even better value.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

That rumor is a bunch of rubbish promoted by reel snobs that don't know any better, and never tried it. I know a few guys around here throwing them, and no complaints after a year. It's Daiwa's "Curado price point" reel. The Aggrest was out long before the Exceler on the JDM, and was designed for light offshore duty. The Exceler is a graphite frame, cheaper, dumbed down version of the Aggrest. They even have "special" models that are popular over here, like PE braided special. It's a fine reel at it's price point. you should be able to find them well below retail, making them an even better value.

The exceler has an aluminum frame.

http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=233

[J Francho]

OK, its an Al framed, dumbed down version of the Aggrest. Good thing you guys all watch out for the details, LOL.

Look at it this way, whatever the Curado passed down to the Citica that makes it such a good a reel, wasn't bestowed upon the Exceler by the Aggrest. As such, that doesn't make the Aggrest crap. Most that make that statement NEVER used one.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

OK, its an Al framed, dumbed down version of the Aggrest. Good thing you guys all watch out for the details, LOL.

Look at it this way, whatever the Curado passed down to the Citica that makes it such a good a reel, wasn't bestowed upon the Exceler by the Aggrest. As such, that doesn't make the Aggrest crap. Most that make that statement NEVER used one.

Just keeping you on your toes my man!!

I agree some opinions are what others have heard instead of first hand knowledge. I have only used one Daiwa reel and thats a tierra. Its ok but not the best in my book. I've always thought the exceler was to good to be true and you know what they say about that. Looking at them side by side in your hands though i will say there is a BIG difference in the 2 reels.

[J Francho]

The Tierra isn't the smoothest reel in the world. It isn't the lightest. Probably won't cast baits the farthest. But it will last forever, LOL.

[pitchinthejig]

J is right, the exceler is a reel they used the tooling of the aggrest to make as to pull more funds off what they invested in the tooling. the reels are not even close to the same reel my wife loves hers it will cast right there with my Zillions in distance, they are very smooth reels however i will say this the drag isnt the greatest thing but she uses hers as a pitching reel mostly and locks it down so that dont matter much and im sure you could make a carbontex drag work for it, i put them in all my reels and hers to we just never messed with that one. hers is the JDM model as well so i cant say for sure the usdm model has the same drag but i would almost bet it does. you would be better off going with a TD-A 153HSTA imho at that same money as its a better reel from the one ive fished but its much bigger and heavier then the aggrest so if you are looking for smallish form factor and weight ide get the aggrest if you want almost Zillion refinement for under 200 get the hsta or find you a used but decent shape TD-Z 103 or 105 and put them to shame.

[dwtaylor]

I bought one in the spring of 2010 and I only bought it because our college fishing team had a good deal with daiwa. I didn't pay half of what it normally runs, and it is only worth half. It makes a really bad grinding noise every 30 casts or so due to the thumb-bar not totally engaging itself. I just use it as a pitching and flipping reel, but I would also throw frogs with it. I did have a couple times where on the hookset, the drag let out some line. The drag was fully winched down, yet it would still slip.

However, I like the way the reel feels in my hand and I rarely use it for anything other than close quarters bassin, so I will continue to use it. I had originally bought the reel because it was so fast, as it does reduce the number of handle turns per cast. I do want to upgrade the drag, although it may not be necessary.

Overall: 6.5/10....8/10 at the price I paid.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I bought one in the spring of 2010 and I only bought it because our college fishing team had a good deal with daiwa. I didn't pay half of what it normally runs, and it is only worth half. It makes a really bad grinding noise every 30 casts or so due to the thumb-bar not totally engaging itself. I just use it as a pitching and flipping reel, but I would also throw frogs with it. I did have a couple times where on the hookset, the drag let out some line. The drag was fully winched down, yet it would still slip.

However, I like the way the reel feels in my hand and I rarely use it for anything other than close quarters bassin, so I will continue to use it. I had originally bought the reel because it was so fast, as it does reduce the number of handle turns per cast. I do want to upgrade the drag, although it may not be necessary.

Overall: 6.5/10....8/10 at the price I paid.

Exact same thing my Tierra does...first time it happened i bout fell out the boat it scared me so bad!:lol:

[J Francho]

I bought one in the spring of 2010 and I only bought it because our college fishing team had a good deal with daiwa. I didn't pay half of what it normally runs, and it is only worth half. It makes a really bad grinding noise every 30 casts or so due to the thumb-bar not totally engaging itself. I just use it as a pitching and flipping reel, but I would also throw frogs with it. I did have a couple times where on the hookset, the drag let out some line. The drag was fully winched down, yet it would still slip.

However, I like the way the reel feels in my hand and I rarely use it for anything other than close quarters bassin, so I will continue to use it. I had originally bought the reel because it was so fast, as it does reduce the number of handle turns per cast. I do want to upgrade the drag, although it may not be necessary.

Overall: 6.5/10....8/10 at the price I paid.

I gotta ask, if it's defective, why don't you take it back? Or call Daiwa's warranty and service department? That shouldn't be happening at all, and is probably getting worse as you fish the reel.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The clutch is something I pay special attention to on Daiwas. They seem prone to some sticking, but shouldn't be right out of the box. Exchange it if you can. If not a simple clean/lube might help.

[J Francho]

I see a few with damaged Trip Plates - usually from unintentionally half pressing the thumb bar when fighting a fish.

[dwtaylor]

This is actually a pretty common problem with these reels. I first noticed it when I spooled it up with line and started practicing, so it must have came like that. All of the reels that my buddies got too were doing the same thing. I have just learned from feel not to let the line go when the clutch doesn't fully release. Actually, right now it isn't as bad as it used to be. Although, I seem to pick up my revo flipping stick more than the aggrest one.

[Sacrtrain]

First, why in the world would you use a reel with such a low drag Lb. rating for a flipping/ pitching reel. You are asking for problems. Second, I have a Zillion, Tierra, TD Advantage and Aggrest. I also have Revo Sx's and Curado E's. The Aggrest definately has a place but I can assure you it's not heavy line applications. I use mine for top water or light jerk baits paired with a 7' Zillion rod and it works great. I am still researching a drag upgrade, (possobly Carbontex) but for now the aggrest works. You do need to watch for maintance issues like over/ under oiling it and making sure all the comopnents are tightened but if maintained, it is good for the price. Also loosen your drag completely after each trip to the water. This will extend the life. I have noticed the screaching sound if the tuumb bar isnt engaged but if you make a habit of making sure the clutch is disengaged each cast, the problem is eliminated. I have to admit, I didnt like the reel at first but it really grew on me because of the weight, feel, speed, style and castability.