Great reels

I buy medium to high end reels of both brands. I have found that the Shimanos last two to three years longer than the Diawas. I have some Calais that are twelve years old that still feel brand new. They are just bulky and 3 ozs heavier than the current models that are out there.

Metanuim.....because they sound really cool when you cast.

Hard to beat the performance of the slx dc for the price .

Lews BB1 Pro

Daiwa Tatula SV TW


All three of these reels are very good @ the $200 price range, so you can choose whatever brand you like best and have a good reel for 200 bucks.

To me, this is the way to go. Daiwa is very good too, so it’s a personal deal. I just feel over the years that shimano has never let me down fighting big fish.

I have some old Core’s like that and they’re the same way and I rarely service any one my equipment,

I am full Shimano, I own Metaniums (DC and MGL), Chronarchs, Curado (200, DC, and 70MGL) along with a Stradic…. I love them all and have had zero issues, my favorite so far is the Metanium MGL and Curado 70MGL for day in day out use and Curado 200 for heavier applications, Chronarch for a good all round reel…. I have had a Daiwa or two and weren’t impressed, felt like a biscuit in my hand and was way too heavy imo. I use them every weekend and 2-3 days a week, so they get a regular beating and hold up.

Both make some great reels... just comes down to personal preference.. color, feel, gravitated to all shimano over the last few years and don't really look at anything else any more. Used calcuttas for years and was happy how they all held up to the salt. Plenty of price points in all types of gear for fresh, saltwater, ultra light to heavy duty.