What site you using?

OK lets get down to brass tacks, Steez is a bunch of money which is fine but there are several models. For everyday Texas rig, Spinnerbait, jig, (not finesse I prefer spinning reels for finesse) kind of fishing which is the best model if I want to try one?

I have a reel from digitaka. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy another. Got It in 6 days.

I was just looking at their prices, way cheaper, like $200 and some had free shipping.

Guess it really doesn’t matter? Had my card hacked from a TW order. Might as well have it happen from a Japanese company and some a couple/three hundred bucks?

Digitaka and Asian portal have the absolute best prices anywhere. Free shipping on reels and they are usually to my door within the week. A good comparison is Paying $350 for a new Zillion in USA vs $230 from Japan

Don’t be. Super fast and I have never had the slightest issue. Digitaka and Asian portal

Daiwa Tatula Elite super smooth and long casting even with light baits
Daiwa Tatula SV TW, the ABSOLUTE most backlash free reel on the market, better than the Shimano DC.
Daiwa CR80 best reel for under $80
Lews BB1 Pro
Lews Super Duty and Super Duty wide spool.
Shimano SLX and Shimano K for newer Shimano reels, but the E series were fantastic.

The Daiwa Steez is an awesome reel but it is expensive.
''

Shimano's quality has tanked over the years. The Shimano days of Curado E's and the old CU's are no longer.

Zebco 33, can cast 327 yards and knock a fly off a thimble!

And not backlash, for under 30 bucks .

Of course that drag system probably can’t handle an 8/0 hookset but at least you would have a legitimate excuse ?

Personally, I’m fond of this ABU Ambassadeur 5500C I snagged and reeled in on a small lake in Missouri in 1978. Attached to a Tru Temper metal rod as well. What a find as a 14 year old. I finally had some “pro” gear. I fished with it as a teen and it still works very well but is now in my rod rack display. Oh Lord the number of fish I caught but also lost before Anti-reverse technology with that rig. That is my “Best Baitcaster”. Cheers.

While I did like the E series, you obviously haven’t tried any of the new Metaniums, Curado MGL, Bantams, Curado DC. The new Shimano stuff is down right amazing!

+1

I sold my Metanium because my $150 Diawas cast better than it did with light weight baits.

No is tsn't. You are just a Shimano fan, which is fine if that is what you like. I had a new Metanium and it did not cast as well with light baits as my $150 Daiwa reels. I have a Curado DC and it is not as good as the Daiwa Tatula SV TW. as far as distance or ani backlash qualities. I know because I have about 150 reels, Daiwa, Lews, and Shimano.

I don't care about being brand specific or brand loyal, I am more concerned about the performance of the rod and the reel. That is what matters to me. I used to have only Shimano's but when other brands outperformed them, I switched.

The Shimano SLX seems to be a good reel for the price as well as the Shimano K series. The G series and the I series were a disaster.

You could put a weightless fluke on your metanium and I will put one on my Tatula Elite, and I will out cast you every time....guarrantied. I know, I have owned both reels but no longer own the Metainum because of the lack of performance of this expensive reel.