I’m a Daiwa guy but both companies are top notch. Thanks for the informative video Geoff as always keep killing it !!!

I don’t discriminate. Own both. Love both.

I’m a Shimano guy and I think it all comes down to two things…1.) your early exposure 2.) your performance preference For me, I grew up throwing a beat up abu ambassador that was missing its spool tension knob (you can only imagine the chaos involved with that). So consequently, I’m used to free wheeling reels that perform best with thumb braking. That’s what feels *right* to me. On the other side of the coin, if you grew up throwing a black max or a reel that had powerful magnetic brakes, a Daiwa is what will probably feel *right* to you. If you like to put your reel to work for you, Daiwas just seem to do better in that dept. The only other thing that keeps me 100% Shimano is that I feel like they do “low profile” better. A curado 70/engetsu frame or an aldebaran is so low-seated, you can throw it all day and never even notice it’s there. It’s a just preference thing, really…and it’s not one or the other. Abu Garcia, etc. makes some killer reels too.

They both got really solid options. Tatula/ Zillion/ Mago are awesome reels.The Antares MD is great but the Calcutta Conquest MD is something really special though.

Great video brother,I’ve been fishing Shimano since 1984 when I 14 ,I love the reliability and quality of the company ❤

I am blessed to own the Shimano 23’ Antares DC MD HG and Daiwa IMZ Limit Breaker and I have to say there both absolutely astonishing!! Love the Shimano for the lighter weight but have to say my Daiwa IMZ is a little smoother reeling IMO but it’s very very close!! The IMZ looks out of this world obviously just wish you could use the Daiwa Bluetooth software state side!

Would completely agree with you on the fact that if your throwing a DEPS 250 (6oz) and up bait definitely use a 300 and up size reel. Tranx 300/400 or Daiwa Tatula 300. You need a bigger reel for gripping that added weight when your rod loads up to heave that 6oz bait or better or you’re killing your self tossing that bait more than an hour.

I mostly have Shimano and only a couple of Daiwa bfs reels (back before Shimano came out with bfs) but can say i still prefer Shimano. I don't have the Antares MD DX but have the 21 Antares DC and the new Metanium DC and love both.

Had mine for a week and loving it fs

I like both companies a lot. I have Curado and Tatula that I got at the same time 5 or 6 years ago with the same amount of wear and maintenance. My Curado still runs amazing, so does my Tatula but the Tatula has a knock when I reel it (you’ll know what I’m taking about if you own one). I think Shimano wins that price category comfortably but the Steez is unbeatable in the top tier price category. Not a fan of doyo’s frames so I’m out on lews/abu.

Thanks Geoff. From someone who could possibly afford this reel but stubbornly won’t buy one because of the price

I’ve got some of the old Antares/Calais 200 ASV reels that were heavy duty deep spool reels that a lot of guys used for Saltwater. They make great smaller swim bait reels

Great video! Would love an updated video on how you fish your ghost with the new bumpers.

I’ve had it for about a month or so and absolutely love it. It’s so comfortable that I forget I’m fishing with it. I was using the Met DC before the Ant and hated it.

Let’s GO !!!

I have about 15DC reels, Two of the best all the time is Antares MD DC 18 and Antares Dc 16. And I paired MD with G-loomise IMX 966 and sweet combo for under 6 oz.

I teally wish shimano would bring back the Core. Id love to see an updated version of that masterpiece. Cool vid Sir

I just ate top ramen for a month to get it but I just got Shimano Calcutta Conquest MD 401. I got it to throw the ghost I've only cast it about 10 times but so far I love it. Daiwa's are good reels also do they make a large reel at that price point? Is the z20 a 300 size?

EPIC" from Idaho! Thanks 4 Posting! jd

I use both Shimano and Daiwa, I’ve been using the Tatula 200 & 300’s. I really like the 200’s the best just wish they made them in a 8:1

I got one on the way! Can't wait!

Thanks for the video Geoff !! I just got a G Loomis 966C IMX PRO SWBR and was thinking of pairing it with that new Shimano Antares DC MD... I think it would be perfect with that rod since most of the lures I would be throwing are in the 2.5oz to 4.5oz range.... I think your video just answered all my questions about it!! And I hope you get that record bass someday.

You mentioned you would use a 300 or 400 size reel for larger lures over 6+ oz. Is the Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 MD good for 10oz lures for frequent use? What do you feel are the upper limits of lure size for the Conquest 400 MD for frequent heavy swimbait use? I really appreciate your videos. Thanks.

Both are the top of the top

Just ordered the 23 from digitaka. Can’t wait. Where did you get the aftermarket knobs/handle?

Great review mate! I just received mine from Japan yesterday, what handle are you running on it?

I run the newest Scorpion 300 monster drive XGLH and the new Calcutta conquest monster drive 300 XGLH

What rod do you have paired with it? And when are you going to test it out in the Mexico trophy lakes??

I have a lot of nice shimano... then I got a zillion and I'm not so sure they are that good now!

Jeff how many washers got your handle right ? I’ve got both on my Antares and still doesn’t want to stay tight

I just got the 23 Antares dc md I have it in the Xb setting and running 20 pound sunline. Why is it that with a 2.8 ounce 6 inch burrito I can’t get the bait to not straight freefall unless I completely lock down my tension knob. I thought these were meant for big baits. I should be able to slow the freefall down without completely locking down my tension knob, right?

I traded that reel in and got the Tatula 300. #Daiwa

Great job on the video best I've ever seen.!!! Question can you fish worms and jigs with that reel on a 7' 6" heavy action rod ??

Id like to change the handles/grips on mine aswell. Which handles and size and grips do you recommend? Also any other parts I need to install them?

5:26 You think the Calcutta 200 would do well at 5oz+ instead? I want a swimbait reel, but want to use the smallest and lightest possible and use the biggest bait possible with the reel. I’m a bit wary on the size and weight of the 300 size reels.

Shimano makes nice bike parts too!

Can u see this reel for sw fishing like yellow tale or calico bass?

I always love cool reels, just can never bring myself to spend the money.

How would you compare it to a 22 conquest 200?

Abu garcia makes some killer reels. Digging my okumas too especially for saltwater

What’s the best budget reel around $200 or less for bigger swimbaits in the saltwater game? TranX 200?

Lew's Super Duty 300's handle my big baits

What is the color of those two yellowish drt swimbaits?

I don’t like the fact that companies are trying to make reels smaller and smaller. I think 2016-2021 Antares were the perfect reel for 4-6oz big bait.

My experience; Daiwa palms better if you side palm like me. Daiwa has thumb bar issues and spool loosening. Daiwa feels cheaper and they have cheap coating. I am a fan of Daiwa. Shimano tends to lock on the handles. Shimano Mentanium does not palm well if you palm on the side. 150 and having bigger spool is great. Nobody cares for DC. Overall, Shimano might have better internal bc they are a gear company. For example, Curado lasts longer than Tatula if I am not mistaken.

All my Spinning reel is Daiwa,all my Baitcaster is Shimano.

shimano for spinning daiwa for baitcasters

If Abu Garcia makes better bearings, I'd go with an Abu. Lol.

Can you throw 8oz lures on it? If so, how long before it wears out?

hi , would this reel also be suitable for fishing a lure like an OSP Blitz magnum ex dr ?

I got both makes …. Only one I’ve ever had issues With is my Ryoga… I love the fuck’n reel too, but she popped one 2x. Can’t call it

Have this and. Tatula 300. This way out performs the Tatula I just wish it had the drag of the Tatula tho. The tatula can keep the rest of its features, especially that notoriously gross Daiwa line lay 😂

Komodo 👍

What handle is that. Not stock, correct?

Doyo

Geoff how much weight ( in nail weights ) did you put into the anal fin of your tyrant 8 to make it float with stability? Thanks

All I can say on this is does it matter right there best real if there is no longer a bracelet fish

07:12 🧢

👀

Parts are easily replaceable. Tie on those big baits and send it! I would rather chuck those beasts on a lighter setup all day.

Unless you're rich enough to justify it a can get away with tranx or 13 a3 I'm in normal situation in northern California guys throwing big baits now days I feel like fish r getting conditioned to to alot of the bigger baits withal the pressure increasing the last few years .... but I dont have any of those custom baits I've watched u fish and I learned alot from your content i still fish blind maybe 2d sometimes

Daiwa is for ppl who don’t know how too use a baitcast.. too much braking!