freelancer27

One thing that I want to add. Both lines are super smooth after spooled up, but their coating wears off rather fast. Which makes the line rougher and also increases the memory of the line. Some line conditioner can counter this, just be aware that the line changes quite a bit in this regard after a couple of outings.

I have the Steez CT as well, as the Antares DC MD and I previously had the 2016 Antares DC too. The Steez CT is tiny (independent of any other reel) which becomes even more obvious when compared to the Antares DC (2016 and MD version). Two completely different types of reels!!! While I also purchased the Antares DC MD to be the reel for my heavy jig combo, I abandoned that thought very quickly. It is way too big to palm (and I have large hands) and also too heavy for that purpose. I have it now on my Megabass T.S BlackJack to throw medium (up to 9inch) glide baits on it. Perfect combo. The 2021 Antares DC is very similar in size to the 2016 Antares DC. It has to be. The DC unit requires a certain size. I was hoping that the 2021 version would be in the same exact body as the 2019 Antares. But my hopes where not fulfilled. So, I purchased the 2019 Antares.

Interesting! How would you compare your Conquest 843c vs the X-Bites. I am looking for the ultimate senko + 3/8oz Jig(+trailer) rod and the two rods (actually the 903c) are contenders for me. Thanks!

Yeah, but according to pics that I found on a JP Instagram account, the reel is not smaller than the 2016 DC version. I had that the 2016 and it was big (i have large hands).

the 7'3 MH PA and the X-Bites are also in my close group of considered rods for a senko and 3/8oz JIg + trailer applications. How do you compare the X-Bites with the PA. Any significant difference in sensitivity, performance? Thanks!

I use mine as a frog rod. Short, super powerful and well balanced. Ensures that I my wrist is not getting tired after 4h of straight frogging.

I also use both lines. I think what it boils down to is stretch of the line. Defier has quite a bit more stretch and hence is great for any applications where this line characteristic is needed. I use if for big glide baits, big top water and also cranking activities. Armilo has significantly less stretch. It is actually the mono with the least amount of stretch that I have encountered. If you prefer a line that floats, has little stretch, good sensitivity and is not braid, Armilo is a good choice. I use mine on my smaller topwater and cranking combos.

Wish they brought these and the Racing Designs over to the US (with US warranty). I live the Steez AGS, but they are not as sexy as the JDM models.

Thank you sir! Have you tried the 903 as well, before you decided to go with the 843c? WHat reel and line are you running on the 843c, what are you main purposes? How do you think the guides would take a leader (FG) knot? Thanks again!

Thanks for the reply! I thought about going custom. But I am a bit nervous about warranty. I do a lot of bank fishing in some rough terrain, where things can break. On a G.Loomis (other comparable manufacturer) I pay a 1XX USD fee and have a new rod.

Hi all, been doing a lot of research over the last weeks to find the rod for my ultimate 6" senko and 3/8oz Jig rod. Factors that are important to me: * Absolute best sensitivity * Great warranty * Great craftsmanship * Great balance (will be balanced with a 2019 Antares MGL) * Can take leader knots (will use #27 Seaguar R18 to a #12 FC leader) Anything else that comes to mind? Thanks all!

Yeah, I read that too. But the pictures speak a different language. I had the 2016 Antares DC and I have fished the 2019 Antares. There are miles between the size of these reels. The picture here seem to show that the 2016 and the 2021 Antares DC are almost the same size. 2021 seems to be even a bit higher, but shorter than the 2016.

Here some pics that I extracted from a Japanese IG account: Does not look like the 2021 Antares is smaller than the 2916 Antares DC. Which is quite disappointing tbh.

I ordered the Onyx one. I tried the Mustand today at WestMarine. And while I like it, I like the ability to decide between Auto and Manual and also prefer some small pockets. Will report back on my experience. Thanks all for your input!

Hi all, I am in the market for a quality inflatable PFD and would like to get some feedback from people that have been using these, since I am not seeing enough reviews online. What I am looking for: * Light and comfortable inflatable PFD (I am 6'3, 220 #) * Automatic activation when and only when getting submerged and not in rain or when I get wet from waves, etc. * A pocket for my keys/ phone would be a nice to have * No price limit (safety is absolutely important to me/wife) Options that I am looking at: * Mustang: https://mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds/products/hit-inflatable-pfd-with-sailing-harness-auto-hydrostatic-md3184-02 * Onyx: https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ony133600-100-004-15-onyx-a33-insight-deluxe-tournament-automatic.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAt9z-BRBCEiwA_bWv-FzJpRg-gxxW3OQligWxgyJw1dTDsEVyjD1tLq1v6pjlXMB2RtsK8hoCzfgQAvD_BwE Thanks for your feedback and advice!

Hi guys, I moved to a new place, where my wife gave me permission to use one room just as my man cave! Looking for a rod rack that can hold around +/- 16 rod combos. Was thinking that a rotating round rod rack would probably be best, since I would be able to put it into a corder and rotate it when needed. My research online did not really yield a clear picture on what is good quality and what is not. Would be thankful for any recommendations! Thank you!

@zeth

With lures of 1/2oz and up I can recommend the Daiwat Costal TW version (not the SV on). Really great caster, outcasts my Tatulate Elite, Coastal TW SV.

Hi guys, looking to get a new reel for my chatterbait and paddletail swimabait rod (3/4oz - 3oz). Looking at the Daiwa Z2020 HG and the Calcutta Conquest DC 201HG. The Daiwa is a bit older tech, while the CC has the latest and greatest what Shimano has to offer. Could not find much details on the Daiwa to determine what the internals are and how they behave over time. Also heard that the (earlier?) Z2020 had some paint chipping problems. Wondering if any had thoughts on this decisions. Thanks!

Yep, that would solve it, or get a SV spool for an existing Daiwa reel (if eligible). My Steez A with the Steez SV spool is an amazing skipper and also provides great pitching capabilities.

894c . Throws 3/8oz well with the right reel and also can push up to 1oz in case you need it.

My feeling might be based on the fact that the NRX has a faster taper than the Steez. The Steez therefor loads a bit slower into the backbone. Both should be good for 3/4oz lures. Curious how you work the leader on the Steez? Does your connection know pass any guides, or is it just a short one that sits "outside" all the time?

Well, the hook keeper just bugs me because of the way I transport the rods when I am bankfishing. It also is not the ideal placement when I put a lure cover over on. When the hook keeper is above the reel seat this works much better. I was surprised as well. I thought the Steez would be more powerful, which is why I had used it with 20# instead and put the 16# on the NRX. I hooked into a 5+ # largie on Saturday (open water) and I had no problem getting the fish to shore, whatsoever. Unfortunately my line snapped when I was about to get the fish on land...

Got the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact. Fished them for two outings. Here are some quick thoughts: Looks: Steez looks better and has much better craftsmanship. It's a bit sad that a US made high end rod sits so far behind a Chinese made one. Well, what is truly high quality that is made in this country that is not software... I HATE the Steez's hook keeper placement. I have my rods stuck into my backpack when I walk around, the hook keeper makes it really tedious to get the rod in and out from the backpack. Why Daiwa, why? Handling: out of the box it is the Steez. The NRx is a bit more tip heavy than I would like. The Steez is perfectly balanced. The handle is a bit more comfortable on the Steez as well. The Eva on the Steez can be a bit slippery though. The fishing glove's leather hand side slips on the Eva. Especially when they are wet. I added a grip wrap on the NRx and now I like it a lot. Will try a balance kit next and see how it behaves. Performance: Both handle lures from 3/8 to 3/4 oz ounces pretty well. The NRX has a faster taper and feels Abit more powerful than the Steez to me. Sensitivity: Both are very sensitive. I think the NRX might still be a hair more sensitive. But this is really splitting hair. The NRX has more of a slight vibrating feel, while the Steez is a bit more solid. This allows the NRX to pick up some contact a bit more in my short experience. Warranty: I hope I will not have to use it for either but the NRX with it's replacement warranty is better. Usage: Have not completely figured it out yet. Had the Steez equipped with a Steez A and 20 pound sniper FC while the NRX was with a 2019 daiwa morethan and 16 pound sniper FC. I might actually reverse this, since the NRX seems to be slightly more powerful and I will use the NRX for heavier duty stuff and lighter flipping techniques. Which to choose if you only could do one: Hm, that is a very good question. If one needs a good all around bottom contact rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs and warranty is not that important since you fish most of the time from the boat, I would probably go for the Steez. For Bank fisherman that fish heavier jigs, I would go for the NRX. Got both for more than 25% off. Fair deal I would say. Let me know if you have Q.

What is your 'newest other set up' that was better? ?