Daiwa ABS spool / Twistbuster II
Shimano Propulsion spool / Propulsion line management

So let's hear it. I would like to hear everyone's actual experience using both, different size reels, all line types, and any diameters. I haven't used a Shimano spinning reel for a long long time, but line management on the cast and retrieve is oober important stuff. From all the research I have done it seems pretty 50/50. Do you think one is better than the other with shallow spools? How about deeper spools? Fluorocarbon?? Stiff fluorocarbon?? The more feedback the better! Daiwa 1500 vs. Shimano 1000 - Is one better than the other? How about a 2000 vs. a 2500?

Wondering about this myself

I've used a good number of reels from both manufacturers. There's things I like about both, but I ultimately chose Shimano; almost solely for the line management. The propulsion lip seems to give me longer casts and I don't even remember the last time I had a wind knot or twist issue. With Daiwa, I still get knots from time to time, though they're pretty rare. I have noticed that even Shimano's cheaper reels don't give me issues, while the cheaper Daiwa's do. My Fuego's haven't given me an issue at all, so maybe there's something to that. Could have something to do with the smoother oscillation of the better built reels over the cheaper models, perhaps? Or better line roller bearings? Maybe it all has to do with that lip on the Shimano. I couldn't really tell you, I just know I feel more confident and seem to have less issues with my Shimano spinners.

 

I have an array of sizes and really don't see any difference based on size, but it's not really fair because I put 8lb fluoro on my 2500 size and 4lb Super Natural on my 500 and 1000 sized reels.

Ty. My older Sol never caused a problem, but you mentioned the Verano did. I wonder if it has something to do with those rather large zaion spools on the newer reels.

I switched from Shimano to Daiwa spinning probably 6-7 years ago.  I was getting noticeably less line twist with my Daiwa's so stuck with them.  If Shimano has made improvements to this aspect in the last 7 years, I do not know, but other than this I could go either way.  Right now, I'm fine and happy where I'm at.

I am an avid Daiwa/Shimano user and I have had great success using my shimano spinning reels vs. Daiwa spinning. The the OP said the shimano is just a little easier to keep "tame" especially with fluorocarbon in the 6-8lb range.

I have experience with the Stradic FI 1000 models, and the Lexa 2000 SH. Also other lower-end Shimanos, but I'll just compare the two mentioned.

 

Like the management of both. Think both have great abilities. I use braid, so twist is not that big of an issue. Both lay braided line down just fine.

 

Not the answer you were looking for, probably, but that's just my limited experience.

Ty. My older Sol never caused a problem, but you mentioned the Verano did. I wonder if it has something to do with those rather large zaion spools on the newer reels.

 

Zaion spools?  Or Zaion rotor?  I prefer mono even with spinning gear and have little trouble with either make as far as management of line, but my experience is only with middle of the market models.  Distance goes to Daiwa for me.  

Rotor. Sorry

My issues with Shimano have nothing to do with line management, I think they are the best in the game at that.  If I ever bought another Shimano, line management would be the reason.

I haven't used any Shimanos in years precisely because of line management. I had major twist problems with Shimano, just minor with Daiwa. Never used any Shimanos with braid.

I would take the Shimano darn near 100% of the time.

I've used a good number of reels from both manufacturers. There's things I like about both, but I ultimately chose Shimano; almost solely for the line management. The propulsion lip seems to give me longer casts and I don't even remember the last time I had a wind knot or twist issue. With Daiwa, I still get knots from time to time, though they're pretty rare. I have noticed that even Shimano's cheaper reels don't give me issues, while the cheaper Daiwa's do. My Fuego's haven't given me an issue at all, so maybe there's something to that. Could have something to do with the smoother oscillation of the better built reels over the cheaper models, perhaps? Or better line roller bearings? Maybe it all has to do with that lip on the Shimano. I couldn't really tell you, I just know I feel more confident and seem to have less issues with my Shimano spinners.

 

I have an array of sizes and really don't see any difference based on size, but it's not really fair because I put 8lb fluoro on my 2500 size and 4lb Super Natural on my 500 and 1000 sized reels.

 

I agree completely with this. I think the lip of the shimano rotor really helps the line management and casting distance. My experience with daiwas is the fuego. I had 2 fuego 1000s, and its a great reel. My favorite thing about it is the bail/bail spring. Same with pflueger, i think they do there bail and strong bail spring right. Thats my only qualm with shimano, seems like there bail springs wear out. But, ive had every shimano from the sedona to the stella and i love the reels so much id never go to another brand. For the money, i dont think you can beat the original ci4, ci4+, or stradic fj. As darren said, im also a braid only user with flouro leaders so ive never had line management problems.

Line management starts with the basics: After each cast, close the bail by hand, pull the line taught, and use a swivel if you're using something that is known for twisting lines.

I own both daiwa and shimano, I don't believe that one is superior to the rest.