They are all good brands that make a fine reel. There is no reason to start picking brands and claiming one is superior to the other. I mean cause really if you want to get into it Daiwa is the best hands down. That being said I would have no issue fishing any of those brands. I don't know why there isn't ton's of Daiwa fan boys like there is for shimano. I think maybe because shimano is big in the US but in Japan its Daiwa.

Why would anyone use lews?? Uhh maybe because they like smooth durable reels at a decent price with unmatched customer service.

+1000!

Reels are marketed to different price points and markets. I am not sure Daiwa is better than Shimano. Is there a better round reel than the conquest? How about Shimano and their DC line of reels. The Exscence DC can be cast without thumbing the reel. Can any other reel do that? I am not touting Daiwa or Shimano being better than the other but they seem to offer reels that appeal to the budget angler and enthusiast alike. I fish 50/50 Daiwa and Shimano. Lews tends to appeal to the low to mid level market but lacks high end and enthusiast level reels. Abu makes nice round reels but their Gen 3 reels are failing in both sales and performance. Get in where you fit in. I have weeded through dozens of reels to find what I like for what I plan to use it for. Fish what you like and fish what you can afford. There aren't any right or wrong choices but rather options that fit your preference and budget.

Well since this has veered into a Shimano V Daiwa V Lews V everyone else thread...

 

LOCKDOWN!!!