Trying to decide between these, the Steez is smaller lighter, the Antares has that awesome sound and maybe better distance, not sure.

 

I need to hear from those with experience with both - What are the pros and cons of each.  If you could pick one, which one would you pick and why?

 

 

My opinion is these reels aren't really close to one another. To start, the weight difference is nearly a year 2 1/2 ounces. That's a huge deal when deciding on what rod to pair the reel with. Imo they aren't in any way interchangeable. Second, the size, the CT is more compact, I enjoy that over most anything else but some others don't care. Third, antares will probably casting further but likely wouldn't handle lighter weight baits as well or skipping. For my stile of I'm ct all the way but I prefer compact and light. 

Not sure if you have read the specs on both reels but here they are. The Monster Drive is really geared for larger baits so if that is not your need I would go with the standard model.https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffishing.shimano.co.jp%2Fproduct%2Freel%2F5572

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffishing.shimano.co.jp%2Fproduct%2Freel%2F5572

which DC model is the smallest?

I bought the antares Dc MD - its a big reel!

 

not sure if i’m going to keep it as i like smaller profile reels. 

 

is there any DC model that is similar in size to the Steez SV? 

What does that mean?  I have been using heavy jigs all summer??

Wait a few months and the new Antares  DC will be available......

On 1/24/2021 at 3:41 PM, NHBull said:

Wait a few months and the new Antares  DC will be available......

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).
 

 

12 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

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).
 

I heard the new Antares DC is going to be smaller, but Now I am not so sure.  Based on the above.  

Does anyone know for sure? 

 

For comparison, I have a Daiwa Steez CT SV, I love that size.  How does the new antares compare to that?

19 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

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).
 

 

Since I am left handed I will have a few months on seeing how the right is reviewed 

3 minutes ago, Jeffrey Walker said:

Does anyone know for sure? 

 

For comparison, I have a Daiwa Steez CT SV, I love that size.  How does the new antares compare to that?

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. 

 

On 1/24/2021 at 6:37 PM, BaitFinesse said:

As long as you are ok with the limited line capacity.  I personally wouldn't trust the aluminum gears to high drag pressures and hard hooksets to stay as smooth as brass.  I've replaced aluminum Steez gears with brass after they developed buzz from heavy use.

The workhorse steez sv uses their aluminum gears without issue, why would you assume the CT would have problems? 

On 1/24/2021 at 3:37 PM, BaitFinesse said:

As long as you are ok with the limited line capacity.  I personally wouldn't trust the aluminum gears to high drag pressures and hard hooksets to stay as smooth as brass.  I've replaced aluminum Steez gears with brass after they developed buzz from heavy use.

..

Do they make brass gears for the Steez ct?