So these two brands are pretty much the top dogs in reel making as far as selection and quality of reels.  If you had to choose only one which do you think is better overall?  Comparing their quality and range of choices of products.  Lets hear what you think......

I chunked around a new curado this past weekend and I have to say, it was amazing. However, I really don't like internal brake adjustments. I like the convenience of just turning the switch to add or remove some brake. Flipping and pitching-no brake. For casting that same bait, I'll add a little.

Both  They each have amazing products and I couldn't just limit myself to using one or the other.  

I voted for Shimano.

Shimano

Citica D

Citca E

Curado E

Chronarch Mg

love them all.  

I voted for Shimano.

I'll believe that when my crap turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbert.

I voted Shimano but they both make a great products and few dogs for that matter.

I voted for Shimano.

I'll believe that when my crap turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbert.

LOL...Super Troopers!

Do you like mustard or ketchup?

I own both and am equally pleased with both. I voted Shimano as I feel they have a slight edge. I concur with the results of the poll.

They both make quality products. What do you use ?

I voted for Daiwa since all my B/C til this year were Daiwa with the addition of Quantum this year. I have both Daiwa Regal Xia and a Shimano Sahara I just added this year. Right now I have to give the nod to Daiwa til I get the Shimano on the water and see how well it performs.

I chose Daiwa, because that is what I use.  But that doesn't really answer the vague question, "What is better?"  

Better at what?  

Daiwas were lighter, and more compact, but I'd say Shimano has caught up.  Shimano has some reels that Daiwa doesn't really even address in their line, e.g. Curado 300.  

While Daiwas are certainly very serviceable, there is something about breaking a Shimano down that just plain "makes sense."  Little things, like putting the spool shaft retainer screw on the Symtre/Sahara line facing out for easy removal.  Or being able to pull the one way bearing by removing three screws, yet it still has two screws that keep the whole unit sandwiched together.

Some reels are simply engineered to be assembled.  Others are actually designed for long life, performance, and easy care.  Daiwa and Shimano meet that target in almost every product they make.

I own both, I have the same number of Daiwas than I do Shimanos, I have no preference for either except in one department, for small baits Pixy beats the Chronarch 50 Mg hands down.

I own both, more Shimano than Diawa,but still voted Diawa.

All reels and manufacturers have a specific "place or situation" if you will In fishing. For the type of fishing I do I prefer Diawa

Hard choice indeed

I own all shimano products, but I didnt vote because I have never fished any diawa reels. My brother is trying to get me to buy a diawa baitcaster as my next reel, I am still not sure what I am gonna do yet!

I voted for the brand that sells baitcasters without backplay in the handle and spinning reels that do not need maintenance before you get to use them.