I don’t discriminate. Own both. Love both.

I’m a Daiwa guy but both companies are top notch. Thanks for the informative video Geoff as always keep killing it !!!

I don’t like the fact that companies are trying to make reels smaller and smaller.

My experience; Daiwa palms better if you side palm like me. Daiwa has thumb bar issues and spool loosening. Daiwa feels cheaper and they have cheap coating. I am a fan of Daiwa. Shimano tends to lock on the handles. Shimano Mentanium does not palm well if you palm on the side. 150 and having bigger spool is great. Nobody cares for DC. Overall, Shimano might have better internal bc they are a gear company. For example, Curado lasts longer than Tatula if I am not mistaken.

They both got really solid options. Tatula/ Zillion/ Mago are awesome reels.The Antares MD is great but the Calcutta Conquest MD is something really special though.

If Abu Garcia makes better bearings, I'd go with an Abu. Lol.

Unless you're rich enough to justify it a can get away with tranx or 13 a3 I'm in normal situation in northern California guys throwing big baits now days I feel like fish r getting conditioned to to alot of the bigger baits withal the pressure increasing the last few years .... but I dont have any of those custom baits I've watched u fish and I learned alot from your content i still fish blind maybe 2d sometimes

I have about 15DC reels, Two of the best all the time is Antares MD DC 18 and Antares Dc 16. And I paired MD with G-loomise IMX 966 and sweet combo for under 6 oz.

I am blessed to own the Shimano 23’ Antares DC MD HG and Daiwa IMZ Limit Breaker and I have to say there both absolutely astonishing!! Love the Shimano for the lighter weight but have to say my Daiwa IMZ is a little smoother reeling IMO but it’s very very close!! The IMZ looks out of this world obviously just wish you could use the Daiwa Bluetooth software state side!

Thanks Geoff. From someone who could possibly afford this reel but stubbornly won’t buy one because of the price

I’m a Shimano guy and I think it all comes down to two things…1.) your early exposure 2.) your performance preference

Had mine for a week and loving it fs

Great video brother,I’ve been fishing Shimano since 1984 when I 14 ,I love the reliability and quality of the company ❤

EPIC" from Idaho! Thanks 4 Posting! jd

I got one on the way! Can't wait!

Let’s GO !!!

Thanks for the video Geoff !! I just got a G Loomis 966C IMX PRO SWBR and was thinking of pairing it with that new Shimano Antares DC MD... I think it would be perfect with that rod since most of the lures I would be throwing are in the 2.5oz to 4.5oz range.... I think your video just answered all my questions about it!! And I hope you get that record bass someday.

I teally wish shimano would bring back the Core.

I’ve got some of the old Antares/Calais 200 ASV reels that were heavy duty deep spool reels that a lot of guys used for Saltwater. They make great smaller swim bait reels

I mostly have Shimano and only a couple of Daiwa bfs reels (back before Shimano came out with bfs) but can say i still prefer Shimano. I don't have the Antares MD DX but have the 21 Antares DC and the new Metanium DC and love both.