2021 shimano antares dc xg thoughts

[tditox4]

Does anyone have this reel ? If so, what do you think about its performance? tia

[robertjb7771]

I do not have the xg model but the HG. They are exactly the same except for the XG’s faster gear ratio and slightly longer handle. I own the previous Antares dc 18 monster drive and the Antares 19 so I have some good context for you. The 21 Antares dc takes refinement another notch up with tighter tolerances , better cast control. Casting distance is about on par with the 18 or not a big noticeable difference. It also has a daiwa like zero adjuster tension knob on the outside and is now saltwater capable ( something the 16 was not and only the monster drive was). It has the same shape as the 19 non dc Antares but bigger ( smaller than the 16/18 dc). So it feels better in hand ( I have big hands , so either don’t bother me) . Don’t let what looks like on paper as minor differences fool you, they add up to something tight, powerful, special.