Daiwa Kage LT MQ

[karirick]

Anyone here by chance handle a Daiwa Kage MQ spinning reel yet?

Looks to me better cosmetically than the Vanford. Basically a Zaion Certate it seems.

Thanks.

Rick

[bronzefly]

Anyone here by chance handle a Daiwa Kage MQ spinning reel yet?

Looks to me better cosmetically than the Vanford. Basically a Zaion Certate it seems.

Yes, they are in stock at The Tackle Trap. They are impressive looking and feeling reels indeed. The Zaion Certate is a reasonable comparison, I would agree.

[karirick]

Thanks. Have you handled a Vanford? Comparison in your hands?

Rick

[HobeyBaker]

What are the gear ratios?

[bronzefly]

Have you handled a Vanford?

No sir.

What are the gear ratios?

6.2:1

Daiwa Kage LT MQ

[HobeyBaker]

Have you handled a Vanford?

No sir.

What are the gear ratios?

6.2:1

Daiwa Kage LT MQ

Thanks. Are these made in Japan? $329 MSRP would indicate that they are.

[karirick]

Think Thailand or Malaysia. They do uniquely have the spool shaft bearing like the Exist though. Luvias and Certate do not.

Saw a small review on youtube.

I'm considering ordering a couple.

Rick

[Kurt L]

I just added that spool support bearing to three Certate LT's and a JDM Ballistic last week along with internal spool bearings. The spool support bearing is the same size as Shimano uses on the Sustain they run about $4.00 each from Shimano.

Kurt

[karirick]

Nice.

[HobeyBaker]

I’ll stick with the Certates. The Luvias didn’t really meet my expectation and this has to be a step down from a Luvias.

[ftl1951]

I’ll stick with the Certates. The Luvias didn’t really meet my expectation and this has to be a step down from a Luvias.

Agree. Certates can be found for roughly $350 and are absolutely fantastic. I’m sure this is another great reel with the MQ body, but none of the shops near me carry it. The Luvias are now made in China instead of Japan. I got two of the reels that were made in Japan earlier this year and these are really nice as well. I have a new Vanford and it is very smooth, but doesn’t match the Daiwa’s performance. My two favorite bass reels are the Certate, and the Shimano 17 Exsence. Both of these reels are just outstanding. Now don’t get me wrong. I will probably get a new Kage MQ in future, but for now, I’m still sourcing more Certates.

[karirick]

I’ll stick with the Certates. The Luvias didn’t really meet my expectation and this has to be a step down from a Luvias.

If that is true I will not get one.

Maybe the Vanford is the best value in a light plastic reel.

Rick

[HobeyBaker]

I’ll stick with the Certates. The Luvias didn’t really meet my expectation and this has to be a step down from a Luvias.

If that is true I will not get one.

Maybe the Vanford is the best value in a light plastic reel.

Rick

I felt like there is a definite fall off between the Luvias and Certate. The gap between them is larger than Exist and Certate. My Luvias was made in Japan, for what it’s worth.

[Kurt L]

I agree the Certates LT's are outstanding reels, I have been very impressed and I'm a very picky sucker I have caught a lot of Salmon on the three I have (2500-4000) and you would never know they have been used, they just as tight and silky smooth as they were out of the box. One more plus is they are much easier to lube not requiring a total tear down like the other Daiwa MQ reels.

Kurt

[timinmo]

So consider this a "for what it is worth" comment. I have not fished the Vanford or the KageMQ but I have handled both. Things to think about, neither are made in Japan. There is a pretty good price difference. The Vanford 2500 has an "I" knob the KageMQ has a "T" knob. Both are very nice reels but neither comes close to the Certate. If I were buying and these were my choices I would probably buy the KageMQ as I really like what Daiwa has done on the spinning reel side the last few years but it would depend on my budget and whether I could get over the $100 or more price difference. If I could swing the Kage and could get a Certate for a little more, as somebody stated, I would sure go Certate. With all that said the Vanford feels great and I'm sure will give anyone years of service.