Light and Tough? It Does EXIST and It's Made by Daiwa

[Cal]

Light and Tough? It Does EXIST and It's Made by Daiwa



Introduction: It's been eleven long years since I've sampled a new Daiwa Exist. At least, that's the last review on our site of Daiwa's top end JDM Spinning Reel. To be honest, I like that reel so much and it has performed so well for me through the years, that I haven't really paid attention to updates on this reel. I know there was one in 2015 where Daiwa introduced their MagSeal technology to the line, but I quickly dismissed it because the cosmetics did not appeal to me. When spending this much money on a fishing reel, cosmetics matter.



So enter 2018 and I catch my first glimpse of Exist's rival, Shimano's Stella FJ. As soon as I saw the picture of that reel, I pulled the trigger and in the midst of my joy fishing that reel, I come across an image for the 2018 Daiwa Exist LT. Risking an alert from my credit card overlords, I made yet another impulse purchase. My enthusiasm has returned and here now is a look at Daiwa's latest Exist, the LT 3000S-CXH.

Complete Article: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwa18exist.html

[goldrod]

I am excited to read about the shoot out between the two reels.

I wish i could say Shimano fought the good fight......I wish I could tell you that ...but Tackle Tour is no fairytale world.

[Cal]

I am excited to read about the shoot out between the two reels.

So far... it is neck to neck

[Cracker]

Cal,

Can you please specify your thoughts?

There are other design features I didn't go into much detail about like the smaller diameter spools for less friction on casts equating to better casting distances

Actually, Daiwa Pro Brent Ehrler uses bigger diameter spools explaining that helps him to gain the distance and line management.

[Cal]

Cal,

Can you please specify your thoughts?

I've always been a proponent of larger/wider spools on spinning reels for better line management. With a wider spool, the coils on your fishing line aren't as small, so there's less issues with line memory. Daiwa and Shimano usually offer a model with a 3000 sized spool on a 2000 or 2500 body. That's the one I always target.

As for casting distance - eh... i don't buy any of it at least between 2000/2500 and 3000 size. Never had an issue getting a bait where I wanted on spinning gear. Daiwa is touting the smaller diameter spool. I view it as marketing.

[goldrod]

Daiwa has taken the lead
All things considered , how could they not.
I’m sure the shootout will reveal this. I’m so sure that if Daiwa didn’t win
I’d buy you a Stella (16oz)

[Cracker]

Cal,
Can you please specify your thoughts?

I've always been a proponent of larger/wider spools on spinning reels for better line management. With a wider spool, the coils on your fishing line aren't as small, so there's less issues with line memory. Daiwa and Shimano usually offer a model with a 3000 sized spool on a 2000 or 2500 body. That's the one I always target.
As for casting distance - eh... i don't buy any of it at least between 2000/2500 and 3000 size. Never had an issue getting a bait where I wanted on spinning gear. Daiwa is touting the smaller diameter spool. I view it as marketing.

I some how thought the difference between 2500 and 3000 size is only how deep the spool, they both in same diameter. What you say, the 3000 is slightly bigger in diameter, that makes sense to buy it. I personally buy 4000 size for my inshore rods, like that extra distance and power to handle strong fish.

[BRONZEBACK32]

Cal you should send me both reels to try out

Awesome review/s
At this point in time I'm leaning towards the Daiwa Exist over the Shimano Stella.

But can't wait for the shootout.

[Markanthony404]

Can't wait to read the shootout, I got money on the Daiwa.

[jpmoney]

I would give the slight edge to the Exist.