2023 Steez “Real Control” Rods

[Hogsticker2]

My thoughts on that:

I have a M40X generation Ultima spinning rod that I have fished many many days/hours. This is not a slight against the Ultima, they are great rods and I enjoy them too.

There’s no Ultima model that compares 1:1 with the RC S68MH. The 7’ M isn’t the same type of rod at all.

The USDM Ultima’s aren’t really a new Ultima. There are lots of JDM models that are great too.

To me, $900 is an awful lot for an Ultima considering the USD/Yen conversion, and a 1 year warranty is irrelevant to me. It has to be a price tier above their Conquest rods and two above the NRX+… but it’s very easy to order a JDM Ultima and it’s usually delivered faster than domestic rods too.

I still think the Steez RC S68MH is the best spinning rod I have fished. I took a flier on this rod (pre-order) with no info/reviews to go on because it’s a MH. I previously owned the Racing Design S67ML+ For reference too.

I’m looking forward to the Evergreen Spider Spin 611MH and whatever Daiwa 2024 release they have (the Real Control are a limited model).

The world needs more high end true MH spinning rods.

Well, if you read the PU dedicated thread, guys are saying that these crap all over their NRX+ and Steez rods. That's gotta mean something.

[Cranky]

I’ve read it. One guy excited about a shiny new USDM rod (that’s the same as JDM rods I already own) and providing hyperbole doesn’t get me worked up to buy it for $900. For $900 you can order almost any rod on the planet, 7’ ML and M rods are a dime a dozen, and to me that’s too much for a $600 JDM Ultima. They’re also referring to the USDM AGS rods, which are not the same as the Real Control rods.

I’m very confident the USDM Ultima models are great rods. I’m also very confident they’re not any different than the JDM models that have been around for years, also great rods.

I’ve had lots of great spinning rods, including Ultima and NRX+ currently too, and as far as I’m concerned I’m much more impressed with the Real Control rods than I honestly thought I’d be. This is a Steez RC thread, just giving my review/impression. The S68MH has far exceeded the expectations I had when I ordered it and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seriously looking for a MH spinning rod.

[Hogsticker2]

I’ve read it. One guy excited about a shiny new USDM rod (that’s the same as JDM rods I already own) and providing hyperbole doesn’t get me worked up to buy it for $900. For $900 you can order almost any rod on the planet, 7’ ML and M rods are a dime a dozen, and to me that’s too much for a $600 JDM Ultima. They’re also referring to the USDM AGS rods, which are not the same as the Real Control rods.

I’m very confident the USDM Ultima models are great rods. I’m also very confident they’re not any different than the JDM models that have been around for years, also great rods.

I’ve had lots of great spinning rods, including Ultima and NRX+ currently too, and as far as I’m concerned I’m much more impressed with the Real Control rods than I honestly thought I’d be. This is a Steez RC thread, just giving my review/impression. The S68MH has far exceeded the expectations I had when I ordered it and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seriously looking for a MH spinning rod.

Wow. I'll bug on out now

[ras]

For $900 you can order almost any rod on the planet

Zenaq Naked NC83 Tuna – 1,280,000 yen, before tax.

Sorry for off-topic, don't mean to upset anyone this way. Just to nerd out!

[Cranky]

Hahaha for sure. I should have been more specific in saying almost any 7’ ML or M SPINNING rod for $900.

I will say based off the Real Control, I can’t wait to see what Daiwa Japan releases for 2024. This is the first rod of theirs that I really feel like the AGS adds real noticeable character to it that otherwise wouldn’t be there with Ti/Torzite or Ti/SiC.

[Hogsticker2]

Hahaha for sure. I should have been more specific in saying almost any 7’ ML or M SPINNING rod for $900.

I will say based off the Real Control, I can’t wait to see what Daiwa Japan releases for 2024. This is the first rod of theirs that I really feel like the AGS adds real noticeable character to it that otherwise wouldn’t be there with Ti/Torzite or Ti/SiC.

Do you have both the Ultima and Real Control?

[Cranky]

…I have a M40X generation Ultima spinning rod that I have fished many many days/hours. This is not a slight against the Ultima, they are great rods and I enjoy them too….


…I’ve had lots of great spinning rods, including Ultima and NRX+ currently too…

Wow. I'll bug on out now

Yes

[Hogsticker2]

Does anyone know if Daiwa plans to release additional models?

[evilcatfish]

Thought you all might want to check out this video. Kyoya mentions the spinning rod he used at Champlain was a Real Control prototype, so it looks like new option(s?) in the series may be on the horizon.

https://www.bassmaster.com/gear/video/t ... champlain/

[Cranky]

Nice find. If you watch his footage from this year, especially at the smallie tourneys, it sure doesn’t appear to always be a 6’1” rod he’s fishing for certain lighter applications. I’ll gladly start the speculation that one of his prototype Real Control models is a 76MLM. He’s clearly fishing a rod that’s over 7’ and the 76 has been a staple for many many people… whether it’s 7’2, 7’4, 7’6 well whatever… but it’s not 6’1”.

The Steez Real Control series and the Exist Super Finesse models are amazing gear, very very impressed by Daiwa on both.

[4g63power]

Also note that he said heavy class rod and they quoted heavy glass rod lol

[Cracker]

Nice find. If you watch his footage from this year, especially at the smallie tourneys, it sure doesn’t appear to always be a 6’1” rod he’s fishing for certain lighter applications. I’ll gladly start the speculation that one of his prototype Real Control models is a 76MLM. He’s clearly fishing a rod that’s over 7’ and the 76 has been a staple for many many people… whether it’s 7’2, 7’4, 7’6 well whatever… but it’s not 6’1”.

The Steez Real Control series and the Exist Super Finesse models are amazing gear, very very impressed by Daiwa on both.

Why he doesn’t use the model you own?! Would be perfect rod for that technique- S68MH model.

[Cranky]

I don’t think so regarding the S68MH.

I think that generally to the Japanese angler population the S68MH style spinning rods are primarily used for their cover shooting and/or hanging techniques. It’s a much more crisp and stouter spinning rod than most people are used to, it’s a decent step up from a Gloomis 803S or 852S. Whereas a 7’ to 7’6” ML style tipped spinning rod is a staple for big water fisheries, light baits, long casts, etc etc.

Just speculation on my part for entertainment purposes, I would anticipate some flagship Daiwa model that is 7’0” to 7’6” will be released in Jan/Feb… but then again maybe not. The longest Racing Design spinning rod was 6’7” but the times they are a changing (even in Japan).

For me I’m keeping the S68MH!

[DragonMaJig]

Also note that he said heavy class rod and they quoted heavy glass rod lol

Thank goodness for the clarification, I was so confused, thought I had bought a $700 glass rod when I saw the subtitle..

[Chode]

Any more reviews on these? Especially interested in the casting rod. Thx