2023 Steez “Real Control” Rods

[Cranky]

Looks like the latest Daiwa Steez lineup. Rod weights are unbelievable, all the latest/greatest tech, and priced in a tier significantly above the standard Steez AGS rods… these going to be the Racing Design replacements?

https://www.daiwa.com/jp/fishing/item/r ... index.html

[gopokes12]

That 7’3 H model sounds like it could be amazing

[StymoDe]

price tag on this lineup is amazing too

[Cranky]

Actually similar but slightly less than the Racing Designs were. Daiwa doesn’t specify which graphite they use exactly but based on reading between the lines of the SVF/Compile-X/Nanoplus combinations they use in rod listings plus the description they give of the blanks for these, I’d speculate these are their new M40X rod blank lineup to replace the discontinued Racing Design price tier after those main RD features were largely migrated into the standard JDM/USA Steez AGS rods.

[4g63power]

These aren't some Racing design replacement because the price tier is this and that, graphite is this and that they are kyoya fujita, their new bass fishing poster boy, signature rods which the production is supposed to run only one year. Pretty hefty price tag for basic/stripped down looking rods imo.

[Cranky]

I’m still hoping for the new Racing Designs to be announced for 2023 with a full lineup of options and cork grips, so I definitely hope you’re right. I’m probably wrong and this isn’t just Daiwa punting the RD for another year. If there’s another RD announcement coming still, aside from cosmetics I think they will share most of these same features though. I’d really like to see them include this new S68MH model and finally add the 76MML.

[LowRange]

I would expect carbon grips on a high end rod with "racing design" in its name and trying to make connections to automotive racing. The last thing I would expect is cork. Maybe they will release a heartland or something with full cork or non AGS.

[4g63power]

Yea who knows.. Racing Design was the revive of TD Battler ltd series, another short limited production run way back. May be they will stick with dropping some short lived lineups here and there like the new Real Control to keep things interesting instead.

[Cranky]

Fair point. I don’t think the Racing Designs actually sold very well globally and they had certain models that ended up discounted at lots of JDM sites. The refresh of the standard Steez AGS models seems to be fairing much much better.

I’m mostly surprised that Daiwa keeps rolling the dice with lots of oddball top end variants instead of just making the obvious best selling models in their highest end rod line. Obviously for the top end line-up the US market isn’t what they’re targeting though.

Having spent a lot of time with the RD 67ML+ spinning model I’m very happy to see a 68MH spinning model added. The other UL and L models might as well just be crappie rods.

[Cranky]

Anyone pick up the S61L?

[NOLRAMB]

I pre-ordered the RC C73H-SV ST model, 7ft3 Heavy rod that weighs 3.8 ounces, excited to get it.

[KP Duty]

I would expect carbon grips on a high end rod with "racing design" in its name and trying to make connections to automotive racing. The last thing I would expect is cork. Maybe they will release a heartland or something with full cork or non AGS.

I agree. Plus, trying to keep cork looking nice is a PIA.

[KP Duty]

Rod weights seem on par with the new Poison Glorious (PG7'4" MH+ 10-42g 105g). Just pointing this out because for the current price of $4XX, the new PG with m40x is an absolute steal.

[ras]

Just pointing this out because for the current price of $4XX, the new PG with m40x is an absolute steal.

Interesting, I didn't know M40X was used in Poison Glorious blanks. This kind of information is not always easy to find. How do you know? Did it come with the typical "TORAYCA M40X" badge?

[StymoDe]

Just pointing this out because for the current price of $4XX, the new PG with m40x is an absolute steal.

Interesting, I didn't know M40X was used in Poison Glorious blanks. This kind of information is not always easy to find. How do you know? Did it come with the typical "TORAYCA M40X" badge?

I'm pretty sure M40X was mentioned when new PG was announced back in 2021, and some Japanese reviews I found on web still touting this as one of the selling points, however I wasn't able to find any clue on PG official site these days...which led me to wonder if M40X plays any big part in the blank.

the other thing is from what I heard Shimano basically put a stop on PG delivery due to the guide changes, with the exception of a few new models perhaps