2025 Shimano DC REEL BUYERS GUIDE!!!

[@THEREELTEST]

my extensive SHIMANO DC PLAYLIST can be seen here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIewgHqDoZJ2f9E

[@billyblue5266]

you see they're coming out with an aldebaren DC

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Best dc reels and BEST reel channel by FAR!! Looking forward to more videos this year. GRET video,brother!!

[@saraieatsstirfry5537]

The 21 Antares DC literally cast 1/2oz-1oz baits longer than any other baitcaster I have. As of right now, the new Metanium DC is my favorite reel.

[@Exrcx]

Perfect some that has tested both I got a question for you I got the metanium dc 2024 but I wanna know if the Antares dc 2021 is better casting/distance wise for lures under 1oz I don’t really use 1oz lures but that’s the max my rod can handle but anyways the only reason I’m considering swapping the metanium dc for the Antares dc is cause the Antares had a little bit more line capacity. But if the metanium dc is better for casting/distance I’ll just keep it.

[@saraieatsstirfry5537]

@New 24 Metanium DC doesn’t cast farther than the 21 Antares DC when it comes down to 1/2-1oz but it will handle lighter lures way better including weightless flukes for example. If it makes you feel better, it cast way farther than the old 15 Metanium DC. If you don’t mind a big 150 size reel, then get it. 21 Antares is not the most comfortable reel to palm since it is pretty big and heavy. I fish a lot of jerkbaits on my 24 Metanium DC and I rather keep it that way since it’s the lightest DC reel currently.

[@saraieatsstirfry5537]

@ You should try out either the Curado M Scoprion MD 200, Metanium MGL 150, Curado MGL 150 if you want to take advantage of distance while being able to handle small and large lures. They don’t cost as much as a Antares DC. If you want to go Daiwa route, you should also try the new Daiwa Tatula SV 100 Boost or the Zillion. They will cast just as far as the 24 Metanium DC and cast even lighter lures without a problem.

[@rekleif]

I gave you a like and subscribe just for that intro brother. God bless and lots of love from a Norwegian Abu Garcia fanboi.

[@ericrobinson9340]

I do understand that looks don't really matter to most, but that JDM SLX DC is a thing of beauty. That and the Metanium DC are very spicy in the looks department.

[@THEREELTEST]

the previous JDM SLX DC was nice looking as well. Much more refined looking than the north American reel

[@gloomegloom6279]

try an exsence dc ss

[@abelabner]

Thanks for sharing the various differences in the braking systems, a good service to all anglers!

[@theoohler4749]

I have several DCs and have been using DC reels for several years now. I truly enjoy the Calcutta Conquest DC, by far my favorite reel to use fishing and it isn't even close.

[@Cru_Jones33]

Have you compared it to the bfs version. If so how does it do w light lures, and are the spools inter changeable?

[@THEREELTEST]

I think they should have put 4X8 DC into the Conquest

[@THEREELTEST]

@@Cru_Jones33 different brake systems and different spool sizes

[@scalways]

Fantastic review sir. I have the slx dc xt and the scorpian. They are both absolute fire.

[@jvfishingfever]

Love the channel! Thanks for the video!

[@waynelagarde7956]

I have 4 of them JDM SLX DC XT, and the casting distance with 30lb power pro maxquatro is absolutely insane.

[@THEREELTEST]

as soon as it warms up im going to test the XT with thin braid to see what it can do

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Absolutely!!!!! Let me get 4 of these!!

[@davidblevins1027]

I have a few of these reels and really like the Antares. I put a drag clicker in it. It casts a 1/16 with no issues and I cast up to 2oz. I was thinking about getting the slx dc xt, but got the silverfeather miiec reel instead and really like it. I'll probably hold off on any other shimano dc reels and wait to see what they come out with this year.

[@crosscountrybankangler]

I recently ordered the DC XT based on your reviews. I was able to pick it up at Japan Lure Shop for $180 including shipping, gotta love the exchange rate. I think the jdm SLX DC was cheaper there too, like $140 or so.

[@THEREELTEST]

if that included shipping, thats an absolute steal!

[@KyoloFlash]

If you're gonna choose one, SLX DC XT hands no question! I also own the scorpion DC, and it doesnt cast as far as you would expect, but I have it for short cast techniques the 150 size has a lot of power it will still have a niche to fill.

[@nelhead4807]

I got the curado dc and I absolutely love that reel but I really like that all black JDM slx dc. That thing look amazing.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Patiently waiting for the Daiwa comparisons,,,😂😉

[@THEREELTEST]

they arent as good... theres your comparison 🤣

[@fatika4598]

Have the 21 Antares DC, Antares MD DC and 22 Exsence DC. 21 Antares and 22 Exsence are basically the same reel aside from spool tension knob and salt sealing on the Exsence. There’s something special about the 21. Still the universal king for all mid-range conventional. Still cast small/mid hardbaits and 110s farther than a souped up Steez 100 SV, and obviously will destroy any other stock reel for most conventional distance casting. I’ll probably get another. It will be interesting to see if the upcoming Aldebaran DC can outcast the Antares with midrange hardbaits like a Vision 110. I’m sure it will do 1/4 oz hardbaits better, but I’ll pull the trigger if it can outcast the Antares DC for just regular 110s.

[@livinglife3230]

The ‘24 Metanium DC is my 2nd fav reel behind the ‘24 Steez sv tw

[@alexisdeleon8655]

For Metanium DC 24 Try a 17 lb Seaguar Invisix line, all the modes worked well for me with that weight

[@saraieatsstirfry5537]

Have you heard of the Trinidad DC? It’s a big conventional reel made for surf fishing and surface irons. They’re highly collectible now just like the cardiff dc.

[@vieterisikaFI]

One day I’ll get either Trinidad DC or preferably Kaikon DC, which is the upgraded sort of JDM version of it. The prices are just ridiculous and the overall condition of those reels are just very low usual when you see one. I’ve found two mint condition Kaikon DC for sale and they sold for like $1500+…

[@THEREELTEST]

yes I remember that reel from 20 years ago lol

[@ReelKingsNQueens1]

Lol I'm a Shimano stan this looks like my reel arsenol video.The Conquest 200 is my favorite reel. It outcasts even my Excense 22 DC. I still haven't even bothered to spool my Metanium dc 70 A. Hopefully there is a 2025 Aldeberran dc or a new Scorpion Dc coming or a new Conquest 300 dc

[@ReelKingsNQueens1]

My excense actually holds less line than my Antarres DC MD Xg. Its like a perfect blend of the Metaninium and Antarres

[@ReelKingsNQueens1]

Shimano North America posted a blacked out pic on IG of a new reel being unveiled on 1/10/25

[@THEREELTEST]

@@ReelKingsNQueens1 yeah the Japanese youtubers have been on it, looks to be a new Antares

[@kayakjoe]

Great and comprehensive video. I am just wondering which one besides the discontinued one is best for inshore salt? Or would it be better to use a non DC due to risk of the chips getting corroded and die?

[@AlexRamirez-vz1vj]

Shimano fanboys unite!

[@thatonebeone]

YO MAMA

[@davidrussell9290]

All the greats get hate.

[@livinglife3230]

@@thatonebeone😂😂😂

[@AidyLee214]

Shimano China TK account just released a video a few hours ago, hinting there will be an all-new lightweight DC reel with a name starting with 'A' (Aldebaran DC?). 😆

[@THEREELTEST]

can you email me a link?

[@AidyLee214]

@@THEREELTEST 150G, MGL4 spool, light weight lure customzied IDC5, PE line compatiable, it just kill the game...😆

[@rekleif]

I learned baitcasting on an Ambassadeur 6001c, but haven't used one for 20 years. What would you recommend? Am an fanboi of Abu Garcia but have not fished actively(last I did several times a week in the summer, was when the Gold MAX was the newest thing, and that was smooth at the time and is still the best spinning reel I've fished with) for 15-20 years and it's probably 5 years since I caught my last Pike or Trout or Yellow Bass here in Norway. I used to fish a lot of fresh water but love to fish for Sea Trout, Salmon, Cod/Pollock and smaller Halibut and would need something that does it all. Is still a spinning setup best or do you think I could handle that Antares DC? Would love to try out a complete Shimano set for the first time and usually prefer softer and longer rods but would really appreciate your expertise in choosing a Shimano setup for a $1000 budget to your newest subscriber after seeing ACE videos and Zachary Fowler/Greg Owens and Chris have all the fun. Luke looks fond of Shimano too and with his level of energy with two of the outdoorboys already great at fishing, it must be pretty trouble free I guess?. God bless and lots of love from Norway.

[@Fshnfool]

Do you think the Bantam will ever become a DC?

[@THEREELTEST]

with Shimano you never know these days

[@jpap967]

SLX DC XT is about $170 shipped from Japanlureshop

[@DaveAyton8565]

I have 2 DC reels that you recommend the SLX XT XG DC reel and the Scorpion DC 6,2 this is mainly for top floating baits & bottom baits slower retrieve, both in my opinion are excellent DC reels,

[@chiosaephan2898]

Love the exsence dc..use it for

[@CharlesTan28]

Exsence DC has drag clicker Antares DC don't have. Just sharing.

[@vieterisikaFI]

There is a drag clicker set for Antares DC that is phenomenal quality and sounds better than my Exsence DC drag. I was planning on ordering the gears and clicker from Exsence DC to my Antares DC byt was happy I didn’t. The drag clicker also fixes the slight slop you get from Shimanos ar-glutch sleeve design in low drag settings.

[@Rainbro121]

I've got the Antares MD and wouldn't cast anything above 6oz with it personally. Not only because of the added stress on the reel, but also because of the line capacity. 26:53

[@syafiqmohamad9386]

Aldebaran 31 DC are coming!!!

[@PacSalt_TeachMetoFish]

Do I need it? No. Will I get it? probably

[@Rainbro121]

64 likes and counting 😅

[@tongdemo9411]

2025 Shimano Ultegra

[@THEREELTEST]

looks like a new Antares as well

[@kevinmarin9737]

Daiwa lo está haciendo mejor.

[@THEREELTEST]

at lesser performance

[@bass-a-roo]

Daiwa IMZ is much better than Antares DC, and Steez is better than any other Shimano reel. Daiwa does baitcasters better, period.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

You are absolutely correct !!!

[@THEREELTEST]

no it isnt and no it isnt

[@bass-a-roo]

@ yes it is and yes it is

[@THEREELTEST]

@@bass-a-roo I doubt you have any of the reels you like to run your mouth about little kid

[@bass-a-roo]

@ Too bad you’re wrong little guy. I have all the reels necessary to make the claim that I made. Stay mad and stay coping. 😿

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

The Daiwa IMZ limit breaker crushed the Antares in a head to head battle. Also the new steez is the best bait caster ever made, it’s on a completely different level !!!! The JDM zillion for under 200 dollars is the best bang for your buck on the market, hell it’s better than shimano’s high end reels that are twice the price !!!

[@livinglife3230]

I agree the ‘24 Steez sv tw is in a league of its own, so is that price. I caught sum GIANTS on the ‘24 Metanium DC last year, it’s 2nd to my Steez

[@THEREELTEST]

no it didnt and no it isnt little boy

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

@@THEREELTEST yes it did I have people in Japan 🇯🇵 that did the test and they are not affiliated with shimano or daiwa. Stop spreading lies because you can’t handle Daiwa reels being better than shimano.

[@bradsmith873]

Man just wish the Daiwas would last, we only get a year and half out them. This comes from a guy who makes his living fishing not just a weekend guy.

[@livinglife3230]

@@bradsmith873 never had any issues with the Steez, can’t speak on the lower end models. Not seen a bad review on the zillion sv tw

[@xibfwmz]

Watch daiwa fanboys get butt hurt😂

[@davidrussell9290]

My scorpion DC is very disappointing. It just doesn't cast like it should. I own a curado, slx, metanium, etc and it's my least favorite DC reel.

[@torment6369]

did you get the silver scorpion dc? That one is overbreaked, the 2017 one was a gem and way better in my opinion

[@THEREELTEST]

did you watch my spool tension setting video on the Metanium DC? that applies to all DC reels, and all reels in general actually