A First Hands On Look At The New 2023 Shimano Reels!

[@siobhanbuchanan-johnston7984]

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

[@ismaelkharodia786]

Only channel that gives us a sneak peak at the new stuff, awesome stuff.

[@ShadowRap-y5l]

2023 Antares DCMD definitely the best so far! Glad they finally made a new model for it.

[@timb8970]

Can you cast 10 oz lures on the Calcutta 400 MD? Thank you!

[@twiggsherman3641]

I imported a Scorpion MGL. I liked it so much I ordered a replacement spool and put it in my Curado 200k. Replacement parts are pricey though. It would've been cheaper to sell my 200k and pick up a 150 MGL, but I find Shimano reels in that price range are hit or miss. I got lucky and my Curado 200k is finger on butter smooth, but I've had others where they were smooth, but not that finger on butter feeling, even after I tore it down and regreased everything. So if I find one, I like to hang on to them.

[@leepao6302]

When it comes to daiwa and Shimano, Shimano will always be my biased

[@ianjones6w]

I used to be that way but I recently got a Tatula sv and I'm very impressed with it.

[@leepao6302]

@@ianjones6w I understand what you’re saying I too own Daiwa reels, but Shimano reels is more appealing to me in terms of the overall design. For usage purposes Daiwa reel (baitcasting) is more friendlier to use I’ll give you that, when comes to service your reel Shimano is much easier just so you know, but if you don’t service your reel yourself then you wouldn’t understand beside just being appealing and flashy

[@leepao6302]

@@ianjones6w plus on top of that Shimano customer service is much easier to work with when it comes to getting parts for your reel

[@jwalker497]

Daiwa all the way. Exist, steez always better unless you’re talking antares or calcutta

[@timleng4404]

Shimano spinning reels is a like girl you want be with. But Daiwa is like the girl you bring home to your mom. Reliability!

[@evertrules24]

I preordered my Antares monster drive from Japan tackle since it was announced. It finally shipped Friday and according to FedEx it should arrive tomorrow 🙌🏻

[@keon8219]

I'm new to baitcaters so what's the main use for this reel?

[@kemetichandyman3233]

Just got my Calcutta Conquest md 400 in the mail today changed the handle for a Gold Gomexus Handles and Boca Bearings

[@jonathanrivera6815]

I'm loving the newer excense dc that thing is buttery

[@keepitzen]

Shimano vid while rocking Daiwa gear 3/4 of the vid 😂. Love Shimano from now until the last cast. Vanquish is the new grail for me.

[@soevasive]

Preordered the vanquish.

[@wardman7655]

Thanks for the updates! Have a few Calcutta's (Conquest, TE, 400) and you are right - they just work! I was not fan of the Tranx, but are any of those other low profiles saltwater ready for jigging (think Tranx 300). Thanks!

[@TheFishCatcher]

That Antares DC MD is a must buy so sexy

[@normenbuchmuller4705]

As an absolute Daiwa fanboy, I was actually hoping for a successor to the Z2020. After a long wait, I will now use the Antares DC MD for my Megabass Valkyrie World Expedition VKC-711XH-4, or do you have a better idea? However, on the Black Jack I am super happy with the Tatula 300 XSL...

[@captnse]

I might take a look at that new Vanquish reel, but right now I have my heart set on a ‘23 Airity. I started out a Shimano spinning reel fan decades ago, but in the past 5-7 years, have purchased more Daiwa reels than Shimano.

[@seasgarage]

I haven't had equal time, but I'm the same way. Started with shimano, but since I started watching these guys and actually learn about stuff other than tackle warehouse and shimano, I'm really loving daiwa as well.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

How can you compare it to the 2019 vanquish is it the same or different from the new one 23 model or is it the same reel as the last one I love the last 19 vanquish

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Great video boys,thank you 👏👏👍

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

Thanks for the sneak peek! I started into bfs last fall, so I am really interested in the Calcutta conquest bfs. I will probably add it to my collection, but I will give it some time for you guys or others to get their hands on it and do a review. While I can appreciate the other new additions to the lineup, most of them don't fit my usage needs. Although, The new Antares MD probably helped with lowering the cost of the 2021 Antares DC model that I recently picked up. One of the best things about new gear and technology is that it usually trickles down into other reels in the future. I would love to see more stuff with bfs lures and equipment in the future. Do you guys stock and finesse hard baits that might work well for panfish like bluegill and crappie? I just purchased the LC 0.1 FTS, but they only come in a shad pattern.

[@gregtrejo7222]

Hey Bill, which BFS rod, matches up best with the Calcutta BFS reel? I just purchased one and I want a great bfs rod. Middle to High end. Greg

[@208angler5]

I like what I see.... looking forward to them.

[@troycote4503]

Ben that 'Antares is sooo sick, same with the Vanquish! I talked shit about the digital Diawa, and said I'd rather 4 Mentaniums 😅 I'm loving what you have here today'!!! I guess I'm a Shimano guy these days. I don't hate Daiwa by any means though.haha!

[@Dc-jg2ti]

Looking for a good reel to go with an orochi xx launcher for deep cranking. Really want one of these calcuttas but think the 7.4:1 ratio is a bit too much. Thoughts?

[@norwegianheat]

I'm going to need one of those BFS Calcutta's for my Pagani TRAD . . .

[@seasgarage]

Thanks for all the info! Waiting on a new certate here. Or even one to come in stock. Just got my windbuster (thank you for that as well!) so I need a good reel for that😊

[@DankUrbanBoss]

Subbed I am new to fishing and this seems like my kind of people!

[@timothythompson6549]

I hope the higher speed and braking trickles down to the D. Not holding my breath. I really like the location of the star drag on the D. It makes a noticeable difference in side torque under load.

[@michaelnadeau3238]

New Calcutta looks dope! 🔥🔥🔥👀

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’m stoked for it!

[@codem0de]

It's all preference guys, don't shit your boat. They all look like sick reels. I love Daiwa. I love Shimano, too. I think someone who prefers one over the other can find any feature of that reel and use it against any feature of another brand's reel because it's all proprietary technology. Shimano doesn't share DC and MGL and Daiwa is not going to share their tech. It's up to you to decide what you want. Ben and the guys are Daiwa fanboys but they do a great job of not absolutely shitting on Shimano like most Daiwa Dudes. Keep the Shimano in the game, Daiwa Dudes, it keeps the technology improving through competition. All good. Fish on!

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Im looking forward to the Vanquish FC in a 2500S or a 3000MHG. But usually we have to see which gearings there are available. Everything above 3ft(90 cm) retrieve per handleturn i do not like. Any high end DC Reel is welcomed.

[@HoangNguyen-yi1qw]

Is the Calcutta conquest Md releasing in USA ?

[@steveclark2325]

No new Aldebaran?

[@fil12x]

What are the knobs on the Antares?? Cheers

[@riccosomaini2172]

Shimano❤👑✌️

[@Pierrepadda]

Love it, u Rock 😊👍

[@lexm0]

Hey Ben, you have any experience or insight with the NRX+ 883C BJR? I bought one along with the new Bantam 151HG and plan on using it for bladed jigs, lipless cranks, and other reaction baits. Thanks!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Hey man! It’s a nice rod. You’ll love it 👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It does bend very deep into the tod

[@randomguy3004]

Will the new Antares come with that handle ??

[@jimb7304]

Great info, what reel would you suggest for 10oz and up baits?

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I’d run a Daiwa prorex for that size bait at least a 400 series

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Conquest for sure

[@SouthJerseyBaitReviews]

I know it's not new but. Can u guys bring the shimano scorpion 300MD over here u really don't see them over here at all?

[@treehunter1]

Anything about the limitbreaker that’s coming out next month?

[@Bay_32]

Can't wait for the reels to be here so I can just look at them. 😂 they look killer!

[@leepao6302]

Already pre-order the Calcutta conquest bfs

[@dcfishin]

Eh over hyped

[@leepao6302]

@@dcfishin I understand but I don’t care, you cry all you want, you already proof my point lol

[@dcfishin]

@@leepao6302 you seem to care a lot since you’re agreeing to you’re own mistake but are still trying to take shots. Hope you learn before speaking next time.

[@leepao6302]

@@dcfishin aww … you still crying, wipe those tears and grow up because not everyone agree to shit you like, and I simply don’t care if you agree to shit I like too

[@leepao6302]

@@dcfishin if you don’t care too then why comment/reply to my comment in the first place kinda pathetic lol

[@kylemayer8486]

I wonder if the slx 70 dc xt will come over here as a curado. I'd love a smaller, affordable dc reel.

[@kennylove188]

I just acquired the JDM SLX DC XT 71XG, with the MGL spool and the I-DC 5 cast control, from Japan Lure Shop and it arrived in 2 days. Yes, you will really like this reel. It's small and very comfortable in hand, very lightweight, effortlessly cast 1/8oz. light lures a country mile, and it has a glass-smooth retrieve.

[@Marc-nx9ce]

New swimbait reels for Shimano's armajoint

[@gilbertogonzalez9494]

Are they saltwater?

[@jholterman8530]

How much will the new Great Hunting rods be? They look super dope!

[@rickbond3605]

Shimano stella forever ;)

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Are the daiwa silverwolf coming back in?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yes

[@martincisneros4909]

What I want to know is when Shimano is going to smarten up and produce a 500 Tranx Left Handed?

[@wizardcat2828]

Are u going to be selling any of the scorpion reels soon?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

No

[@gewglesux]

Ah yes.... Ben's Shimano philosophy The "This will hurt me more than it does you" before I got the Belt.

[@cleavedspot]

Are you bringing in the Huntsman Rod?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yes

[@cleavedspot]

@@thehookuptackle_usa That’s so wizard. They are such amazing rods.

[@mikecamalier2653]

Ben what are the bugs in metaium. Bassmd

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Drag slipping

[@mikecamalier2653]

​@@thehookuptackle_usa thank you

[@davidbrowningjr.4209]

Looking swell

[@makcatchem9614]

Very interesting their coming with stock Gomexus handles

[@Twangtown7]

Are they really Gomexus handles??

[@makcatchem9614]

@@Twangtown7 cannot confirm until I get one in my hands or see better pictures up close of it. But they sure do damn near look like it. Wouldn't surprise me at all

[@Twangtown7]

@@makcatchem9614 They do look similar. But I'd be shocked if Shimano would come out with new reels and not make the handles themselves.

[@DHW448]

Hey guys.. Shimano is Jennifer Lopez. And Diawa is Rosie Perez.. Both are star worthy.. BUT... I only crave one.. But would f÷#% both.. Both are great for fishing.. Ha.

[@chefmatt6299]

What are the issues with the current Metanium?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Drag slips

[@chefmatt6299]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Thanks! Is there a fix for it?

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Who needs a drag 😧 Just put your thumb down 😁

[@TerpDerp]

Steez is the only reel I'll pay $500+ for

[@chuckkaleel9105]

Good morning from NC

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Good morning!

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Good Evening from NW Europe ✌️😬

[@alcav54]

The gravity in Japan is a little weaker. That’s why the reel felt lighter 😗

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Science?

[@alcav54]

PFM! (Pure fucking magic)

[@gewglesux]

yEAH so is the yEN

[@SUPERTOMCAT_21]

What, no Shimano hoodie? 🤣

[@noahledbetter3969]

Hell yeah

[@colingordon5950]

I'm really hard on brands I love as well. I want them to be the best, even though the depth of competition is absurd. So many great brands out there.

[@kenpak6014]

BBBEEENNN!

[@ConsumeYourSoul619]

Strange hearing you prefer Daiwa. My experience has been entirely negative. My Daiwa lexa i cant stand, the levelwind failed my first week of fishing and i hate how i cant pack line on the spool without it rubbing on the lower part of the frame. My curado 300 has the smallest amount more of clearance between spool and frame which solves the issue. I just feel Diawa reels aren't as well designed and the quality control is seriously lacking. My $30 dollar Shimano sienna feels more sensitive than my 80 dollar Daiwa reagal as did my old 300 curado to the lexa.. The Daiwa broke a spring on the bail arm on day one while the sienna is still going strong years later!

[@PedroHernandez-vi7ne]

Swimbait anglers rejoice 🥳

[@fishingsince8824]

why do you think shimano spinning is not as good or better than diawa. i have the new stella, exits, and airity and have put time on all of them. stella is by far the smoothest (im including startup inertia in smoothness rating), id say drag is a tie, drag sound i like exist best, exist is lighter, stella is more durable. overall id say all these reels are a dream to fish with but on a windy day and all reels with d braid i got wind knots on only the exist and not stella or airity also had line get under the spool on the exit and not stella or airity. stella also beats the breaks off of every other reel with line management in this new version and the slow rise and fall of the stella spool looks amazing. i think all 3 reels are amazing but if i had to pick a winner it would b the shimano stella by a hair. has your experiences with these reels been different? id say id buy stella for alot of rods as it balances my longer spinning rods much better than en exist but an exist will balance out my shorter rods much better then a stella. im talking bout diawa, megabass, croix, and loomis top end rods so they are all light but alot of the 7ft 3-6 inch rods balance better with a bit heavier of a reel like stella and not a exist or airty or vanquish for that matter an vice versa for shorter rods. I want the chance to fish with ben, not only would it be a blast but i could try to convert you to liking shimano as well as diawa, my reels are split about 50/50. Also very disappointed in new exist badging on spool, the old version was engraved and would last a lifetime this new one is just like printed on like a $100 reel i feel like all the badging and text on the spool will ware off of the new exist unlike old one, for a $850+ reel youd think they could spend an extra few bucks to engrave the spool badging and writing, why would they make a new version with spool badging/writing that is a downgrade from the 2018 version.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Daiwa drag is far superior for freshwater applications IMHO.

[@irrelevantme4153]

Thankfully I’m not brand loyal. I love both Daiwa and shimano. Unless you’re sponsored, it would be foolish not to experience both.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

They need to give me a bantam bfs. I don't know why, but the bantam is the only Shimano I care about.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s the dopest regular sized reel Shimano makes 👍

[@kylemayer8486]

The scorpion 150dc is bad ass.

[@anthonyhoward3397]

Ben wears diawa talking about Shimano. Lmao 🤣

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

😜🍻

[@MichaelRomero]

#TEAMDAIWA

[@seangoff9578]

Guy is just making things up as he goes trying to explain these reels 🤣

[@Twangtown7]

Everyone wearing masks except for the arrogant American! LOL. Great stuff as always, guys!

[@victortrejo1133]

All these DRT purist fanbois are gonna boycott shimano now because of the knobs just you watch🤣🤣🤣

[@steveking8548]

It feels like you have in your mind that if you make a statement, then say "right" afterwards, it makes your statement more effective. In fact, it makes your statement annoying for me and I just couldn't finish watching this video. I may try watching a different one in the future. Good luck!

[@-MAX813-]

I just threw up in my mouth a little, you used the word "fashion" 3 times in a fishing reel video. Bfs has been infected with hipster-itis.Yes I have issues.

[@victortrejo1133]

All these DRT purist fanbois are gonna boycott shimano now because of the knobs just you watch🤣🤣🤣