A First Hands On Look At The New Daiwa Steez A II Reel!

The Daiwa Steez A was a staple for a lot of guys for years and now, Daiwa has brought a new version and we were able to get our hands on one!
Official USA release date in Friday March 24! We will have them live and instock at 12:01am EST 3/24.
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[@LoganWolf1984]

I got the JDM version back in December of 22' and it is fantastic. It's everything the Zillion is but better. It has a wide bait range. I've casted Texas rigged soft plastic up to 2.5oz glide baits. It will cast a 1/2oz square bill into another zip code. If the Zillion is a home run, then the Steez A II is the game winner.

[@philipwiberg992]

Would you say it handles 1/4oz better than the zillion? I feel the zillion shines at a bit heavier weights.

[@LoganWolf1984]

@philipwiberg992 I think the Zillion might be better at the 1/4 oz stuff, but it's really a toss-up. To me, it would depend on the rod.

[@amandapiper-michael1882]

Would you say that the steez a actually performs better than the zillion? If so, what would you say is better

[@LoganWolf1984]

@amandapiper-michael1882 I think the Zillion is the better value. If you buy the JDM version of the Steez A II, I like it for that price but not at the USD price. So if buy from the US then the Zillion. If buy JDM, then the Steez.

[@rickybudeanu3002]

How do you feel the JDM model does with casting those heavy glides with line capacity? I’m debating on USDM OR JDM but worried about not enough line with the JDM. Looking to throw 1oz on this thing.

[@TKsw191145]

Finally got to use my P5 FMJ and JDM Zillion HD. Love both. Haven’t got a fish yet but very happy with the feel and performance of both so far. This was my first Daiwa baitcaster and I like it just as much as my Curado DC 150HG. Cast just as well in the wind too

[@jasonnunnery6265]

Ordered one from Japan and its really really nice. I put it on a FMJ rod that I got from you guys and it feels great!

[@jorgegonzalez5068]

Great versatility! Planning on chucking the tiny klash on this thing!

[@TerpDerp]

Can't wait to upgrade my tatula 200. Drag clicker 😍. Love that feature on my CT SV. Going to be eagerly awaiting the test video

[@davidshowslsu]

Highly recommend got a jdm one and it's definitely my new favorite

[@jacobphelps03]

Do you have any videos going through the Daiwa line of reels? Would love to have your input on what each model is great for.

[@ThatGuy-hj4xj]

Order it back when it came out in Japan 🇯🇵. Paired it up with Bens favorite MB P5 Madbull 🙌

[@TheWaymont]

My JDM Steez A II has a beautiful metal drag star. Had it out two times, and it's pretty slick.

[@alford35]

I only have one A model and haven’t even fished it yet so kinda have to get this one so can use it with bigger baits lol

[@RichadGilgamesh]

I got 22 a tw hlc early this month, modded it with slp works. Today, I got this one. Bought it solely for stream fishing. From Malaysia btw!

[@redringsuxs7990]

I never had the Steez A so I can’t really compare them but this is my 2nd Steez and so far no complaints. Got it from Japan and threw it on the X Bites and haven’t looked back.

[@bandtish]

YES!! I was going to order one from Japan but waited for y’all to get it 🎉

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business!

[@deliciouspeanut6572]

I love the Zillion I have with all the new tech so it seems like this one is a no brainer for someone looking to get just a little more. The HD tech is legit, the anti backlash tech works. It’s going to be great

[@ronswinford4952]

I wish it came in a 6.1 I would really like to have one of them for bigger squarebills, but some of the lakes I fish are always stained to just flat muddy and the 6.1 and at times even the 5.1 allow the fish to get them better in that muddy water. Looks like a great reel.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

turn handle slower lol

[@gewglesux]

I likes this... a lot.... Kinda pricey.. but i like it.... just have to figure what the retrieve to get.. Just in time for the summer!! Do you recommend the Steeze Rod to go with it?

[@nameformyname]

I need to catch more fish on the clicky drag. I loved the idea of it but the feeling I get from it is no where as refined like a spinning reel. The initial experience I get from it is that it impedes smooth give to the fish when fighting. Has this been noticed by others? I need to catch more fish and am not sure but that's what I feel with limited experience 😂😂

[@kongxiong6005]

I got the jdm one too. My last baitcaster was a tatula CT-R. It does cast better.

[@PunchFishing]

Excited to get one of these.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Who isn't (but 649$ is not for the many) 😬

[@HBeretta]

@@kayakfishingforpredators9107 Is it?

[@dustinwalker8152]

Hard to imagine the Steez A getting smoother.

[@wyattcrane8819]

So y'all were saying it is a great chuck and wind reel, would it not be a good bottom contact reel?

[@danmilkman6169]

I own one and its awesome indeed

[@alanstein9722]

when you were in Japan did you see the new Shimano Antares MD DC?

[@skywalkerv8700]

I have been looking at the Daiwa Steez A for a minute, now that I know II is coming out I'm all in. Ben, you always give me confidence in what products to choose. When can we order these from TheHookUp?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Friday

[@charlesgurnea2004]

What is the line difference I buy JDM all the time I like good amount

[@vincentfelix4554]

Bought it when a it came out in Japan and I can’t recommend enough…and you can easily throw 3/16oz and above

[@AlexFlores-bx7up]

Se comporta bien con 3/16 ?

[@mightyarmoryprecision]

I have 2 JDM Steez A’s, the brakes are useless. Bought for long casts, frogs and toads. If you know how to fix, let me know. Thx!

[@LordBagdanoff]

Do you know when the USA model will be available ?

[@tymfortoys]

Is the mag z boost on this Steez A II similar to the SV boost on the Zillion?

[@LeonardoSantos-yc9ne]

I have an 80 tatula, my doubt is, regarding the size, are the two the same or is the steez bigger?

[@hunterbull7804]

So you mentioned the 8:1 is a low speed 8. From what I’ve seen from guys who have imported it already, the 8 speed says 8.5 on it

[@baileyweis1687]

This reel with the madbull would be an insane combo

[@ipaulosan]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the bearings are 10+1 not 10+2.

[@LordBagdanoff]

I believe this new reel has a drag sound as well

[@LeonardoSantos-yc9ne]

what weight of bait is this reel good for? What is the minimum weight she can throw?

[@CJFishes]

What are your thoughts on pairing the A II with a Triza Dragoon? I’m thinking the JDM 6.3 for swimbaits and versatility. Would it handle the upper lure weight range at 3oz?

[@bigfah2506]

I’d say the 7.1 would be better

[@speedwolf5212]

Let’s see that 1 year review update!

[@vansaukam799]

Will the 8.1 gears be available on US soil? I want to drop a set into my 2019 Morethan PE SV XH.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yes. 7:1 and 8:1 gear ratios.

[@CrazyCranker]

I was ready to pick up the A II here in Japan until I looked at the parts diagrams and found the only thing different is the new spool. I would bet you could buy a SLP spool and couldn't tell the difference.

[@europeanian4205]

It's almost as if you didn't even watch the video.

[@GwenStefaniGuild]

@@europeanian4205 He didn’t have to, because the old steez reels already had this tech in it, Daiwa just using some fancy words “hyper drive” to act like they changed something and you’re getting new tech. It’s exactly the same shit, only difference is the spool, paint job, handle knobs and now a 5 year warranty with free cleaning service through Daiwa. If you have both reels then take them apart and see for yourself..

[@BM31555]

What's the difference between this and the A100?

[@OsamaBinDarrel]

One day I’ll own one or a few 🙏 until then my Tatulas and Curados will carry me through lol

[@fjin1]

How is this reel for flipping?

[@Battshimself]

I just ordered a daiwa zillion HD 1000 JDM and spec wise it seems extremely similar to this new steez a 2. Just with a larger handle and a little extra weight. Any other key differences I should know about?

[@Bad_Agent01]

What rod will you pair it with

[@luvableleo1]

Ben what's the difference between this reel at the Steez A HLC?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

This is a “normal” reel. The HLC is designed for heavy baits and long casts.

[@donivel16]

What would cast farther. This reel or 2021 Steez A HLC?

[@B3nnyboy]

Steez hlc

[@wingort9]

Looks really awesome. Not that Im opposed but never had a Diawa t-wing reel. What is guys your take on t-wing with braid to leader knots? Have heard "stories" but would like to hear some truth. Thanks.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Never had a problem

[@kenbrown5449]

What Ben said... Now, if you go to a really thick mono/fluoro and the connection is within a couple inches of the t-wing when you start winding slower, such as fighting a fish to the net, you will feel that knot catch a bit every now and then. Very seldom though cuz if you have heavy line on you will not have to finesse the fish and stop/wind very often at all. Does that make sense? lol... 99.9% of the time: No Problem.

[@deliciouspeanut6572]

I’ve literally never even noticed it at the T wing. Micro guides on rods are going to be a much larger issue than the slot

[@jayd2535]

I keep the knots out of the rod 😅

[@deliciouspeanut6572]

@@jayd2535 well that obviously works too!

[@kevinzap.fishing]

Long time Shimano guy here, but I’ve wanted to try the steez for the longest time. Was waiting for them to update it but geez a $150 price jump on a 500$ reel is going to be a tough pill to swallow.

[@seasgarage]

The steez is 100% worth it. I was a shimano guy myself, but since I started watching been and the gang I started on daiwa and now I can't get enough. The steez sv tw is smoother than my shimanos and it just feels better on rods.

[@TerpDerp]

The zero adjust alone is worth the switch from Shimano.

[@LordBagdanoff]

Top end reel can challenger the antares

[@rodneysmith4153]

I have a Bantam on my BMG. Is this a lot better reel?

[@LordBagdanoff]

Definitely.. Batam isn’t even at the Metanium level

[@ibezyv7710]

Is it normal to hear click noise at the end of cast and makes kind of small knocking noise in spool when reeling load? Mines is like that brand new out the box

[@neihc1589]

Yea it is normal. It's the brakes locking in.

[@TheFishCatcher]

I'm a Shimano fan boy but that reel looks good

[@RichadGilgamesh]

I got curado dc 151xg and 201xg. Earlier this month I bought Steez 22 a tw hlc and modded with slp works accessories. Today I bought this reel 😂

[@youngn3237]

What’s the difference between the 1000 and the 100?

[@ahmadaslam3382]

Help me guys, zillion tw hd 22 or steez A ii tw ? Which one better

[@avocato2829]

Steez A II

[@emmpak]

The Regular 2016 O.G Steez is all it is. Thanks Tackleadvisors...your the Best.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Do whatever you want - but if you want to know the truth you should actually try it instead of listening to nonsense.

[@emmpak]

@The Hook Up Tackle I love The HooK Up Tackle,but I'll wait till you guys get the New Daiwa SS Air with special TKF spool and Mag brakes.

[@jumpman2222]

Would you throw a k9 with this reel as a dedicated reel for it

[@B3nnyboy]

Steez hlc

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

I almost purchased this reel from Japan, but the idea that it was for bigger baits made me hesitant. After digging through a bunch of videos, I decided to get the 21 Shimano Antares DC. I put on it on a light action bfs rod to test it the other day, and was able to throw baits down to 1/8oz pretty well. I plan on putting it on a medium or medium light rod, as I think around 3/16~5/8 will be the sweet spot for me. Any recommendations for a general all-around rod to match with the Antares?

[@gerlor9425]

I just got a nrx+ 843c, was thinking about getting the antares. Is the antares more suited for lighter techniques?

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

@ger lor I think the Antares is able to cast a wide range of baits depending on the line you use. I am using very thin 1.5 goh Varivas PE, which is probably 1/8" from full spool. There is a video where a guy casts about a 1oz lure and completely casts all the line off of the spool, so heavier baits will definitely get you more distance. The Antares is part of a three reel setup I plan to run this year. 22 Aldebaran bfs for ultralight, Metanium shallow spool for light, and the Antares for my medium baits. The Reel Test channel has a video of the older 2019 Antares A casting light lures well, so I took a chance that the 21 Antares could as well, and was not disappointed for what I was looking for.

[@kaytong9533]

Antares dc could trow almost anything But if u dont mind of the weigth of the reel it 220g check out the steez sv tw it only 160g

[@LordBagdanoff]

Should have waited for the 2023 DC MD

[@kevinzap.fishing]

I paired mine with an NRX 844 MBR

[@hookpoint3329]

That price Shimano anteras dc .i know you guys not a Shimano fans but common 😂 i agree to Jaff i like color 🤘

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

We are Shimano fans. Get whatever reel you want 👍

[@erylopez9235]

Hopefully it is new internals in an old frame. And the price jump is worth it. I don’t want to be let down like the steez limited once taken apart. Tackleadvisors ftw!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

If you were let down by the Steez limited then you didn’t fish the Steez limited. The channel you’re referring to was wrong.

[@erylopez9235]

@@thehookuptackle_usa if your argument is, “fish it and see what it’s all about,” that’s fine. My argument would be, for the price increase would it be a good buy compared to the steez A in price just to cast a couple more yards? With the steez limited, once broken down to its core and seeing no difference as to what it was being compared to in that video didn’t justify dishing out that much money for a limited. I guess I geek much differently from you. No wrong in that. The Orion part, however, I’m with you. Cheers my friends!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

@@erylopez9235 my argument is that they were wrong in their diagnosis, and if you didn’t fish it then you didn’t get to experience it. The Steez Limited is on a whole other level, but until you use it you understand.

[@gerlor9425]

What ever happened to TA? I always enjoyed his tear downs and assessments.

[@erylopez9235]

@@gerlor9425 I’m not sure whatever happened. I enjoy their videos.

[@064pointbreak]

Did you know Issei changed its logo?

[@gregoryjones9071]

.............I just graduated from REHAB!!!!!!!!

[@decoyn-7782]

IDK, I personally don't care for how the Steez A sits on a rod. I think the Steez 70 CT is the perfect Steez body shape, wish they would take that one and run it into various models.

[@NFiltr8Red]

I dipped out of this video when you said it’s Aluminum body.

[@gewglesux]

Aluminum not too bad

[@Aras_Fishing_Adventure]

Apakah ini cocok untuk main saltwater

[@Jon-nz3dm]

9:40 hyperdrive has nothing to do with the casting lol, it's just the same as Shimano's infinity drive, 1 bearing on both sides of the pinion gear also, $650 is hilarious. Daiwa is insane. It's still not going to outcast even a Metanium that's $200 less(if you're silly enough to pay USA prices)

[@GwenStefaniGuild]

Now now if you had said that a Steez SV TW won’t cast as far as a mentanium then I’d agree, but a steez a tw with a mag z boost spool is going to put on ass whooping on a mentanium. Dont listen to that silly boy on THEREELTEST channel, he doesn’t even own a boat and can’t cast to save his life. He also won’t adjust the spool tension knob on Daiwa reels because he knows what will happen, just because it says zero adjuster doesn’t mean it can’t be adjusted or shouldn’t if you want more distance! The zero adjuster is only a factory preferred setting to keep noobs from backlashing when they don’t know how to use their thumb to control the spool. I had a mentanium for a short period and got rid of it due to how unrefined it sounded, pushing the thumb bar down made a rubbing sound that drove me crazy, I normally expect that in their Curado and SLX lineups as the quality control from the Malaysia factory is sub par to Japan.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@GwenStefaniGuild you may well be right, from the experiences I've had my equivalent Shimano reels have ALWAYS casted farther than the Diawa's. The newer of the Bantams for example is outcasting the Zillion by a decent amount. This is with normal weight like 3/8oz total bait weight to 1oz, not super light shit. As far as spool tension, I personally always run no spool tension(fairly high amount of side to side play) and just depend on brakes and thumb. I think the same of the "zero adjust" BS. Can I also just say the T-wing is completely pointless and a pain in the ass marketing tool. I only fish braid to leader on every setup and while a knot will go through if the lines are fairly light, it wants to get caught a lot and it's annoying. A regular conical line guide would be sufficient but Diawa gotta Diawa

[@HBeretta]

Speaking of SLP...

[@Cbasschin]

There isn’t a bass reel on this planet worth 650 dollars lol. Coming from a guy that has reels around the cost, probabaly my dumbest purchases to date.

[@gewglesux]

What rod do you recommend to go with this?

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Nope it’s not my cup of tea watch bass n bonsai he’s got one when you cast it out the spool goes out at the end it turns backwards watch his KZbin channel you would understand

[@bassnbonsai]

Thanks for giving me a shout-out Eugene but it is not on this real I have the HLC and to another comment I saw the main difference is hyper long cast as a stiffer springs on the inductor and a 36 mm spool like Ben had mentioned this real the a2 it's basically the same as the a other than the new technology of the hyperdrive and the boost spool

[@GwenStefaniGuild]

I think the new Steez could have been a home run but falls way short. Not only did they not update the frame which needed to be done, it’s been awhile since it had one. They’re also charging an insane amount of money in the USA for this reel. $650 for a reel that basically got a different paint job, different knobs and a spool update. The new reel can be bought from Japan for $300-380.. the old USA Steez was $499 and now they want to charge $150 more? For what??? At least the new zillion got redone from the ground up, and was only $50 more than the old one if I remember right. I highly doubt this reel will sell well in the USA, it’s way overpriced, and they were lazy not coming up with a new design, total failure. You’d be better off buying the mag Z boost spool, and popping it into your old Steez, basically the same thing. I’d only consider buying one from Japan where the price is reasonable.

[@Kaileeartcornner]

Exactly what I just did.. 😅 Amazon $280

[@Spiritbro77]

With all SLIGHTLY better shit in it. Is it really going to be worth TWICE the price of the latest Zillion? You oould literally get two Zillions for the price of one new Steeze A.

[@Spiritbro77]

Okay, I just looked it up on a Japanese site and this reel is going for 384$ American so that is MUCH better than the listed over 600$ price. I could live with that.

[@WarEagleTheBest]

What this reel can do better that Zillion can’t, besides it has a name Steez?!?! I can cast Magdrafts and the Tiny Klash of my Zillion without any issues. I can get 3 (THREE) JDM Zillions for the price of that pointless Steez.

[@gewglesux]

it don't look pointless to me....Ben wanted comments Pro and Con....

[@WarEagleTheBest]

@@gewglesux OK, it’s not pointless, but for the price of that Steez I can buy 3 Zillions with the same characteristics. Both reels have 34mm spool and boost Magforce.

[@gewglesux]

@@WarEagleTheBest Ok... I guess you're looking at from a "cost" point of view.i have 2 Zillions and their wonderful reels. I have never had a Steeze before- this one will be my first one.I know that have the same inner workings i would like to know if the Steeze will be a better reel. I'll know next week.

[@ZachBoyce_DG]

I’ll take my SLX over this thing for the price any day.