A Hands On Look At Shimano's Most Expensive Baitcasting Reel!

Shimano just recently came out with the new 2023 Antares DC MD and I had to pick one up to try for myself. The older 2018 model did very well for me so I was exciting to see how the new one performed!
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[@Daiwa_Is_King]

I’m a Daiwa guy but both companies are top notch. Thanks for the informative video Geoff as always keep killing it !!!

[@crazybassfisher]

What’s your favorite daiwa reel? Both companies are great either way!

[@duckasshunting]

@@crazybassfisherdaiwa steez or the zillions are the best in my opinion for other baits but shimano to me has better swimbait reels

[@irrelevantme4153]

I don’t discriminate. Own both. Love both.

[@crazybassfisher]

What’s your favorite reel that you own? Both make excellent reels!

[@manifestgtr]

I’m a Shimano guy and I think it all comes down to two things…1.) your early exposure 2.) your performance preference For me, I grew up throwing a beat up abu ambassador that was missing its spool tension knob (you can only imagine the chaos involved with that). So consequently, I’m used to free wheeling reels that perform best with thumb braking. That’s what feels *right* to me. On the other side of the coin, if you grew up throwing a black max or a reel that had powerful magnetic brakes, a Daiwa is what will probably feel *right* to you. If you like to put your reel to work for you, Daiwas just seem to do better in that dept. The only other thing that keeps me 100% Shimano is that I feel like they do “low profile” better. A curado 70/engetsu frame or an aldebaran is so low-seated, you can throw it all day and never even notice it’s there. It’s a just preference thing, really…and it’s not one or the other. Abu Garcia, etc. makes some killer reels too.

[@crazybassfisher]

I think you’re right on all fronts!

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

They both got really solid options. Tatula/ Zillion/ Mago are awesome reels.The Antares MD is great but the Calcutta Conquest MD is something really special though.

[@crazybassfisher]

I might have to try that Calcutta Conquest MD, my only problem with it is that it only comes in a higher gear ratio, if they make it in a slower option, I will definitely buy one haha

[@bighashgang1990]

Dood no bullshit the new Calcutta Conquest 300 monster drive is crazy good

[@jdean1851]

EPIC" from Idaho! Thanks 4 Posting! jd

[@crazybassfisher]

Thanks for watching dude 🤟

[@michaelbonfield5850]

Had mine for a week and loving it fs

[@crazybassfisher]

Good to hear!

[@fffishing7572]

I got one on the way! Can't wait!

[@crazybassfisher]

Hell yeah! You’re gonna have to let me know how you like it!

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Great video brother,I’ve been fishing Shimano since 1984 when I 14 ,I love the reliability and quality of the company ❤

[@crazybassfisher]

Haha that is a very long time! That’s awesome to hear!

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

Let’s GO !!!

[@crazybassfisher]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@fishinjosh]

Great review mate! I just received mine from Japan yesterday, what handle are you running on it?

[@speedwolf5212]

I’ve got some of the old Antares/Calais 200 ASV reels that were heavy duty deep spool reels that a lot of guys used for Saltwater. They make great smaller swim bait reels

[@ata1421]

I have about 15DC reels, Two of the best all the time is Antares MD DC 18 and Antares Dc 16. And I paired MD with G-loomise IMX 966 and sweet combo for under 6 oz.

[@nickmoore9578]

Just ordered the 23 from digitaka. Can’t wait. Where did you get the aftermarket knobs/handle?

[@tymfortoys]

Thanks for the video Geoff !! I just got a G Loomis 966C IMX PRO SWBR and was thinking of pairing it with that new Shimano Antares DC MD... I think it would be perfect with that rod since most of the lures I would be throwing are in the 2.5oz to 4.5oz range.... I think your video just answered all my questions about it!! And I hope you get that record bass someday.

[@crazybassfisher]

Let me know how you like that G Loomis! I’ve never personally owned one but have used some in the past and they felt great!

[@yaboyjewice314]

Great video! Would love an updated video on how you fish your ghost with the new bumpers.

[@crazybassfisher]

I plan on making that video soon actually haha you must have read my video idea notes 😂

[@yaboyjewice314]

One question I know you mentioned switching to 20lbs tatsu on the tyrant 8 video. What line are you using for the antares?

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

I teally wish shimano would bring back the Core. Id love to see an updated version of that masterpiece. Cool vid Sir

[@crazybassfisher]

The core would be a cool one to see again for sure!

[@AnimeNfish]

Id like to change the handles/grips on mine aswell. Which handles and size and grips do you recommend? Also any other parts I need to install them?

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I am blessed to own the Shimano 23’ Antares DC MD HG and Daiwa IMZ Limit Breaker and I have to say there both absolutely astonishing!! Love the Shimano for the lighter weight but have to say my Daiwa IMZ is a little smoother reeling IMO but it’s very very close!! The IMZ looks out of this world obviously just wish you could use the Daiwa Bluetooth software state side!

[@crazybassfisher]

That’s awesome you have both reels! I really want to buy a IMZ but don’t want to until I can truly get the full experience out of the reel with the use of the app!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

@@crazybassfisher man I definitely agree! I got the IMZ for around $600 USD off eBay form a guy out of Japan or I’d still not have one. You can still use the button on the side to change the cast settings but with the Bluetooth app on your iPhone the IMZ would be absolutely incredible!

[@joeperales7293]

Great job on the video best I've ever seen.!!! Question can you fish worms and jigs with that reel on a 7' 6" heavy action rod ??

[@crazybassfisher]

Absolutely you can, the reel has the capability of throwing small and large lures and all you’ll have to do is play with some settings and you’ll flawlessly cast with it!

[@Teng247]

I mostly have Shimano and only a couple of Daiwa bfs reels (back before Shimano came out with bfs) but can say i still prefer Shimano. I don't have the Antares MD DX but have the 21 Antares DC and the new Metanium DC and love both.

[@crazybassfisher]

That 21 Antares DC is no joke, played with one last year and was blown away by how smooth it was!

[@calebcousins-nc5jo]

Jeff how many washers got your handle right ? I’ve got both on my Antares and still doesn’t want to stay tight

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Would completely agree with you on the fact that if your throwing a DEPS 250 (6oz) and up bait definitely use a 300 and up size reel. Tranx 300/400 or Daiwa Tatula 300. You need a bigger reel for gripping that added weight when your rod loads up to heave that 6oz bait or better or you’re killing your self tossing that bait more than an hour.

[@crazybassfisher]

Yup! Can’t stress that enough for reels!

[@matthewanderson171]

I like both companies a lot. I have Curado and Tatula that I got at the same time 5 or 6 years ago with the same amount of wear and maintenance. My Curado still runs amazing, so does my Tatula but the Tatula has a knock when I reel it (you’ll know what I’m taking about if you own one). I think Shimano wins that price category comfortably but the Steez is unbeatable in the top tier price category. Not a fan of doyo’s frames so I’m out on lews/abu.

[@stefanglio55]

My tatula elite had a knock when reeling in brand new, straight out of the box. Never had a quality issue like that with my curado. Have to agree Shimano is better for that price point

[@JS-oy6nn]

I use both Shimano and Daiwa, I’ve been using the Tatula 200 & 300’s. I really like the 200’s the best just wish they made them in a 8:1

[@crazybassfisher]

I haven’t had the chance to play with the 200’s but have heard nothing but great things about them!

[@Mjones8383]

Both are the top of the top

[@crazybassfisher]

No kidding huh! They truly make amazing reels!

[@raytubach8988]

Thanks Geoff. From someone who could possibly afford this reel but stubbornly won’t buy one because of the price

[@crazybassfisher]

The price is definitely steep but check out some of those JDM sites, you can find them for a couple hundred dollars cheaper!

[@ethanshaikun180]

How would you compare it to a 22 conquest 200?

[@Fishin-Mission]

I just ate top ramen for a month to get it but I just got Shimano Calcutta Conquest MD 401. I got it to throw the ghost I've only cast it about 10 times but so far I love it. Daiwa's are good reels also do they make a large reel at that price point? Is the z20 a 300 size?

[@crazybassfisher]

Oh nice! That Conquest MD is a very sexy reel😂 the Daiwa Z2020 feels more like a 300 size reel, at least that’s how I treat mine!

[@timb8970]

You mentioned you would use a 300 or 400 size reel for larger lures over 6+ oz. Is the Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 MD good for 10oz lures for frequent use? What do you feel are the upper limits of lure size for the Conquest 400 MD for frequent heavy swimbait use? I really appreciate your videos. Thanks.

[@hlsaquatics4323]

What is the color of those two yellowish drt swimbaits?

[@bighashgang1990]

I run the newest Scorpion 300 monster drive XGLH and the new Calcutta conquest monster drive 300 XGLH

[@youtubzkoz]

What rod do you have paired with it? And when are you going to test it out in the Mexico trophy lakes??

[@crazybassfisher]

I have a 7’10 H swimbait rod that is paired with it. The DRT Artex R2 rod to be more specific

[@davidhenderson1738]

Shimano makes nice bike parts too!

[@crazybassfisher]

Yes! Seems like their bike department is top notch as well!

[@cleavedspot]

I’ve had it for about a month or so and absolutely love it. It’s so comfortable that I forget I’m fishing with it. I was using the Met DC before the Ant and hated it.

[@crazybassfisher]

It fits so nicely in the hands! Interesting, I actually like the Met DC myself haha

[@cleavedspot]

@@crazybassfisher I’ve tried the Met DC on the Valk WE 6-5MH and it felt too big and on the Valk WE 6-1XH and it didn’t feel right on it either. What do you put the Met on?

[@crazybassfisher]

@@cleavedspot I’ve thrown it on the Dark Sleeper rod and thrown it with a spinnerbait, reel felt good on that size of rod.

[@cleavedspot]

@@crazybassfisher I’ve been considering the DS rod for it.

[@cleavedspot]

@@crazybassfisher can the 7.8 slow down enough to throw the 3pc PB Rat. I noticed this weekend that it was not fun trying to reel in the 8” Magdraft.

[@treehunter1]

5:26 You think the Calcutta 200 would do well at 5oz+ instead? I want a swimbait reel, but want to use the smallest and lightest possible and use the biggest bait possible with the reel. I’m a bit wary on the size and weight of the 300 size reels.

[@crazybassfisher]

You might run into the same problems with the Conquest 200, the gears would be smaller than the 300 size. The 300 is actually smaller than I thought

[@evilnev]

hi , would this reel also be suitable for fishing a lure like an OSP Blitz magnum ex dr ?

[@maziyauskas90]

Not at all, it's too fast. You need a solid reel for that bait but also a slow retrieve ratio (around 5) in it.

[@evilnev]

thank you

[@crazybassfisher]

Some guys like cranking on slower gears and some others like a faster gear. The Antares would be a little too fast for me but some guys would find it perfect

[@evilnev]

@@crazybassfisher ok thanks for that 👍🏼

[@timb8970]

Can you throw 8oz lures on it? If so, how long before it wears out?

[@europeanian4205]

Wow. It's almost as if you didn't take the time to watch the whole video...

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

Yeah... are you serious?

[@ericpettyfishing]

I always love cool reels, just can never bring myself to spend the money.

[@crazybassfisher]

Haha that’s the problem right😂 they should make cheaper cool reels for everyone

[@kzdoezit7410]

I don’t like the fact that companies are trying to make reels smaller and smaller. I think 2016-2021 Antares were the perfect reel for 4-6oz big bait.

[@crazybassfisher]

小さいリールをなぜ大嫌い？

[@Michaelpruis]

I have a lot of nice shimano... then I got a zillion and I'm not so sure they are that good now!

[@crazybassfisher]

Hahaha those zillions ain’t no joke😂

[@FishiganMilligan]

What’s the best budget reel around $200 or less for bigger swimbaits in the saltwater game? TranX 200?

[@willieharkless782]

Get the shimano scorpion 200md

[@willieharkless782]

I also us the shimano scorpion 300md for saltwater

[@crazybassfisher]

The tranx 200 is probably be the best to be honest, those things do great in the saltwater!

[@FishiganMilligan]

@@crazybassfisher ok thank you! I just ordered one. I’m thinking of putting FC sniper on it around 16lb and I can always add a thicker leader if need be for the teeth in a snook. What you think?

[@VisceralFishing]

What handle is that. Not stock, correct?

[@crazybassfisher]

That is an aftermarket handle called the DRT Varial Handle

[@MichaelRomero]

I traded that reel in and got the Tatula 300. #Daiwa

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

big price difference….the tatula 300 doesn’t cast as smooth as the Antares MD DC and not even comparable when it comes to the tech in it……tats comparing apples to oranges……a more comparable reel would be the 300 tranx vs Tatula 300

[@matthewotis3594]

​@deltapromasterlauj4848 bullshit. Everyone thoeung everything on the at 300. The lexa 300 is closer to the tranx 300. Not the tat.

[@crazybassfisher]

Can’t beat those Tatula 300’s! Love mine!

[@briantherion5464]

Lew's Super Duty 300's handle my big baits

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

I have a buddy that uses that 300. I like it.

[@crazybassfisher]

I’ve heard a lot of great things about that reel as well!

[@wolverinex4243]

My experience; Daiwa palms better if you side palm like me. Daiwa has thumb bar issues and spool loosening. Daiwa feels cheaper and they have cheap coating. I am a fan of Daiwa. Shimano tends to lock on the handles. Shimano Mentanium does not palm well if you palm on the side. 150 and having bigger spool is great. Nobody cares for DC. Overall, Shimano might have better internal bc they are a gear company. For example, Curado lasts longer than Tatula if I am not mistaken.

[@crazybassfisher]

Those are good points as well! Those curados can last forever it seems like!

[@johnthemachine]

Doyo

[@morganvanschuyver]

Geoff how much weight ( in nail weights ) did you put into the anal fin of your tyrant 8 to make it float with stability? Thanks

[@crazybassfisher]

I believe I run a small 1/32oz weight in the back currently!

[@morganvanschuyver]

@@crazybassfisher I see, so am I, but for some reason my bait will run straight for a little bit but then it wants to blow out to either the left or right side. Idk I'll keep messing with it.

[@1302inc]

Abu garcia makes some killer reels. Digging my okumas too especially for saltwater

[@crazybassfisher]

Yes! Abu Garcia made one of my favorite reels of all time, the JDM Big Shooter!

[@fmfishing]

All my Spinning reel is Daiwa,all my Baitcaster is Shimano.

[@crazybassfisher]

Interesting! What’s your favorite daiwa spinning reel?

[@Ggorazzi]

shimano for spinning daiwa for baitcasters

[@crazybassfisher]

I like this strategy! What’s your favorite Shimano spinning reel?

[@user-yd1cv2my7w]

Have this and. Tatula 300. This way out performs the Tatula I just wish it had the drag of the Tatula tho. The tatula can keep the rest of its features, especially that notoriously gross Daiwa line lay 😂

[@crazybassfisher]

😂😂 no kidding

[@wolverinex4243]

If Abu Garcia makes better bearings, I'd go with an Abu. Lol.

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

I got both makes …. Only one I’ve ever had issues With is my Ryoga… I love the fuck’n reel too, but she popped one 2x. Can’t call it

[@crazybassfisher]

Those ryogas are very nice reel! What was the problem with it?

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

@@crazybassfisher the pin that keeps the spool release locked snapped on me mid cast. I’ve been trying to get it built by SLP… but they are impossible to get a hold of if you’re state side. No amount of google translate seem to help either😂

[@chriscurtis8577]

All I can say on this is does it matter right there best real if there is no longer a bracelet fish

[@loganmiller959]

👀

[@waynerandles6126]

Komodo 👍

[@gabrielm.4554]

07:12 🧢

[@RobFishYT]

Parts are easily replaceable. Tie on those big baits and send it! I would rather chuck those beasts on a lighter setup all day.

[@crazybassfisher]

Haha this is very true but I feel like a lot of guys are scared to open up their expensive reels in danger of breaking something or misplacing a piece!

[@ianj3785]

Unless you're rich enough to justify it a can get away with tranx or 13 a3 I'm in normal situation in northern California guys throwing big baits now days I feel like fish r getting conditioned to to alot of the bigger baits withal the pressure increasing the last few years .... but I dont have any of those custom baits I've watched u fish and I learned alot from your content i still fish blind maybe 2d sometimes

[@crazybassfisher]

Those tranx reels are the real deal for sure! I have owned a couple in the past and they are bullet proof!

[@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R]

Daiwa is for ppl who don’t know how too use a baitcast.. too much braking!

[@thechamplainfisher7854]

What about Shimano DCs? Lol

[@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R]

@@thechamplainfisher7854 yup dc in a way but dc really give you that distance. Not like Daiwa braking system

[@crazybassfisher]

Interesting take😂

[@thechamplainfisher7854]

@@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R the new zillions sv boost spool definitely outcasts dc reels. I was a big time Shimano fanboy until I got my first zillion (I still use both brands) but I’m no longer brand specific

[@thechamplainfisher7854]

@@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R LOL, I’m not getting paid to say that. I’m not a shill, I almost spool my sv reels. Bet you watch ReelTest don’t you?