The NEW Daiwa Ballistic MQ is finally HERE!! A review! (sort of)

[@canadagooses]

So basically Zaion has always been a “carbon fiber reinforced polymer” same stuff used in aviation. Carbon fibers are mixed in with polymer resin to add rigidity. The fibers are mixed multi directionally to add strength in all directions. Zaion V uses more polymer resin than regular Zaion and instead of the resin being directly mixed with multi directional fibers, unidirectional fibers are layered in different directions then polymer resin is injected in between and around the fibers. This cuts down the manufacturing time significantly. Instead of having to make a huge block of Zaion then cut it down into the shape of the reel bodies, they can build the Zaion V directly into the shape of the reel bodies. Zaion is over built with fibers suspended everywhere within the resin while Zaion V just has fibers where they are needed for structural rigidity. The ratio of carbon to resin is for sure much higher on regular Zaion. Zaion V is not quite as rigid as regular Zaion because there can be weak points. It is still very strong and lightweight, though. Zaion will still be used on their flagships because it’s just that much better but Zaion V is a winner in the sense that it sacrifices little but lets the consumer get a lot more flagship technology.

[@joed2497]

Exactly as that is and most likely will be continued to be used for more Lower End Daiwa Reels going forward into the future as I would be (They will be coming out with a New Tatula MQ LT this summer at Icast to go with the new (Ballistic MQ LT) and they will surely be using Zion V in that as it's cheaper to produce vs the old (But very very good) Original Zion stuff.....But hey do you know that they use that same new (Zion V) material in the ($69.99) (2020) Legalis LT as if you look up the Specs Page for that reel on Daiwa's Site you will see it say's Zion V (Body & Rotor) go figure as if that reel had a Screw-In Handle (Instead of a Cap Screw) Handle it would really be a good seller at that price point with the new Zion V material in it.....Also supposely that new Zion V is alot stronger then the standard Graphite Composite that Daiwa uses on the (2018) Fuego LT's which alot of people have reported those reels to have some (Body/Stem) Flex to them under a load so, I am really curious to see how the New (Zion V) material holds up on the new Ballistic MQ with some actual use under load so please come back with an update on that as I would love to hear how it did ok 👍🏻

[@johnnyreb9398]

@@joed2497 is it that much more expensive for them to make a screw on handle? I don't see how it could be I mean the penn pursuit has it as far as I know all the penn spinners have it. I have no idea about manufacturing a reel or anything else though. It just seems cost wise threads on a main gear would cost just as much as the hex type handle. Even if it was a little more in the long run I believe it would more than pay for itself because it seems more people look for and prefer this style.

[@user-nx8vp5sy5d]

They used a cheaper resin compared to dear reels like the certate that uses a high density reason that weighs less, same as done in higher priced fishing rod. Lighter and stronger as price increases

[@user-nx8vp5sy5d]

Buy a reel that’s alloy frame and side plate if you fish hard for big fish, zaion is fine for light tackle fish or rotors for larger fish. Wish Shimano would stop using side plate made from plastic in there spinning reels and baitcasters. I’ve stripped the gears on many Shimano spinning and baitcaster reels from this. This reel will be a little better but not by much.

[@canadagooses]

Thanks for listening and making the video! What I wanted to see!

[@bruceraiken2806]

As always Brian a fine review. I'm predominantly a Shimano reel loyalist, but was considering this updated Ballistic to mix things up. I happen to also go to 3000 size spinning reels most often (did get 1 Exsence in a 4000). Assuming quality and performance were on equal footing with the Vanford, what got me was (just like the Exist) these updated Daiwa models emerging do not offer the standard 6.something ratio in their 3000 model. I don't know, but I would pause before jumping from a 6.4:1 Vanford 3000 to a 5.2:1 ratio on the Ballistic 3000 if the former is what I was used to, or unless maybe I wanted a slower speed to slow me down with maybe a dedicated small swimbait setup. You're talking comparing Vanford's 37" line recovery per turn of the handle to Ballistic's 30.6", a 16% difference. Not sure Daiwa has started this trend.

[@exconcurly]

Just got mine,you so write I put that on a victory rod and it balanced it out perfect,again I want to thankyou for the discount code and turning me on to omni I have spent thousands there and no longer use tackle warehouse,best customer service,thanks again

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for the support! 🙏

[@captnse]

Try to get your hands on a Daiwa Luvias Airity.....it’s a beautiful looking reel and unbelievably smooth, for hundreds less than an Exist!! I picked one up (a 4000 series) from Ebay....it’s very solid and only weighs 7 oz. The Airity has one less bearing than an Exist. I’ve got a couple of the original Ballistic LT’s that I’m still using, along with a certate LT. My ballistics still feel very smooth and effortless on the retrieve.....Thanks for the review!! 👍🏼

[@JahminMatuku]

I wanted one of these since I first seen them but got sick of waiting and picked up a certate instead. Glad I did because it's the nicest reel I've ever layed hands on

[@WranglerVet84]

I have the Ballistic LT 4000 paired with a very light weight 7 footer it's an absolute beast of a rod and reel combo at 7.4oz and 26.4lbs of drag on an insanely small package and a 4.6oz (like 90% sure of those weights for the rod and reel)and that's my go to rod for fluke blues and striped bass from boat or shore fishing I am interested in the MQ 4000 for a new 8 foot rod im planning on getting this summer either way Daiwa knows what they are doin

[@nawinchester]

The Daiwa Caldia MQ LT is the other reel you were referencing. I own two of them and I buy the overseas version for the very reason you mention, which is the reels available in the Australian/Japanese markets coming in the shallow spool option so you don't have to load a reel with a 1000 yard spool. AND they typically come in the higher gear ratios than the American reels do (typically slower reel speeds). Other than shallow spool and higher gear ratio, the Caldia MQ LT is the Ballistic MQ LT. Solid reel, but for some reason I feel that handle turn in the MQ reels to be "heavier" than the handle turn in the non MQ reels. I have numerous Caldia LTs (non MQ reels) and the handle turn of these reels are EFFORTLESS. Light, smooth and effortless. The handle turn on my Caldia MQ and Luvias MQ are much heavier, and by heavier I mean it just takes more effort to get the handle turn started. They are smooth and you can't feel any gear meshing, but getting the rotor started isn't anywhere near as effortless as it is on the non MQ models. That is just in my experience and in my humble opinion. Appreciate the video and the review of the new Ballistic. Keep on keeping on....

[@canga1299]

The JDM version is the Caldia, I got mine from Japan lure shop for 175 shipped and got a free jackhammer thrown in.

[@3railmike713]

I wouldn’t worry about the handle shaft play. I have the Kage 4000 and it has that slight handle shaft play as well. Just purchased the Ballistic LT MQ 4000 today fromTackle Warehouse. I have 60 year old Mitchell 300’s that have that play as well and they are still pretty smooth.

[@PunchFishing]

I'm not really worried about it, just thought it was worth pointing out.

[@joed2497]

I totall agree Same here!....As every Daiwa LT reel I have owned in the last 5yrs (Tatula, Ballistic, and even the Higher-End Certate MQ, and Luvias MQ LT) have had that same Handle Knock in there but it's nothing and just normal imho...As after the 1st time tightening up the handle good in the shaft all my reels have had that same (Knock/Play) in them but never once has it affected the Anti-Reverse on for me on any of those reels so again, I would say that is normal

[@jameslyman1377]

Hey Brian, I have a chance to purchase the older 2017 Exsence. Do you have any good or bad thoughts on this reel. I seen you own a few.

[@mjhowe90]

Hey Brian, have you noticed any handle knock after a season or two of use on your Vanford reels? I recently sent my Vanford in for service and had the bail replaced, but I found that there was a pretty noticeable knock when I got it back.

[@PunchFishing]

I have not had any knocking with my Vanfords or stradics.

[@jonathonborges8023]

Can’t decide between the 2500 or 3000 vanford or get the Daiwa Ballistic mq lt

[@johnarnett5201]

The old model ballistic Lt had the Cold forged aluminum main gear and the New ballistic mq does not have that gear,I think it just has the regular zinc gear (from what I can see)

[@PunchFishing]

That's interesting! Have you pulled one apart?

[@ktra5031]

I know for sure that the caldia has the zinc gear and they're the same as the ballistic

[@Michaelpruis]

I've been waiting for this one... I grabbed a luvias from digitaka a year ago (my first mq reel) and have been waiting for the ballistic ever since! My favorite spinning reel got ever better... and redder

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@perchfreak739]

Nice video as always. What's up with the big scratch at around 12 minutes?

[@luchollaar9025]

Men I have a cheap Daiwa legalis now and iam looking for a beter reel like this one but like you said the play you have with the older version is holding me back I had that when iam jigging and you really need to feel everything I see that this video is already 7 months old but how’s the reel doing now do you have any play yet?

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

Same thoughts i have between the Certate LT and the Twin Power where the Twin Power is smooth but you can feel the teeth on the Worm Gear compared to the Certate where its just smooth. Btw whats the main gear made off on the Ballistic Mq and will the side plate socket used to open the Certate fit on this reel?

[@user-nx8vp5sy5d]

Most likely zinc. It’s not a bad material it doesn’t shear teeth under pressure compared to brass. It corrosion resistance sucks. If it hardened alloy it will last forever. For the price most likely zinc

[@Hunterrr.]

I got a question so I have this reel n I just noticed today that the spool part is like loose like it it can move up like is it supposed to do that? Like it’s pushed up if I push on it as if it’s loose

[@FLFlatsmaster]

I really think a more fair comparison to the Vanford would be the Ballistic 2500 XH. Since the Vanford 3000 is basically a 2500 with a slightly bigger spool. With that being said, I’ve tried both. Ballistic and Vanford for inshore fishing in FL. I would choose neither.. I would pay the extra money for a Shimano Sustain 3000 lol.

[@seanhung14982]

Hey, does your ballistic mq have a really muted drag clicker, ordered one from Omnia a few weeks ago and just noticed that my drag was really hard to hear vs my other reels

[@Unplugged704]

I currently use the BG3000 fishing freshwater lakes and rivers mostly for hybrids and striped bass. now looking at the Vanford. Sounds like the Ballistic MQ is the better upgrade for the same price?

[@jonathonborges8023]

Wondering the same

[@louievang3553]

Same handle problem on my new airity out of the box. Sucks but not a big problem

[@bassmastermatt]

Thanks for the code again! Just ordered a couple packs of Bounty Fish from Omnia to try out! Jackpot.

[@PunchFishing]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@gleamtarrest6310]

Vanford is smooth, but it does have some resistance when reeling ( not a bad resistance) my new Shimano Ultegra 2500 is the smoothest reel I have ever felt.

[@baraaamir7891]

Hi finally someone who has a similar observation. I have a 5000 sized stradic and a 3000 ultegra. And while the stardic is so effortless in reeling and it's super free floating, I feel like it does have some grindiness compared to the ultegra which is butter. Is this what you noticed, and is it possibly down to larger sizes being less smooth?

[@gleamtarrest6310]

@baraaamir7891 it is new only fished with it one time... I ordered a 1000 size also, I will be putting them to the test. I sent back Tatula 3000k because it had some grittyness & a catch in it.. the Ultegra is crazy smooth!

[@cbmn3994]

Liked the review. Picked up a new ballistic mq about a month ago at a twin cities metro shop. Haven’t gotten to use it on the water yet. Also picked up a steez ags spinning rod last fall and a couple new expride b spinning rods a few weeks ago. Live in the north metro area and would be happy to borrow them to you for review purposes.

[@PunchFishing]

Appreciate the offer! I'm around the north metro also.

[@cbmn3994]

@@PunchFishing first time KZbin comment so not sure how to contact you for details. No f book or ig either.

[@PunchFishing]

@@cbmn3994 don't worry about it man, I have plenty of my own stuff to test and review. It's all good.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Well got an NRX+ DSR Vanford, Ballistic, Stradic or save for a Exsence ?

[@PunchFishing]

I didn't think you need an Exsense for fresh water dropshots 🤷‍♂️

[@raymundmonica8884]

It's call caldia MQ reel. And one more model it's called TD black MQ reel. The ballistic have 8 Bearings. The caldia mq and the TD black MQ reel. Only have 6 Bearings

[@whitebass16]

I'm not even a daiwa fan, but that black and red looks good

[@basschaser9356]

I got 4 tatula LT and a stradic. Been thinking about getting a ballistic or vanford

[@PunchFishing]

To me it seems like you can't go wrong with either of them. This is a very competitive price point.

[@basschaser9356]

@@PunchFishing true . For tournaments fishing I want the most reliable gears that doesn't break the bank . I'll keep a eye for sales on the old ballistic

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

I’m looking at the Ballistic EX myself. More bearings, better looks (black and silver spool) and better feel than the new Sustain. Playing both of them in the tackleshop i felt that the Sustain is ‘geary’ and the EX is much smoother. Which models of the P5 you would like to have? Cyclone or a Kirisame, maybe the Tachion shaft. Furthermore I’m hoping for the NEW models to arrive in Winter

[@hanfei6871]

The EX also splits into the OG JMD EX and the North American EX... huge differences, even different rotors iirc

[@bassfisher685]

Did that reel handle on the ballistic ever get loose???

[@PunchFishing]

yes, it did.. it's kinda "clicky". Kind of a bummer.

[@bassfisher685]

@@PunchFishing dang it. I was wanting to try one. But that right there is a no go.

[@kylemayer8486]

I buy jdm ballistic's. They look way better than the usdm versions. They also fish like much higher end reels.

[@kayakjoe]

NICE video - I am trying to decide between the Ballistic MQ LT vs Shimano Stradic in the 2500 size. Any thoughts?

[@PunchFishing]

I really like them both honestly, the Stradic is the "proven workhorse" and can really take a beating. I've been happy with the Ballistic MQ so far also. I really don't think you can go wrong with either of them. Do you like black and red or silver?? Lol

[@HookSetHarvey]

Finally a first impressions vid up. Good job. I bought this a few weeks ago after getting your code for The Tackle Trap thanks for that. I also have a Vanford 2500 and feel the shimano dominates over the ballistic in every way. I have one solid year of use on the vanford and it feels like glass smoothness...no gear feeling at all. The start up inertia of the vanford is unreal compared to the new ballistic as well. I'm hoping since this reel is new it will break in a pinch and start up easier. I also have the stradic fl with 2 season under its belt that is just pure Red Skelton Smoooooth as well. I let my 10 year old daughter handle each reel and asked her which one she liked best and she picked the vandord as well. Seems like the ballistic is in the stradic class at best yet it doesn't have a metal body. I'm curious what the weight difference is of the old zion vs the new zion. Anyways keep the vids flowing always a pleasure to watch. P.S. I miss tackle advisors for his in depth teardown/compare vids. Who's going to step up and fill that role?

[@GwenStefaniGuild]

What happened to tackle advisor?

[@HookSetHarvey]

@@GwenStefaniGuild heard he got a job with a major reel company and isn't making any more tear down/comparison vids 😢

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for the review! Probably a good reel but to much red. Does Daiwa have a rod that has that color scheme or perhaps they are thinking it would look great on a Zodias! Mhm know pre-ordered Expride 7’2 ML to go with Shimano’s Complex XR. Hopefully Daiwa will keep the Tatula all black when they release the new model. And without that Mag seal! Fine review thanks!

[@PunchFishing]

The new Steez rods have a black and red motif.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

@@PunchFishing $$$

[@kenglee88]

how does this compare to the kage mq??

[@anthonypacion-chanthabouas8186]

Hey man have you ever gotten to handle a Certate yet? It's currently my favorite spinning reel I've ever owned and would like to hear your thoughts on it 🙂

[@PunchFishing]

Just af the store and they are NICE

[@fishing_marvin]

Is the new Ballistic MQ LT better than the Ballistic EX LT?

[@PunchFishing]

From a technology standpoint, absolutely.

[@-MAX813-]

Wish they’d make some of these higher end spinners with 26-28” ipt for small bait cranking, 35+ipt just doesn’t work.

[@66chvle]

Didnt know your a fisherman!

[@-MAX813-]

@@66chvle You must be thinking of Bas Rutten the real mma guy, my youtube tag is just a play on his name.

[@drunknnirish]

Comment to make the algorithm like you

[@PunchFishing]

Why thank you.

[@alexanderlee6509]

Ordered mine from American Legacy Fishing back in November and still waiting on it.

[@PunchFishing]

I ordered on on Omnia and had it in two days (and got 15% off and 10% cash back). Just sayin'.

[@Joelflowers513]

Daiwa specs the 2500's weight at 6.9 oz, which is probably the best way to shave off some weight if you want that Daiwa smoothness and still balance out a light rod. Can't go wrong with either but I did sell my vanford because I preferred Daiwa's smoothness.

[@CrazyCranker]

I have the 2019 Japanese Ballistic 4000CXH, it's like an ounce lighter. Glad I got it coz they discontinued it here in Japanland.:(

[@donaldstephensen8654]

Does it come in a 1000

[@FishingWithJimbo]

Love this reel!! Got the 2500 XH and the 3000! 🔥🔥🙌🏻

[@billyblue5266]

I would like to see more blue reels

[@nyewang7291]

I recently bought both the Ballistic MQ and the Procyon AL. The Procyon was smoother imho. But obviously much heavier as well, which is not a bad thing when paired with heavier inshore rods.

[@DrewPWeiner21]

I have to agree here. In my hands the Procyon feels smoother, the downfall is the heaviness. I'm in the market for a light reel for two set ups and can't decide where to put my money.

[@TheDruxlol]

i really like the tatula LT, have a few, have 2 vanfords too, which just feel so much more robust, like sooo much. I want to try this reel but i feel like im going to kick myself for not just getting another vanford

[@PunchFishing]

Really can't go wrong with either.

[@HookSetHarvey]

I also have a Vanford that is butter smooth with dam near zero start up resistance. I think the MGL rotor is lighter and far superior to the zion v. Also shimano having better balance since the bail trip is on the opposite side of the line roller. The vanford is also lighter weight yet feels more solid at the same time. Maybe we're just lucky we received flawless vanfords as others have said they feel the gears. I'm not kicking myself yet for purchasing the ballistic mq since I have zero on water time with it. Need to give it a chance but first impressions is the vanford is superior.

[@matthewotis3594]

Want Luella get a saltiga or saltist. They have blue reels.

[@alinbriceag4021]

My shimano stella 3000 fj , wiggle like hell in knob and in the reel where handle fit. The only reel i tested after 2 years of use and not wiggle is certate lt... i think i will sell my stella to buy one.

[@PunchFishing]

interesting!

[@jacobkramer1089]

Got in a 2500 Ballistic MQ from Omnia for below 200 with your code 😎 threw it on a Steez AGS 7'6 with some Shimano Pitbull 8+ and I'm loving it! I have the Certate also and damn do I want all my reels to be MQ too lol.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for the support! 🤘

[@josht10]

How does the ballistic match the Steez ags paint scheme?

[@jacobkramer1089]

@@josht10 It's spot on with the colors. You can add a Daiwa cork handle to match even more

[@dumbbassfishing4313]

First off thanks for your videos, second can you pleeeeez make a video comparing the nrx+ dsr vs nrr vs syr? We can't afford to buy all three😀

[@PunchFishing]

Honestly, I had the DSR and didn't like it. I don't think I'll be buying any NRX+'s in that model in the foreseeable future. The NRR is also SUPER soft and didn't interest me.

[@dumbbassfishing4313]

@@PunchFishing Thanks for the response. Right now I have a whip snake and it is a true extra fast taper and very sensitive. But I was thinking about trying one of these. Thats good to know because I'm looking for a true extra fast rod. So I guess that just leaves the syr. Let us know if you try it.

[@sijiali525]

Got one from BPS with coupon and price match stacked. Awesome reel and looks good. Also have a Vanford 3000 but decide give this one a try no matter what. Price was just too good to be true

[@rich5916]

Which do you like more?

[@regularguy7517]

To comment on your "why only black and red" question, Daiwa makes several blue reels like the certate, legalis, saltist, and saltiga.

[@PunchFishing]

I was referring to reels aimed at freshwater fishing I guess.

[@ThomasMichaelSeaboldt]

I just ordered a Daiwa 21 Luvias Airity FC LT 2500S-XH-QD to put on my Megabass Kirisame Kameyama Special, but I'm gonna give it a whirl of the 7'6" Steez AGS too. I'm not sure I'd like it on the NRX+ 872S, as the 4000CXH model of that reel pairs great with it for a variety of reasons, but certain rods just feel/fish better with light reels. The 4000 is only 7.05 ounces, but the 2500 is just under 5.50 ounces and I figured I owed it to myself to at least give it a try. I feel the Luvias Airity is a STEAL of a reel right now.

[@DDV_Fshing]

Get the daiwa Saltist if u want blue

[@nami08041988]

The only gripe I have with this reel is the weight, but that goes with the size of the reel kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . I brought this salmon fishing up in Oswego, NY. I coupled it with a Cabela's Whuppin Stick. I had no problem pulling in a 14lb salmon. I will probably use this for surf fishing this summer and downgrade to a 3500 series Battle II next salmon season to save my wrists. All of the operations are butter smooth and the bail is nice and thick and has a solid flip to it. Everything about this reel is sturdy and strong. The drag system held up to the salmon and was also super smooth. I did use a scale to set the drag properly before going out to the river and this worked out tremendously. A bunch of other guys on the river would hook up and snap almost immediately. Just because you have a good drag system doesn't do anything if you don't set it correctly.

[@denyp996]

Bagaimana cara mendapatkan nya daiwa jenis ini saya tertarik

[@kongxiong6005]

I feel like that's the one thing that bugs me about daiwa. They keep taking the color schemes of Shimano. Like they currently already make better products can it like kill you to make different color schemes I completely agree

[@raymundmonica8884]

Yellow

[@dnfishing9214]

The Daiwa Black/Gold is the Daiwa Caldia LT FC. It looks super nice

[@hanfei6871]

This is basically a carbon BG MQ... better off with Luvias based MQs imho, BGMQ’s design is not the best for down-scaling. You’re not gonna find the smoothness in the Procyon based ballistic in the MQ. But I digress, smoothness is not the biggest thing on the water.

[@Mark-startswithus]

I hate the short spools on Daiwa. Long ago Shimano proved that their aerowrap on a longer spool just casts better.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

Would it kill you to do a little blue??? (DOOM MUSIC) --- Certate enters the video

[@paulcoffey4221]

The newer drag system on the Vanford is a huge let down.....drag slips on hook sets too much

[@FatTony83]

The Tatula sees like a better comparison to the Vanford. The new ballistic seems like a different animal all together.

[@PunchFishing]

I brought in the Vanford it because it's the same price as the new ballistic.

[@Unplugged704]

I bought the Vanford last week for freshwater striped bass / hybrids, which are typically 3-10 lbs. Thinking of visiting new england and fishing Cape Cod Canal....Which is better suited for bigger fish like Cape Code striped bass?

[@jonathonborges2914]

Cant decide between Shimano Vanford or Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT

[@Jessica37323]

Not water proof. Water resistant. Only 3 reels are fully sealed. Van Staal, Zeebass and Visser don't confuse to two

[@ryanhelou7881]

The only thing i don't like about the MQ body is that you can't service it yourself. Im gonna stick with Shimano

[@SaidDarlingfishing]

Very nice reel daiwa ballastick spining and i like reel daiwa👍😍🙏🇮🇩

[@abuncharandomstuff]

Honestly, I don't know if I'll ever be able to buy another Daiwa reel again. Their customer service is - by far - some of the worst I've ever had to deal with.

[@PunchFishing]

Why's that? Care to share a story?

[@abuncharandomstuff]

​@@PunchFishing Absolutely! Sorry for the ensuing novel. I had a Daiwa Certate that got messed up in a fishing accident when I was boating with one of my buddies. I filled the repair form out, sent it to them... and didn't hear back (this was on October 4th, 2020). A week later I randomly got sent an invoice for $231 dollars (which I promptly paid; it was messed up and it's a good reel) but had no idea what work was actually being done on it, what parts were needed, etc. I didn't receive a receipt or an ETA or confirmation after the payment. After not hearing back I called a week later to see what the ETA was going to be on it; they told me it'd be done by the end of the month (this was on October 14th). End of the month came and went and didn't see or hear anything. On November 4th I called to figure out what was going on and they said the part wasn't in stock and that they wouldn't receive it until the 27th - basically a month later. Could he track it? No. Can you let me know when it comes into stock? No. So I'll have to wait another month? Yep, and might even be longer. "You're just going to have to deal with it," and once the part gets in it'll be another 7-10 days for it to be repaired. Dude was very irritated with me the entire time. I then emailed the general customer service inbox outlining everything that was happening on November 6th - very amicably. I received a response back with a lot more color, which was great! I just wanted information and this rep outlined it for me. He said basically another two weeks. I'm totally cool with that, thank you for providing me with an ETA and the reasoning behind it. As you can probably guess, another two weeks came and went. I finally emailed them a literal month later (December 3rd) and was told oh yeah, sorry, I should have been more responsive. We're still waiting for the part of course. I emailed them back on the 24th. Sorry, not completed yet, and now we're on break until the 4th. JANUARY 31ST I STILL haven't heard back so I finally email them again asking to speak to the manager. The rep says sure, escalating it. In the meantime can you tell me what is going on with my reel? Sorry, I can't deal with you anymore because you escalated this to my manager. Awesome. But sure enough, the very next day on February 1st my repair is magically completed and shipped out to me. I sent them my reel originally on October 4th and didn't get it back until February 3rd the next year, and only because I was hounding them. I have all of this documented as well. In the meantime, I went against my better judgement and bought a Daiwa Exist LT (I'm like you, I like high-end stuff and wanted to compare it to my Stella). The rep I was working with had told me originally when I brought up my concerns about having to deal with them again to get it serviced that the Exist gets Executive Service and not to worry. After all of this was over, a few months later as a kind of litmus test I sent in my Shimano Stella and my Diawa Exist for service at the same time. Shimano confirmed they received it, called me to tell me what they did and sent me a notice when it was shipped out with tracking information. They serviced it and had it back to me within two days of receiving it. Daiwa on the other hand didn't send me any information - at all - and then unceremoniously shipped it back with a note that they don't service JDM models. I didn't know this or realize until I got home from work one day to find my $700 reel sitting on my doorstep with zero notice that it was there and emailed them to figure out what the hell was going on. Likewise, my Stella is a JDM model as well - no complaints from them. I also feel obligated to mention I have a Stradic that I had sent in earlier that year that was completely jacked up with a ton of the bearings rusted. Shimano repaired it, replaced all the necessary parts and serviced it for free. The difference in customer service between Shimano and Diawa is night and day. I love my Exist. Absolutely love it. It's so incredibly light and smooth and feels great, but I don't think I'll ever buy another Daiwa product again, at least not until they fix their customer service. I wanted to discuss it as I think it's incredibly important to share my experience so people can factor that into their next high-end reel purchase, but a lot of forums see it as vendor disparagement. I can understand not knowing me, that I could be one of those guys who screams and curses and made my reps life a living hell, but I have everything documented to show I wasn't - though I did start to lose my patience near the end. I've worked customer service (I'm currently in sales too) and I hate dealing with assholes so I don't want to be one myself. Anyways, I apologize for this being so lengthy but I haven't gotten to share this really! Thanks for listening and thanks for the great content you're putting out man. TL;DR: Daiwa's customer service is absolute garbage, Shimano's is absolutely amazing.

[@Dave30867]

The line capacity is not great the reel itself looks fancy .

[@user-nx8vp5sy5d]

Sounds like my Stella

[@Mark-startswithus]

Drag is to prevent your line from breaking during an emergency BACKREELING is how you fight a fish. I have not been in the market for reels since acquiring my Stradics from 1992-1998. What is this nonsense with no anti-reverse on/off switch. Letting drag pull will ALWAYS TWIST your line no matter how "smooth" that drag is.

[@johnarnett5201]

AM I the only one that knows about the inferior main gear on the new mq?

[@canadagooses]

I thought it was forged aluminum like the old one. Don’t tell me they cheaped out and used a cast zinc gear!?

[@victorsimonsen921]

those plastic pieces are bushings!!!

[@PunchFishing]

Yes! For some reason my brain couldn't recall that under pressure.

[@joed2497]

Yes exactly and very simple to replace them too as I do in all my Daiwa Reels (Spinning/Baitcasting) 😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@grantroberts3570]

My brand new ballistic has knocking/play in the handle… love Diawa reels but out of the box it should be solid

[@PunchFishing]

Interesting! I've only played with mine.

[@denelvo]

Bushings.

[@PunchFishing]

yes! My brain wasn't keeping up.

[@cdykane73]

TMI

[@FatTony83]

Hey man. If you are ever in the need to donate some reels. You know. For tax purposes. Let me know.🤘🏻

[@PunchFishing]

Will do haha

[@toulee845]

for real, enough of the black and reds!

[@PunchFishing]

Black and blue would be so rad

[@toulee845]

@@PunchFishing black and anything but red lol

[@scottjm61]

I believe these are made in CHINA - bummer

[@PunchFishing]

I believe they are made in Vietnam

[@scottjm61]

@@PunchFishing Excellent - It appears you are correct. That is good news. The Kage that I looked at had a made in China sticker on it. I'm a Shimano guy and have been wanting to try Diawa but just can't make the financial commitment for the Certate (made in japan). Thanks for the video and info.

[@stefankormos380]

I’m sorry but is not even close to vanford

[@paullynch6718]

I want a review on one reel not 4 ffs

[@PunchFishing]

So go record one. 🤷‍♂️

[@paullynch6718]

@@PunchFishing if you are going to review a reel people want to see the review of the reel you are reviewing... Not reviewing other reels if you get me we are interested in the machanics of the reel in question