Daiwa Steez Compile X AGS 76MML Review - The KING of Spinning Rods?

After a full season of big bass and fluke, here's my review of the Daiwa Steez Compile X AGS 76MML - the new 7'6 "unicorn" rod that exceeded all expectations.
Tackle Trap is not a sponsor in any way, but I've always had excellent service from Gary and the team. Pre order from TT and it's almost guaranteed they'll get Daiwa rods in first - tackletrap.com...
STAGS761MMLFS
#smallmouthbass #largemouthbass #kayakfishing above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links above may contain affiliate links

[@lexm0]

Not related to the rod necessarily, but some of the footage of you on the water with the rod is absolutely serene! Just you and nature at its finest!

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you! We're lucky to have such beautiful lakes all over the country - open access for the most part

[@rich5916]

Such a good review!! Well edited

[@Joe-bh4vz]

I bought “the one” for inshore saltwater angling. For flounder, this rod Is literally the most perfect rod in existence. It’s literally an instrument of death for flat fish. I used ultralight rods previously, but I had trouble with large redfish. Now I don’t have any trouble with them large redfish.

[@CookingandFishing]

Excellent!!

[@arge676]

thanks for your review I am sold on it!

[@CookingandFishing]

awesome!

[@bruceraiken2806]

Ok, excellent job on this video, but the question for me is at this price is it worth me getting a second one? Somehow I get the flavor that some of what you pickup with that faster action and lesser parabolic action at equivalent level of power, might just be taking a bit away from the ML in the M/ML. I love the last gen Steez AGS, which was my first. I have Gary to thank for making me curious enough to get one eventually, but initially I was looking for a rod to throw very light hair jigs, and got the NRX 901. I don't regret that decision because as versatile as the Steez is the 901 is a one trick pony, but it was the pony I needed for that specific application. That weight reduction is amazing, and for that alone I may have to get a second one. With a little care the guides have been great! Now, we wait for the updated EXIST!

[@CookingandFishing]

If you're asking should you get the new Steez in addition to the old one - Yes. 100% you should lol. If you're asking if you need 2 new Steezes...for a time I had 2 of the new version, and if I fished from a bass boat I would've kept both. But I only bring 2-4 setups on my kayak so it was a bit redundant.

[@skidemn]

Excellent job on this review!

[@CookingandFishing]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@df2051]

Thanks for the review! I agree on your thoughts regarding cork quality, that is a no go!

[@CookingandFishing]

I just don't look at the handle anymore - the rod is amazing...the cork, not so much lol

[@df2051]

@@CookingandFishingtoday I received mine and maybe the worked on the quality in between - my cork is flawless 🙏🏻

[@CookingandFishing]

@@df2051 I'm jelly lol

[@michaelcostello7289]

Buy with confidence my favorite spinning rod. One of those rare specimens that can do both treble hook and single hook baits.

[@CookingandFishing]

It really is an extremely versatile rod

[@rich5916]

Have you tried new nrx 902?

[@edwinwong5189]

I have this rod paired with a daiwa exist lt 3000. It bombs out lures with ease. Has a lot of power. I think it has a bit more power than what I consider a medium rod. It is also ridiculously sensitive and takes a little bit of getting used to even for me who has experience with very high-end rods. I need to slow down the hook set to get a solid set. My only real gripe is the reel seat lock nut and cork quality as you outlined. But once its tightened down its no biggie. Beats my St. Croix rods and is on par (can't decide which one I like more for the style of fishing I do) with my favorite $JDM$ rod. Great review.

[@Catch_and_Release_Angling]

What kind of fluoro do you use for the 5 and 6 lb test? I still haven’t found a brand that won’t give me coils after a few days. I just picked this rod up and had planned to run braid to fluoro but the yellow disclaimer card for the AGS guides has me rethinking that.

[@CookingandFishing]

I use sunline sniper and also the camo version of sniper - coils on straight fluoro is unavoidable but most of the time I'm throwing winding baits so it's not really an issue. I wouldn't worry about the disclaimer - as long as you're using 5-10lb maybe 12lb fluoro leaders you'll be fine. I've never had guide issue with knots and I haven't heard of any happening either.

[@Tyler-kw9ce]

I enjoyed your review on the Daiwa Certate and you answering my questions on it. I went with the Certate LT 3000 D-C and absolutely love it the nicest spinning reel I've ever owned. I was wondering have you fished many custom rods? Check out Point Blank rods I bet they'd fit your needs really well built with Fuji KL-H titanium SiC guides using the KR layout.

[@CookingandFishing]

I've heard good things about Point Blank, if I ever build my own rod it'll be a company I look at. Not much interest in their finished rods - there's a long list of rods I want to try first.

[@Tyler-kw9ce]

@@CookingandFishing never seen a pre built point blank. As far as I know they don't make off the shelf rods. But they make an excellent blank.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

I have a bait caster and spinning rod from this series. I have to say that they are beautiful and sensitive. Still wish they could give us a permanent hook keeper above the reel seat , but that’s not the case. The sensitivity on these rods is worth the half assed hook keeper.The Cork on my NRXs and Conquests is much better and softer. I like the look of the older ags models better, but the new red series performs incredibly. As a tackle snob , these rods are definitely worth $550…. Just handle with care.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah the older blue models are certainly classy...but the performance of the new ones are incredible!

[@jerryhoffmann8828]

I love your channel!Lots of great footage and tips! Question though where did you get the white rod holder with the hoop top?

[@CookingandFishing]

long discontinued unfortunately...I tried looking for a replacement multiple times and failed!

[@jerryhoffmann8828]

@@CookingandFishing I thought so. If you ever see a good replacement please post it. Anyway, you guys are great! I am an old salt but learned a lot from you and your cousin.

[@WASD282]

Would you cast out 7/8 jigging raps on this? If so this can truly fulfill all my needs. Getting ready to buy one

[@CookingandFishing]

Yes, but maybe at 70% power. Most rod ratings are lower for plugs/wind resistant lures, and you can generally go higher if casting metals (which the jigging rap is a close cousin to since it's so dense).

[@JoeyT80]

Roger, what's your thoughts on JDM 9 to 10 ft shore jigging rods?

[@ernestovarela3416]

Love your videos. What rod do you recommend for blackfish, using a jig? I currently use the tsunami slim wave. I would love to hear what you recommend.

[@CookingandFishing]

Normally I wouldn't recommend Tsunami anything, but when it comes to tog I don't think it much matters - less sensitivity can actually be a good thing, as you don't want to be swinging at bergals/small tog nipping at your crab. I think any rod that can take a locked down drag and a surging 10lb tog would work well.

[@ernestovarela3416]

@@CookingandFishing what do you currently use?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@ernestovarela3416 Mostly my Hyuga 72h, different Exprides...depends on the jig weight. Not much focused on tog these days. If I were to buy a dedicated tog rod today it'd probably be one of the Shimano Grapplers J or SJ or Game Type J, something like that. Maybe look at the XH Exprides or Zodias even lighter swimbait rods if I wanted longer length.

[@RikkiHockey]

Hey, great review..but what size and brand are those knobs you have on your reels?

[@CookingandFishing]

The Exist/Airity has the old Zillion HD knob, and the Shimano I believe is a ZPI power finesse knob.

[@immunelit3859]

You need to try the Shimano Xtune S80L-S. It weights 2.7oz & rated up to 14-grams. This is clearly the unicorn, you're missing out. Casting cranks for big Eyez is like cheating.

[@CookingandFishing]

Yeah not looking for an UL aging rod with a solid tip tiny guides and a bump for a reel seat lol - if it works for you great!

[@Lord_Hiram]

I want one of these Rods to pair it with Certate LT but color wise it don’t match 😫😫😫

[@CookingandFishing]

LOL sadly enough I feel your pain...

[@CrabberPA]

Great review. Curious how you like using it for fluke from shore?

[@CookingandFishing]

Probably the best surf fluke rod available in the US.

[@Ricdawg]

@@CookingandFishing you should try Century Rods made here on the OBX. I don’t even touch my 7’4” Vigore anymore, ever.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@Ricdawg lol nah...there are other rods to try unless Century comes out with a freshwater line.

[@Ricdawg]

@@CookingandFishing you must not fish in cross winds. My century’s are supreme to my Vigore.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@Ricdawg What does cross winds have to do with anything? I'm glad you like your rod, but I don't see anything in Century's current lineup that interests me.

[@filipdekoning145]

How would this compare to a poison adrena? I just purchased a Exist sf and i’m looking for something to pair it with.

[@CookingandFishing]

PA doesn't have an equivalent rod in their lineup, I think there's a 2pc 7'4M that's JDM only...but I've never tried that rod. If you want a longer rod you'll be hard pressed to find something more special than the Steez 76MLM.

[@africaster]

What … using it for a year before reviewing! You’re going to piss off 99.999999% of so called YT professional reviewers 😂 … keep it up R 👍

[@CookingandFishing]

Haha thanks B!!

[@joshbekah4755]

Do you feel that the exist is way better than Luvias airity ?

[@CookingandFishing]

Nah the 18 Exist and the Airity are basically the same reel.

[@Tyler-kw9ce]

What are your thoughts on the AGS Carbon Fiber guides. I recently warrantied a St. Croix rod and noticed they were using them on the high end rods. So I asked them about them and was told they've had some issues with them. I can't really see the advantage of using carbon fiber over a titanium frame.

[@CookingandFishing]

They are stiffer and weigh approx 1/3 of ti Torzites. People don't like change...personally, I'm sold on the AGS guides making the rod much more sensitive bc it transmits vibrations better. Similar to NRX using hybrid recoil/traditional guide train...though I personally hate recoil guides.

[@idkwhattouseforname]

I've been using them for 2 years. The guides definitely make a difference in sensitivity. They are extremely fragile though, I've had to replace 4-5 guides over 2 rods.

[@Tyler-kw9ce]

@@idkwhattouseforname that's what I had heard as well. I'm happy with Fuji stainless guides with SiC inserts. And if I'm going all in I'll go titanium with SiC like fuji KW or KL-H guides depending on application. And I'm a carbon fiber fanatic in other applications but don't see the need for guide frames made from carbon.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@Tyler-kw9ce It's a moot point since you can't buy the AGS guides alone unless you want old gen guides stripped off broken rods on ebay lol. I've never broken a guide - AGS or otherwise - so YMMV depending on how rough you are with gear. My rods are either in my hands, in a rod holder, or on an interior ceiling car rack or rod rack at home.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@Tyler-kw9ce But to reiterate my point - if Daiwa used Ti-Torzites on the Steez compile x blank it wouldn't be as sensitive, and it would be tip heavy for sure. Someone should do that experiment and report back. I'd like to see an NRX+ 902S with AGS guides.

[@jeffjue4648]

How would it compare to Loomis NRX+901 or 902? I am on the fence for a 7'6" rod.

[@CookingandFishing]

Personally I find the Steez 76 much more versatile than either NRX+, but I would never say you can go wrong with the 901 or 902, as long as you have a specific technique in mind (hair jigs, maybe long distance DS etc). I've played around with the NRX+ 901S and it's a very fun rod.

[@jeffjue4648]

@@CookingandFishing What do you think of this rod for bottom contact baits as far as sensitivity?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@jeffjue4648 You won't find sensitivity an issue with the steez AGS - I would put it on par with the NRX+ although they do transmit vibrations differently. Easily among the most sensitive rod I've played with.

[@brendanjelley6154]

What size Vanford do you think balances the best on this newer rod.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

2500

[@bruceraiken2806]

I'm not crazy about 2500 size reels, even using the smaller diameter braid (to leader) lines. Back when I was 100% FC (which was a long time as I resisted the braid, feeling I got more bites on straight FC, but later tired of going broke on Seaguar invizx and abrazx line, and realized solving the li9ne twist issue was simply a switch to braid. Anyway, I've always believed I had better line management with a larger diameter (vs. a smaller diameter) spool in terms of coil size and consequently casting distance. Probably lesser effect with braid, but I'm not going to use a 2500 vs. a 3000 for balance - its nice to check all the boxes but I generally stick with 3000, and have a few 4000's in my collections. I felt I was confirmed in my preference when Seth Feider encouraged 4000 sized spinning reels, esp. when hair jigging, in achieving greater casting distance with the very light weight hair jigs.

[@valentinloghin4004]

What about the 7.1 medium light how comparea with this one ?

[@CookingandFishing]

I never fished that one but honestly, I can't imagine it being even half as special as the 7'6 :)

[@jeetertoker158]

Ever have any night fluking success?

[@rich5916]

Have you tried the nrx 902 or 901?

[@CookingandFishing]

I briefly owned the 901 NRX+, and I've fished with both the old and new version of 902 - the 901 is a one trick pony - light 1/16 - 1/8oz hair jigs with fine wire hooks only. The 902 is more on par with the Steez AGS, but I prefer the way the Steez loads up on a fish more. It's a smoother bend, and slightly more moderate of a tip section. Sensitivity wise I'd say they're about on par, though I didn't throw much bottom contact with any of those rods. Of the 7'6 spinning rods I use for smallmouth, the only ones I kept are the old Steez 76 for spybaits and the new Steez 76MML for...everything else.

[@rich5916]

@@CookingandFishing thank you! Although the new Steez is more moderate, would you say the 902 plus is still pretty parabolic and should be able to do a good job for keeping fish pinned on Ned rig and little paddle tail swimbaits?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@rich5916 Sure, you really can't go wrong with either rod. But my preference is the Steez - it does everything I need it to do just a tad better imo, and that includes ned rigs and 3-4" swimbaits on 1/8 - 1/4oz heads, 3/8oz at a pinch.

[@rich5916]

@@CookingandFishing appreciate the insight! I have an opportunity to get a new nrx+ 902 for 22% off and no tax. I have heard that sales on gloomis are pretty rare so if I wanted to try both these rods out do you think it’s a good idea to pick up the 902 while waiting for a good deal on the steez?

[@CookingandFishing]

@@rich5916 I like the Steez better - tackle trap has a 10% off code TT10 I believe, but at the end of the day you'll be happy with either rod. The steez is just more...special :)

[@TouXai]

Look like a killer senko and tube rod?

[@CookingandFishing]

I don't throw senkos but light wire hook up to 12lb leader - yes. Exposed hook tubes - yes. It's a very versatile rod, but 5/8oz total payloads is probably top end for actually casting - 3/4oz you'd have to start lobbing them baits.

[@raychoi9495]

The JDM 276 Posion Adrena give you similar performance under 300 usd in Japan

[@CookingandFishing]

I like the PA, have several on my rod rack, but this particular Steez is something else (as it should be considering the price point)

[@spinningrodfisherman]

thanks for the review. was waiting for this one

[@CookingandFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisfinch3445]

What daiwa steez rod be good for a daiwa exist 2500

[@CookingandFishing]

What are you using it for?

[@shore-moneyfishing1939]

That rod was built for one purpose - FLUKE FISHING!

[@CookingandFishing]

The best USDM fluking rod you can buy

[@Joe-bh4vz]

YES!!! Absolutely the best flounder rod in existence.

[@fongvang935]

Shhh some people dont know that this is a perfect walleye rod...

[@CookingandFishing]

I can see that!!

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

Is that a Vanford on the compile x!? What happened to the exist

[@CookingandFishing]

I switch between the Exist/Luvias Airity/Vanford (you should see all 3 reels on the rod in the video)...I picked up 2 Compile X 76s, kept one, and I kept the old Steez as well, so there's a bit of swaparoo going on with reels.

[@callanklimts]

I have a 76mml on order, which reel of those 3 balance the rod best for you? Curious which weight reel I should be shooting for

[@CookingandFishing]

@@callanklimts They're all pretty light, I did fish with a 3k Certate LT on it and it was very nice...slightly more rear balanced but you can feel the weight difference. Like I mentioned in the review the 76MML is pretty neutrally balanced so any reel over 6oz would do fine.

[@Jordankid365]

the best review thank you I decided to get 7 feet 1 utility medium Daiwa steez at great price in Canada 599$ Canadian plus tax

[@PHARRAOH]

Daiwa reels are great but the rods are almost ALL made in china, with a small c and not worth 1/4 the asking price. It's sad because they use to be #1 when I was a kid. Now, I fish fly rods mostly and prefer Sahe, Winston and Loomis but when I spin fish, Its hard to beat lOOMIS, The burl wood and cork rod seat/handles are a work of art and the rod is awesome. Lets hope Daiwa gets their act together and fires a few big shots in charge to send a message

[@CookingandFishing]

It's the tech that goes into a rod that matters, and since Daiwa/Shimano owns the entire production line from R&D to manufacturing, I don't care where the rods are made. I've seen and owned more NRX/GLX with egregious QC issues than almost any other brand, so who cares if they're made in the US? I will say that in my experience Shimano's QC from Zodias to Poison Glorious have all been 100% for me, but like any mass produced product there will be lemons.

[@bena4072]

I find these Made in US comments really amusing. Made in US does not in any way mean better quality - and conversely made in China does not mean poor quality. It all depends on the manufacturer, the tech/design and level of investment. It makes people feel better to dismiss anything made in China and say Made in US is always better but it is simply not true, even for high end fishing gear.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@bena4072 esp using Loomis as an example - the number of NRXs I've seen with misaligned guides crooked blanks epoxy chipping etc was eye opening. QC is QC, the difference between Daiwa/Shimano and all the rest is they own their entire production line, from R&D to fabricating gears/parts to final assembly it's all done in-house. They own their factories in China/Malaysia/Vietnam/wherever. That's very different from OEM lego reels and rods like Lews/Abu/kastking/pissyfun etc. Having said that I do admit to feeling some kind of special when a rod or reel is made in Japan, though I recognize it's not particularly rational lol.

[@nawinchester]

I'll buy your blue accent steez.

[@CookingandFishing]

LOL I'll keep that in mind if I ever decide the sell it. It's THE best spybait rod ever made...and I throw spybaits quite a bit :)

[@nawinchester]

@@CookingandFishing it's a great stick. I have two of them. Haven't done the spybait thing with them, but finesse swimbaits and heavier drop shots it's the best. Finesse tubes as well.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@nawinchester Have you tried the new compile x version?

[@nawinchester]

@@CookingandFishing I haven't, and partly because the feedback and reviews that I've received on the new compile X version is that they've changed the action of that rod to be more stiff than the blue accent version of the rod. I chase large smallmouth all over the Northeast, and my preference is for a more parabolic action in my rods as a means of keeping smallmouth pinned as they cartwheel across the top of the surface of the water or surge at the side of the boat. The other reason that I haven't tried them is I'm fairly partial to the current foam grip that Daiwa uses on the Elite AGS version of the rod as well as the prior version of the steez. For whatever reason, the cork handle on the new version just doesn't appeal to me, both aesthetically and functionally.

[@CookingandFishing]

@@nawinchester If you're a fan of the blue Steez you owe it to yourself to try the new Compile X version. As I mentioned in the video...asides from the Duo 80 spinbaits (and #5 shad raps if you throw that), it really does everything else better - bottom contact to finesse swimbaits. It's noticeably more sensitive, almost a full oz lighter, and while the tip is crisper the blank still loads deeeeeep on a fish. I'm not a fan of the particular cork Daiwa used in the new Steez but it's very very easy to overlook considering the performance of the rod.

[@q4life551]

The Conquest is night and day better

[@CookingandFishing]

LOL

[@shaeperras8001]

Save yourself 400 dollars and just buy an Expride

[@CookingandFishing]

I'm a big fan of the exprides - but this rod is on another level.

[@tmwhh]

The old one was ugly as hell

[@CookingandFishing]

Lol I kinda like it, the new one looks tacky with all the red accents imo :)

[@Jessica37323]

Nope

[@xxxmarekxxx505]

SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!