Daiwa Exist Spinning Reel [Review & Unboxing]

Talk about the best of the best!
The Daiwa Exist is one of the marquee products in the fishing industry and it's tough to find a better spinning reel out there.
We've been using this reel recently to see what the hype is all about and in this video, we're going to unbox this and give you our take on it.
We'll share the pros and cons of it, the specs, and tell you who it's best for.
As one of the most expensive spinning reels on the market, you'll definitely want to check out this video.
Plus, we're not sponsored by Daiwa - we bought this (very expensive) reel with our own hard-earned money, so you can be sure this is a totally unbiased review.
Have any questions about the Daiwa Exist?
Let me know in the comments below!
To get 20% off on all the products in our store (including this reel), plus get our best fishing spots and tips, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2NdaCe9
And click here to get this reel from our store: bit.ly/2Bfoul1
P.S. If you're going to buy this reel, we definitely recommend becoming a member first - the savings are way more than worth it!

[@Saltstrong]

To get 20% off on all the products in our store (including this reel), plus get our best fishing spots and tips, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2NdaCe9

[@fishingbear69]

Excellent reel review , why not also a comparison video to the top of shimanos,, the stella ?

[@noelyeo4557]

When you think about how many reels we buy . Better to buy the best once 👍

[@richa1894]

Hey Mark, great review. I really like the Daiwa Certate LT4000c that you helped me with last week. I paired it with the Bull Bay 7'2 Reel Animals Rod and it's a fantastic combo. I ordered a TAC 17 from Bull Bay and I'm seriously considering this Exist vs the Shimano Stella.

[@codybyers7167]

GREAT INFO! Thanks for all your hard work

[@phiromtauch6059]

I love the simplistic, minimalistic style of daiwa high end reels.

[@LilDino808]

Great video Mark. I’m waiting on the restock for both the exist and I need another certate 19 Mark. I’m going to message you soon. Great job and tight lines!

[@ajr7288]

Great review! Thanks!

[@valdobiernaski5683]

Great review, well done!

[@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Wow, I was with ya till I heard the price lol, great review though. I enjoyed it 😊👍👍👍🎣

[@edbaldwin8736]

Good review. Appreciate your objectivity.

[@randyhuddleston5248]

Thanks for the review. Do you plan to add the 2022 Exist to the Salt Strong store? I'd be very interested in the 5000 model.

[@clydieskie]

I've been thinking of getting this but when the Luvias Airity came out I've read reviews that it is one BB away from the Exist. Have you by any chance tried the Airity?

[@jelly_fishing]

Looks like a solid reel - nice review

[@hawkie333]

Good review, I can see the quality just looking at the build. I can see the reason to pay top dollar for a deep sea reel, maybe not so much for a spinner.

[@brucer9409]

Great review, thank you! It would be nice, I'm sure. Just gave in to the urge for a Daiwa 7'6 M/ML Steez spinning rod, a pricy rod on its own - I think I can live with the guilt if I use a more than capable VanFord 3000 with it, and not go all in for a $1,350 setup!

[@1997wolverine]

800 clams... I almost spit out my Ramen noodle.

[@Bumblebee76]

I own Daiwa Exist lt 2500 xh amazing reel 😁

[@ernestovarela3416]

Will you be getting anymore in on ?

[@chrisfinch3445]

I own the saltiga dogfight and the exist 2500 amazing reels

[@valentinloghin4004]

The issued the new Airity 2023 , an exist at almost 1/2 price , amazing reel !

[@chaching_fishin8786]

Can't find review for the one coming out this spring

[@saltylawaia8958]

Good looking reel! But for the price you can get down with 3 Stradic FL 5000.

[@natehowell793]

Hands down the fl is the best reel under 400 bucks

[@robbiejohnson3698]

Great review if you can buy worth the money

[@miketorre16]

I like the Stellas

[@puterrivera9967]

Wow what a beautiful reel, the technology are all there...but the price

[@preiudeh22a]

Can you do a review of this model vs the 2022 model? Did Daiwa change alot on the newest EXIST??

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@amblo51]

That’s amazing

[@paulhuval6579]

Nice review but wow the price. One question is it made in the United States? Have you ever done a review on the penn slammer 3 reels?

[@threebodyp2569]

Japan

[@paulhuval6579]

@@threebodyp2569 lol well at least it is not china

[@threebodyp2569]

@@paulhuval6579 if china, its cheap. Its not 800 then

[@dsmw5142]

I watched up to 7:40 and then I was out 😳😳😳... I'll stick with my measley Stradics etc. Thanks for the review though !

[@jimmyrecard6021]

you'd probably spend more money buying stradics.

[@miketorre16]

See the 2022 Stella FK. Game Changer!

[@bill7501]

Amazing

[@abstract6758]

I live in the U.K. and almost bought an exist 18 LT but ended of buying the brand new Daiwa tournament 20 QD, the tournament 20 works out at around 430 dollars and is almost 3 years newer it has literally almost all the exist features, tough digigear, magsealed, full metal body, etc it has 9bb and 2 mag bb so 11 in total, it is very slightly heavier however, I tried both side by side and there’s almost nothing in it, baring in mind the exist 18 LT is double the price it’s just not worth the extra layout in my opinion , I really think daiwa have shot them selves in the foot with the tournament 20 QD as they have created a reel that’s 95% as good as the exist but only half the price.

[@donzinon4744]

man, this is charming daiwa reel! i have a question, What Rod do you recommend for exist 1000sp model as a best combo ? i would love to hear your advice. thanks dude regards

[@dinkobilic9078]

How would you compare this reel vs Certate LT? Does one get much more with the price difference? I hear Certate LT is actually even better.

[@Saltstrong]

They are both great reels. It's really just up to your budget. The Exist has a lifetime warranty. But the Certate is phenomenal reel too. You can get one here and read about the specs: bit.ly/3zODobb

[@cozab5487]

Who said the Certate was better? Its definitely not, Exist and 21 Luvias Airity (not to be confused with Luvias or Airity, confusing I know), are both smoother lighter and have better tolerances than the Certate LT, the only reason someone would favour the Certate is if they wanted a 5000 size (other 2 only go up to 4000) or is someone that didn't have a feel for finesse just wanted more weight in their reel which is fine too. Bar those interesting circumstances, the Exist is still the better reel.

[@tarunkurkal326]

can you do a review on some kastking rules

[@tarunkurkal326]

reels

[@jacobvillanueva3164]

Nice vids

[@karlking4807]

I like it

[@snookerson9292]

Boy I’m I waiting for the heaters now😅

[@NFiltr8Red]

I have 2. Need 2 more.

[@Jessica37323]

I have a Van Staal, Visser and IRT reel. All above $600.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@lightgameangler662]

Stella has enter the chat

[@leonardogase9222]

❤️

[@johnfire499]

I have one and still refuse to use it! Lol

[@snookerson9292]

I’ve been using my exist more than both my Stella’s.

[@renkeschulenberg1596]

Shimano is much more better, Daiwa is top only out of the box...

[@Jessica37323]

Only true completely sealed reels are Van Staal, Zeebaas, Visser!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the tip!

[@lionels839]

Is it worth 8 Times the Fuego ? Probably not 😅

[@renkeschulenberg1596]

After only 2 month, you are not able to talk about the Quality..to short time

[@grandfishing590]

Only thing that sucks about the reel is the drag. It is the same throughout pretty much all Diawa price points. Shimano does much better there drag rather then Diawa’s weak wire on the main shaft. I pretty sure Shimano also has smoother reels, but Diawa has the better design with keeping water out. Also the reel bag is better with Diawa exist then the Stella. Keep I in mind don’t have a exist or a Stella I have just read a lot of reviews and videos that compares the two side by side.

[@Jsperal]

I don’t like the fact that you can’t service this reel yourself 👎

[@lynn911able]

For that price, 2 years I bought Shimano Saragosa 10000, Stradic 5000 and another Stradic 2500. If you have to work to live I don’t believe it’s wise to spend that much on one real when you can buy 3 reasonably good reals

[@mikepound9808]

If I had $800 to spend on one piece of equipment, it would be on the rod, not the reel. And I couldn't see spending $800 on a rod. I use a Bull Bay Stealth Sniper that cost ~$170 and I've never used a better rod. Paired with a Daiwa BG reel and it's my go to, cost effective combo. Seriously, who would pay $800 for a 3000 size inshore reel???

[@snookerson9292]

I do and, have 3 of them and, counting!

[@rapalaman6681]

@@snookerson9292 Me too! 3 of these and 3 of the older models.. Guys, check out on Ebay what USED previous models are selling for -the 3012, or a 2608 or a 1025. Great equipment holds their value. The China reels when they break or wear out become throwaways. Fishermen spend 100k or way more on a boat, $400 a month on cigarettes.

[@bronzeback29]

Meh, Stella is still the king....just by looking at the Exist in you hands I can see its tolerances are not as tight as the Stella.

[@cozab5487]

Its tolerances are way tighter than the Stella fj's 😂

[@vansaukam799]

Incorrect in your "just by looking" assessment.

[@creekredfishingmastery]

Great reels but they ARE NOT fully sealed. Water can get in it it gets dunked. My reel, a van staal can be reeled underwater.

[@alexramirez615]

Your so badass chloe

[@corvinakiller]

Your gay chloe

[@edwinwong5189]

Enjoy your wobbly reel. Try not to dunk your VS either. Its never good...

[@creekredfishingmastery]

@@edwinwong5189 dunked many times...no problems

[@nopro520]

Pronounced mŏn′ə-kōk. Like coke not gamecock.

[@billrom795]

Buy a Van Staal and forget this

[@hansmartin3028]

Absolutely Bullshit. Out of the Box ist every Daiwa first class...but after a few weeks of Using, the gear is gnugging and scratching as hell.....Shimano Stella ist the best on the market..