Daiwa Exist vs Shimano Stella - Which one should I buy?

[@alexfranchuk9608]

Great video Paul. I moved to Shimano a few years back, no regrets so far. However I am using their mid-tier reels, Stradic C2000, C2500, and 2500S and a few Twin Power. They filled the void for me left by Daiwa when they discontinued SOLs and SOL II range. Also, last Fathers Day I had a big surprise from my favourite son, a Stella!😉 Loving it so far, a very impressive piece of fine Japanese machinery👍

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@alexfranchuk9608 thanks dad! ❤️

[@mrsbradpittiful]

Great clip Pete Love how you do the video in the mirrored sunnies really connecting with the audience

[@PaulMalovFishing]

Who’s Pete champ? Thanks for the feedback, will be more mindful next time. Haven’t felt well of late, so the eyes weren’t looking great, but will take it on board!

[@sloanyy_]

Excellent work mate, I am currently running the 2016 2000s vanquish and a 2014 2500 fi stella (only just serviced it after 10 years...) I was recently looking at changing from Shimano to Daiwa as I've been a Shimano man for the past 20+ years but was looking to try something new, but after watching this video it looks like I'm buying a couple more Shimano's with the newer technology. also being able to service my own reels makes life a bit easier with Shimano, now that I've realised how easy it is to do yourself. Much appreciated for your efforts on this video mate. cheers

[@maxescatches9228]

Epic video mate! Have had the same experience with my twin power FE, it’s won me over for sure

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@maxescatches9228 thanks mate, appreciate that! Those TP’s are awesome too! 💯

[@tsalem5612]

Paul its been a while good buddy, good to see you back in action, lets see more from you in the future good mate, loving the reviews

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@tsalem5612 thank you! 🙏🏻 work and life and a young one do take up a bit more time these days. But always hopeful to try to be more consistent with some videos moving forward. I did film a few tournaments this year but with bad weather/slow fishing it wouldn’t have made for exciting watching, so they never got made into shows

[@tsalem5612]

@ you know what they say a bad days fishing is always better than a at work, what ever end up on your editing table I’m sure we’d enjoy the adventure with you, tight lines always good buddy

[@Timbo_Breambo]

Wish I had the money to buy either one 😂😂 great vid mate keep them coming

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Timbo_Breambo Ah there’s no need to run these for bream, but I’m grateful that I can. Started off with Kix/SOL reels myself and just slowly worked my way up over the last 20 years 😆

[@johnathonLawrence]

Im slowly changing all my reels over to shimano.. as you had to i bought from Japan due to Shimano not bringing out shallow spool in Aus which i dont understand with such a growing finesse market. Great vid bro 🤙🏽

[@8CSKN8]

So stupid to not bring out shallow spools. No one needs 200+m of braid for a bream reel

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@johnathonLawrence thanks JL! A few viewers have said that too about being easier to service themselves. I’m hopeful that they see the potential market, there’s some ripper models in Japan that we’d love to see here.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@8CSKN8 100000%

[@johnathonLawrence]

​@@PaulMalovFishing I ran two of the Shimano Complex last season that replaced my luvias and absolutely loved them 👌🏽

[@centralnomorcantik]

I love Daiwa Exist LT 2022

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@centralnomorcantik they are a great reel no doubt!

[@stevennaumovski8477]

Great video Paul

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@stevennaumovski8477 thanks Steve, appreciate you tuning in mate!

[@TheFinesseAngler]

Very well put together video! I can’t say I’ve used either, so it’s hard for me to really form a real life opinion of my own. However, that Exist deserves to be in a trophy cabinet, not near salt water 🤣.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@TheFinesseAngler thanks mate I appreciate that. Haha no special treatment for any of them. Land based, in the kayak, in the boat. Always cleaned on time and air dried and put away and have been rock solid over the years

[@crygoattt]

nice one paul!

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@crygoattt thank you mate! Thanks for tuning in tonight 🙏🏻🎣

[@nickj1663]

Im still running 6 x 2012 Exists in 2004, 2506 sizes. I've also had a few Shallow spool JDM Stellas over the years. The Stellas always felt a bit heavier, and a bit "higher end" however in real world, bass boat rod locker, and bouncing on the deck conditions, with salt water spray, the Exists were significantly better. No service for 10 years, no line roller bearings, no corrosion. Still performing flawlessly. In saying this, I have not tried the latest iterations of both.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@nickj1663 I hear you Nick. Have also run every iteration of the Exist over the years and have slowly upgraded mine to newer models as they got to the 8-10 years old mark and I figured parts would start to become an issue. I don’t baby my stuff, they used to be in a rod locker, now in an open tinny, they’re in my kayak, land based etc. so they get the full workout. I wash them on time after trips and they have served me well. Time will tell with this batch of new Shimanos

[@0-One-AI]

My Stella hasn't been serviced in 10 years. It has never caused any problems. ??? I guess because it feels more premium (which I think is what matters), should we choose the Stella?

[@sandytrackxfishing2810]

Awesome comparison mate!! I'm shimano all the way so I'm bias haha more comes down to customer service etc I hope daiwa have worked on that they were terrible back in the day plus a 10 year warranty with shimano means they hold parts alot longer then daiwa. Once you start buying Japanese anything you can't go wrong with quality 👌

[@PaulMalovFishing]

Thanks mate, appreciate it! Can’t go wrong with Japanese made 💯

[@antonb8422]

You mentioned line twist. I’d never really checked until today. Iv got a new 24 Certate that has more twist than Elvis and a Twin Power that is still like the day I spooled it up. And for the record. The TP is the better reel all day long.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

Those anti twists fins are the real deal! 💯

[@ham6809]

As a massive fan of Dawia gear I am disappointed to see Shimano beat them 🤣 however i applaud your objectivity. If the Stella is better than its better. I do love the slow oscillation of the spool in their newer reels. I knew it would be a game changer. I need to check my reels for line twist now lol

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@ham6809 haha I hear you, I’m the same. Possibility there’s a 2025 Stella coming too I think? Shimano update coming soon on new models

[@leepao6302]

I'll always prefer the Stella any day; because i service my own reel; ... i don't have time for Daiwa B.S. Shimano make it much friendly when comes to taking your reel apart vs Daiwa

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@leepao6302 a few have mentioned that now! I’m not super handy when it comes to that - I’m more of a, I’ll do all I can to clean it well and on time after use and put away, then have it serviced annually/every few years depending on usage. Hopefully the new Vanq’s are just as good if not better too!

[@jasonhextell8977]

I like the video and I agree both reels are quality regardless of what you choose. One thing I wanted to note was the choice of reels; for the daiwa you selected a 2500 standard but for shimano you selected a c2500s to match weight. The c2500s is the 2000 frame for shimano with a shallow spool so they're not a truely direct comparison and the weight reduction is one of Daiwa's technology advancements. In honesty, I'd happily run both and run mid range reels from both brands but I hope shimano see this and engage with the comments to see how appalling their product offering is. Anglers who prefer shimano are regularly seeking out reels not available domestically which has allowed Daiwa to establish itself so well in the Australian market!

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@jasonhextell8977 yeah fair call out Jase, size wise they’re not a perfect comparison, but the new 2500 size Daiwa’s are not a true 2500 that I’ve been accustomed to over the years. I think I’ve said it in my other exist video is that the 22 models are probably the equivalent of a 2250 size if there was one - between traditional 2000 and a 2500. You’re right though and I’ve said it before too, don’t need to run high end these days, but it’s practically my only vice so I’m fortunate enough to run these, but the tech on mid range is so good now!

[@ericeric5123]

there is no debate, Stella!!! best reel ever, best stella ever? : Stella FB!

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@ericeric5123 😃 the FB is nice, but probably a touch heavy - some great new technology these days too which has improved things again

[@kamadowoah4584]

On the barrier reef last march i saw a stella line roller malfunction and a saragosa rotor snap clean in half. Their Warranty is voided if used in saltwater too.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@kamadowoah4584 sorry but that does not sound right/could be other factors involved. Stella’s and Saragosa’s are absolutely ok to be used in saltwater and covered by warranty

[@kamadowoah4584]

It's In their terms and conditions of the ten year Warranty. Repairs can be refused under warranty

[@kamadowoah4584]

@@PaulMalovFishing ask your tackle shop they will tell you the same as me.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@kamadowoah4584 but fishing on the GBR is expected/normal fishing behavior. I don’t understand this scenario one bit. Have also never been refused a warranty fix previously by either brand. Standing on a reel or dropping one is different to one breaking during a fight - which would be VERY rare

[@kamadowoah4584]

Saragosa was a 8000 with 60lb braid rotor snapped on a reef shark bout 6kg fish in the flats, line roller bearing was on a stella 10k pg line roller bearing jammed on a red emperor fish lost. Unsure bout stella it may have been repaired but shimano refused warranty on the saragosa. Was only 70 dollar fix mind you. Hot tackle told me any obvious saltwater usage can make warranty exempt.

[@caocao0]

Great comparison! thank you! Infinity Loop makes a big difference with lighter lures, but do you think the difference would be as substantial for heavier applications, with a larger reel? I'm talking surf jigging, casting out 40-60g metal jigs from shore/rocks.

[@AMLuc1320]

Hi Paul. Did you ask Shimano Australia if they’d service your JDM Stella? Not sure if they’ll even touch it! I called them recently as I was going to buy a Vanquish from Japan, but after being told by Shimano Au that they wouldn’t service or even touch a reel, I held off! Just something to keep in mind if anyone is looking to buy a JDM Shimano reel, they might be on their own for any issues, service and parts, probably have to send to Japan! A bit crazy considering that heaps of parts from these reels cross over between each other. Daiwa Au on other hand have been good with reels bought from Japan, obviously charge for everything, but at least you can send it in.

[@akd333akd]

yep daiwa will service but I asked for new certate gear and it is not stocked.lol. Shimano will not do jdm reels now but you can cross reference some parts or order them easily. either way I've found Shimano better for parts or send it back to Japan for service which is quite easy,just cost you post. get the vanquish the are unreal ive used them for years with no issues.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@AMLuc1320 hey Aaron, thanks for watching and your comment mate. I hadn’t asked about the servicing side of things, hopefully that can change in the future. I figured I’d send it OS if critical for a fix/service, or also try and find a reputable local/australian service person to try and take them on. Bit of a “cross that bridge, when I get there” kind of deal I guess. Maybe should have given it more thought, but got a bit excited 😆

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@akd333akd good call mate. It’s a pretty global economy these days, if something critical happens I’ll just send it back to Japan.

[@AMLuc1320]

Thanks for the reply mate. On the subject of Shimano Au bring in the Vanquish and more finesse style spool depths and gear ratios etc. The same guy from Shimano who told me about not being able to support JDM reels, also said that we more or less get what Shimano Japan decides we get in terms of reel choices, being a small market on a global scale probably means they don’t really care! At least Daiwa cater for that segment, I think Shimano has more appeal to the average punter anyway, they just want max line capacity and max drag!

[@michaelooi5508]

@@AMLuc1320 I wonder about how much out of Shimano AU's hands it really is to bring more product into Australia because even NZ get local access Vanquish. UK writer Henry Gilbey has criticised Shimano UK of being a bit asleep at the wheel regarding choice or lack thereof of Shimano product there.

[@GoldenHourFishing]

Is the twitch freak your go to plastics rod? And how do you feel about the skeleton grips? I have found them to be uncomfortable on other rods personally but have never owned a miller rod.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@GoldenHourFishing my dad is the same with skeleton grips mate. You either like them or you don’t I think. Think it won’t matter too much which brand you go with, the skeleton grips will probably be uncomfortable for you also. The twitch is my go to all rounder. GrubFreaks are the go to light plastics outfits where there’s no worry about works and things to get busted off on. Twitch is good for slightly heavier plastics/leaders or if I need to run a weedless jig head.

[@duanesfishn]

Thanks for the comparison Paul. I switched to Daiwa specifically due to Shimano not offering a shallow spool in Australia. Seems they are happy to give Daiwa a leg up in the finesse market??

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@duanesfishn thanks Duane. It’s disappointing as it really seems like there would be a strong market for a lot of their global/japan offerings. Hopefully in 2025! 🙏🏻

[@MongraaLisTheGOAT]

Can i ask a question where should i fish in the goulburn near victoria like the exact location

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@MongraaLisTheGOAT if you start at the Marrondah Highway Bridge in Alexandra and walk upstream, that has been a productive little area for us

[@ronmb81]

2:42 The closest to the C2500S in Australia (and Shimano Australia should have pointed out) is to buy the 1000 size in Australia and buy an extra spool of C2500S from Japan and you would have the same thing apart from the handle size! That's if you are willing to splurge on an extra spool..

[@robberlin2230]

Okay, buying a Stella. Dammit

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@robberlin2230 😆 give me some time and I’ll let you know how the new Vanquish goes too!

[@antonb8422]

I’d love a Stella 2000. This is where Shimano fall behind Diawa

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@antonb8422 a true 2000/compact 2000 with beefed up gearing would be great

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

The exist is the best spinning reel ever made it’s a fact !!!

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Daiwa_Is_King the Exists are an amazing reel for sure!

[@Boris29311]

Finally,someone ended the Daiwa or Shimano debate with undoubtable facts.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Boris29311 😆

[@danieldoyle6001]

For the rods you’re using them on I wouldn’t get either. Shimano Vanquish is the king of ultralight fishing reels

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@danieldoyle6001 I’ve finally seen the light and the 2 new Vanquishes are spooled up and ready to go! 💪🏻🎣

[@danieldoyle6001]

@PaulMalovFishing Vanquish are fantastic reels but a word of warning, Shimano Australia will not service them as they don’t have access to all their parts. I service my own reels so it’s not an issue for me but if I need parts then the cost of shipping gets quite expensive. Just something to consider when buying these top tier reels. For what it’s worth I run Vanfords on some of my rigs and they are the best cost vs weight reels in Australia in my opinion.

[@kamadowoah4584]

​@danieldoyle6001 I had 4 great years with me vanford 5000 then got it serviced by shimano they've buggered it, drag or gear issue. Prior to this I agreed with you, outstanding reel for the price.

[@danieldoyle6001]

@kamadowoah4584 This is why I choose to service them myself. I can tune it to exactly how I want it and don’t risk letting an apprentice on minimum wage mess with it

[@Ninj_SRG]

2500 isn’t ultra light tackle. Based on my experience, If you were fishing with tiny jigs for small freshwater fish with a 1000, the vanquish would definitely be a better reel. For bigger and stronger fish, especially in saltwater, the stella is definitely the superior option. A vanquish won’t retain it’s smoothness like a stella would. The reason is the body flex that changes the gear alignment. Over time with cranking in big fish the vanquish will get rougher and rougher. Whereas the stella will be flawless for well over a decade. Yes this is from experience.

[@robberlin2230]

Malov, from the brewery end, off a short runup, right arm over the wicket, plenty of spin 😂😂😂

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@robberlin2230 very short run up there haha

[@Saidy29]

😂😂😂

[@scottcox8559]

Im a Daiwa fan boy, always will be. I love their air drive design and MQ body. Just looks sexy.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@scottcox8559 Fair call Scott, it’s great technology too, no doubt!

[@Fish-y3g]

No 4k saltiga comparison?

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Fish-y3g it’s not a size that I use a lot in my fishing. It’s predominantly 2000/2500/3000 and the Saltiga is too heavy and beefed up for my style. They’re incredible reels no doubt

[@Fish-y3g]

@PaulMalovFishing I have a nt tried the newer stella. Still using the 2018 silvers and 2019 sw reels. And 2020? Saltiga. Haven't tried the newer generations of the reels since I've had no problems with any of them. Can't go wrong with either

[@Jessica37323]

Should compare stella to saltiga. Apples to Apples...

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Jessica37323 the Saltiga is not the equivalent in this comparison. I’m using smaller sizes where the Exist is the comparable reel. If I was testing a 5000 or 10,000+ size Stella, sure, Saltiga is the comparable equivalent.

[@aurelianobuendia5360]

Both outside of my budget but i like both brands. Daiwa is maybe more of my taste overall

[@PaulMalovFishing]

They both have some awesome products at all price points. Definitely no need to use the high end stuff at all. But it’s basically my only vice 😆

[@aurelianobuendia5360]

@PaulMalovFishing certate and twin power are the two where i spent the most on spinning reels. My fetiche are JDM rods😁

[@YORZTV]

nice

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@YORZTV thank you for watching! 🙏🏻🎣

[@thatonebeone]

i dont like the gray ugly handle knob on the stella should be like the black one.. i need a faster ratio also for light game so i think the EXIST SF will be better for my needs as i cast far and like to reel in line fast .... whats your EXIST sf set up?

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@thatonebeone I kind of look past the cosmetic to be honest but I hear you! I’m running the SF 2000SS-P model, with 2.5lb Olltolos straight through fluorocarbon on a custom Millerod.

[@thatonebeone]

@PaulMalovFishing how's your sf holding up ? From what I'm thinking maybe throw lures under 10 grams with it 🤔 I'm going to use 0.3 braid line and 1.5 to 2 pound mono / floro

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@ it’s my newest one (~4 months old) other than these Vanquishes so it’s virtually perfect

[@russellwright4556]

What’s the cost difference Paul ?

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@russellwright4556 pretty similar pricing between the two brands Russ, both domestically and in Japan

[@lansiman]

shimano felt like buying a rolex, mostly metal construction and a more sophisticated inside mechanism. daiwa feels like a shiny toy

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@lansiman good analogy, I do have to stick up for the new Exists though, they are definitely well constructed/feel solid!

[@lansiman]

@ they revert back to magnesium body and rotor i think for the latest iteration, the previous few generations had full zaion plastic body, on a flagship reel goodness gracious. still, every time i disassemble a daiwa, i felt my money isn't so well spent looking at the very simple inside where else when you open up a stella or a twinpower, you'll appreciate the detail very much, everything inside are sophisticated and polished! it's a beauty inside and out

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@lansiman fair call then! I’m not one to really pull them apart, but sounds like you know what you’re looking at! For mine it’s about durability and minimal issues, especially during a tournament situation

[@lansiman]

@@PaulMalovFishing i had more shimano than daiwa, i fish saltwater mostly, in my experience shimano smoothness last way longer in their non sw size reel, while in larger sw size, both last equally as long, smoothness wise. both can develop issues sometime, in shimano it's usually a quick fix but in daiwa it's not, because of all the magseal bearing bs, i just had a 2018 saltiga bj magseal line roller totally seized on me and when i try to open it, the screw were also seized, when i try to break the screw loose the plastic insert in the one piece bail broke loose, i'm now had to order a new bail and it cost me 80 dollar usd and long waiting time

[@Dan_themaestro]

Always been a daiwa man except my early yak days where id exclusively run shimano siennas coz they were $40 iirc, didnt care if they went swimming 😂 Eventually i just used my steez' and exists in the yak

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Dan_themaestro haha I’m with you mate. They get looked after well but don’t get any special treatment. They’re there to be used not stared at!

[@amounifnd]

Daiwa make great gear but their pricing and mediocre 1 year warranty vs Shimano is where they loose the ball. Even Okuma is 10 years. Shimano is just as Japanese and Pro as Daiwa. I have reels in both and have no time for loyalty when spending my money. Another sad thing Daiwa do is they purposely release specific reels to Aus market which can't be bought overseas locking out out competition. But $ for $ Shimano pricing and 10 year warranty hard to beat. I think Daiwa have excelled in the line and lure market. Their plastics and lure range are top class.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@amounifnd thanks for your comment, totally agree there. Daiwa’s product development has been stellar the last few years. Would be good if Shimano had a similar view of the Australian market and put as much effort in to it.

[@amounifnd]

@@PaulMalovFishing Agreed. Shimano took a bit of a step back with the shrinking of Squidgy. Australian fishing market a hard one to crack due to small population and preference for bait fishing from most people. Means people aren't as particular and hold onto stuff longer that the lure and gear junkies like us. The way Shimano do stand behind their product, they probably prefer to keep it simple for servicing which has always been a good experience any time something has gone back to them.

[@Boris29311]

My wallet wants me to buy Shimano because of the durability. I have a weak spot for Daiwa because of the design. So I end up buying both 😂😂😂

[@bogusaw1516]

Ja miałem podobny problem z Daiwa Saltiga 23 i Shimano Stella SW, podobnie jak ty kupiłem obydwa :) Ja jestem z Polski :)

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@Boris29311 good choice 🤣!

[@CemErgin-c8w]

Ofcourse Daiwa Exist.

[@aaronheadland8698]

Nice, so are we going to see you buy 10 Stella’s 😅

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@aaronheadland8698 only if you’re paying big fella! ❤️🎣

[@ronmb81]

You are comparing Stella 1000 gear size to Exist 2500 gear size. That's an unfair advantage for the Exist.. at least compare both at 2500 size regardless of weight

[@PaulMalovFishing]

Hey Ron, is it not a 2000 body/gears with a 2500 size spool? The 2022 Exist is not the same size as previous 2500's anyway which I covered off in my other Exist video. It's more of a 2250 size if that makes sense - smack bang between the old 2000 and 2500. Gear sizing doesn't aid in the casting abilities of a real - if anything, the Shimano should be at a disadvantage in terms of fighting bigger fish/under big loads. Time will tell there. I'm not a review channel - this is stuff that I actively want to fish with and enjoy - these videos are a bonus byproduct of that. Thank you for watching though and having a good discussion, appreciate it!

[@ronmb81]

@@PaulMalovFishingMaybe I jumped the gun too early. I have just finished your video. I appreciate your comparison as there are not too many. I do see what you are saying now as it was mostly a casting comparison video between the 2 reels 👍🏼

[@tonyg3091]

I aint taking no advice from someone who doesnt know which is the correct side of the handle 😂😂

[@fussybugger]

why u do dis

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@fussybugger 🤣🤣

[@waxknucklebearingjuice5592]

I how your channel fails in short order.

[@PaulMalovFishing]

@@waxknucklebearingjuice5592 thanks for watching butter cup 😘