Daiwa Steez AGS THE ONE FULL REVIEW!!! 7'6" Spinning rod supremacy??

[@pubmaster1117]

Been waiting for a actual review of this rod for a while now since I've been on the fence about picking one up. Still a little bit worried about the guides breaking but I think this will fit right into my arsenal!

[@spRkyKd4]

Man I’ve been waiting for your review of this rod! Picked one up last spring at a really great price! Even though I still spent close to $400 after time on the water I felt like I stole it! It’s an incredible rod!

[@jamesju1591]

Could you share where you purchased it from?

[@bruceraiken2806]

I think Gary from The Tackle Trap single-handedly made this rod famous. Finally, I gave in and bought one (the older, blue handle) - simply love it, though I haven't used it for heavier weights, but mostly 1/8 - 1/4 bottom contact. Then I bought a second one in this red, newer generation model. They're both great but for some reason I still favor the older one. Haven't had any issue with the AGS guides on either rod, although it does worry me, and sometimes when I'm bringing a lot of rods on my boat I might leave this one home because of the crowding at times in my rodwell, and the fear of snapping one of the guides!. Brian, it took you a long enough time to get a review in on this particular rod. I knew you would love it (as a fellow spinning snob who appreciates these finer things in bass fishing gear)!

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for year long review on the one, at least for me. Glad you liked it. Nice to hear it’s found a place on your deck! Thanks for the review

[@df2051]

Thank you so much for your review! I was urgently searching for a longer but crisp and super sensitive spinning rod - that video helped a lot making my decision. Actually I am a Shimano guy - the Conquest 902 was on top of my list and I love my Ultima Spinnings (I prayed for a release of an Ultima like 7ft6" M+ ish or so...), but that video was convincing me, as I dont get the chance here in Europe to see it before buying. Lucky me there was a discount on TWH and I got this beauty for a super price even with shipping to Germany, can't wait!

[@RikkiHockey]

Have you tried the european version Steez Lightning 3-21g?

[@jamesh7469]

Ugh this has been on my radar as a staple rod for great lakes smallies, but you just sold me. 1/8-3/8 swimbaits, open hook footballs, cindy rigs, tubes, occasional neds, long cast dragging dropshots/drop swimming... got me excited for ice out now

[@nawinchester]

I have the previous generation version of this same rod, and its is a really versatile stick. I have two of the ML and two of the M of this same generation rod, so I am thinking about picking up one of these sticks. Good review. Really good intel on the Zillion version of this rod. I ALMOST ordered it with the very same thought you initially thought before handling the Zillion.

[@kylekurka3518]

Excellent review! I’m not a big spinning rod guy, but I’ve been thinking a longer spinning setup could be useful and this might be my choice.

[@umairfaizuddin3429]

Having trouble picking between the Daiwa Steez AGS The One, P5 Flyssa (updated), and NRX+ 902S Looking for one rod to throw finesse swimbaits, hair jigs, open hook dropshot, BFS, midstroll, and ned rig. Open to suggestions on which rod of the three listed is the best for the techniques listed above.

[@jessieosborne3576]

Just bought the one it has a warning saying that your leader knot should be outside your guides. Is this something to worry about?

[@jordanp5163]

This is definitely an amazing rod. I can thrown up to 3/4oz drop shot weights (drop swimming a 3” hazedong shad) and it does it really well. No issues with 3/4oz weight.

[@stevenwest3573]

Nice! Perfect timing! I've been researching this rod for a couple weeks now and was wondering the same thing about comparing it to the new Zillion. Your review answered a lot of my questions and seals the deal. It actually sounds like it might fish like a longer Windbuster, is that a fair comparison?

[@PunchFishing]

I would say the Windbuster has way more power than this thing. The windbuster is a straight medium.

[@garethmorris2042]

Has anyone compared this rod to the Seth Feider AGS &'76 MML rod? I understand that rod is also on the stouter side vs the Chris Johnson Hair jig model.....The SF edition is quite a bit less expensive (has AGS guides) and was wondering if its a similar action that can throw similar baits (small spybaits, swimbaits, jigs, the odd hair jig)?

[@Bay_32]

Thank you!!! I've been looking for this rod review.

[@victorsimonsen921]

nice review thanks for sharing . glad you do reviews after you put in some time in with the gear

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!!

[@kiddo700]

How do you feel this would fish larger mid stroll baits in the 5- 6.5 or 7in range?

[@davidwilliams1805]

Great job! Thanks for the review! Good stuff my friend!

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@Thefirsts]

If you had to choose between the NRX+ 872s or Daiwa Steez AGS "The One" rod, which one would it be?

[@mrsteezsv3864]

I have them both and I think 872 for deeper water

[@allstarjr8895]

Love this rod on the river fishing for smb with a gobie tie on. Can feel everything and cast far.

[@mikedolbee2282]

How long of a leader do you run with the AGS guides? Not sure if I missed that on the video.I got the Chris Johnston Hairjig AGS for $132 (steal) and it has a sticker on it not to run more than a 3ft leader. Seems odd.

[@dbrown8779]

Got one this year and love it. Think I might get another. It's that good.

[@michaelsanchez3659]

Hey Brian, I'm sure you have this in the works already, but would love a review on the new Daiwa Tatula Elite spinning reel!

[@PunchFishing]

I don't think I'll be picking one up. It's basically a Tatula LT with a makeover.

[@michaelsanchez3659]

Yeah, you're probably right about that. At least it won't have the issues that the MQs are known for. I've had nothing but bad luck with vanfords, so I'll probably pick one up.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I’m looking forward to trying the zillion, just not the med light. I totally agree about the hook keepers. You could buy a 50 dollar rod dryer with some cheap stands and some black thread…just wrap your own.

[@Catch_and_Release_Angling]

Can you fish a vision 110 on this rod? I’ve been looking for a rod that can bomb casts and fish both larger jerkbaits and small swimbaits like the Okashira heads at a bank fishing only large reservoir near me. Super clear water with lake trout and small mouth but you need to cast so far that my ronin hasn’t been able to get a 110 out far enough to reach them yet. I fish them shallow with an upward tapping retrieve but you need to cover a lot of water at such a massive place.

[@MrNovember-pg2mr]

No bend test comparison? :(

[@zbassr2106]

Do you know what guide ring insert material is used with the AGS frames?

[@ThomasMichaelSeaboldt]

I've used it from my Yak, but yes the handle/reelseat configuration make it tough to use from the seated position. I enjoy the rod for every reason you've shared, Excellent Fit and Finish even compared to any of my NRX+ rods, although I would prefer that this rod originate from Japan versus China.

[@PunchFishing]

If this rod came from Japan it would be like $1200 😅

[@matthewanderson171]

You should check out the Steez 7’2 H it definitely gives the NRX+ 873C a run for its money. IMO better than the NRX for what I use it for. It’s basically a high end version of the Orochi perfect pitch. 7’3 MH and 7’1 ML S are fantastic as well

[@PunchFishing]

That rod seems to have a lot of fans!

[@burgermeister3443]

You talking about the "Power Pitch"? What do you use it for? Im trying to get as much info on that rod as I can, if you have time thatd be much appreciated, but if not no worries

[@matthewanderson171]

⁠@@burgermeister3443I use it for a lot of different things but mainly bottom contact stuff. I’ve had the rod since the classic in 2021 so I’ve had almost 3 solid years with the rod. It’s my favorite 3/8-1/2 oz jig rod and really good at pitching baits. Nice and accurate up close but that could be my familiarity with it. I’ve caught plenty of 1/2 oz spinnerbait fish with it and sleeper gill fish. Very nice frog rod as well for more sparse stuff. You can also throw some lighter beast hook swimbaits in a pinch I don’t love it for magdraft size swimbaits though but I’ve done it when I had to. Really it’s a do all power fishing rod with a hard lean to bottom contact baits. I also dropped the rod on the AGS guides on concrete 2 years ago and they’re still going strong so those should be no issue.

[@spinningrodfisherman]

I throw the okashira spin head on this and I can feel the whole bait fall through the water column and touch things on the way down. Stiffer than the last version, more power and faster recovery. But I actually liked the grip of the last version much better. I really like it for some treble baits as well. Well balanced rod like you mentioned. I like the action overall. But my cork had more filling than some other rods I have.

[@rich5916]

Have you compared to the new nrx+ 702?

[@paulprice9953]

Great video as always Brian, been waiting on your take on this rod. I haven’t been able to use mine much yet but have tried a 1/8 hair jig and a hover rig and it performed great with both. Will have to try some bottom contact next time I’m out. I also have the Steez 7’1” ML (Finesse Game Special) paired with a 3000 Exist and it’s my go to dropshot setup. It’s unbelievably good - highly recommend. Keep up the good work, look forward to the next video!

[@Bay_32]

What else is the Finesse Game Special good at other than drop shotting? I'm stuck between the one or the finesse game special.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@lurestolines6027]

Isn't the hook keepers made into the reel nut?

[@bigfah2506]

How long of a leader are you running ??

[@michaeldore9858]

Some asked earlier, " If you had to choose between the NRX+ 872s or Daiwa Steez AGS "The One" rod, which one would it be? " Alot of us cannot buy every rod due to price. Which one is more sensitive?

[@PunchFishing]

Personally I would take the 872s as my "one rod" because of its heavier power and the better warranty.

[@alejandrolariosmora9339]

Does this rod have a stinger tip?

[@josegerardocervantes3768]

I’ve been doing some research on this rod and I’m leaning towards buying it. However, I’ve seen some people say that Diawa recommends that users don’t use leaders longer than 3 feet because they run the risk of breaking or cracking the AGS guides on the connection knot. I know the AGS guides do require some extra care but have you had any trouble with using leaders with this rod?

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

I have "The Sensor" and I use as long a leader as I like. Never been an issue for me.

[@joesantos_piscator]

@@jasonjenkyns5083 Same here. Never had an issue with AGS guides & connection knots.

[@heavymetallures]

If you wanted a 1/4 oz drop shot rod that was 7’ 3”-7’ 6” (for big water smallies exposed hook) would this be the rod or would you pick something else? Currently I’m trying a NRX+ 902 and a St. Croix 7’ 3” Legend Extreme.

[@PunchFishing]

Id probably go 872s

[@WASD282]

Really need some help. Do you think i could push using 7/8 oz jigging raps with this? It covers every type of fishing i do but im iffy about that.

[@PunchFishing]

I've used Jiggin Raps and I probably wouldn't use this rod for them.

[@Balvenie21]

I’m curious how this rod compares to the conquest 7’6 902s. Great review

[@PunchFishing]

Good question! I've not had my hands on that rod.

[@elchapo4749]

When is the Cashion review coming?

[@PunchFishing]

Ugh I still don't feel comfortable reviewing it yet. I might use it a little more.

[@jdsimpsonoutdoors]

How does it compare to the Flyssa?

[@codycantrell2780]

Im wondering the same thing. A lot of the characteristic he's describing are how I describe my P5 Flyssa.

[@PunchFishing]

I don't have the P5 Flyssa personally. I have the previous version.

[@jinz4380]

There’s no comparison , totally different

[@Shawn_Lai]

P5 Flyssa is a lot softer. I wondered the same thing, nobody answered so I just bought a flyssa lol. Flyssa is more like a NRX+ 901.

[@BassFishingNEB]

That hoodie is 🔥

[@PunchFishing]

I like it a lot too!

[@joshroberts5611]

I actually use the lock nut as a hook keeper. Works for me

[@julzy97]

What’s warranty like

[@drunknnirish]

Way outside of my price range but I'm not missing a punchfishing spinning rod review.

[@PunchFishing]

Awe thanks 😊

[@jessieosborne3576]

Can you drop the hammer with it and not have to worry about it breaking like a megabass? Do you think the durability of the blank is good?

[@PunchFishing]

Yes! It's fun to hook set with a finesse jig with this rod

[@bruceraiken2806]

I've owned prev. generation of this rod for 4 years and the newer generation model for almost 3 years. The blanks are fine. Even using braid line (10#B to either 8# or 10# FC leader) with connection knot positioned just a couple inches ahead of bringing it into the reel spool) has caused me no issues thus far on either rod. Admittedly, it is a bit un-nerving and unsettling that Daiwa encloses info about these AGS guides (upon purchase) instructing you to use super short FC/mono leaders, and keeping your connector knot outside of the tippy-top guide (i.e. NOT bringing the knot through any of their AGS guides on all models with those guides.). I've trusted other experienced anglers who have had zero issues using braid to leader as I have, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered even buying a rod where I had to keep my knot out of the guides, leaving me with a much shorter leader than I am comfortable with. I'd have to go straight FC or mono, and since I've converted all spinning to (braid to leader), I AINT GOING BACK!!!

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

Daiwa is king 👑

[@dustyd6617]

Have you tried the Shimano Expride B 7'6ML+? I've been considering one. I enjoy your videos by the way!

[@jinz4380]

7’6 exp is way more stiffer than this one

[@structurebe1]

Can you throw a Vanford 2500 on it and let me know how it balances?

[@PunchFishing]

Basically the same as the exist in the video

[@callanklimts]

Got one, it fills the gap for the niche rods I don’t want to buy. It’s not going anywhere. What line do you have on your exist?

[@kevinlavery6194]

Is this rod similar to a Windbuster at all?

[@PunchFishing]

No, not really.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Brian! What’s you Omnia disco code for March?

[@PunchFishing]

OMPUNCHR4676

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Hey Brian another great review of a popular rod. I've been looking at the One myself and what it would cost me when ordering this rod.....the duties and tax would send the price Sky High. 😢😓. Have you tried fishing a Vision oneten with the Steez " the One " ???😮 Or other jerkbaits? BTW i satisfied myself with some Evergreen Rods 😂😂 that means i do not have this rod 😙👍

[@bruceraiken2806]

the 902 is great but doesn't have the same capabilities (with confidence) for the heavier weights that the ML-M has. All NRX'(spinning) are on the "lighter side" than most other brand recommended ratings (IMO)

[@angelo773]

any rods similar to this rod?

[@PunchFishing]

I can't really think of any.

[@timeflies2550]

How’s this rod compared to the windbuster?

[@PunchFishing]

In regards to what?

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

@@PunchFishing Are they similar in power? Can you free rig on the Steez?

[@nyewang7291]

Wish omnia would let me buy this using your code. Don't feel like paying full price.

[@PunchFishing]

I hear ya!!

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

The ags rods are extremely sensitive rods. And the guides cast very good, just baby them. lol. Breaking a guide is a pain in the ass. A very fun rod to fish, just wish the would put a true hook keeper on the rod in front of the reel.

[@cygunzz888]

Another great rod review.

[@JanClausen-f2l]

Hi Brian. Excellent review....I hope you will visit Daiwa JP and have a look at d Daiwa steez real control sv68-mh-sv....If you think you have a very sensitive rod and a reasonably light rod, with this you will enter a completely different world !!!! And it is light ( weight 84 Grams )... And then combining with the new Daiwa 23 AIRITY ST SF2500SS－H－QD ( weight 135 Grams ) man lands on a combi of ( weight 219 Grams )... DK

[@JanClausen-f2l]

Ps.. Here is what Daiwa JP writes about it: The untilled balance of power and finesse Regarding the development of STEEZ Real Control, Fujita and DAIWA works engineers agree, "The first thing we had to do was to create something that didn't exist." "With the previous power finesse rods, you didn't get the feeling of being fishing beyond 'shooting cover,' and if you didn't hook the line to the cover, the lure itself had almost zero control." For Fujita, the power finesse rod may have been just a word. What was lacking was finesse maneuverability. "You have to have power, you have to have a long length, and you're hooking through a branch, so the taper is more like a regular that doesn't tip too much. I can't use a stick (just hard ), I want to fight the bass with repulsive force. On top of that, I asked for finesse."

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Brian, what are your thoughts on the New Diawa Zillion casting rod and how does it compare with the Shimano Expride? I just got one of those new 6X Trika rods 7’5MHF for Swimjigs. It’s a pretty sweet rod and they have excellent customer service but the guides are too small ( I hate micro guides and have no idea why they still use them) for braid to leader knots. I might look at the Zillion 7’5MH or just get another Expride. Interested to hear your thoughts on the Zillion casting rods. Keep up the great content

[@PunchFishing]

Personally I would stick to the Exprides

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

I think that rod would make a great bottom strolling rod.

[@joesantos_piscator]

If I was forced to chose to own only one spinning rod this would be the one. So for me I would say it's appropriately named. It's predecessor was named The Unicorn so you know they had to one up on that LOL. Great rod, I have mine paired with the new Shimano Vanquish and the combo is a Dream!

[@df2051]

@joesantos_piscator what reel size do you have on it? 2500? Thanks!

[@joesantos_piscator]

@@df2051 3000 size. Perfect match

[@berteisenbraun7415]

Cost is a problem for me, nice rod and reel!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Bro what this high end gear costs now a days is problem for everyone! Lol just have to buy it and hope your truck doesn’t shit the bed in the next year lol

[@rodneysmith4153]

Punch, It may because of the name, but this has to be the most overhyped rod out there. I owned this rod for a while. Looks are subjective, but to me to rod didn’t look super high end. It looks like a Zodias. I will say the balance was great and it was sensitive. In the end, I didn’t see much that it did better than my NRX+ 872s. I sold the Steez and still have a 872s.

[@michaeldore9858]

@rodneysmith4153, which one was more sensitive?

[@rodneysmith4153]

I believe the NRX+ 872s is a tick more sensitive.

[@PunchFishing]

Fair points!!

[@bruceraiken2806]

it's nice to have all the boxes checked, but for me, in general, but even more so on upper-end rods and reels, I really could care less about how it looks - it's all about how you perceive it performs. I'm more concerned about image and matching when I get dressed in the morning!

[@MichaelRomero]

Some may call you a bit pretentious lol. But it's a great rod 👍🏻 #THEONE #DAIWA