NEW 2024 AIRITY ST LT UNBOXING (and Initial Impressions)

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

I got the ST SF 1000S-P. Reel is lightest spinning reel I’ve ever had. Smoothness is on par with old vanquish, resistance and startup inertia similar or maybe better than vanquish but my vanquish is 2000S so that may be due to heavier spool. Handle is way too small. Drag sound is very satisfying and drag startup smooth.

[@ifishcatfish]

well.. i'd love to confirm that myself, if u can live without it for two weeks, wink wink : )

[@jordanwalter2447]

I caught a 17" walleye today on a bg-1 . 2 pound test. My heart is happy

[@ifishcatfish]

that is a good catch! What lure?

[@jordanwalter2447]

@@ifishcatfish it was just a whole red worm, the water was 40° I was just trying to do some searching, hoping to find a school so I could throw some micro plastics, this cold snap really set us back up here

[@S_Huth]

I was waiting for this video! I love listening to the various tangents especially. Life has been crazy lately, but theres nothing better than kicking back and watching i_fish on a Friday night. You have taught me so much about fishing, in particular with your very scientific approach to rod/reel analysis etc. Cheers my friend.

[@ifishcatfish]

I appreciate that! I’m not gona like, i actually enjoy the ranting a little bit :). Very often im mot even upset inside when i rant :)

[@Sweetaccord]

I have 3 and have been using then for months for light ocean jigging. They are a great reel. Only thing I have changed was putting ceramic bearings in the handle and the handle itself to a light titanium. It's very light and has no play anywhere that I feel it needs to be shimmed like other reels. Airity is nicer than the 2023 Tatula I was using but those are great too. In both have added Carbontex washers and they can handle good sized fish. Only reel I can jig for 5 hours straight nonstop and not be tired.

[@TeppanGod]

The ST line is different from your airities

[@Sweetaccord]

​@@TeppanGod I see, regardless still love'em. 😁 Very light and don't have any issues with em over a year of use. Only thing can nit pick is they are shallow spool. Would like a deep spool option.

[@i.o.3563]

Thanks for a review! I agree with you so much. Yes, there have been nicer reels, like 12 Vanquish and new Stella too, but it'll do nicely. Way better than current Vanquish if you ask me, in term of design. And feel too. Full metal body just feels more premium in the hands, doesn't it? I plan on getting ST SF2000 size. Still waiting for it to appear in our shops. 130 grams is much more like it for finesse applications.

[@ifishcatfish]

But now Daiwa feels like the Vanquish. That direct feel that Daiwa is writing about ... thats what Vanquish has had since 2019

[@captainrylenaviation29]

I am an avid angler who enjoys trying out new fishing equipment. Recently, I acquired the Daiwa Airity ST SF 1000 reel to compare it with my existing Daiwa Airity 2023 reel. In terms of feel and resistance, I find that both reels perform similarly, and I cannot discern any significant differences between them. However, I must admit that my Daiwa Exist SF 2000 reel feels slightly superior, which may be due to its higher price point influencing my perception. I intend to pair this reel with my Daiwa Presso Limited Air AGS rod, using white polyester line. Previously, I used the Daiwa Presso reel with Varivas Neo Orange line on this rod. As for the 2023 Vanquish reel, I have paired it with the Tict Ice Cube Realfiness rod. This combination is visually appealing, and I have spooled the reel with Varivas Red Polyester line and an Eradicator rod. I appreciate your channel and the valuable information you provide to the angling community.

[@ifishcatfish]

Hm... old airity having same resistance as this one is hard to reconcile. For one, he old airity has main gear bearings full of grease, and these are full of oil. And two, the main shaft magseal here is less also, from what i heard. Maybe you have different size handles or something, but the new Airity should have discernably less resistance. And the ones i have here does.

[@captainrylenaviation29]

No they are same handle. Probably just my reel. Who knows.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@captainrylenaviation29 well that just doesn't make any sense and doesn't fit any other commenters' observations.. If this is really true, and i assign a very low probability of this being true, u got a bad new airity..

[@captainrylenaviation29]

It is possible that my reel is greasy, or it may simply require additional fishing time to perform optimally. Regardless, I continue to be satisfied with its performance.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Its going to be very interesting of your option once you fish it. Thanks a lot for going over your initial look with us and thanks to the subscriber that sent it in! Curious to see what your subscriber say about the larger size and higher gear ratios. Last year purchased another vanquish. So this year itching for another Daiwa Zillion! Let’s hear that drag scream Victor when you fish it. BTW that Baitcaster that you resurrected for Alex (Realalistic Fishing)sounds awsome compared to last year when he fished it.

[@ifishcatfish]

Glad u said that. I noticed that myself but didn't want to bring it up myself : )

[@KurtLEHMAN-k9e]

Hello from Alaska Victor!, Thanks for the review, as far as I'm concerned I think that is a beautiful reel, a LOT better looking than my 23 Vanquish! thank you for all the great reviews you do! I have been enjoying your channel for several years now, all the best, Kurt

[@ifishcatfish]

Thanks for dropping a line and try to catch some big alaskan salmot on my tony bg-1 jigs and send me a pucture!

[@ReelAZMatt]

I have to say handle play is way more annoying to me than handle resistance. How do you feel about the handle play?

[@avocato2829]

No handle play

[@ifishcatfish]

There is always a little handle play. It is from the actual bearing, not from the tolerances on the frame. If zero play, the bearing will be too tight. Laws of physics

[@dannylalumiere6538]

Beautiful reel, but I agree.. look is a little plain for a Daiwa.. that said, I think it would look amazing with a aftermarket red SLP WORKS spool 😍

[@ifishcatfish]

the spool is actually black and the only thing that i like on this reel..

[@thomaskong5]

I’ll send you my 2000 ST SF once trout fishing is over here in California if you haven’t received one yet. I wasn’t in love with it at first esp compared to my 23 vanquish , but it’s gotten a lot better after a week of fishing in terms of start up inertia and resistance. I was pretty disappointed with it out of the box. Got a 5lb and a 6.5lber so it’s my new lucky reel 😂.

[@ifishcatfish]

I got one in the mail today, but i haven't unboxed it yet. I want to record the unboxing. You are the second person coming to me with similar feedback by the way.. so i think u are probably pretty close..

[@thomaskong5]

@@ifishcatfish Awesome. Glad you were able to get one in hand and look forward to your review. And Ahhh that’s interesting. Is it normal for reels to have “break in” periods like a car engine?

[@gleamtarrest6310]

I have a couple of the higher end reels, but I find myself fishing with newer diawa legalis 2000 s p & diawa presso 7' UL rod more than the others I have.. it just feels fishable!

[@ifishcatfish]

Yeah.. and its relaxing.. u dont have to worry about it..

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

I also have the older airity in 2500S size and this new SF ST feels very similar albeit kighter

[@ifishcatfish]

The 2500 sizes have bigger parts and magseal resistance doesnt make as big a difference

[@isaacortiz7338]

You do a great job articulating what I think when choosing a reel over another.

[@ifishcatfish]

great to hear : )

[@grncreek]

You crack me up. I love Daiwa, they make some great reels but they are definitely confusing. I think you summed it up perfectly. BTW, thanks for making your in depth reviews and always telling us how you see it, good or bad..

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you sir, i appreciate the kinds words

[@df2051]

I do so much agree with that level of confusion! That is really ridiculous - and no consistency from model to model...last Exist was FC the stated spool with smaller body, now there is PG and C, but FC is with Certate.

[@ifishcatfish]

i think their goal is to create so much confusion that you give up and stop trying to understand

[@andrewbiggles2288]

Thanks for explaining the SF/LT designation thing Victor, i was wondering what that was all about. Big weight difference between the two models as well so they're definitely not the same reels so i hope you get a chance to try out the SF model for us. Always great to hear your thoughts on new reels.

[@ifishcatfish]

If nobody sends it to me i will bite the bullet and buy it myself

[@Henry-xh8ec]

I do feel the new daiwa reels are kind of plain looking. Where is the piazza that lets others know it a high end reel I recently received my Airity ST FC1000S. So far, I like it. The resistance is very close the the Vanquish 1000. I'm probably going to pick up the ST FC2000S next to compare it to the Vanquish 2000. I really like the light weight of these new reels. Makes my older reels feel like clunky heavyweights.

[@ifishcatfish]

Let me kmow if u get a ST SF!

[@4filiro]

Well , as of amazon photos there are ST (black models like yours) and SF black gold spool similar with 23 airity that i own ...differences in weight for sure but as per the non magseal bb etc i cant be sure...

[@4filiro]

...now , if you had the 2000ss it is 130gr and same size all except shallow spool...this model i m thinking of instead of 1000...

[@ifishcatfish]

Yes i want the sf 1000 size

[@hotdayhot]

I bought ST SF 2500SS-H-QD version.

[@ifishcatfish]

Umm great reel but im hoping to get the small models..

[@camboviet316]

What does all the letter mean?

[@hotdayhot]

@@camboviet316 ST: sensitive tuned. SF: spin finesse, SS: shallow spool, H: high gear ratio, QD, quick dial: go from loose to tight just a couple of dialing...

[@champchamp1774]

I'm excited for my 3000mhg vanquish 2023 coming in. I have a Stella fk an hoping the vanquish can handle wipers, not really a finesse fisherman but just looking to have something in between my two vanfords an stella

[@ifishcatfish]

if u fish for wipers, buying high gear ratios is a BAD idea

[@champchamp1774]

@@ifishcatfish why?

[@ifishcatfish]

Its like trying to tow a trailer on 8th gear. You just ruin your transmission. That model is not for towing

[@champchamp1774]

@@ifishcatfish Damm make sense I wish I would of knew that sooner:( I think during spawning season should it matter since they will definitely chase?

[@TeppanGod]

I got the st sf 2000 and its good but not as good as 2023 vanquish 1000. The only plus the daiwa has is nicer body and lighter but the vanquish is king.

[@asaoppenheimer6944]

Why do you like vanquish 23 more? Cause I have it and thinking of buying airity too. But if you say that Vanquish better I started doubting of buying it.

[@avocato2829]

@@asaoppenheimer6944get the airity

[@ifishcatfish]

If nobody sendsnot to me for review i might buy it myself. I just cant imagine i would review one and not the other. However, i am pretty sure i will agree woth ur assesment :)

[@TeppanGod]

@asaoppenheimer6944 the vanquish is smoother and the resistance is still better with the vanquish. The anti twist fin and slow oscillation is a game changer. Plus that drag on the vanquish is pure bliss. But honestly, fish both and make your own opinion and see what you prefer because thats what i did.

[@TeppanGod]

@ifishcatfish I ordered mines on Amazon and came in 3 days from JP. Easy to return too which I might just do.

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

The more I use my SF ST the more impressed I am. I think it might actually be smoother and lower resistance than the vanquish

[@ifishcatfish]

do u have the new Vanquish?

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

@@ifishcatfish I have a 2019 vanquish

[@TeppanGod]

get a 23 and do what ifish recommended which is to put a c2000s handle on a 1000 size and trust and believe that it turns the vanquish to the best reel youll likely ever use for the next few years@@dontdoxmebro1780

[@AirsoftPresident]

When opening the bail is there an audible click? Is there a “springy” resistance when opening the bail slowly?

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, from now on on all daiwas there will be. But its very soft and pleasant

[@edwardosso316]

You are right, webpage is update....

[@4filiro]

Mate thx , i m still waiting for SF review...

[@ifishcatfish]

Someone promised to send it next week..

[@wirinharwirjawan6422]

Thanks for sharing.

[@watchman316ly]

ST LT- How to make it "Maximum Confusion!" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Victor- If you want the drag click to be very vibrant, spread the spring clip inside.

[@ifishcatfish]

Yes, i even have a video somewhere showing how to do that. But this reel is NOT mine, so i can't do that..

[@watchman316ly]

@@ifishcatfish Bro- let me have the link to it. I saw this done with my very two eyes at a fishing tackle store and was amazed!

[@alanung]

Hahaha…mate, what are you doing here , vlogging fishing gear? You should be a standup comedian!! 😆 Seriously though, your insightful reel reviews are unmatched. 👍

[@MrWeezy1fbaby]

You missed an "I" in the title in the word AIRITY. You wrote it "AIRTY." FYI man. Keep the videos coming!

[@ifishcatfish]

GOSH, WHY U COMING HERE SO LATE MAN! I want you to subscribe for notifications and check my titles right away please! Most of the embarrassment is already done now..

[@MrWeezy1fbaby]

No worries man, nobody noticed. No embarrassment, it's just a typo, it happens to the best of us LOL@@ifishcatfish

[@Ziemanm]

I think the Airity looks great but maybe it’s the video making it look better then it is 🤷‍♂️

[@ifishcatfish]

I will tske that as a compliment!

[@thatonebeone]

i was just specing out my EXIST SF SLR WORKS and they offer quick drag knob but the have it with a marking "EX LT" they too lazy to mark it with "SF" quick drag....yup you are right they are using recycled older parts and too lazy to even mark it the right for the new model its like a car company that has a sister company and you put both logo badge on one car DAIWA sure is confusing

[@camboviet316]

Do you think this reel is better than the 2024 Twinpower FE reel?

[@ifishcatfish]

one is ultralight reel, one is heavy duty reel. Its like asking if a pickup truck is better than a corvette. Depends what do you want to use it for

[@camboviet316]

@@ifishcatfish I have held the twinpower FE in my hand it's heavy. Feels like all alloy and aluminum. It was the c5000 FE

[@Joelflowers513]

How do you think these reels hold up long term for bass fishing?

[@ifishcatfish]

Assuming u use the 2500 size, and fish like an adult, it can last a lifetime. If u bang it around and generally don't care of your tackle, you shouldn't be looking at this reel. Get something like Certate or Stradic FL with strong aluminum frame.

[@Joelflowers513]

@@ifishcatfish good answer and thanks. Surprised not more people use this. Personally i think it looks great. Has a bantam style paint job

[@King-guilly]

Victor don't get into this video quality mumbo jumbo we're just here to listen to your tangents

[@ifishcatfish]

Lol - thats what i want to hear :)

[@octavianpal6384]

Well,i have two Vanquish because technically it is way ahead but the looks of the Daiwa always made me take bad decisions buying Airitys,and although i love the looks…I don’t know.Maybe the perfect ul reel will be the looks of the Daiwa and the technical advancement of Shimano. And i speak here for low inertia, perfect line layout,even the fin make for me a big difference,and i don’t know if Daiwa can make such a reel. A newly redesigned Shimano is a success. And for the top line reels i really wanted more colors,or options. I would like a red Stella or red vanquish, or a gold one, at least four colors also for the top line. I have all the Vanford like for the looks that match my rods but i don’t like them because they don’t feel like Stella or Vanquish.I am inclined to buy an Airity ST SF but i will be sure it will not satisfy me technically. All the best,I can’t wait your review of the ST SF

[@ifishcatfish]

yeah, my sentiments are very similar. I prefer transmission and line lay and even drag of Shimano. But something about the looks of Daiwa, like that girlfriend that is bad for you but you keep going back to her..

[@Datanlivshiz]

I just got new Airity SF but i am outside US

[@ifishcatfish]

well u can come back and report on resistance!

[@nikopol7186]

Where to buy this reel? Specify the webs

[@ifishcatfish]

i don't specify webs.. its a liability.. people blame me if something happens

[@apocalypsecat1665]

If I am not wrong, difference between regular Daiwa Lt and Daiwa SF LT is that SF means Super Finesse, that in practice is smaller body and smaller gears inside. At least, on photos you can see it yourself with naked eye.

[@ifishcatfish]

Well... super finesse has meant a lot of things over the years.. this term didn't just come up. But i can grant that their latest meaning is probably what u refer to. And the only reel with these dimensions is the new Exist SF, which is not exist at all

[@raymondjohnson6496]

SF it’s a small reel super finesse watch RX ANGLER ( smaller gears you are right plus I don’t think daiwa put thereflag ship reel in a $300 some change Exist in America cost you $800 dollars there’s no way Luvias has exist parts they are not that stupid they would lose money even if it old parts

[@yanhendrajaya75]

I know Im very late to see this video,,buat i have to agree about daiwa product "maximum confusion" 🤣🤣🤣,,it happens to me lol

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

I don’t believe the the LT and the SF are any different other than spool sizes/gear ratios. After crappie spawn is over I could send you mine to compare.

[@ifishcatfish]

15 gram difference?? That is impossible.. the only other reel with that weight is the exist SF. The exist SF is however completely different reel than exist

[@i.o.3563]

there is a good explanation what makes an SF reel. It's generally body size and shorter spool, So you can call SF models just 1000 body size reel. That size wasn't available before Exist SF model was introduced.

[@justinlay9229]

Review new twinpower pls

[@ifishcatfish]

Please send it and i will! I need it for 2 weeks and will return!

[@justinlay9229]

@@ifishcatfish haha I can't I don't even have it yet 😅

[@billturner2370]

I love these video's Victor!!

[@tmwhh]

Is it a real 2000 size real? Or a 1500 size?

[@ifishcatfish]

daiwa and shimano don't have 1500 size

[@thatonebeone]

I'm thinking of getting the exist SF SLP works .. but once I zoomed in the rotor I can see burs or bubbles on the edge of the rotor and that turned me off🤢 unacceptable for like 800$ .. I don't mind the cost I mind the quality and get what I'm paying for quality..

[@ifishcatfish]

Well, u r on a journey of ur own..

[@thatonebeone]

@@ifishcatfish haha yeah.. if I do decide to get one I'll probably send it to you to check it out 😆 it's a month and half wait to get the custom one made

[@thatonebeone]

@@ifishcatfish oh by the way how's your gears and bearings holding up on your daiwa that has many years of use now ?

[@5wisher5weet]

15:45 premium

[@wedkawodaiprzygoda5324]

Super 👍

[@ifishcatfish]

Thank you 👍

[@edwardosso316]

DAIWA 24 AIRITY ST( Sensitive Tune) IS NOT MAGSEEALED REEL, 2024 AIRITY SF(Super Fineness) MAGSEALED..

[@ifishcatfish]

That was what they first showed on their page, and why i was venting in this video. However, if u go to their page right now, you will see that there is NO MORE a SF vs ST. Now they are all ST, and inside ST there is SF and LT. Just like on the screenshot. Check their website again.

[@billsikes4007]

Talk about a difference of opinion, the Presso, to me, looks absolutely awful compared to the Vanquish and Airity.

[@ifishcatfish]

Watching my own video.. its not that pretty but in person the presso is amazing. I just zoom in too much in these videos to show u everything and to human eyes it looks a little different..

[@billsikes4007]

@@ifishcatfish Fair enough. I am going to give the 24 Airty a shot, thanks for the informative video.

[@DonKong-j1x]

I use a Stella, vanquish , luvias, exist and the new airty, seriously all the same . Just the weight difference and we don’t really care cos our rod is mostly Japanese rod weighting 65-100 gram. We don’t care abt the sound , the weight, we only care abt the fish we caught . We always sell the reel away after awhile to buy a new model. If we Asian can use a size 1000 reel with a pe0.4 line and a 16 pound leader and caught seabass weighing 2-10kg , I don’t see what’s is the problem here with shimano or daiwa. Can u get fish is more important then what u use to fish. Smoothness wise, seriously we are no expert unless there is a drastic difference, but if the difference in minor, then what is there to care abt?

[@ifishcatfish]

you say 'WE don't care', but you mean YOU don't care..

[@redriverlures]

I am sick of gray colored top reels. Both Daiwa and Shinano would send more reels, if they offered you a choice of 2 colors for the same model of reel

[@ifishcatfish]

a little underwhelming.. to say the least..

[@darrinsparks8119]

No way I’d pay that kind of money for a reel

[@ifishcatfish]

Good news - u dont have to!

[@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfv]

The graphics are so awful - it looks like a Chinese external hard drive enclosure. Japanese Daiwa reels of old always used to look like essays in great graphic design. A small point, but one that irks me!

[@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfv]

Also re. smoothness; I find Daiwa feel great for a few weeks but deteriorate quickly. I have 3x £600 Basia carp reels and after a year of occasional use (150hrs max) all three are crunchy and noisy - serviceable, but it’s annoying. I had two TDR reels too that after a year/18 months started to feel a bit rickety. All my Shimanos (baitrunners, Stellas, Vanquish) with the exception of one HG Stella that I returned feel better now than when I bought them.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfv I used to fish with 3 Daiwa Infinity reels for carp for 10 years. U probably know them... Yeah the gears wore off quickly, but ...

[@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfv]

@@ifishcatfish that was the old era of Daiwa reels and plenty of UK carpers still use those and Daiwa still make them, same with the Tournament-S. Al great working tools, but not smooth or quiet!

[@avocato2829]

No

[@avocato2829]

@@Uygkuyfkutfkytfkutfvno

[@kalunvinka]

SF mag seal at pinion only ST no mag seal at all LT mag seal at pinion, line roller, handle So, 2000 SF and ST has smaller body frame compared to 2000 LT due to having no mag seal at pinion gear. Because of that, it will be lighter in weight and easier or lighter inertia.

[@kalunvinka]

Was the words of a guy who works at Daiwa. Dun know why SF ST LT is used together.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@kalunvinka makes sense with their original release. But now the model says ST SF. WHat do u do with that?

[@vensroofcat6415]

This is super light? No, it just has the "wrong" number in the name. Reel sizes is such a mess and bs all over the industry with all the C and S and D. And diminishing returns begging for a better name of diminishing. Disastrous? Frankly any reel significantly above 100 EUR begs for serious questions unless you are a collector.

[@ifishcatfish]

super light!

[@vensroofcat6415]

​@@ifishcatfish Due to how leverage works, tiny changes in lure weight will have larger impact on your casting than the weight differences of similar reels above 100$. Smooth, accurate brakes, reasonable weight and price, no crazy colors. Sold.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@vensroofcat6415 i never said weight makes difference for casting. It doesn't. But line lay does.

[@conpsarreas7393]

Blah blah blah

[@ifishcatfish]

are u mocking me, or insulting yourself?

[@conpsarreas7393]

@@ifishcatfish letting you know how you sound like ....

[@lewp4567]

Chill bro what did bro do to you 💀

[@lynoj777]

What kind of information you are giving the community?? Tell the definition. SF means super finesse while LT means light and tough. Do your research before talking in public. You are not worthy to review projects. Dislike and clicked out.

[@ifishcatfish]

But what does Light and Tough mean? You are replacing one term with another. What does Super Finesse mean? The information i am giving is what it ACTUALLY means, not what daiwa's marketing term is