Daiwa Exist 2022 VS Shimano Stella 2022!! Is This The Best Spinning Reel Money Can Buy!?

After some thorough comparisons and extensive testing we are stoked to break down the new Daiwa Exist and Shimano Stella to help you decide which is the better buy! In today's video we break these reels down into 7 categories that we deemed as the most important factors to consider when buying a high end spinning reel.
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Daiwa Exist MQ LT 2022:
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Shimano Stella FK 2022:
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[@elvisthumper1279]

Hello from Australia. Love your vids. Down under the 2022 Stella is almost $200 MORE than the Exist (at full price- so not in retail reality). I manage one of the best fishing shops in Sydney (Australian Bass Angler), and we regularly play your vids on our shop display. Please keep up the awesome work, and I hope I can come to Phoenix one day.

[@thomasobscure4978]

I have a question. Why is tackle so expensive in Australia compared to the US AND Japan? I try to buy locally whenever I can, but a lot of lures especially are often double the price of buying from Japan? Is it the importer mark ups? Cheers mate.

[@elvisthumper1279]

@@thomasobscure4978 a combination of shipping (40ft containers aren’t cheap), and exporters (and then importers) taking a cut. Add in GST and then you can start to see why.

[@fishon.Sydney]

You have an amazing shop mate. Bought my gosa from you and i love it. Would you recommend Stella fk for salt water users? I don't fish lakes or fresh water at all. Only salt water.

[@BWfishing_adventures]

You guys should definitely do another review, like when your a year in on these reels

[@BaitFinesseHawaii]

I am one person who likes a slower gear for bottom fishing. When jigging it’s more helpful to use pg or low gear ratio reels in order to help keep the lure in the strike zone for longer. Plus it helps to winch fish up from deep water.

[@CloneFam]

The exist has been my go to / every single time. I own multiples of both. I still have the first Stella made. The exist is a better real by far in my opinion especially in the over time test. I'm 53 years old. Don't get me wrong Stella is a good capable reel. But when I reach for my gear / my Stella's get left home. The drag / fit/ finish/ retrieve is Def better on the exist. I will not be purchasing Stella again. The Diawa product is just way to nice in my hands. When my father who use to fish 200 to 280 days per year sent his Stella back in for repair. They charged him to clean it. They said they had never seen a real so abused. Well he fished more than 99% of fisherman. So there's that. When we got the bill for cleaning the real we started buying exists. That's all I will buy now. The real is my favorite by far. In fact I'm getting ready to buy a couple 2024 Exists. Not because I need them , but because at some point I'm going to die. When I die, I want the exist in my hand when I leave this place. My dad passed away this last year. When I see him again in heavan , he will be pissed that I have a new exist in my hand lol😂 😂 Newer than his. 😂 He will probably make me let him use , or he won't show me where the lakes with the 10# bluegills & the rivers with the 45# Brown trout are . 😂😂😂 I miss him. I asked him once why he spent so much $ on fishing gear. His response was epic. He said son I know guys that spend 3k on a lawnmower, 50k remodeling there kitchen, 1k at the bar in one night. Paying 900 dollars for a quality reel to do what I love the most is nothing. When I'm fishing 3.5 # floral carbon and I have a 30" Brown on my line , I want the best equipment to help me land that fish of a lifetime. 900 bucks is a drop in the bucket for the experiences I will have. Time son, time is the most valuable thing we possess. Don't ever forget that.

[@ryanv2467]

How am I the first person to like this comment?!? Your dad was right.

[@riick-grimez765]

I have the Stella 2500, I've caught a few fish on it. Super smooth, did notice the weight but feels solid. I do like watching the line come off the spool on a cast it looks cool lol.

[@DrJanLindberg]

Daiwa 22 Exist, the best of the best! I have a few of both brands, including Stella 2022.

[@LilDino808]

I love my 18 and 22 exist. I haven’t had the chance to fish my fk yet but in do time since it’s the 4K fk. Great video.

[@bigtiger4e]

Which do you like better? Im debating between the 2 right now.

[@AlinJapan]

A very fair review. At this point, I prefer the Stella as I don't mind the extra weight for the smaller models (C2000S) and do like the rigidity of the Stella. But I can definitely see the case for owning both if one has the money. If a less expensive reel is needed, I would choose the Shimano Vanford over the Luvias at the mid-range or the Daiwa Legalis if cash is tight. But of course it is all up the buyer to decide based on personal preference.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your insight, and for watching!

[@fatihguneysu1837]

Yani herşey ekonomi aslında zirveden legalis e inme seçeneği de var

[@russellgatewood6473]

I purchased the Vanford,Stradic,and Stella 2500 because of Amazons great return policy 😊,The Stella is absolutely the superior item.I will be sending the remaining products back to Amazon.I suggest the same

[@hunterb1215]

Fished with a stella 3000 for 12 years buttery smooth drag! Never an issue!

[@reconnaissance7372]

I found an old Daiwa Steez Spinning reel that was discontinued for $5 at a market, i googled it at home and it retailed for $1200! I Immediately ordered missing parts from the Daiwa website, some were discontinued but they said they had parts from other reels they make that would be compatible, and so I paid around $150 in parts for a top of the range reel. I absolutely love it. I try so hard to take care of it. I don't let it touch sand, get salt water on it and regularly take it apart, lubricate, grease, oil and clean it out. Fishing with a nice reel is something different. I paid $100 a year before owning it for another reel, a Daiwa 2500 LT Crossfire, and one year later after some serious use, it's pretty much broken. The handle is unturnable. But the Daiwa Steez glides like butter.

[@vosxod-tj6hg]

Да дружище, занятная история. У меня всё проще. Daiwa 17 fuego 4000lt. 4 года в пользовании. При попадании в песок, просто омываю водой на месте в реке, и дальше рыбачу. Бывает и в глину катушка попадала, также окунул в реку и продолжил рыбалку. За 4 года ниразу не разбирал. По катушке и не скажешь что она много в работе. Но весь сезон она работает. С 11 июня и до самого ледостава. Рыбалки бывают и по несколько дней. В среднем рыбалка длится 6-8 часов. Ловлю в основном джигом. Веса общий часто и 70гр. Обажаю эту катушку. Работает в комплекте с Arion 7-28. Он тоже натерпелся, за 4 года, но всё ещё в работе.. Всего хорошего друг 🤝

[@AndrewWrightDO]

Any different thoughts after 1+ years?

[@electricgames4614]

Love the video, great job! Which one would you recommend for pike fishing? Thanks

[@Dave30867]

Nice honest comparison thanks for the knowledge and advise cheers . Awaiting more comparison videos . 😉👍

[@sai_bfishing4547]

I like both reels! But I prefer the stella! When it comes to maintence when u send it in. Shimano will always have ur back. Daiwa is a lil iffy on it! Fish on!

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I'm glad you addressed the mustache because I was going to have to say something 🤣 I noticed it right away. You look so much better without it.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! 🍻😂

[@AlinJapan]

@@thehookuptackle_usa That's what she said!

[@gerasimosioardanitis5494]

Would you recommend both for sea bass (salt)?

[@jba004]

The only gripe I have with this reel is the weight, but that goes with the size of the reel kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . I brought this salmon fishing up in Oswego, NY. I coupled it with a Cabela's Whuppin Stick. I had no problem pulling in a 14lb salmon. I will probably use this for surf fishing this summer and downgrade to a 3500 series Battle II next salmon season to save my wrists. All of the operations are butter smooth and the bail is nice and thick and has a solid flip to it. Everything about this reel is sturdy and strong. The drag system held up to the salmon and was also super smooth. I did use a scale to set the drag properly before going out to the river and this worked out tremendously. A bunch of other guys on the river would hook up and snap almost immediately. Just because you have a good drag system doesn't do anything if you don't set it correctly.

[@SuranareeCompany]

Hi bro, I'm from thailand if i can only buy 1 of it, which one should i choose... 90% of the time at bay and coast is a 9.3ft long fishing rod with super light shore jigging / # I'm looking for a reel size 2500-3000 Thank you bro .

[@jimrichards1798]

Those reels are like the greens at Augusta in that you can tell how incredibly slick and smooth they are simply by viewing them from afar.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

They’re beautiful!!! 🍻

[@valentinloghin4004]

Thank you for review , what is the pink line you guys using ?

[@donjon2682]

The mustache is hilarious

[@lokolop1]

can’t wait to pickup my new 2500 exist

[@mistermatsuda]

I use mosly Stellas, 4 of them and 1 Twinpower. I have 1 Exist, a 2000, it's for my ultralight setup. I find the Stellas to balance better on my rods - the Exists are a little too light and can make some rods be top heavy. Both are great though, the best advice I can give is to bring your rod into the store and try the combo first. I suspect the NRX would pair better with the Exist since it's very light also.

[@joshuafigueroa6]

I agree to a certain extent. As an experienced fisherman we have to make a decision and frequently loosen or tighten a drag-set . Especially if you have a trophy fish of a lifetime. Physics plays a role in play when a rod bends it adds pressure when you're on a boat or surf and about to land a fish. It's why we say loosen up the drag a bit. And it's for safety.

[@mistermatsuda]

I've explained this above but the reason is that the spool gets thinner as line is taken out and has to rotate more in order release an equal amount of line asi when it's full. So 1 inche of line could mean a 1/8 turn when full but 1/2 a turn when your line is out.

[@joshuafigueroa6]

@@mistermatsuda tight lines

[@bigfatangler]

I have the exist 2000S and I enjoy this little reel. I'd like to test the Stella too that drag complexity might make me think twice though. Thanks for this. 😁

[@jso275]

Awsome Video. Do you guys carry the JDM Stella 1000ssspg? Thanks in advance ☺

[@intensity75]

I have the new Shimano Stella in for me. there’s no comparison I would’ve paid double.

[@olivergrothe]

tbh i like them both. Cant really decide wich one is the best. I have both of them and been using them for years. I use Exist 2000 for finesse fishing. And a 4000 Exist for trout. My stella 5000 is my go to for salmon and shorefishing. And my 2500 stella as an allrounder

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Be nice to actually find one of those in stock somewhere??

[@kevinz3057]

Hello form France ! I use à 22 stella Fk 1000 with Megabass Arms superleggera asl6702 xs ! This stella is juste wonderful ! Never seen a reel so smooth and powerful . I Hope exist is more light ! Ils also a wonderful reel ! But i m not happy for a extérior’design and color,stella is more subtile design coupled with the arms . Thx guys great report !

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your feedback! Cheers my friend 🍻

[@milankondor9277]

good, so for fishing from the shore, for hunting toothfish, you would lean a little towards the daiwa exist or shimano sttela, what size and gear, thank you for the answer

[@AikenAngling]

So I have both the new exist 5000, and the new stella fk 4000. Exist is way lighter, holds more line, and looks better. The Stella is heavier, but feels really good while a fish is on. I personally prefer the exist, but it is $200 more than the stella fk. Both are phenomenal reels. Honestly I wish the spool on the stella looked better. The rest of the reel looks gerat, but not the spool. Doesnt even match the rest of the color of the reel. I really like the way the spools on the Stella SW and twin power FD look. I'm not a huge fan of this more subtle look shimano has been producing on reels like the new sustain, nasci, stella fk. Like if im speding $700+ on a reel it better look bad ass.

[@ferst5937]

I think it's better to wait for the upcoming 2023 vanquish than buying exist. Just my 2 cents.

[@AikenAngling]

@@ferst5937 Fair enough, but from what I understand the vanquish is primarily an ultralight reel, I use big 4000-5000 size reels for hard fighting fish. Not sure why you think down grading to the vanquish would be a good thing, but you do you!

[@ferst5937]

@@AikenAngling vanquish for pure for finesse fishing. For big fish i would go for stella. Mechanisch better and stronger. It just feels better with the bigger and stronger fish.

[@AikenAngling]

@@ferst5937 I have the Stella fk and the Stella SW, I prefer the Exist. All three are amazing reels.

[@ferst5937]

@@AikenAngling Why the exist? I feel it lacks power compared to stella. The previous stella is really bad. Which size do you own? I had both 3000 from exist and stella.

[@vieterisikaFI]

I was balling between the two for quite a while. Both had their pros and cons and after a while I went with Stella C2000S. The main reasons over this was the all metal construction and significantly less flexy rotor. The Exists I tried in the shops were also really noisy and probably had very dry bearings and one of then felt fairly geary too, which didn’t really sell very well, obviously. I know they are individuals, but the first impression of them was just underwhelming. Also didn’t find the weight difference too bad considering the other is closer to Vanquish in terms of materials than the Stella. Exists also felt somewhat sluggish, probably due to magseal causing friction. The rotor was lighter but they had that weird startup resistance to make the handle turn, which non magsealed reels and Shimanos usually don’t have. The other main point was self serviceability, which was a dealbreaker in the end for going with Stella. Magseal and the fact that you can’t order most main parts for an Exist is just dumb. I’m not paying that easily three digits amount to send a reel to a servicer which in my experience doesn’t make the reel any better and even to the level it was send to them. If the self serviceability was different and easier (actually even possible), I’d maybe choose differently too.

[@PunchFishing]

Great video guys!

[@donaldstephensen8654]

GREAT INFO BRO..IM A TROUT GUY LOOKIN FOR A REEL IN A 1000... THANKS

[@snookerson9292]

I have both! 3000 Stella 4000 Exist! For inshore use they have both a use for different situations.

[@fubi3987]

I'd take the reel that perfect balances the combo..I think it's very important too..

[@miketorre16]

2022 Stella 4000XG here, 40 inches of line retrieve, Infinity Drive casts better and i feel the Stella Cranks in Fish with more torque then an Exist. just sayin

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👍🍻

[@tmwhh]

I would love the stella if it would be 25g lighter. It is so heavy in contrast to the exist.

[@arrowzen7433]

Of course Daiwa wins on bearings because og MagSealed - its brilliant and makes a huge difference for coastal fishing.

[@ernestovarela3416]

You guys are awesome! I have both, but have only Field tested the Stella. I will keep this video in mind when they go head to head!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Let me know what you think!

[@insanetankeryanker5107]

One of each. Can’t go wrong that way 😊

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That's a great way to do it!

[@mikeymedina93]

Y’all should invite Zaldain to the store next time y’all all do a mustache day 👨🏻 lmao I can just imagine what would be going through his mind

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I'm good on that 😂🍻

[@SuburbanStandouts]

guy runs googin now he's dead to me

[@mikeymedina93]

@@SuburbanStandouts it’s all business man. Like and support who you want, but just keep in mind they got families to support too.

[@andyb2604]

@@SuburbanStandouts I second that🤜🏻

[@andyb2604]

@@mikeymedina93 so do the employees at 6th Sense when there lures got copied buy Googan

[@donaldpaddick2250]

Just got a 2500S from Japan. Spooled up with straight 8# Tatsu for Swimbaits up in Door County. Had very little line twist spooled straight on reel from a 1000yd bulk spool. My 18 exists with the same line twists very badly when respooling…which has been my only complaint with comparing Exist to even my old Stradic FA’s. So I’m switching to Stella’s for all my wife’s horizontal presentation rods that require straight fluorocarbon. Exists will move over to her braid to leader rods. Was a little concerned with the shallow spool but bombed a few casts and still couldn’t see the knot through the line so plenty left. Other benefit to the JDM version is it has lower 5.1:1 gear ratio. So reels Deep crankbaits alot easier than the higher speed reels. Wife doesn’t like to fish warts on a 6:2 reel.

[@travisnunya4641]

What does the S stand for

[@philipfalco7304]

@@travisnunya4641 Shallow spool model

[@ddm62571]

Both are good reels I would probably lean slightly towards the Stells though because of the weight. I use to like lighter spinning reels but now I like a little weight for my spinning reels. For me, because a spinning reel hangs under the rod when fishing a 7 or 8 oz reel feels better balanced. Now for Baitcasters, because they sit on top of the rod an 8 oz reel makes it feel a little too top-heavy so a light 5 or 6oz baitcaster is more comfortable to me.

[@shawneng2281]

Agree on your point

[@wadezhang7106]

After many abuses from pacific salmons from 2lb to 30lb…all my 2018 and 2023 stella’s became smoother than when they first came out of the box…

[@constantijngubbels760]

100% quality content!!! Thx Guys

[@watchman316ly]

Ben- since you are a bass and trout shop, please get some JDM trout rods added to your inventory. Shimano and Daiwa both have some and others.

[@StymoDe.]

I really think if you are buying one of these then you should have both, otherwise you will be missing the other half of the world...personally I wish Stella could've been lighter, as much as I wish Exist could've had a better color theme than this silly silver bullet color :) nice video!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! 👊🍻

[@sunleonardo5946]

For a weekend warrior, Legalis is good enough for the stock trout pond downstairs...Will try the top of the line later I guess.

[@raymundmonica8884]

Thanks for the review. Here in Australia. Shimano is more pricey.

[@bradjones8028]

Any word on the stella pre orders Ben? Thanks !!

[@epula7x358]

Can daiwa exist handle change from left side to right side? Im a right hand user

[@matfox3523]

boleh mat

[@sv3743]

So those are both 2500 reels?

[@muciferbad]

Higher gear ratio for "finesse fishing", lol... You have recorded this on "opposite day"? 😁

[@exconcurly]

Once the price goes over the 400$ range,to me the the price doesn't match the amount of technology and performance,and it just becomes hype and flex,no thanks

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Easy to say that until you use one 👍🍻. Not saying the price is "worth" it, but once you are used to this level of sophistication especially at the drag level - they could pretty much name their price and I'm buying.

[@benjaminyang5872]

@@thehookuptackle_usa perfectly said

[@martingibbins6621]

I used to agree until I realised that the one Stella I own is even smoother ten years after buying it. The drag is still faultless, and I've never had a single issue. In the same amount of time I've gone through over a dozen mid tier reels. That cost me a lot more in total than the one Stella. If you fish hard and often, high end reels become an investment.

[@suckit758]

@@martingibbins6621 I just found a 20 year old one did a little cleaning, oiled it, greased it, and swapped out the rubber handle for a new one and I can't believe that it's better than my other reels at 20 years old

[@needmoreboost6369]

And long after all the exists and Stella’s are dead and forgotten I’ll still be using my $180 abu ambassador!

[@073286]

I just got the ballistic MQ and in my mind that's an expensive spinning reel for me, it's also smooth as butter with an awesome drag. I have a boat but also like to fish from the bank when the water down here is too low for my boat and could never imagine taking a $850 reel on the banks we fish. I've tested an exist out at my local tackle shop and it is super nice, I just don't see it as $850 nice. Plus I live in TN and you can go ahead and tack on $85 in tax with that as well.

[@natwilliams4076]

Such a good point about never being able to go back! I have gone from stradics and sustains to a stella. It's like crack don't try it unless you want a life long habit!!😅

[@pike.attack]

What reel sizes are you showing on video?

[@fishaholic122]

It looks like if u took off ur glasses the nose and stache would come with it, lol can't quit laughing

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you 😂🍻

[@leonardovu997]

What size are the these two reels in this video?

[@jdean1851]

Excellent Review!!!!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! 🍻

[@davorfishingvideos4you209]

New Exist👍👌. I have 2000d-p, perfect reel. Greetings from Croatia.

[@greg6162]

I’m buying my first fishing pole for freshwater fishing. I started at a $50/budget but I’ve upped it to $100/budget… looking for a good all purpose spinning reel. Not sure what size I would need 20,25 or 30? So confused here, but I will probably be doing a lot of pier and bank fishing. Is a 3000 the best all around? What do you guys think should I get a combo or independent rod/reel? Is a $100 Shimano reel even worth it or should I just get a Walmart $20 banger? Edit: what do you guys think of Shimano Sahara FJ vs a Daiwa Fuego LT spinning reel?

[@garrettjohnson1812]

I just picked up a Daiwa BG2500 it’s a “saltwater” reel, but I used it to go out today on a local pond and it is fantastic for both, it’s listed at 99 on Amazon at the time of me writing this, it’s super light and one of the smoothest reels I’ve ever fished. I’d say that it is worth it to spend the extra money, however in my opinion rods are everything, that’s where your money should go, star rods are incredible

[@Gia_7604]

had the 18 stella thinking about dropping 850$ on 22 daiwa exist 2500lt lol. Stella to me is top notch in fishing world but ... gonna try exsit soon.

[@tymfortoys]

I'll take one of each. Both sweet ass reels!!

[@Didiseven700]

Hello. 22 exist 3000 = 18 exist 3000-С ? Do I understand correctly? It's just that in the new series, the C index has disappeared somewhere.

[@stephencasciola4045]

I'm on my second stella first one bought and returned second I received yesterday with both reels I was and currently am experiencing a knock on retrieval some call it a click feels more like a knock to me. Seriously considering the switch to the exist. Has you or anyone you know experienced a similar knocking issue with either reel ? Thank you

[@spickets]

Yes I'm experiencing an annoying knock with a two week old reel. It only does it under load like when retrieving a lure 10 grams or heavier and does it while the spool is at the bottom of the stroke. Taking it back tomorrow with the hope of a quick resolution.

[@supatreyfi9770]

Just get both. I got a stella on a conquest and an exist on a windbuster

[@benjaminyang5872]

I haven't tried the Stella but the new Exist is the reel deal. Just smooth everything but the start up internia is a little higher than previous gen, much more noticeable than a vanford or vanquish but it is a fantastic reel, much smoother than previous gen and the two reels i mentioned.

[@abuncharandomstuff]

Have you tried it with line yet? I noticed my Exist 19 or whatever was incredibly smooth but when I threw line on it, it changed a little. That being said, Daiwa's customer service is GARBAGE. I try and avoid Daiwa's like the plague now.

[@Golf1sh]

What braid is on that Daiwa??

[@zita-flmiami4046]

I hold for heavy popping for GT... Stella 8000 14000 18000 and Saltiga new 14000 18000 dogfite 8000 h. with Stella crank problems Broken and noisy bearings. Shimano warranty Italy always problems. Saltiga shrouded problems with bearings but few times. Daiwa italia guarantee always available.

[@AnEm_Fishing]

Nice video mates. That thing that they are calling ANTI-TWIST Finn I think that was placed there to guide the fishing line to get inside the small space created for the line on the line roller. From my experience with the Shimano reels, I saw that after some years of use, the bail arm change it's position and plenty of time the fishing line ends up on the wrong end of the line roller. So I think that that small finn was placed there also for that. I'm curios if Daiwa fixed the instant anti-reverse that was failling while fishing under 3-4 celsius degrees ... because I have 5 Daiwa reels and all of them are having the same problem. The last one was a Seagate Hyper, so not made on the new platform that are using in the last years. Cheers from Italy ...

[@rivercityrambler7751]

Daiwa is eliminating the switch on its spinning reels from what I can tell. My Tatula MQ does not have the reverse switch but the previous variation did.

[@kennylim136]

They both are excellent reels, however for me they lack the classic looks I want for my first flagship reel….so last month I bought a second hand Stella 1000 Fi from Japan that reels smooth like butter and not a hair of scratch on it for about 1/2 MSRP.

[@28betz]

Yes, if you do know nothing about them, but pice equality😊

[@brianlee9074]

I don't like the price of either one, and as little as I have been fishing lately, I can't justifying buying either one. Love the stache. Had one almost my whole life. ✌🏻🎣

[@Reel-Addiction-1]

Actually Daiwa exist according to your first category you have them only listed with a 3000 D. They also make the 3000 H which has 5.7. And 33.6 per crank. Just having fun here, but according to your first category, you gave the nod to Shimano because not knowing about the 3000 H model. So technically that checkmark belongs to Daiwa putting them over the top for the win! Can’t really think of anything at the moment maybe a bag of nice ruffs when you go to sprouts only get two salmon dishes, and then pick two other things 6 to 4 😊 they are both excellent reels though and I really think it’s personal preference and which lucky like better!

[@mitchgarcia4591]

What brand of braid is that on the diawa? Thanks

[@mikemoravec3978]

As I get older weight is a big deal for me. So I would pay the extra money for the exist for sure! If you think about it Daiwa is setting their price based on the tech it used to reduce weight. At least that's how I would interpret it!

[@jean-micheldesbordes5756]

How about the comfort of the knobs? Exist is really good but the knob doesn't feel good at all compared to the Stella. Anyway, great review, as usual.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I love the 3000 knob on the exist! But I can see how some would prefer the Stella! 👍🍻

[@DrJanLindberg]

Knobs are easy to change, and there are so many types!

[@DrJanLindberg]

@@thehookuptackle_usa I like the standard Exist knobs, but if you do not, it is so easy to change, and there are dozens of knobs to choose from

[@mistermatsuda]

NO! The further out your line is, the harder it is to pull a drag. Reason is that the more line that is taken off the reel, the thinner the spool becomes and therefore will have to rotate more to let out the same amount of line. Edit: If you've ever fought a big fish that's taking out a lot of line, this stuff is very evident. A lot of times you'll have to loosen the drag during a fight to prevent your line from snapping or the fish pulling you in the water. Sorry, I had to mention this because I don't want people thinking there's actually something wrong with the drag system. Believe me, the drag system on the Stella is top notch.

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Geez!! $749 and $859.... and here I am up North slinging baits on an Ol' Abu MGX30 paired with my Windbuster thinking that's bougie AF lmao. I'm so hard on my gear, (reels in particular) and the MGX has worked great for me on the Great Lakes/ St Lawrence. Even the occasional Muskie comes out to play, handles pretty damn good. Shit, it even comes out ice fishing Bay of Quinte in some horrible weather and I haven't had a single issue hauling Double D Walleye for many seasons. If I broke a reel like these I'd cry

[@mvladimirov2001]

Hi, Do you know what is the difference between the normal size 2500 and the PC 2500 version? The PC has 10 kg drag but what else? Thanks!

[@DrJanLindberg]

Larger even stronger main gear, in a slightly larger housing. I use the PC 2500 and PC 3000

[@uzzytebaganperfuzii1]

So, the winner is?

[@ScubaChris]

Do you subscribe to Hawk's reviews? Something to note is recently Shimano has done away with their Platinum Service Plan. I myself has always had a fast service time w/Daiwa. Performance wise i judge both the same. Tough call. All comes down to your gut. Which one you put your faith in.

[@hunterbull7804]

Can’t comment on the Exist drag since I’ve never used one, but I know exactly what you mean where it’ll tick every once and a while from using my Certate. I know there’s a bushing on the inside of the spool of the Certate which I know can be replaced with the bearing from the exist essentially making the drag perform identically.

[@kylemayer8486]

I have the same drag problem with my vanford, it's like the load of the rod prevents it from releasing. Probably why I never bought a second.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s really a strange mind game. I don’t like it! 🍻

[@benjaminyang5872]

This is what I noticed to. Went cross carbon and it hasn't been an issue

[@kylemayer8486]

@@benjaminyang5872 I like the reel, but all of my jdm ballistics behave, whereas the shimano is super temperamental. One click either direction drastically changes the drag.

[@benjaminyang5872]

@@kylemayer8486 Yeah it's pretty outrageous but I dont recall it being that way when i had it brand new. I know my 2500 had felt washers and maybe those were worn out. Super annoying though

[@JLTFishing]

Do you spooled any backing on your Stella? Or just straight braided line?

[@kimbapanda]

Id just like to point out that your method of testing drag by pulling on it direct from the reel is not quite accurate. I also use the same method, though you need to consider the extra friction provided by the loaded road as line passes each runner/guide. so providing you set the hook with a loaded rod, there will be more force on the lure end of the line than at the reel.

[@fishingyflow]

hola, gusto en saludar. Me podrían ayudar a entender si conviene más un certate o un exist? Hablo español y no puedo entender nada en el video, si lo escriben puedo poner el traductor. Se los agradecería mucho.

[@anthonyaguilar1526]

Daiwa Exist LT has an H model and an XH so not sure where you get your info.

[@miketorre16]

if the tension is on the exist changes when the fishes is closer or further away that doesn't make any sense. the Stellas are consistent. Did you test the force at close and away?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

The opposite. The Stella changes. The Exist is constant.

[@xyzman001]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Stella drag reminds me of the pro anglers pulling line out because they didn't set the drag correctly or something. Would be useful to them I guess. I prefer consistent drag like the Exist.

[@Pmauriat76]

How about the new Penn Authority?

[@Ch.Gt77]

To heavy

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

😂😂😂😂 don’t ever mention Penn again on this channel

[@danielwutfisho]

Penn? What kind of trash is that 😂

[@dangkhang9479]

Buy Shimano Vanquish, it shimano lightest reel and it have the lowest inertia of any reel.

[@velly238]

I’m almost certain the engineers of these products laugh at people willing to spend these amounts because they make the exact same ones under different names for cheaper but know that people equate price to quality…marketing 101

[@jimmymack1079]

As a Stella and Exist fan I can honestly say you are really reaching here to find differences measurable to the angler. To say that retrieve speed matters at all to hook set…you have to be kidding. 99 percent of the time, hook set relies on reflexes of the angler (lift) combined with the rod rating, not reel retrieval ratio. To say otherwise is a complete wank. And the other main difference being a couple of ounces of weight. Real world effect honestly negligible in a 2000-3000 reel size. Both beautiful reels and worth the money to the discerning angler.

[@Models_2023]

hello, I have this daiwa reel, there is 2500 xh lt and I don't know what rod to make a combo with, can you help me?

[@2Cool4Ryan]

Wife let me pick one…. Shimano Stella SW4000 or Saltist MQ3000?

[@andreasjonsson8075]

Why buy a Stella when there are Vanquish and Excist

[@ericblomgren4387]

I found your 1st category silly. And the price category doesn't matter, it's comparing the actual reels, which one is better, not which one is cheaper. So based on that it's clearly the Exist. It won the categories that matter.

[@BankWalkerTV]

Both are sick reels

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! 🍻

[@BankWalkerTV]

The drag on other shimano spinning reels do the same thing man crazy thanks for the info on that

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

@@BankWalkerTV Thanks for watching!