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The Ultra Lightweight Steez series gets a Speed Bump!
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Date: |
6/10/08 |
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Tackle type: |
Reels |
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Manufacturer: |
Daiwa |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction:
It seems Daiwa is all about
speed this season as they
not only boost speed in
their Zillion series but
also prepare to introduce
new faster versions of their
flagship award winning
magnesium based Steez reels.
The new Daiwa Steez 103SHA
features a faster gear ratio than previous Steez reels
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Daiwa Steez 103SHA Specifications
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| Line Capacity (lbs / yds) |
12/120, 14/100 |
| Gear Ratio (actual retrieve) |
7.1:1 (29.8 inches per turn) |
| Measured Weight |
5.6 ounces |
| Max. Drag |
8.8lbs |
| Bearings |
11BB + 1RB |
| Features |
MagForce V, A7075 aluminum spool, magnesium construction, High Efficiency Wet Drag |
| MSRP |
$479.95 |
The Daiwa Steez 100SHA also
features the faster gear ratio with enhanced line capacity
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Daiwa Steez 100SHA Specifications
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| Line Capacity (lbs / yds) |
14/120, 16/100 |
| Gear Ratio (actual retrieve) |
7.1:1 (29.8 inches per turn) |
| Measured Weight |
5.7 ounces |
| Max. Drag |
8.8lbs |
| Bearings |
11BB + 1RB |
| Features |
MagForce V, A7075 aluminum spool, magnesium construction, High Efficiency Wet Drag, Enhanced line capacity |
| MSRP |
$479.95 |
Daiwa’s new Steez™ 103SHA
and 100SHA baitcasters are not only the lightest reels of their kind, they soon
will become among the fastest. Weighing in at 5.6 and 5.7 ounces accordingly and
featuring a quick 7.1:1 gear ratio, the latest Steez additions offer bass
anglers the ultimate combination of lightweight performance and line-burning
speed.
Did you notice the cosmetic
difference between the two new Steez reels? The 103SHA has oval porting in the
handle...
Like the current Steez
baitcasters, the 103SHA and 100SHA feature a magnesium body design that’s
feather-light, yet strong and durable. With an ultra-fast retrieve now part of
the package, Steez users can use the reel in applications that they might
normally have employed the Steez before including fishing ripbaits. Each single
turn of the handle now reels in 29.8 inches of line compared to 26 inches on the
current 103HA and 100HA
...while the 100SHA has the more
traditional circle porting
Both the Steez 103SHA and
100SHA models feature a free-floating, A7075 aluminum spool that starts up fast
and spins longer. This spool design works in conjunction with Daiwa’s exclusive
Magforce®-V
automatic anti-backlash system to allow for long, trouble-free casts. The Steez
103SHA features a standard spool design, while the 100SHA is equipped with a
high-capacity, U-shaped spool ideal for accommodating heavier test lines.
The new high speed Steez reels
feature attractive red trimmings that evoke Type R+ tuning
Inside the Steez 103SHA
and 100SHA anglers will find eleven precision ball bearings, plus a roller
bearing, are designed to deliver maximum smoothness and reliable operation. A
tough, A7075 tempered aluminum drive gear and phosphor bronze pinion yield
plenty of power. Like the previous reel the new reels feature a swept handle
design, and both versions have a slightly different ported design. The Steez
103SHA and 100SHA also offer quality fish-stopping performance equipped with an
eight-disc wet drag with micro-click adjustment for smoothness and consistency.
Additional features include an Infinite Anti Reverse, precision-click fee spool
adjustment, and easy sideplate removal for quick spool changes. Daiwa’s new
Steez 103SHA and 100SHA models will retail for $479.95, which is 30 dollars more
than current versions.
Both reels feature a red spool to
match the new exterior treatment
Conclusion: While
the first three new offerings (Steez 103SHA, 100SHA, and Zillion Hyper Limited
Edition) we see from Daiwa’s new 2009 lineup all focus on high speed the company
hinted that they have a few other exciting offerings to introduce at the
upcoming ICAST show. The new high speed Zillions will likely find homes among
fans of the premium series, after all where else can anglers find such a unique
combination of lightweight magnesium construction and high speed gearing? Still
what excites me the most is the upcoming Zillion Hyper-Speed reel. Finally U.S.
anglers get a limited edition (and individually numbered) reel, one that has a
truly blazing fast 7.3:1 ratio and doesn’t carry an enormous price premium like
many of the Limited Edition Japanese Domestic reels often exhibit.
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