The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same : Daiwa's Exciting Low Profile Lineup for 2016

Introduction: Over the last several years, Daiwa's low profile baitcasting scene has been dominated by their T-Wing line guide system. From the original Tatula to last year's Zillion TWS, the T-Wing has really taken flight. But this year, Daiwa has taken a step back enhancing and expanding their core, non-TWS reels. Let's take a look at the new lineup!

Daiwa's SV spools are coming to the US!

Steez SV Series: All speculation is over. Daiwa is officially bringing over the 2014 JDM SS SV. Adjusted for the US Market and rebranded as the Steez SV, this new low profile baitcaster from Daiwa features the same shape and profile as the original Steez, but with updated, Zaion sideplates, and Daiwa's new SV Spool tuned to allow a similar performance to the former Type R+ tuned spools, only better and more consistent. That means this reel should be able to handle standard and finesse baits with equal ease, with none of the unexplained and intermittent unruliness between casts and different reels characterized by the former Type R+ rotor.

... in the form of the Steez SV!

Same form factor, different spool, and lower price!

Upgraded even from the JDM version, the Steez SV features 12 bearings instead of 8. Our guess is the extra bearings are in the knobs, but one thing missing in the USDM version of this reel is the low gear ratio option of 5.3:1. The Steez SV is available in 6.3:1 and 8.1:1 only. The JDM version is available in 5.3:1, 6.3:1, and 7.1:1. Price point for the new Steez SV baitcaster is $399.95.

SV 103: Fans of the former Zillion will be excited to see the size and shape of Daiwa's new SV series low profile baitcaster. This "new" aluminum framed reel also features Daiwa's new SV spool and comes rated with a 13.2lb drag. It will be available in 6.3:1 and 7.9:1 retrieve ratios retailing for $299.95.

The SV 103 will be a familiar shape profile to Zillion Fans.

That's right, the former Zillion body is still viable in Daiwa's lineup.

SV 105 Finesse: Daiwa's new SV 105 Finesse is also a familiar profile. Remember the TD Sol? That reel was a USDM version of the JDM Alphas, one of the more popular Daiwa reels in recent memory. Well, the SV 105 appears to be the USDM version of Daiwa Japan's Alphas SV 105. The difference between the SV 105 and the TD Sol aside from the obvious SV spool, is the availability of this reel in two retrieve ratios (5.8:1 & 7.2:1)! Unfortunately, only the 7.2:1 version is available in left hand retrieve. The SV 105 Finesse will retail for $269.95.

Daiwa Japan's Alphas SV makes it to US shores as the SV105 Finesse.

Zillion MagSeal TWS HD: Fans of the new Zillion TWS will be happy to know Daiwa has incorporated their exciting new MagSeal bearings into the reel to help guard against intrusion of water and debris. MagSeal bearings are lubricated with Daiwa's patented magnetic oil. This helps create a frictionless dam between each bearing's inner and outer races. This barrier keeps saltwater, brackish water, and other harmful dirt and debris out of the bearings making them last 12 times longer than standard bearings.

Daiwa illustrated what happens to a bearing not magsealed and subjected to a flood of water (left) versus one that is magsealed and subjected o the same test (right). Note how the water does not pass through the roller bearing infused with ICAST

The new Zillion Mag Seal TWS HD is the hyper speed version of the reel (7.3:1) and will retail for $349.95. It's a great choice for anglers fishing in brackish or salty water.

MagSealed bearings are an addition to the Zillion TWS HD.

Thanks to Curt for showing us what's new and exciting with Daiwa this year!