The Steez is back! Though the sub-brand never really left the Steez rods that U.S. anglers have purchased were designed for the JDM market and have only been available in a few select rods. At the recent Bassmaster Classic Daiwa unveiled the 2021 Steez AGS Bass Rod Series, a completely redesigned lineup of flagship rods. Marc Mills, Daiwa's Field Marketing Manager, walked us through the newly redesigned line and gave us the inside scoop on some of the upgrades in this latest generation.

The new Steez AGS rods continue to make use of the company's proprietary carbon fiber AGS guides, which are the biggest differentiator in this series. The only other rod maker that Daiwa allows to use AGS guides is currently St. Croix.

"The new AGS guides helped us create rods that are at least 10% lighter than the previous generation," Marc explained. "These AGS guides are 40% lighter than the equivalent sized titanium guide, and new for this year we have transitioned from ceramic to silicon carbide inserts for even better weight and durability."

The AGS guides feature a solid carbon fiber frame that is designed to minimize weight, improve casting distance, improve rod speed, reduce angler fatigue, and improve overall rod sensitivity.

The new Steez blanks have also been improved feature SVF Compile X which makes use of a higher volume of fiber and less resin, creating a lighter, stronger and more sensitive blank than standard blank constructions. Complementing the SVF Compile X is Daiwa's Nanoplus which is also a proprietary technology that allows the Daiwa to create even distribution of resin and carbon throughout the construction, which in turn creates a more powerful, and sensitive blank.

These new rods also utilize X45, a 45 degree construction that prevents twisting of the blank for greater strength, sensitivity and hook setting power. Reels are secured via "Air Sensor" Reel Seats, which Marc explained are constructed from the same Zaion used in many of the company's other high-end products. This helps create a very light and sensitive ergonomic connection with the angler.

One of the cool things about the new series is that each of the rods now have a "concept" name which is designed to give the rod some additional character and highlight what the rod is specifically designed for. Unlike the previous generation rods that were primarily designed for the JDM market these new Steez AGS rods were created specifically with U.S. applications in mind. This is why the lengths are generally longer, and the tapers match many more domestic applications.

I was excited to fish "The One," a Steez spinning rod specifically designed for finesse applications including drop shot, neko, and ned. Feeling nostalgic I brought my Steez spinning reel out of retirement for this pairing. It balanced out beautifully.

Next Section: The New Steez AGS Rod Lineup...