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Out of Control? - Daiwa Steez's Real Control Enthusiast Rods

 

Date: 1/1/25
Tackle Type: Rods
Manufacturer: Daiwa
Reviewer: Zander








Introduction:
Daiwa's Steez rods are widely regarded as the brand's flagship series, but the Real Control lineup elevates both performance and price to unprecedented heights. As the first Steez rods to retail for $1,299 in the U.S., they raise a critical question: Are they truly worth the investment, and who would be willing to purchase such a premium offering?

 


Meet Daiwa's highest end Steez rods to arrive in the U.S. to date, the Real Control Series


The Ultimate Steez?: In recent seasons, Daiwa has focused heavily on expanding its mainstream lineup with a slew of new Tatula reels and rods. While this has been great for many anglers, some die-hard Daiwa enthusiasts couldn’t help but wonder, “What about us?” Sure, the Exist and Steez reels catered to the high-end market, but when it came to rods, U.S. enthusiasts were left longing for the premium JDM models to make their way stateside. Many resorted to importing Steez and Heartland Series rods directly from Japan, accepting the lack of warranties as the price of exclusivity. Now, that wait is finally over - at least partially. Daiwa has officially launched select models from the Steez Real Control Series in the Americas. The only catch? These rods come with a hefty price tag, retailing at $1,299 each.

 


The Steez Real Control rods make use of many proprietary components like the lightweight and ergonomic Zero reel seat


So what is the “Real Control” all about? First introduced at the Bassmaster Classic, the Steez Real Control rods represent the pinnacle of Daiwa’s materials, technologies, and craftsmanship, and some even designed specifically for U.S. fishing applications. These rods are engineered to provide anglers with unmatched “control” by being lighter, more sensitive, and more responsive than any Steez rod to date.
 

The foundation of this performance is the Compile-X Nano Plus blank, a technological step beyond the SVF Nano Plus blanks used in current Steez rods. This advanced blank features densely packed graphite fibers, which reduce the need for excess resin. The result is a lighter, more agile rod that remains strong and capable of delivering equal or greater power compared to heavier rods.

 


The spinning rod's Zero Reel Seat. I actually prefer the use of the EVA handles on the spinning rod, they look very JDM paired with the machined lock nut


Daiwa further enhances the blank with its “X45 Full Shield” construction, which fortifies the outermost layer with a 45-degree carbon bias. This innovative design minimizes twisting, especially at the tip, ensuring precise casting and increased stability during intense battles.
The Steez Real Control’s lightweight blank is complemented by the company’s proprietary AGS (Air Guide System), a favorite among Daiwa enthusiasts.

 


AGS carbon guides, of course

 

These carbon-framed guides exhibit excellent sensitivity, transmitting vibrations directly from the line to the blank without dampening them. Additionally, the ultra-lightweight carbon material reduces the overall weight of the rod, with a particular emphasis on the tip section. This weight reduction enhances balance and further amplifies sensitivity. I find these guides especially effective when fishing contact lures. They excel at telegraphing even the subtlest movements at the end of your line, and when strikes occur, the feedback is so sharp and immediate that it feels downright electrifying.

 


Look closely at the guides and you will not find traditional thread wraps. The AGS guides are secured onto the blank with woven carbon cloth


Taking innovation a step further, the AGS guides on the Steez Real Control rods aren’t secured with traditional thread wraps. Instead, Daiwa utilizes tightly woven carbon cloth to attach both the guides and the reel seats to the blank. This advanced material is not only lighter than conventional thread but also enhances the structural integrity of these critical connection points. The result is improved torsional rigidity, which helps resist cracking and separation under intense use.


Finally, the tip of the rod is constructed out of solid carbon, what Daiwa markets as the “Mega Top” tip. By evenly distributing fibers and resin strategically to bend the same way in any direction the Real Control’s tip offers improved strength compared to regular solid carbon tips. Despite its slim profile, this tip is designed to be very sensitive and responsive, effectively transmitting strike signals both visually and through the blank for an unparalleled fishing experience.

 


Both casting and spinning rods are finished with a simple lightweight EVA butt cap


Our Quick Take: Daiwa’s Steez Real Control rods are engineered to deliver an exceptional blend of lightweight performance, sensitivity, and power, all in a single, enthusiast-class package. As the name suggests, these rods are all about "control"—not just control over the fish, but over every aspect of the fishing experience, from casting to landing.
Central to this performance is the use of Compile-X Nano Plus material and X45 construction, which combine to create a lightweight rod with enhanced torsional rigidity. This translates into greater casting accuracy, while the AGS guides allow for unparalleled bait control, offering surgical precision once your lure hits the water.

 


Daiwa's Steez Real Control rods are expensive and while they are not for everyone they remind us that Daiwa is a player in the Enthusiast Market


While I haven't fished these rods aesthetically and cannot comment on how they truly feel, aesthetically these rods are impressive, with premium materials and meticulous construction. However, their $1,299 price tag is a significant barrier for most anglers, particularly when favorable exchange rates make importing other high-end options more attractive. Enthusiasts must weigh how much they value the warranty and local support that comes with purchasing these rods domestically.


The Steez Real Control rods are not designed for everyone - they’re aimed squarely at the small percentage of tackle enthusiasts and die-hard Daiwa fans. These rods push the limits of design and innovation in ways that feel almost "out of control," yet their introduction to the U.S. market is a welcome move.

 

At its core, Daiwa’s strength as a company, and brand, lies in its commitment to design, technology, in-house manufacturing, and a drive to push boundaries. There may be a million Tatula reels and rod options out there but it is good to know that Daiwa remains dedicated to crafting halo products like the Steez Real Control series, reminding us of what sets the brand apart for enthusiasts.

 

Looking for the Daiwa Real Control Rods? Try Tackle Warehouse
 

 

   

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