Light and Tough? It Does EXIST and It's Made by Daiwa

Total Score: 8.33 - ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST AWARD!

Introduction: It's been eleven long years since I've sampled a new Daiwa Exist. At least, that's the last review on our site of Daiwa's top end JDM Spinning Reel. To be honest, I like that reel so much and it has performed so well for me through the years, that I haven't really paid attention to updates on this reel. I know there was one in 2015 where Daiwa introduced their MagSeal technology to the line, but I quickly dismissed it because the cosmetics did not appeal to me. When spending this much money on a fishing reel, cosmetics matter.

So enter 2018 and I catch my first glimpse of Exist's rival, Shimano's Stella FJ. As soon as I saw the picture of that reel, I pulled the trigger and in the midst of my joy fishing that reel, I come across an image for the 2018 Daiwa Exist LT. Risking an alert from my credit card overlords, I made yet another impulse purchase. My enthusiasm has returned and here now is a look at Daiwa's latest Exist, the LT 3000S-CXH.

I like 3000 sized spools for the wider diameter.

Impressions: Naturally the Exist LT is available in different sizes and spool capacities. This is what's great about spinning gear - options. I chose this particular model because I like 3000 sized spools for the wider diameter but shallow because I rarely step over eight pound test line with spinning gear. This particular model is rated for one hundred meters of six pound test line.

Daiwa has moved to a monocoque design for the 2018 Exist.

As with previous generations of the Exist, the new 2018 LT (Light and Tough) interpretation features a magnesium body. Daiwa has moved to a monocoque (basically one piece) design for this model eliminating connections, joint lines, etc., that all represent opportunities for failure and flex.

We've seen this move with several companies and their spinning reels including Quantum. Of course, the difference here is Daiwa is doing this with magnesium not aluminum.

Magnesium or really, magnesium alloy is a great choice for spinning reel frames because it's rigid like aluminum alloys, but generally a third lighter by volume. If you don't think a light spinning reel makes a difference, you probably haven't fished a spinning reel that's light. The Exist LT 3000S-CXH weighed in at six point four ounces (6.4oz) at the lab.

Of course, the downsides to magnesium reels are cost and their susceptibility to corrosion in salty or even brackish water environments. Manufacturers can coat their magnesium reels to protect against corrosion, but I usually keep my Mg reels away from the risk.

Spooled with 4lb Seaguar Tatsu and ready for some action.