Daiwa’s new Steez rods exhibit just as much Performance as they do Style
 

Total Score: 9.00 + ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST AWARD!

Introduction: Is the domestic market ready for a truly enthusiast rod? Launched in the US at this year’s ICAST alongside the Steez reels these new bass rods are designed for those anglers that demand the ultimate in low weight, sensitivity, and exotic design. Quite unlike any Daiwa rod available in the US before it, the new Steez rods target the ultra premium enthusiast market head on.

The Daiwa Steez STZ631

Impressions: These new rods achieve "Style with ease," just as their name implies. Until now the early adopters, or "enthusiasts" as we call them here on TT, have imported the vast majority of their rod offerings. Is the mass market ready in the US to adopt such a rod series? Quite possibly. Take for example Megabass, which now has a devoted following for their rods despite having a premium price point. Yes, there are anglers out there willing to shell out the big bucks for a premium enthusiast grade offering. One such example is our very own Enthusiast Editor, Cal, who has “corrupted” many an angler with mere glimpses at his astonishing personal collection.

The blank proudly displays the "Steez" logo

"Enthusiasts” love tackle just as much as they do fishing, and nothing excites them more than a rod that matches up perfectly with their premium reels. The Steez rods make use of exotic components from the blank level through the metal hardware. Every component was carefully selected, tested by itself, re-tested on the rod, and then implemented. This fact is showcased on the Steez rods, and there are many inimitable treatments on the rods from the distinctive Air-Beam seat to the superbly machined aluminum fore-nut.

The Air-Beam reel seat has ergonomic ridges for two fingers

The Steez rod screams for a lightweight reel, and anything other than a magnesium reel would negate the ultra light weight benefits of the rod itself. For Daiwa fans this means investing in a Steez, TD-Z, Fuego…or possibly an aluminum supertuned ultralight like the Alphas Ito. If your budget allows for it the Steez baitcaster, which only weighs 5.5oz, is the definitive counterpart. The STZ631 only weighs in at 3.4oz, so together with a Steez reel the total outfit only weighs 8.9oz, which is lighter than many reels alone!

A perfect match the Daiwa Steez reel and rod

The lab Tests: The STZ631 is lighter in sheer weight than any rod we have put on the RoD “WRACK” and we were not sure exactly what to expect from this wispy stick.

Rate of Deflection (RoD): when we look at the actual deflection values, and plot them against one another, we can actually see that while the STZ631 deflects similar to the MBR783C GLX under loads below twelve ounces, above this range, it exhibits a tad more deflection. This translates to an extremely crisp feel, one that is able to adapt to a variety of lure weights.