Shimano '23 Antares MD DC XG Product Review

Enthusiast Review

Enthusiasm Rekindled : Shimano's 23 Antares DC MD (casting)

Applications (A perfect palatte for customization): Delving deeper into the swimbait applications that the Antares MD DC is so often employed for here in the US enthusiasts know that this is also one of the most popular JDM low-profile reels to customize with aftermarket handles.

Many enthusiast swimbait anglers love swapping out their Antares DC handles with longer DRT Varial handles and oversized knobs for more leverage and to suit their ergonomic preferences (Zander's previous generation Antares DC setup shown on a Nameless Rod)

While there is a practical and ergonomic benefit to adding a longer handle to this reel the ability and desire to customize this flagship reel to meet the angler's unique tastes is also a high priority for those willing to invest in a premium handle setup.

A look at Zander's big bait reel arsenal. Some swimbait manufacturers are even designing baits with longer 100mm handles in mind for reel bump retrieves including UFO and their latest Space Invader glides

Gomexus handles are popular for mainstream reels but scroll through the Instagram profiles of enthusiast big bait anglers and your most likely to see the Antares MD DC paired with handles from Livre and especially DRT.

There are even new companies like Bass Espionage designing knob upgrades for DRT handles. Here the 3D printed reel knot is shown

Zander is currently working on a article talking more about these handle upgrades, options, benefits, and downsides, but suffice to say that this particular reel is an exceptionally good palatte for the enthusiast that wants to create a setup that is optimized for fishing big baits, both in function and style.

A look at the Antares MD DC with the DRT Varial and Bass Espionage Reel Knot knobs

A look at Zander's favorite Rat setup, the Antares DC MD on a Nameless Custom (NSX) Swimbait Rod

Ratings:

Shimano '23 Antares MD DC XG Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Zander and I still find the Antares DC tantalizingly wicked. It has that enthusiast quality to it when it comes to design and build quality. While there are so many great mid and high-end Shimano baitcasters out there when it comes to low profile DC reels the Antares MD still sets the bar as far as a feature-rich and ultra refined halo reel	10
Performance	Shimano upped the big bait ante with the 4x8DC MD. Great for casting big baits and so much more. This latest reel is smooth, powerful, and a strong and versatile caster	10
Price	At the current exchange rate, this model is more accessible than the '16! Still this is a very expensive reel that is not a standard product here in the US, so no local warranty when you import this reel... par for the course for JDM tackle enthusiasts	6
Features	Refined braking system with big baits in mind, extra bearing placement at the drive shaft for even smoother performance, the list goes on. Even if you don't buy into the "Monster Drive" moniker this is a beast of a reel when it comes to the features and refinement of this reel's casting system and internal gearing	8
Design (Ergonomics)	The previous reel has already become somewhat of a legend and this new reel doubles down on the refinement in a sleeker more ergonomic profile. Comfortable handle, micro-click drag start, but silent spool tension knob and just a hair taller than I'd like in the reel seat. Zander does feel that the stock handle is a little small for this reel, but he does prefer 100mm and larger handles on all of his big bait reels	7
Application	Capable of more than just slinging big baits. A very versatile reel. As far as swimbait anglers go this is a great platform for customizing your reel with aftermarket handles and knobs to increase leverage, give it that extra enthusiast sauce, or simply make it your own	8
Total Score		8.17
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable! For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus	Minus
+ DC system tuned for big baits	- Price is still high for this halo reel
+ Super smooth operation	- Ergonomics (Cal): Just a tad tall in the reel seat
+ Comfortable, slightly oversized handle knobs	- Ergonomics (Zander): Knobs are comfortable but the stock handle feels too short at times. But the reel is a great canvas for handle and knob upgrades
+ Smooth and powerful feeling	- Retrieve ratios - wish there was a great range of options
+ Sleeker and more modern looking than the previous version
+ Built for more than just big baits
+ Very refined and well built
+ Delivers on that enthusiast aura, everything a halo reel should be

Conclusion: There was a point in time Shimano would have had me at "Antares." Unfortunately, as the years have progressed, and prices have gone up, I've begun to really question the value of having these super high end reels as some of the more moderately priced JDM reels like the Shimano's own Scorpion and Bantam platforms have gotten so good. Trouble is, I couldn't put just any reel on that Giant Dire Wolf and I dare say, the 23 Antares DC MD is the perfect pairing to that exquisite vintage of a fishing rod.

In stock form the Antares MD DC screams enthusiast, and for swimbait anglers it is a great platform to further customize your configuration with aftermarket handles and knobs like those from DRT

Zander agrees that the Antares reel just has that special level of performance, exclusivity, and enthusiast aura. He feels that this is the perfect big bait reel for swimbait enthusiasts, especially when customized with aftermarket DRT handles and knobs, and an ideal pairing for the complete range of swimbait specific sticks from his favorite big bait custom rod makers which include Nameless Rods, Leviathan, and F5.

For swimbait anglers the Antares MD DC delivers the casting and cranking performance to fish everything from rats to full sized glides

I still remain skeptical of actual differences between "X" and "XB," and when I hear the term "Monster Drive," I think of refinements to the reel's gears and heavier components (you know, the drive system) should be the main beefed up areas, versus the casting system and brakes. All these doubts are in my nature as a discerning enthusiast. However, I will also say this reel flat out performs, and is an ideal size for the way I approach fishing with big baits. I do not like large, clunky reels. I find them entirely unnecessary when fishing for largemouth bass. Just find a good braid to leader strategy (or go straight braid) and you can have more fun using smaller reels while slinging big baits.

Throwing out all the marketing lingo and technical terminology, the Antares DC MD looks the part, casts the part, and retrieves the part, so in all estimation it is the part. More importantly, this reel, matched with this rod, has rekindled my enthusiast spirit

Throwing out all the marketing lingo and technical terminology, the Antares DC MD looks the part, casts the part, and retrieves the part, so in all estimation it is the part, skepticism be "darned." If you're tired of the status quo, want a technically advanced casting system that actually works, and have the budget to back it up, Shimano's latest Antares DC MD is not to be missed. Whether you choose to lean into that Monster Drive vibe, and duty as a dedicated big bait slinger by customizing the reel with a longer aftermarket handle and oversized knobs is optional.

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