Daiwa vs. Shimano spinning reels

[WalleyeGuy17]

Which of the 2 brands in the spinning models do you think is better? Looking to buy one of the 2 but want to know the pros and cons. Not really set on any price range.

Thanks,
Mike

[Airwave(OH)]

Hands down Shimano

If I agree with you, then we'd both be wrong.

[Pat Nagle]

I have owned a lot of Shimano and Daiwa products. Shimano has done a great job of developing a product line and sticking with it. By that I mean the models stay the same year in and year out. As an angler new additions or changes are easy to identify. In regards to Daiwa, one of the biggest knocks I have is they change models way too often. From one year to the next you do not know if the model you have come to love will be around. The good news is the reels generally do not change in function but the will have different names and look different. Both reels will be extremely reliable for a long time. I fish quite a bit and I fish bass tournaments. I am a converted walleye angler so I prefer fishing deep structure for largemouth. I put my spinning gear through a lot more wear and tear than a traditional walleye angler. By that I mean I cast a lot, I crank drags down to horse fish or even back reel when I find it necessary.
Most walleye anglers are either jig fishing or riggin with their spinning gear. Opening the bail and dropping the bait into the water is not a lot to ask from a reel. If this is you, then buy which ever one you like better on the shelf because they will both satisfy you.
However if you are more active, casting a lot I have a different take on your question.
I would be curious to know what features you find important. One of the things that I am always bothered by is line twist. Now I should address the fact that I pitch and cast a lot with my spinning tackle so line twist is much more of an issue. Daiwas twist buster system is not just something they use for marketing. I can guarantee you that you will experience far less line twist in a Daiwa spinning reel than a Shimano. Daiwa use a larger spool diameter ( allows for larger drag discs for smoother drag) and slightly tapers it towards the rear of the reel, this allows line to flow smoothly of the spool but not so freely that you end up with the dreaded in line rats nest that inevitably flies out with your cast. Shimano has a very narrow spool diameter, a narrow spool will add considerable line twist upon spooling up because you are forcing the line to be wrapped in a tighter coil and also putting way too much line on the reel.
Now I want to qualify something I use Shimano cassting reels almost exclusively, if you would have asked a questiona bout casting reels, Shimano rules hands down. But I would definitely consider the Daiwa spinning reels.
I have fished side by side pitching jig worms with my partner. The night before we both respooled, our casting and retrieval are identical and without fail he has to switch rods simply because his Shimano has line that twists so severely he has to change rods.
I could go on and on with this arguement, you will be happy with both reels in the long run but I do believe the Daiwa has a leg up in performance.

[TonyF]

I can't say much about Diawa, but I have a number of spinning reels from Shimano. A few date back to the late 80's when I was in high school. I can not say enough good things about them. I have never had a single problem with one of them. The newest model I have is the Sahara. For $50 bucks or so this reel should last you your entire life. Just my opinion.

[NA_unlog]

I've been using Shimanos for many years and have never had a problem (saharas). I've never had any reason to consider Diawas so I can't say much about them. All I can say is that it is highly likely a Shimano will serve you well for a long time, based on my experience.

[Mattman]

Interesting comments on line twist.

I use mostly Shimano's of the Symetre class and higher. (Japanese release versions) But I do also have a Sedona and a Sahara. Line twist is an issue when doing a lot of casting with the Sedona and Sahara. But I have yet to experience any of that with my Shimano's of Symetere quality and better.



Matt Davis

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

[Mattman]

Many feel that Diawa has a leg up in the spinning class and Shimano in the casting class.

I use Shimanos exclusively for my spinning reels. I've got a Sedona, Sahara, Symetre, 4 Ultegras (Japanese release Symetre) and 3 Biomasters (Japanese release Stradics). The Symetre and higher is all I will use now. The Sedona and Sahara are not built as well and have not stood up to the test like the Symetre has. The life expectancy alone on the Symetre justifies its cost for me. And now I buy the Japanese versions because I think they are even better than their US versions, typically a few years ahead in design, typically have better features, and don't cost much more if at all.

I have messed around with some Diawas. Some of my custom rod customers send me their reel to aid in setting up their rod. I haven't fallen in love with the Diawas by any means and have not had the urge to switch over to them. Nice reels, don't get me wrong, but nothing that made me do cartwheels either.

Bottom line...I think you'd be very happy with either. Both are excellent reels.



Matt Davis

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

[Mr.Seaguar]

Shimanos are awesome! they turn every lure into the Helicopter Lure!

[Pat Nagle]

If I am not mistaken Shimano has changed the deptha and diameter of spools in recent years on the symetre model and up. It look s much more similar to the daiwas now.

[ksdog]

I own stradic 1000, symetre 750, sahara 1000, daiwa capricorn 2500, daiwa regal z 2500, daiwa kastor 1500, and daiwa caprice 1000. For what I do, casting and retrieving from shore or wading....I prefer the DAIWA or pflueger president.

[Schmuel]

I own various models in both brands. Many of the comments above match my own experience. I have standardized on Daiwa(Plus some Cabela's reels made by Pinnacle). Bait casters for spinners/rigging are Daiwa PS2-5B in left hand crank. Upper end bait casters from Daiwa are terrific and rival anything from Shimano. (I do have a Curado bait caster that is very nice. I also have some $70 Quantums bought for $40 that come pretty close.)

[SUPERTROLLER]

That is also my only complaint with Daiwa. They keep changing the names and models. I can't tell my buddy's what I like if they don't make them any more. I can't keep up with the new names and figure out where they fit in the pecking order for how many ball bearings and stuff like that. Just when I'm ready to buy another reel they discontinue the current models and introduce a whole new series. Then I've got to due the whole comparison shopping thing again to make sure what I'm buying is actually what I think it is. When you want a new Shimano, you go to the store and pick up another Symetre. You know where it lies in their product lineup and they have updated these over the years too. It's just the new and improved Symetre. All this being said, I've got a couple of regal's from Daiwa that are absolutely a dream to deal with day in and day out. I like them much more than my Symetre and they cost about $45 instead of $60. If I was looking for a new reel right now, I would do all the detective work necessary to decifer Daiwa's offerings and figure out if they were still making a similar quality reel as my Rega's. If I could find that, then I would buy another Daiwa. I just wish they didn't make it so tough to be a loyal customer. I also like their linecounters and Baitcasters.

[Hawg Tracker]

I bought one Daiwa....that was my last Daiwa. In my opinion, they are junk. I have four Shimanos and wouldn't give a thought to changing.I fish with guides and guess which brand they fish with? the Shimano 1000. No question, buy a Daiwa and you'll regret it. They are noisy, balky and don't hold up.

[bladerunner]

I like the Shimano's "quickfire" models, but don't overlook Quantum. I've had a couple of their models & they work great for a wide variety of species varying in size as well as durability for years of dependability. The price for these is just as competetive as the Daiwa & Shimano.

For me the deciding factor out of these choices in manufacturers is how many bearings it has, the size of the bail & where the drag is located (my preference is at least 5 bb's w/ an oversize bail & a front drag system).