In the fishing, these two Japanese giants have been fighting for decades to offer the very best for their customers fishermen of predator fish. If these two names ring a bell and you're looking for a reel one question must be running through your mind:reel Daiwa or Shimano ?
This question requires a thorough knowledge of each brand's catalogue and of their products and services technologies respectively. We'll need to compare the reels according to your needs and carefully noted the size, the number of bearings, the crank, the rate of recovery, the power and capacity of the line.
Your needs will be different if you're going to practice exclusively in the sea or in freshwater, and also if you're more inclined towards spinning than casting, for example.
Both of these brands are really excellent, so whether you choose one or the other, it will be the right one. What really sets them apart is their investment in ranges or on niche techniques that require particular attention fluid or pruning combined with a ratio above average.
From year to year, the different series expand to offer you ever more possibilities, as is the case with the two brands. So be meticulous in your choice, to get the best possible fishing reel truly tailored to your rod.
The different technologies
At Daiwa
The Japanese brand, founded in 1958, offers a wide range of upgrades, and we'll concentrate on the ones you'll see most often, but there's nothing to stop you taking a look at the to find out all about its specific features.
Light and Tough for even greater robustness despite even lighter weight. That's the promise of this technology that you will find on a huge number of mill logo. If you see this logo on one of the models in our catalogue, it means that it is smaller and much more solid than other models in the same range.
The new ATD (automatic tournament drag) brake for incredible, progressive precision. This special feature is made possible by the use of a new-generation grease that provides more stable braking and automatically adapts to the different stresses of each combat phase.
Magsealed bearings are derived from a high-grade technology used in the aerospace industry. It's actually a magnetised oil that will considerably improve protection and rotation. The result is that initial performance is maintained indefinitely, meaning that no matter how long you keep your reel ten years or so, they'll still be performing just as well.
We can also mention the Air Rotor, which offers improved rotational comfort thanks to greater fluidity and less vibration. It has an arched profile that makes it 15% lighter than a standard rotor, and its centre of gravity is much lower, which is how it delivers such good performance and a capacity of line so satisfying.
At Shimano
If you choose a spinning reel Shimano (or casting), you can expect to see some very, very heavy quality and technology... As with its competitor, we won't be able to cover all the technology created by the brand, but you can go to their to find out more.
A spinning reel Shimano continues to evolve from year to year, with many new features technology drawing on the brand's expertise in a number of areas, including cycling. Take the latest Stella, for example, which is equipped with Hagane gearing, MicroModule II, Silent Drive and a new spring system brake.
Cheaper models offer exceptional value for money. Whatever the mill you choose, they'll benefit from superb features such as the 'Fightin' Drag' combat braking system fitted to many models, making it even easier to adjust them in battle.
A fishing reel casting will benefit from an ultra-light design combined with exceptional direct contact making the use of lures much more effective and motivating for an angler fisherman at any level. A significant advantage is the presence on virtually all mill and even drum reels throw control technology, making it much easier to use.
Before you go hunting for the species of your dreams, all you have to do is choose from the extensive catalogues of these brands. We've put together a small selection of products that we think are worth a look.
Spinning reel selection
At Daiwa the mill that attracts our attention is the , of a higher level than normal, its finish, its quality and its ratio, its impressive capacity to wire that you can put in the reel, will suit all fisherman of the sea.
It follows on from the success of the LT and LT Ark versions of the Certate, and is compact, robust and very powerful, so it can take on a wide range of applications without any problem fish such as bass, tuna and even some exotic species.
On the Tech side, it has an Air Rotor made from Zaion carbon, which makes the rotation much smoother and lighter, a great advantage for the most extreme fishing.
We are aware that all fishermen won't want to spend that kind of money, you can fall back on the or even the that will suit many of you.
Our competition's latest eye-catcher is the latest Stella SW 6000 in its version and .
It's a versatile all-rounder with the power and reliability to provide comfort in all circumstances. In fact, with its recovery 103cm, it will suit a large number of fishermen who want to use it in different ways and with different techniques.
It will be perfect for equipping a rod from 30 to 50 lbs, so you can go fishing for a fish it's a great choice for the average angler on the hunt, but can also be used to catch powerful fish in exotic waters. Other anglers may even use it to track catfish.
When it comes to technology, the Japanese brand is at its best, with the infinity drive for a perfectly smooth reel fluid, there's also a range of new features, such as watertight zones to avoid the ravages of salt water, and ever more resistant gears and frames.
If you're on a smaller budget, you can fall back on the legendary or the for entry-level products.
Casting reel selection
Le is one of the most popular mill bait casting low profile on the European market. Now even more compact for even greater ease of use. It's perfect for fishing black bass, perch and pike in the 200 version.
The TWS system makes it possible to throw at great distances without fear of making wigs.
Shiman's competitors have recently strengthened their SLX range with the . Its compact design will excel in handling medium and small lures.
The renowned MGL spool reduces inertia, so you can cast much further without straining and with excellent accuracy, which can make a big difference on the water. The aluminium frame and Hagane construction give you unfailing robustness while keeping the weight relatively low.
Its SVS infinity braking system means you can make precise adjustments to improve your performance, thanks in particular to an excellent crank. This reel is quite simply one of the best on the market for baitcasting. You will be pleasantly surprised by its capacity of wire, reminiscent of certain drum reels.
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