Daiwa steez blackjack bar

Reel Review

Daiwa steez blackjack rod and reel

Daiwa sent me their flagship Steez SV TWS baitcasting reel last fall to fish with and review. This reel shows off all of the newer Daiwa technologies and some of the best craftsmanship with the finest materials available in baitcasting construction. The result is an ultra high-end reel with every bell and whistle imaginable. Daiwa's T-wing System solves an age old problem with baitcasting reel levelwind systems. The 'T' aperture allows line to flow freely through the wide top section on the cast, reducing the normally sharp angles and friction that slow line flowing through a narrow aperture when exiting the reel. Every component is engineered for the optimum in lightness, strength and sensitivity. Pure technology—SVF Graphite. SVF Graphite—Super Volume Fiber technology packs unidirectional graphite fiber into a denser form—with exact resin control—for greater strength, lighter weight and incredible sensitivity.

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Daiwa Steez Blackjack Elite

Daiwa

Re-Sculpting Daiwa's Style with Ease in Aluminum : The Steez A TW 1016

Date:5/31/17
Tackle Type:Reel
Manufacturer:Daiwa
Reviewer:Cal


Total Score: 8.1 - GREAT
Introduction:
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to take a detailed look inside Daiwa's new Steez A TW 1016 casting reel - an aluminum version of their flagship Steez baitcasting reel outfitted with their t-wing line guide system. It impressed us in the lab but how did it do out on the water in the real world? Let's find out. Here now is our full review of Daiwa's Steez Z TW 1016 casting reel.

Daiwa Steez Blackjack

Daiwa Steez A TW1016Specifications

Line Capacity - Rated14/120
Line Capacity - Spool Volume13.2 cm3
Retrieve Ratio
7.1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated
13 - 26
Weight6.7 oz
Spool Weight 14 g
Handle Length90 mm
Bearings8+1
Bearings per Knob2 bushings
Levelwind Bearings2 bearings
Rated Max Drag13 lbs
OriginMade in Japan
MSRP$449.99


The Steez A TW is the latest flagship variant from Daiwa.

Impressions: As covered in our First Look Article published in May, the Steez A TW 1016 is an aluminum framed version of the Steez (traditionally a magnesium framed reel) outfitted with the T-Wing line guide. It features a kind of stealth bomber grey paint that gives the reel a very high end look. It's design intent is really for inshore fisherman more so than bass fisherman and as such comes with a standard Mag Z deep spool rather than the newer technology and more bass application friendly SV spool.


It's available in two retrieve ratios. We tested the 7.1:1.

Daiwa Steez Blackjack Bar

As such, there are plastic bushings under each knob rather than bearings, but honestly, these are very easy items to upgrade at minimal cost if you choose to do so. Bearing size for the handle knobs is 4x7x2.5 and they don't have to be high quality bearings since the spin speed of your handle knobs is negligible. However, corrosion resistant bearings is probably a good idea.

Daiwa Steez Blackjack Trainer

Comments: I have the CT 70 HSL On a custom Phenix K2712S and its the first setup I pick up with my Ned rigs on it and it's not as light as my Aldebaran, it this reel feels better, palms better, smoother and casts easier and the best part is I do not have to mess with tension knob casting light 1/16oz crappie jigs or 1/8oz Zman shrimpz whether I'm fresh or saltwater fishing. Have air bearings so I can throw light baits and Easier casting. I feel no issue with the 80mm handle. Will definitely be getting a bfs spool for freshwater and have the standard spool loaded with Sunline Sx1 10lb(about 150yds). Deals with casting adjust,ents and distance better than my Aldebaran and best part is I do not have to strip line out after the cast when I fish in 15-40ft which I do a lot. Drag is very smooth and I love the audible clicker it has just the Steez A. 4-10lb leaders depending if I'm fishing freshwater or inshore and have no problems. I don't throw anything heavier than 1/8 chin locks hook with 3'zman shrimpz and 10lb line for inshore. Have caught slot reds, drum and trout and flounder no issue. Personally I wouldn't put more than 10lb line, whether be braid or flouro because it's geared more for finesse fishing and smaller baits. If you fish a lot of baits under 3/16 and under...definitely this is a reel to have. Out the box it was casting a 1/16 panfish jig with 2' trailer, on the right rod Of course. I'd definitely save up and buy another.
From: Unknown 9/22/20
Comments: I run the Steez CT SV 70 8.1 ratio. This reel is smaller than most standard bass reels. Reason why I buy this reel is specifically for finesse applications such as bait finesse style. Definitely not a reel that one should be using for power horsing through mats, pads etc. The setup I run this reel on is a 6 feet rod medium heavy fast action custom build. I also use after market air bearings, and after market shallow spool in the 5 gram spool range. I fish 1 gram lures for trout, pan fish, and for bass, I rig weightless flukes on it. This reel is best for weightless small plastics lures in the 1 gram - 3 gram range. If you need a reel for power horsing, this is not the reel. Stick with the regular steez. This reel is target for super finesse applications. The best bait finesse reel currently in the market.
From: David: St. Paul 2/5/20

Daiwa Steez Blackjack Rod And Reel

Comments: Guess Ill go first, Comparing the svtw to the Ct Both reels are on the same rods and both have tatsu 15lb flouro. Lets start with size.. Ct is smaller Duh. Very palmable and comforable.. Its size is about the same as the shimano aldebaron.. One issue i have with the Aldebaron is that the shaft is not long and when im palming it my finger keeps getting pinched between the reel and the star drag.. with the CT the shaft is of there standard size, there fore im able to get a better grip on it. Weight? its a wash. Casting? With light baits, like say a weightless senko or even a wacky set up weighing up to a 1/4 OZ the Ct has an advantage over the svtw.. If your throwing 1/2 traps? the svtw is the winner. Also to keep in mind the spool size, If i throw a 1/2 oz trap on the ct with 15 LB flouro i will spool the reel... As far as controlled casting? I feel like the svtw is a (less sensitive reel), What i mean is that with the CT i have to change the dial setting when i change my bait out, WIth the svtw its been a pretty much set it and forget.. Also a little more sensitive when casting in to the wind, Click the dial up one or two. Its of the same quality you would expect from a reel of this statue.. Pros? small,weight,palmable and casts like a dream Cons? Price!! the 80mm Handle. Oh also its salt approved, Idk what you going to catch with such a small spool. So for 700$ i have it and i like it but i just cant find where or how they have justified such a huge price increase... the svtw is just as good.

From:Olman: swfl 5/24/19

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