New Diawa Steez II reel question

[Rodster14]

I am a Shimano man, but I’m considering trying one of these. My main question is will the T-Wing system pass a leader knot (FG)? It would replace a Bantam MGL on a Destroyer BMG. I have Metaniums, Bantams, and an Antares and have never owned a Diawa reel. I’m hoping someone who has experience with Shimano and Diawa can weigh in with how a Steez compares to those reels.

[Sylvanboat]

I have 3 Daiwa baitcasters: 2 Tatulas and one Zillion. All have T-wing and I have never had a problem with the knot btw braid and leader causing a problem. If Daiwa changed the T-Wing on the Steez, I don’t know.

[gopokes12]

I use both brands. I have a Zillion HD on my BMG running a braid to leader knot and I’ve never had a problem. I’ve haven’t run braid to leader on my Steez AIIs but it should be fine. I think when casting the braid to leader will pass through the large part of the t wing. The only problem I’ve ever had with braid to leader on t wing is when the connection knot is massive and on the retrieve not the cast. I’ve never owned a bantam but I have a Metanium I really like. Met palms better and has better handle knobs imo, not that the Steez doesn’t palm well. Honestly you’re going to have a more enjoyable experience with the Steez it’s so easy to use and change the brakes on a dime. Feels more solid than a Met. The executive service from Daiwa is another large plus for the Steez. I’d give it a shot.

[steve1206]

I moved a majority of my bottom contact combos over to Steez, from Shimano, back in the Steez 100SHA days. Weight, fit, finish, quality is all awesome....but a big reason I changed as well was line capacity, back in the day. The older Steez handled 17-20 lb fluorocarbon better with their line capacity, with Shimano really concentrating on the 50 and 100 sized reels, on their high end, then...I have since bought a couple of Steez A, as well, but can't really comment on your T-wing/knot stuff....All of that said, the Steez platforms are phenomenal..

[coreynov902]

If you run an FG knot you won't have any issues with the braid to flouro connection knot. If you tie a bulkier connection knot, especially with thicker diameter lines, it will catch or even get stuck in the bottom part of the "T" when retrieving. Casting isn't a problem since the open part of the "T" is plenty big to allow the connection knot to pass without any issues.

[dragon1]

If you run an FG knot you won't have any issues with the braid to flouro connection knot. If you tie a bulkier connection knot, especially with thicker diameter lines, it will catch or even get stuck in the bottom part of the "T" when retrieving. Casting isn't a problem since the open part of the "T" is plenty big to allow the connection knot to pass without any issues.

My experience is the same as above.

[Rodster14]

Well, I went ahead and ordered a new Steez A II (JDM). I guess I’ll find out if it is better than what I’m used to. Thanks for all your feedback.

[lisa1117]

I have one on a NRX 893. Just pitching a Senko around the house. It pitches very well, gonna get out and cast it after the snow stops. Order handle bearings. The a2 has 4 plastic knob bushings.