Daiwa Steez EX100XS baitcaster review

Reel Review

Daiwa’s Steez EX 100XS offers a Deadly Combination of Both Speed and Precision

Date:	3/29/14
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Daiwa
Reviewer:	Zander

Total Score: 8.44 - ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST AWARD!

Introduction: So often achieving speed requires sacrifices in refinement but every once in a while a product comes around that strives to achieve both. Daiwa’s Steez Series has long been the benchmark of ultra lightweight magnesium baitcasters and the latest addition to the premium lineup is the 100XS which delivers a blisteringly fast 7.9:1 gear ratio in an ultra sleek form factor that weighs in at only 5.8 ounces. Does this reel really deliver the best of both worlds or are enthusiast anglers best served holding on to their hard earned dollars?

The newest addition to the Daiwa Steez Series is the high speed 100XS

Daiwa Steez EX100XS Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	14/120, 16/100
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	14.7 cubic centimeters
Retrieve Ratio	7.9
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	17 - 33
Weight	5.8 oz
Spool Weight	15 grams
Handle Length	105 mm
Bearings	11 + 1
Bearings per Knob	2 bearings
Tested Max Drag	~17 lbs
Origin	Made in Japan
MSRP	$599.99

The Steez XS is immediately recognizable thanks to the longer handle and purple highlights

Impressions: It is no secret that Daiwa does high end reels better than just about anyone out there and the Steez Series is proof of that. While these reels represent a small percentage of the total number of Daiwa reels sold each season it is important for a company built on delivering premium fishing tackle to continue to introduce “halo” products.

The Steez XS reel features a larger gearbox and handle

These are the products that enthusiasts buy and represent a flagship for the brand, setting the tone for the company’s technological and design vision. The newest addition to the Steez family is the ultra fast Steez EX100XS which possesses a 7.9:1 gear ratio and 11+ 1 bearings. One of the most impressive things about this reel is that it is able to deliver more speed while still weighing exactly the same as the Steez EX100HS 7.1:1 gear ratio reel.

The reel makes use of a Magnesium frame and sideplate to weigh in at only 5.8oz.

Like other Steez reels the XS is sleek and aggressive looking but sets itself apart with a large 100mm handle and distinct purple anodizing on the A7075 aluminum spool and metal components. The purple highlights look great and give the reel a very enthusiast look, one that marries perfectly with not only the company’s own Steez rods, but also offerings from Megabass, which Daiwa has always had a strong relationship with.

The reel is slightly taller than standard Steez EX reels

Next Section: On to the field tests