Ergonomics: Beskar, admantium, vibranium, what all these mythical elements and alloys have in common is their legendary durability and light overall weight. While the Exist looks like it is made from an otherworldly material the Daiwa engineers do a great job creating a reel that looks beautifully refined and yet remains extremely lightweight. The same monocoque body that makes this reel so smooth is also what makes it so small and lightweight. Combine that compact aluminum body with the Zaion based rotor and the Exist feels both light and balanced.

I like the machined handle but not the oversized T-Knob. The traditional Eye-Knob is still my preferred ergonomic choice

The smallest and lightest 1000 size Exist weighs in at 5.3oz. which is .5oz. lighter than the 1000 sized Shimano Stella FK, and the only high-end reel that really competes with both reels in weight is the Abu Garcia Zenon SP20 which weighs just under 5 ounces. When comparing these three the Daiwa Exist looks the most refined, while the Abu Zenon looks the most aggressive, and the Stella falls somewhere in between.

Clean lines, the EXIST doesn't look like any other Daiwa reel

The Exist has the cleanest lines of just about any spinning reel out there, and even the spool is abnormally clean and devoid of any porting. Daiwa could easily have shaved more weight out of the spool if they ported it like some of their other reels and we asked Marc Mills, Director of Marketing at Daiwa, to see if this was ever an option considered the design team.

Could the spool have been ported for even more weight reduction?

“I believe the final implementation is more about an elegant design. The Exist’s spool has been shaved down and thinned quite a bit and adding ports could potentially decrease durability especially since many anglers still use all sizes in saltwater/inshore and put lots of drag and line pressure with braid on the reel,” Marc explained. “Porting could also be a step in the gaudy direction and may take the look in a $900 classy reel to a you over did it level, like Daiwa you tried too hard…”

The more I fished the EXIST the more I felt the reel really hit the mark when it came to performance and refinement. The last Exist was great, this one is better

While the Exist pairs well with the new Steez AGS rods I actually found my favorite pairing was with various G.Loomis NRX+ rods and felt that together they seemed like a match made in finesse fishing heaven. The only thing that I don’t like about the Exist’s ergonomics is the T-Grip handle on the larger sizes. I still prefer the ergonomics and styling of the smaller eye-knob that is found only on the 1000 size reels.

Magsealed for durability and reliability and also why the EXIST is capable of playing in the salt

Price and Applications: “I’m an angler. Reels are part of my religion.” Ok not exactly what Mando said but the Exist conjures up those same emotions when it comes to coveting a weapon… errr reel, of this caliber. While not quite as rare as beskar it certainly feels that way when it comes time to pay for an Exist. With a retail price of $859 the Exist is the most expensive reel that Daiwa offers. In comparison the Stella FK even seems “reasonable” at $749, and the Abu Zenon is just happy to be included in the party with an “aggressive” price of $549. None of these reels are intended for the mainstream, they are all halo reels and designed to showcase the very best design and features that each of these brands can muster.

The biggest issue with the EXIST? The incredibly high price

I think that Daiwa really pushed the envelope with the Exist’s features and design this time around. Rather than make an evolutionary push the engineers sculpted a reel that is as beautiful as it is rich in features.

It just takes a few turns of the handle to understand just how special this new Exist is. By successfully reducing weight in the rotor, spool, and even bail assembly the reel just feels lighter and more stable than ever before. Rotations feel light, friction free, and almost effortless. With your prey on the end of the line the Exist is a refined weapon that always seems to swing the odds in your favor.

The EXIST is every bit the halo reel, this is one for the enthusiasts

Unless you are a saltwater angler the three Exist reels that you should set your sights on are the 2000, 2500, and 3000 size reels. If you are seeking the ultimate in compact size and low weight the 2000 is your best choice. Anglers that want a small reel but require high speed will want the 2500 as it is the only Exist in the lineup with a 6.2:1 gear ratio.

Like Daiwa's highest end reels the EXIST is still made in Japan

If you are looking for the most versatile reel the 3000 represents the sweet spot as this reel weighs in at 6.2oz., has more than double the line capacity of the two smaller reels, and steps up to a drag that is twice as powerful. The Exist 3000D is up for everything and handles both finesse and reaction baits with enough line capacity and drag pressure to counter anything that comes its way. With versatility for any mission the 3000D is the Exist that Mando would choose.

Conclusion: With a focus on smooth lines and clean angles the Exist’s monocoque frame and Zaion rotor blend together with an elegance that sets it apart from every other spinning reel in the Daiwa lineup, as well as the competition. This reel was designed as a statement piece, the pinnacle of where Daiwa engineering and art coalesce, and it shows. This is a reel that feels like more than a fishing tool, it is a reel that you cannot help but look at and the desire to fish is strong with this one.

More than a tool. The EXIST is truly a functional work of art.

“Such a large bounty for such a small package.” Yes, the price is steep for the Exist, and most anglers will no doubt be perfectly happy to fish with reels costing a fraction of the Exist. Daiwa’s own Certate almost looks like a bargain in comparison, and the Ballistic and Tatula reels are perfectly fine and will do just as good of a job catching fish in 99% of situations. The Exist is about that last 1%, the pursuit for the ultimate.

The EXIST is worth the price for enthusiasts. Well played Daiwa.

The Exist is for enthusiasts, those that are willing to pay the heavy toll to cross over to what is seeming unobtainable. The Daiwa Exist is the smoothest and lightest feeling spinning reel I’ve fished to date. It is probably my favorite high-end spinning reel of everything that is available now, if not ever. Beskar, Vibranium, or whatever fabled element you are fond of, the alchemy that the Daiwa engineers used to forge this new Exist is equally uncommon. It is rare in these times that a reel manufacturer can really push the design envelope and create something more than the sum of its parts, but to enthusiasts the Exist is absolutely worth the bounty. Well played Daiwa. This is the way.

Looking for the Daiwa Exist 22 G LT Spinning Reels?

Try Tackle Warehouse