Power and Sensitivity: The One is not your traditional finesse rod and exhibited a fast action when we tested the rod’s deflection in the lab. A rod’s deflection is important to the rod design process and refers to the blank’s path of departure from a static position. Much like how we test the rods in our lab, manufacturers like Daiwa use various weights to bend the rod in a controlled position to fine tune not only action and power but to help determine the ideal guide spacing for each blank based on the intended application. The more moderate a rod is the more the rod will bend downwards along the length of the blank. Unlike many finesse rods that tend to be more moderate, and thus more forgiving, The One puts an emphasis on fast action, crisp feel, and lightning-fast hooksets.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Daiwa Steez STAGS761MMLFS against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years.

Though The One is a long rod it is also a relatively light one, length considered, but because the rod is so long the balance point is also significantly higher up than the average finesse rods we have tested. With a classic Steez spinning reel the rod still felt slightly tip-heavy and it took a few hookups for me to adjust to how fast and powerful this stick is. With more moderate finesse rods I often channel my inner pro and drill fish, doing so with The One can easily be overkill. This rod is fast and delivers near instantaneous torque, applying plenty of hookset power simply by lifting the tip quickly.

If there is one area that The One really excels it is sensitivity. Though this rod isn’t your traditional thin diameter finesse rod it delivers excellent transfer of vibration, making it easy to discern contact with structure and even the lightest of bites. The latest generation of AGS guides are now even lighter than the previous generation, by roughly 20%, and have a unique look and feel with the carbon fiber frames.

The benefit of using carbon fiber guides is two-fold, first the weight reduction and second the high rigidity improves vibration transfer directly to the blank. Steez AGS rods have always been good at transferring vibration with the combination of their high-volume blanks and proprietary carbon guides, and this latest generation continues this tradition.

The One has a surprising amount of power for a finesse oriented rod

Visually I feel like the Steez AGS rods offer a lot more character than the BLX JDM rods and the proprietary AGS guides give these rods both a distinct look and feel. The combination of the X45 blank and lightweight resin makes this a light and responsive rod, and while it doesn’t feel exactly like previous generation Steez rods it does feel significantly more powerful both when setting and under load. The longer length allows you to swing and take in additional line quickly. Once the fish is pinned the extra leverage and reduction of twist in the rod’s blank really can be felt as fish can be controlled with ease.

Cork grips versus EVA and a cork composite butt? This rod looks a lot more USDM than JDM and that is because it was designed specifically to address US applications. Notice the fixed open hook hanger...

Design and Ergonomics: Despite being such a long rod The One is very light, and weighs in at only 3.4oz., which is .5oz. lighter than the average finesse rod. This was surprising given how thick the diameter of the blank is on this rod, but also a testament to just how light the AGS guides are. Titanium framed guides are already considered very light, and these carbon fiber framed guides are roughly 40% lighter.

...Daiwa also bundles a second removable hook hanger with two points to secure various baits because they know that anglers have very different preferences when it comes to hanger placement

Though these Steez rods are designed for more U.S. specific applications they still have plenty of Japanese DNA and the use of carbon fiber in the guides and painted Zaion reel seat are a nice nod to JDM design and technology. Blending the lines between both regions these rods come with two hook hangers, a fixed wire hanger and a second removable hanger that is like the Fuji design, but with hooks on both ends. This removable hanger is very functional, and while I like the ability to stow baits above the reel it is somewhat on the large side.

The SVF Compile-X blank looks incredible under the light and the detailed threadwork on each guide is impressive

Besides the AGS guides the most noticeable element on the rods is a machined and anodized lock nut that goes in front of the reels on casting models and behind the reels on the spinning rods. I really like the machined look of the nut and the red highlights give it an aggressive signature styling but may be polarizing to some anglers. To make sure that this implementation doesn’t feel cold or harsh to the touch, Daiwa finishes the center with a light matte coating that adds contrast and provides a little extra tactile surface.

The machined lock nut has a soft touch matte finish that remains tactile even when wet

The One is a long rod and depending on the reel it did feel slightly tip heavy, but only to a small degree. I’ve only fished one other Steez AGS rod (The Sensor) and have found both rods to feel crisp and powerful. The One looks like a beefy rod for finesse applications due to the large diameter of the blank in the lower half of the rod, but it handles nicely overall.

The biggest question is whether this more American styling and application emphasis will appeal to enthusiasts. This latest Steez AGS lineup does look and feel high-end, but it doesn’t look much like the Steez rods from seasons past.  

The new Steez is a massive departure from the last gen. Will enthusiasts in the U.S. prefer the more traditional last generation or more US oriented new series?

While there is no doubt that the AGS guides are light and sensitive they don’t come without their drawbacks either, and this includes their high cost and debatable durability. These guides are proprietary and expensive, which makes them exclusive to Daiwa, and the few rod manufacturers that they choose to share them with, like St. Croix. Unlike other metal framed guides that typically will bend under pressure the carbon fiber is so rigid that there is no flex, and they can snap under impact. Most reports of breakages on previous generation AGS guides have come from stepping on the guides on deck or when inserting them quickly into rod lockers.

The new Steez rods benefit from lighter and more durable AGS guides and the latest blank technology

I spoke to Marc Mills, Senior Marketing Manager at Daiwa, about this issue and the AGS implementation on this latest generation. Mark explained that the new AGS guides are at least 10% lighter than the previous generation but also constructed to be more durable. Exactly how much more durable is difficult to quantify but the company has transitioned from ceramic to silicon carbide inserts for better weight and durability.

The rings in the AGS guides have also been upgraded to silicon carbide

Next Section: A surprising amount of versatility