DAIWA Steez (Baitcasting model) C68ML-SV "Skyray68"

For those who are truly dedicated to bass fishing.

For those who see bass fishing as the core of their lifestyle, we offer products that resonate with the passion of those who are truly dedicated to bass fishing. The development team aimed to materialize the heartfelt intentions of DAIWA's commitment to bass fishing through products and messages that connect with anglers on a deeper level. To achieve this, we poured our technology and passion into every detail.

With the fervent passion of serious bass anglers, we present 'STEEZ'.

Devotion to Real Fishing

★ The obstacles before us serve as signposts on the path to victory.

★ The god of victory resides within oneself, and in the details.

★ In 2021, a new chapter of STEEZ begins, with layers of depth added.

★ Now, let us carve a new page with our own hands.

The extreme reduction of resin volume is the true 'muscle' of the blank.

When compared to the standard at 100%, SVF COMPILE-X can achieve a maximum sensitivity of 171.4%.

Pursuing ergonomics for a more natural grip holds the key to victory.

The new AIR BEAM SEAT enhances attacking power, ensuring that 21STEEZ never loosens its grip on the angler and the rod, the direct contact points. By offsetting the penetrating blank within the seat, it ensures stability by lowering the center of gravity. The seat is designed with reduced steps between the trigger and the rear, and the hood is angled to fit any grip style comfortably. The trigger itself is designed to be thin and short, allowing the index finger to support during casting and smoothly transition to 2 or 3 fingers for retrieval without interference from the middle or ring fingers.

Steez C68ML-SV "Skyray68"

DAIWA's bait finesse pioneer undergoes a long-awaited full model change

Following the release of 21HERMIT alongside the opening of the STEEZ Season 2, another formidable player in the bait finesse model realm makes its grand entrance. Its name: "SKYRAY 68." In 2011, during the nascent days of domestic bait finesse, Shuya Akabane, alongside his unprecedented three consecutive victories in the Bass All-Star, completed the 11SKYRAY. Now, in December 2021, it undergoes a full model change following Akabane's overwhelming victory in the Bass All-Star King of Kings.

"HERMIT features a stiff solid tip, enticing bites with more finesse and delicate manipulation. In contrast, SKYRAY adopts a full tubular structure. It leans slightly towards a stronger design among the existing bait finesse rods, prioritizing the 'feel of escape' concerning obstacles at the bottom."

This serves as Akabane's response to bait finesse rods in the Kanto muddy waters and the Lake Kasumigaura system. Reading between the lines reveals a finer art of usage. Both focus on lightweight rigs, essential assets in today's tough conditions.

"We keep the line slack. Operating with slack is fundamental. It allows for a natural presentation even during the fall."

Featuring a taper design where the bend starts around the third guide as weight is applied, providing tension, this "V-shaped taper" enables the rig to meticulously trace around obstacles and irregularities on the bottom, allowing for manipulation even if it gets stuck, and facilitating hang-offs without straying far from the bottom.

"The high operability is inherited from the original SKYRAY. Clear contact with underwater structures and bites during the fall. The tip section communicates the bass bite delicately, offering a different advantage from the solid feel of bottom irregularities."

Differentiating bait finesse rods is influenced not only by the weight of rigs and resistance but also by the feeling of getting stuck at the bottom. And what about hooking performance?

"Rebound force while bending in. Equipped with a fast taper design and butt power, it seamlessly handles hooking and pulling consecutively, all thanks to SVF COMPILE-X's superiority."

Beyond just super sensitivity, the overwhelming power due to its slender lightweight build facilitates smooth fights to landings. This is the prowess brought about by DAIWA's top-tier carbon technology.

"X45 Full Shield tightens the entire body. Therefore, there's no shaft wobbling. Although thinner rods are more prone to torsion, it's suppressed, ensuring effective hook sets and power transmission."

Utilizing the unyielding power construction, Akabane seeks the next challenge.

BACK TO BASIC. The superiority of long lengths taught by shore fishing:

As the name suggests, the 22SKYRAY 68 is set at a full length of 6ft. 8in., the same as the renowned 16SKYRAY Power Plus known for its power model among the original 11SKYRAY.

"Considering everything holistically, casting and tracing dominate. Thus, greater casting distance becomes an even more significant advantage."

Merely skimming the pinpoint bottom traces is a thing of the past. By lengthening the rod, long-distance casting capabilities are enhanced, making it an essential part of modern bass fishing. Furthermore, whether in line mending after casting or during hooking, having ample stroke potential is a plus.

"When pulling through crowded spots or snagged branches, a longer rod makes it easier to extract. Even with obstacles of varying heights, there's no need to stretch your arms excessively."

While prioritizing maneuverability with the original 11SKYRAY, the 22SKYRAY 68 aims for advantages through length.

In recent years, amidst increasing challenges, "surprisingly, there are quite a few instances of fish biting on the first fall." Even with high-speed reels, there are moments when slack isn't fully managed. Moreover, fish unexpectedly run closer, and hook sets might fall short of expectations.

"Realizing the significance of the slight difference in stroke, I thought, '16SKYRAY Power Plus' 68 is unexpectedly crucial." Akabane's sentiments were solidifying.

Above all, what prompted Akabane was shore fishing. Returning to the basics, facing bass rods with both feet on the ground revealed new insights.

"With a lower platform and limited standing positions, length clearly becomes an advantage when extracting from obstacles. After refining hooking strokes and power, this length was the natural choice."

BACK TO BASIC. In these increasingly challenging times, bait finesse remains indispensable. Whether on a boat or on land, its importance remains unchanged.

LURE APPLICATION : Neko Rig / Down Shot Rig / No sinker Rig / Jighead RIG / Wacky Rig / Light Carolina Rig / Small Rubber Jig

Interpretation of Rod Model Numbers (2021 ~ ) :

TECHNOLOGY :