Thanks for the video.I just ordered the 21 Antares DC xg lefthanded model from Digitaka. This will be the most expensive reel in my lineup for this year.
Great stuff man, would love to try something that high end one day. I'd like to see some $150-250 reviews. I've been using Lew's Tourne MX and Pro SP's but would like to branch out and try some other brands.
You don’t really use the same thought process when setting the tension knob on a DC reel. You either want just a very small bit of play or juuuuusssttt past no side to side play.
Always been a fan of the Antares series ever since I seen 1Rod using one, Gonna be cool seeing you use it now too, great review of it man. Just picked up a Tranx 200 for fishing the bay over here and it’s amazing. Tight lines bro
You messed up right out of the gate. Should have never touched the spool tension knob. There's a reason it's made In a way that requires a tool to use it. Because it's not really necessary and is set from the factory in a way that is optimized for the best performance.
Just wanted to let everyone know. I bought this reel in left xg version. And hands down best reel I've ever had in my hands. I wasn't a huge fan of the handle and star drag and bought after market ones and tricked my reel out. It the best reel I'll ever own because I'll never spend that much on a reel again.... but worth if
@alexp7824 lol I got the xg for the extra .4 gear ratio vs the hg, wich isn't much and there really isn't a noticeable differance. It's been a bit since I posted this. I also got the 5.6 gear ratio for deep cranking. Still best reels I've ever used. But in my experience they arnt tier 1 for casting distance. Still good but doesn't compare to some of my other custom reels set up for distance casting.
Remember about the braking is that it’s only on if the sound is on. If you just drop the lure it’s gonna backlash unless you have the tension super tight because the spool won’t rotate fast enough to create the energy to power the brakes. For the system to properly work you should have the spool tension just where the spool doesn’t have any side to side play.
Great video! Love the shimano. Its a little beyond my price range. Comparing mid budget reels would be my thing. Thanks for letting us know about the Even Embers. I have been in the market for a pellet grill and this brand looks appealing as far as cost is concerned. I hope quality of grill is good Thanks Westin!
Good video Weston you discovered what I found out years ago I've been baitcasting for 42 years and I now own an Antares a conquest and a metanium DC you can figure out the money on that but they'll last you a lifetime and then some keep the vids coming in love them 😄💰💰🐟🐟
Try the Exsence DC SS XG! it is my 2nd favorite below the Antares DC XG (it's also a JDM model). I've got almost the whole Shimano DC series (excluding the Metanium) and I love every single one of them.
@@WestinSmith vive been watching Antares vids and yours just popped up i subbed immediately lol I ordered a gold game gold series med heavy rod too so its the same setup as yours
I’m proud of you , I’ve been wanting one for years too, I keep buying from Asian portal too but I keep getting like Sub 300 reels instead. Scorpion MGL, Scorprion MD, Exsense DC Should just get the Antares lol I’m also sad Asian Portal sold their eBay store , but still controls their website but they use to hook me up through eBay hardcore.
Smith, Im stationed in Okinawa! “Bass” reels are cheap here! I can go to a tackle store here and buy that HG for 41300 yen. Check that in US dollars… Cheap bruh! I bought 4 of them! Hit me up for Calcuttas too!
Nice to see you “upgrade” yourself . Bored of all the other curado dc videos . You know who they are 😅 . Also have a look at the metanium 2020 . That’s my favourite of them all.
@@WestinSmith metanium light weight beast all rounder casts a mile ,bantam heavier duty stuff. For a non DC . You’re pro enough not to need a DC to help casting.
I have had a few Antares and Conquest DC reels over the years and currently own a conquest 101 and 201dc and the newest Antares dc and the Antares is and always have been the smoother reel but the conquest is no slouch at all.
So, I’m interested, I currently have the 5 antares 3 non DC and 1 DC MD, I’m going to pull the trigger, but I just seen diawas steez HCL, I’m currently using the steez A and I’m on the fence on what may cast further… any idea on distance ?
Literly just got one of the last left hand for like 810 canadian. Never used a shimano before. I'm literly freaking out and having buyers remorse lol can someone tell me it will be the best reel I have and will never look back! And I have alote of good good setups
Amen. My first shimano might as well be the best shimano lol makes sense right? But thanks for your video and thanks for your response. Tight lines good sir
Thanks for breaking down the tension and brakes, thinking about buying my first baitcaster, looking for something easy to cast with minimal backlashes.
I started with a Lew’s classic pro for $60 from Walmart and it is a bit of a learning curve but I got used to it within a day or two and now it’s a solid reel but I’m sure if you have ~$180 to spend on an SLX DC you would be making casts right out the box
If I were you I would start with a cheaper reel like the Lew’s classic pro or the Abu Garcia Blackmax or the Walmart brand Ozark trail reel and spend the extra couple dollars to put some braid on it and once you figure out your brakes/tension/drag adjustments you might decide you want to spend the money for a nicer reel
Why is it $100 more on Amazon, with what I have seen you can get it cheaper on Japan websites? Also the Exsence DC 2022 just got announced, it shares the same frame.
I think i just saw Norm lose this reel in a Lojo biggest fish challenge with Googan bait box being the center of attention. But all i could do is look at the reel.
For buying a 700$ reel I was expecting you to play around with the X mode more. That’s where the Antares shine. I know there are other mode for what kind of line you’re using but gotta use the x mode.
Looks like 1rod got you into the dark side! Lol still want one but my met dc will do bc I know I wouldn’t use an anteras if I got one lol. Show case only for me lol
@@WestinSmith that’s how I feel about it too. Expensive reel but it’ll last. I enjoy my metanium MGL’s so I don’t see a purpose of buying the anteras besides it looking nice as heck!!
Awesome dude. That is drean reel for me too. I need the Army to pay me a little bit more 💰 🤑 😂😂😂. Definitely gonna look into that grill. Thats super affordable
Been fishing my Calais dc hard for 15 years. Quality equipment isn't just for those people trying to make money. Go to a golf course and check out all the nimrods with 3-$4k drivers.
I don’t know when I became a googan member but 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’ll probably buy a $5 Walmart rod to throw it on just to make you happy 🙌🏼 cause you clearly didn’t hear the point of the whole conversation on it being a general all purpose 7’ medium heavy fast rather than promoting the brand heavy
Imagine losing a side plate of the Steez. Why would you assume its attached to the frame when 95% of baitcasters made don't attach it to the frame? That's literally being clueless af. He should stick to KastKing reels lmao.
Shop EVEN EMBERS new GRIDDLE & Full Grill lineup here: bit.ly/3um6xdl 🔥🔥🔥🔥
21 Antares DC on a Googan rod, that should be a felony
Love seeing that Westin vid pop up then getting that bolt of energy to watch it and wanting to get on the water
I need to post these earlier so everyone can get out fishing afterwards haha!
Your Fishbrain ad calls you "Western Smith"
Thanks for the video.I just ordered the 21 Antares DC xg lefthanded model from Digitaka. This will be the most expensive reel in my lineup for this year.
Great stuff man, would love to try something that high end one day. I'd like to see some $150-250 reviews. I've been using Lew's Tourne MX and Pro SP's but would like to branch out and try some other brands.
You don’t really use the same thought process when setting the tension knob on a DC reel. You either want just a very small bit of play or juuuuusssttt past no side to side play.
Notice how i said those tips were for first timers….
Always been a fan of the Antares series ever since I seen 1Rod using one, Gonna be cool seeing you use it now too, great review of it man. Just picked up a Tranx 200 for fishing the bay over here and it’s amazing. Tight lines bro
Thank you!! That TranX is a beast, you are gonna love that thing!!
You messed up right out of the gate. Should have never touched the spool tension knob. There's a reason it's made In a way that requires a tool to use it. Because it's not really necessary and is set from the factory in a way that is optimized for the best performance.
I could never use this reel as a frog reel, I would go nuts having green slime inside this work of art 😅
Love the Antares DC 21, HATE the spool tension.
You don't need to adjust the tension
This is the one reel I want more than any other right now. Thing is amazing.
Just wanted to let everyone know. I bought this reel in left xg version. And hands down best reel I've ever had in my hands. I wasn't a huge fan of the handle and star drag and bought after market ones and tricked my reel out. It the best reel I'll ever own because I'll never spend that much on a reel again.... but worth if
Why xg
@alexp7824 lol I got the xg for the extra .4 gear ratio vs the hg, wich isn't much and there really isn't a noticeable differance. It's been a bit since I posted this. I also got the 5.6 gear ratio for deep cranking. Still best reels I've ever used. But in my experience they arnt tier 1 for casting distance. Still good but doesn't compare to some of my other custom reels set up for distance casting.
Remember about the braking is that it’s only on if the sound is on. If you just drop the lure it’s gonna backlash unless you have the tension super tight because the spool won’t rotate fast enough to create the energy to power the brakes. For the system to properly work you should have the spool tension just where the spool doesn’t have any side to side play.
Thanks for the great video! Mine just landed in America, can’t wait to get it after the 4th. Pumping me up now!
Wow you’re gonna love that thing!! Congrats on the reel purchase
Tq for the review & field test 👍🏻👍🏻
Great video! Love the shimano. Its a little beyond my price range. Comparing mid budget reels would be my thing.
Thanks for letting us know about the Even Embers. I have been in the market for a pellet grill and this brand looks appealing as far as cost is concerned. I hope quality of grill is good
Thanks Westin!
Thanks Sonja! I do agree, it is very expensive! The best reel for the money seems to be the standard SLX
If you don't mind spending 200$ so 300 less then that get their DC SLX you won't regret it
Those extra things you weren’t sure of are called reel feet protectors I believe
Congratulations on the new reel.. 🔥
Didn't you have a hard time adjusting the tension knob? The wrench in the box is for adjusting the tension knob..
Haha I knew it was there for a reason 🤣🤣🤣 it’s definitely tougher to adjust than most but I didn’t give it much thought.
Just orderd this same reel in right hand version, super excited to pair it with my croix premier rod
How did you like that reel?
Good video Weston you discovered what I found out years ago I've been baitcasting for 42 years and I now own an Antares a conquest and a metanium DC you can figure out the money on that but they'll last you a lifetime and then some keep the vids coming in love them 😄💰💰🐟🐟
WOW Charles I appreciate this feedback and contribution to the community! You have a stellar lineup! Thanks for the comment 🙌🏼
What’s the lowest weight lure you have managed to get at least 50 feet distance
Thanks for the great content. Keep em coming. More fly fishing too
Thank you! More fly vids on the way!
Try the Exsence DC SS XG! it is my 2nd favorite below the Antares DC XG (it's also a JDM model). I've got almost the whole Shimano DC series (excluding the Metanium) and I love every single one of them.
Ordered one last night I can’t wait till it comes in the mail
Oh wow what timing man! It’ll be your favorite reel that’s for sure
@@WestinSmith vive been watching Antares vids and yours just popped up i subbed immediately lol I ordered a gold game gold series med heavy rod too so its the same setup as yours
Where did you get this from.
How was the purchasing process
This or a steez?
I would like to see you pull up on random anglers on the banks of DFW and asking them to try the Antares and give a review.
Yeah that would make for a great video
@@WestinSmith I available to be a “ Random” guy on the bank Mon-Sun 😂
You talked about everything else other than the reel , more than the reel itself !!
Hey Westin idk if you know or not but there’s the 2022 Exsence dc it’s a black out Antares
Not available till end of July. It's the same reel just blacked out.
@@emmpak blacked out and saltwater friendly
I think I had seen that on the site! Definitely LEGIT 🔥🔥🔥
I’m proud of you , I’ve been wanting one for years too, I keep buying from Asian portal too but I keep getting like Sub 300 reels instead.
Scorpion MGL, Scorprion MD, Exsense DC
Should just get the Antares lol I’m also sad Asian Portal sold their eBay store , but still controls their website but they use to hook me up through eBay hardcore.
Great review! Love the fact you took it out and actually used it in the video. Another great video!
Thank you!!
Fire 🔥 as always
Thanks bro 👊🏼
How’s the grip on the thumb bar? Is it rubber or just textured
Please do that reel good and put it on a nrx
Giving away fishing your fishing for a video
Sweet reel. 6 days from Japan, yet it takes forever to get a reel from Karl's in the states...
And do some side by side comparisons to other dc reels and non dc ..
I definitely need to do the comparisons!
I live in Hawaii but came here from Washington and like to know if can fish with this here...???? I was a huge Shimano curado fan...11:1gear ratio
Smith,
Im stationed in Okinawa! “Bass” reels are cheap here! I can go to a tackle store here and buy that HG for 41300 yen. Check that in US dollars… Cheap bruh! I bought 4 of them! Hit me up for Calcuttas too!
That’s nuts!!! You have an instagram or anything you can hit me up through?
Beautiful reel
Nice to see you “upgrade” yourself . Bored of all the other curado dc videos . You know who they are 😅 .
Also have a look at the metanium 2020 . That’s my favourite of them all.
Everyone has the curado these days. I need to grab that metanium for sure!
@@WestinSmith metanium light weight beast all rounder casts a mile ,bantam heavier duty stuff. For a non DC . You’re pro enough not to need a DC to help casting.
Would you say this reel is even better than the conquest ?
I have had a few Antares and Conquest DC reels over the years and currently own a conquest 101 and 201dc and the newest Antares dc and the Antares is and always have been the smoother reel but the conquest is no slouch at all.
So, I’m interested, I currently have the 5 antares 3 non DC and 1 DC MD, I’m going to pull the trigger, but I just seen diawas steez HCL, I’m currently using the steez A and I’m on the fence on what may cast further… any idea on distance ?
HLC is not easy to master , but once you do it will challenge the Anda 21dc in distance. regarding the Anda MD , I'm afraid of gear trouble
Man that reel is sick, I real with right hand but I am left handed. Is that weird or normal 🤔
I would say that’s normal. I’m right handed and bought the left hander haha 🤣
That’s normal contrary to popular opinion, I think you should hold the rod in your dominant hand and reel with the other.
That little tool you got is for your tension knob your not supposed to do it by hand
Oh! 🤣 well I’m definitely never using that tool and just gonna do it by hand hahaha no clue why they made a tool to turn the knobb
Literly just got one of the last left hand for like 810 canadian. Never used a shimano before. I'm literly freaking out and having buyers remorse lol can someone tell me it will be the best reel I have and will never look back! And I have alote of good good setups
Haha it will be the best reel you’ve ever had, but we can all look back and tell ya it’s a lot of cash for one reel! 🙌🏼
Amen. My first shimano might as well be the best shimano lol makes sense right? But thanks for your video and thanks for your response. Tight lines good sir
You sold me brother. Got a couple Metanium DCs absolutely love them!! Feel like I NEED this reel in my life! The new Bantam is a Cadillac also!
Thanks for breaking down the tension and brakes, thinking about buying my first baitcaster, looking for something easy to cast with minimal backlashes.
I started with a Lew’s classic pro for $60 from Walmart and it is a bit of a learning curve but I got used to it within a day or two and now it’s a solid reel but I’m sure if you have ~$180 to spend on an SLX DC you would be making casts right out the box
If I were you I would start with a cheaper reel like the Lew’s classic pro or the Abu Garcia Blackmax or the Walmart brand Ozark trail reel and spend the extra couple dollars to put some braid on it and once you figure out your brakes/tension/drag adjustments you might decide you want to spend the money for a nicer reel
Cool, thanks for the info guys!
Great review Westin 💥💥🇺🇸🇺🇸 Awesome content and video 👍💯
Why is it $100 more on Amazon, with what I have seen you can get it cheaper on Japan websites? Also the Exsence DC 2022 just got announced, it shares the same frame.
Not sure why it’s more there. I bet it’s the left handed one only. May have to go through Asian portal
Yen currency drop . Great time to buy them jdm now
Your gonna have to get u a $300+ rod
I’ve got the perfect pairing for it. Just can’t showcase the rod yet…..
We can keep it between us
Always wanted one. Keep up with the video. 600 reel is the real deal lol
Thanks Daniel 🙌🏼 appreciate it!
@@WestinSmith No problem I'm a huge fan of Shimano DC reels.
Great video man. She's beautiful
The older Anteras in my opinion are so much better. This is like in between the metanium and them
Thanks for the comment!
explain why is it so much better please cause I just pick up the 18 model....
@@bonbont6912 it can handle pretty much anything. the MdXg model I use freshwater and saltwater
@@bonbont6912 it's also only my opinion u should definitely get what u like.
I think i just saw Norm lose this reel in a Lojo biggest fish challenge with Googan bait box being the center of attention. But all i could do is look at the reel.
He talked about losing his Daiwa Steez side plate recently and it sounds like that part alone is like $250 🥵🥵🥵
@@WestinSmith ouch.
Bruh I could but two grills or a anteres
I think the bait is more important than the pricey reel.
It is
Let me try one I will put it to the test while using my new Gopro hero 10 🎣🤳🙏
Heck yeah!!! Document the fishing!
Worst thing about that reel is the finger prints!!! Drives me crazy 😜
Haha that is so true!!!
Awesome looking reel my guy.
why do you people put 600 dollar reels on 20 dollar rods why my heart hurts when i see that
You should get the one of the steez(es) eventually. I think the steez HLC would suit you the most, though
Put it on a dock demon reel!
For buying a 700$ reel I was expecting you to play around with the X mode more. That’s where the Antares shine. I know there are other mode for what kind of line you’re using but gotta use the x mode.
It was below $550 not $700 🥵 and if you are subbed you’ll see plenty of X mode in the future 🔥👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
“Reaction strike” that fish was clearly feeling
Personally I want the Shimano metanium DC
That is probably the highest reviewed DC of them all. Can’t wait until they drop a DC of the newest model!!
@@WestinSmith but the Antares is on my radar too lol 😆
daiwa lover here?
That's OK we won't hold it against you
Digitaka has it cheaper and free shipping
Heard that! Thank ya
Re subbed, love high end shimanos
Looks like 1rod got you into the dark side! Lol still want one but my met dc will do bc I know I wouldn’t use an anteras if I got one lol. Show case only for me lol
He definitely influenced the decision haha although we’ve wanted an Antares for years it just didn’t make sense to spend the money.
@@WestinSmith that’s how I feel about it too. Expensive reel but it’ll last. I enjoy my metanium MGL’s so I don’t see a purpose of buying the anteras besides it looking nice as heck!!
Wish they didn’t make that sounds… only thing keeping me away from buying it
$600 reel on a $100 rod. Lol I know its his sponsors rod but man, get you a poison adrena or a g-loomis for that reel.
Agree that was the first thing I noticed a cheap rod with a expensive reel,not a good match at all.
Why do all UA-camrs say “We” when they’re talking about themselves ? 😂 badass reel Westin!
You definitely need to purchase the new Diawa CT 70 Steez OMG it’s a Cadillac!
Awesome dude. That is drean reel for me too. I need the Army to pay me a little bit more 💰 🤑 😂😂😂. Definitely gonna look into that grill. Thats super affordable
With Asian portal how do you pay the PAT and duty fees?
I just went through the checkout process
Putting that reel on a Googan rod is like wearing Chuck Taylors with a tuxedo. Get a GLoomis NRX+ or a Dobyns Xtasy
I was about to say… 😂😂😂
Dude put that thing on a better rod(color)
I know even u want that Larry on a different rod 🤪
I’ve got another one to put it on soon
unless you’re a pro tournament angler this is such a waste of money lol
I agree! So much for one single reel. For me it will pay for itself through reviews and videos with it so it’s a little different
Been fishing my Calais dc hard for 15 years. Quality equipment isn't just for those people trying to make money. Go to a golf course and check out all the nimrods with 3-$4k drivers.
Want!
We’ve wanted an Antares for so long! So happy to finally have one. Thanks for the comment!!
I used to be a huge Abu Garcia fan now I own 2 own twi Shamanos and I won't go back
way over rated reel
Antares DC on a Googan rod...God please show mercy on these ppl...
Fish salt water with it 👍
First
🏆
600$ reel on a $100 rod smh…..I know you googans like to promote y’all’s rods but cmon now man. Even the gold series is boo-boo.
I don’t know when I became a googan member but 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’ll probably buy a $5 Walmart rod to throw it on just to make you happy 🙌🏼 cause you clearly didn’t hear the point of the whole conversation on it being a general all purpose 7’ medium heavy fast rather than promoting the brand heavy
Imagine losing a side plate of the Steez. Why would you assume its attached to the frame when 95% of baitcasters made don't attach it to the frame? That's literally being clueless af. He should stick to KastKing reels lmao.
takes him 11;11 fucking minutes to cast