Thanks Brian I'm seriously thinking about buying some of these because I'm sick and tired of not getting the sensitivity I need. Thanks again and God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike from Missouri.
I am three rods deep into the new Steez line (Moving Bait Versatile, Utility Player, and Power Pitch), and compared to anything Megabass, I'd still pick the Steez rods. The only gripe that could even be made is the guides, and while I've been informed by others over and over that they are an upgrade over the original AGS guides used on previous Daiwa rods, I am still super sketched by them and wish they were like...anything else. The Power Pitch is simply spectacular, the MBV is sneaky great at everything Daiwa says it's good for, and the Utility Player is the only one I'm not blown away by, and that's probably because it's a smidge too fast for what Daiwa says it's 'good for'. I'd say that the versatility of the rods has definitely been what has won me over, even compared to the Megabass rods that can compare to them.
Thanks for another great and honest review. I pulled the trigger on the medium spinning rod during last years sales. Very comparable in sensitivity to my conquests and NRX rods. Seriously crisp.
I splurged a bit recently wanting to explore some higher end gear and picked this up for exactly what you said Texas Rig/small jigs. Paired it up with the new Limited reel (cause why not). Also picked up the 854 NRX+ to go with the Tatula Elite P/F I had for my jig rod. Love your channel, great info for those taking the game to a higher level. I mostly stick with lower end stuff for beginning anglers on my channel, but you do a superior job of breaking down the value of "the good stuff".
Nice video, makes me want to add another ags to my lineup! I’ve been pretty impressed with “the sensor” model, might pickup a target sniper on Black Friday
Great review. I fish daiwa and Loomis and have really been struggling with my decision to buy new steez or nrx +. This rod in particular. This review helped and fits the way I fish. Thanks man!
I traded for a Steez 7’5 M/ML spinning rod. It is my first rod and I haven’t had a chance to fish with it. You mentioned the cork not being great. Is is mid grade at best. It isn’t the pretty, soft cork that you would normally see on a $550+ rod. On a positive note, the balance is incredible. Still excited to fish with it, but the “fit and finish” is dinged somewhat by the cheap cork.
@@PunchFishing that would be cool. I really only like those cal coast. All those rubber band ones come right off, not sure why. The cal coast I just roll upside down if my line ever gets stuck, which is rare because I don't put it above the handle. You should definitely put up a hook keeper vid bruh!
I picked up the original Bottom Contact last year at Black Friday for $440 before they dropped the price for the new model. It's great, very sensitive and balances extremely well with a light reel and it's perfect for throwing jigs in lighter cover and around laydowns and the 70/30 taper i s perfect imo. I generally do not abuse my rods so I'm not worried about the guides, but I prefer foam to cork because let's be honest, cork pits. My only complaint is I wish it was closer to 7'. I kind of want to pick up another Steez model, but I'm not sure what I would get. I have the 7' M-MH Tatula Elite for T-Rigs which is also a higher end rod for me, so a multi-purpose MH might make sense.
I like my power pitch. It’s basically a lightweight, less well balanced Perfect pitch Orochi. The Power Pitch is 4.35 ounces while I know the Orochi is in the 6’s. It’s very versatile, but honestly I didn’t have the blown away feeling I had when I got my 1st P5.
One good thing Daiwa does for the consumer is, they know not everyone has $500. for a high end rod. They trickle down a lot of the high tech to the lower price point rods. I can get the SVF blank and X45 in the Tatula line and still have enough money for a beer at the end of the day.
Excellent review, like you described the actions of both and the differences, Very complete review for someone looking to purchase. Honestly very thorough review.
Have you tried the new Diawa Steez Spinning rods? I havet he old version black/blue with foam grip Steez 7'1" Med for drop shotting and looking to buy the new Steez 7'1" ML for drop shotting here in NY. Is there an improvement?
I see the steeze ags bottom contact rod it’s the older model but it doesn’t have red accents it has blue accents/trim? Which year is that one ? Is it older then the red one ?
I think since the Exprides popularity and selling success at the pricepoint, they forced competing brands to up the bar. The new Falcon Cara for 250 are amazing with insane balance and weight, also Alx rods are good, I am sure others are doing the same. I have been setting aside my Glx's.
Great video. I’ve been a long time Loomis man. I’ve been very interested in this rod, but I didn’t hear anything that makes me want to switch from an NRX+. There are many guys (like me) that want the best of the best jig and worm rod. I will be looking forward to your upcoming NRX+ videos. The Steez sounds less durable and maybe not any more sensitive.
NRX+ videos won't be terribly exciting to be honest. They fish literally the same as the old NRXs. On the water I feel virtually nothing differently vs the old ones.
You should really try an ark reinforcer. They are the most insanely well balanced rods and make my poison adrenas feel overly tip heavy, which is saying something.
I’ll tell you what the most well balanced rod ever is. The P5 super destroyer. I think they bragged about the counterbalance in the description and it feels like I have a perfectly balanced Katana in my hand.
@@hunterbull7804 you should really try one out, I replaced all my old fenwick(when they still made great rods) this year with them. All paired with jdm ballistic lt's or curado mgl 70s and 150s. Perfect and pretty to boot.
Really can't go wrong with either? If you want flashy, high tech and premium looking.. Steez. If you want a no frills, purpose built fishing tool NRX+.
Do you have any experience with the new Steez AGS Spinning rods? Which would you prefer for bottom contact sensitivity and jigging 1/8-3/8. Can you compare your recommendation to a particular NRX+ spinning rod? Thanks Punch!
The p5 lineup is falling way out of favor when comparing to these rods. Each ones action is so well though out and versatile. I don’t feel like every model has only one or two spots it truly excels in and I get that with most of the p5 lineup. On the hook keeper, it’s super shitty and breakable material but I like it because it’s so easy to use and adjustable. I’m replacing my Fuji keepers with this one even thought they are overpriced and break. Bottom contact II is awesome and the length feels just right for the techniques. It’s my vote on an ideal jig and worm rod around medium cover
@@PunchFishing what matters more when trying to fish effectively without being fatigued weigh or balance and should I pay more attention to weight or balance when buying rods and reels
I know you’ve done a video on a Dobyns champion extreme but would be curious how the Dobyns Xtasy 755 compares. Also what’s your take on the overall feel of it, do you think it is totally on par with nrx? Sounds like there’s lots of comparisons
@@PunchFishing I haven’t seen them in person. Living in western Washington (trout and salmon land) I don’t have an opportunity to put a hand on anything above an Slx before buying. I used to be a Dobyns fan boy until I tried an expride. Dobyns Facebook group people rave over that 755. Thanks for all the reviews, loving my nrx872s plus
Moving bait hands down is number one. So versatile. Great mid range cranking rod (my primary use) Great for flukes, senko rod, medium treble baits. Great for topwater although a little long for my liking The one is a great rod, they made the unicorn 76mml even better. Perfect small swim jig and spybait rod although it can literally handle 90% of spinning usecases I find. Sensor is a unique rod for light t rig/shakeyhead although I find it pretty niche for that. It blows the x bites away for that though Utility player is awesome, open water spinnerbaits, mid sized jigs and worms, I used it as my go to magnum speed worm rod because it swims will and can work it off the bottom. I don’t think there are any duds in the lineup but if I were to skip some it would probably be the utility spin as it’s just a solid shakeyhead t rig rod and I can throw those just fine on the sensor and the one does it decently as well
GLoomis wasn’t trying to create a new rod they “updated” one of the best rod lines ever made. They fixed the reel seat that had a lot of failures, they added the spiral x tech and made the guide wraps black because people couldn’t find that NRX blue thread when they needed to repair a guide. Little updated things. I want to like these steez rods but don’t like the red 🤷♂️
Gonna have to break down a try Daiwa rods I guess. Glad they went to cork. Is Daiwa and Shimano included in Omnia’s sale? Might know what to splurge on now!
@@cheezuscrust7730 totally disagree. I can't speak to their casting rods, but their spinning rods are elite. And I have fished as many high-end spinning rods as punch.
@@mandogfish7418 I've felt them in store and thry seem softer in power than their Legend X counterparts. I've flexed them side by side and the legend extremes are more "noodly". I'm just not into them when the Legend X seems like a much better value.
Thanks Brian I'm seriously thinking about buying some of these because I'm sick and tired of not getting the sensitivity I need. Thanks again and God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike from Missouri.
I am three rods deep into the new Steez line (Moving Bait Versatile, Utility Player, and Power Pitch), and compared to anything Megabass, I'd still pick the Steez rods. The only gripe that could even be made is the guides, and while I've been informed by others over and over that they are an upgrade over the original AGS guides used on previous Daiwa rods, I am still super sketched by them and wish they were like...anything else. The Power Pitch is simply spectacular, the MBV is sneaky great at everything Daiwa says it's good for, and the Utility Player is the only one I'm not blown away by, and that's probably because it's a smidge too fast for what Daiwa says it's 'good for'.
I'd say that the versatility of the rods has definitely been what has won me over, even compared to the Megabass rods that can compare to them.
Great post!
Thanks for another great and honest review. I pulled the trigger on the medium spinning rod during last years sales. Very comparable in sensitivity to my conquests and NRX rods. Seriously crisp.
I'll probably add a steez spinning rod to the collection next year.
I splurged a bit recently wanting to explore some higher end gear and picked this up for exactly what you said Texas Rig/small jigs. Paired it up with the new Limited reel (cause why not). Also picked up the 854 NRX+ to go with the Tatula Elite P/F I had for my jig rod. Love your channel, great info for those taking the game to a higher level. I mostly stick with lower end stuff for beginning anglers on my channel, but you do a superior job of breaking down the value of "the good stuff".
Much appreciated! 🤟
Nice video, makes me want to add another ags to my lineup! I’ve been pretty impressed with “the sensor” model, might pickup a target sniper on Black Friday
Great review. I fish daiwa and Loomis and have really been struggling with my decision to buy new steez or nrx +. This rod in particular. This review helped and fits the way I fish. Thanks man!
I traded for a Steez 7’5 M/ML spinning rod. It is my first rod and I haven’t had a chance to fish with it. You mentioned the cork not being great. Is is mid grade at best. It isn’t the pretty, soft cork that you would normally see on a $550+ rod. On a positive note, the balance is incredible. Still excited to fish with it, but the “fit and finish” is dinged somewhat by the cheap cork.
I bought one because of this vid! May I ask how long is the warranty of the Daiwa Steez AGS rod? Is it a life-time? Thanks.
You ahould try those cal coast hook keepers. I like them a lot as you can either put hook in it or the line.
I actually have a couple, I'm going to make a "hook keepers" video soon I think.
@@PunchFishing that would be cool. I really only like those cal coast. All those rubber band ones come right off, not sure why. The cal coast I just roll upside down if my line ever gets stuck, which is rare because I don't put it above the handle. You should definitely put up a hook keeper vid bruh!
I picked up the original Bottom Contact last year at Black Friday for $440 before they dropped the price for the new model. It's great, very sensitive and balances extremely well with a light reel and it's perfect for throwing jigs in lighter cover and around laydowns and the 70/30 taper i s perfect imo. I generally do not abuse my rods so I'm not worried about the guides, but I prefer foam to cork because let's be honest, cork pits. My only complaint is I wish it was closer to 7'.
I kind of want to pick up another Steez model, but I'm not sure what I would get. I have the 7' M-MH Tatula Elite for T-Rigs which is also a higher end rod for me, so a multi-purpose MH might make sense.
I like my power pitch. It’s basically a lightweight, less well balanced Perfect pitch Orochi. The Power Pitch is 4.35 ounces while I know the Orochi is in the 6’s. It’s very versatile, but honestly I didn’t have the blown away feeling I had when I got my 1st P5.
I wouldn't mind trying one of the new Steez spinning rods.
@@PunchFishing “the one” is stupidly light. It’s a 7’6” that’s only 3.5 ounces!
Punch!!!! Thanks for posting. I've gotten 2 orochi xx's and 2 exprides watching your vids. My NRX+ is on order but won't be here til February.
Well...I guess Im going to buy the dobyn extreme instead. Don't feel like dealing with the ags guide
One good thing Daiwa does for the consumer is, they know not everyone has $500. for a high end rod. They trickle down a lot of the high tech to the lower price point rods. I can get the SVF blank and X45 in the Tatula line and still have enough money for a beer at the end of the day.
Very fair point! However Shimano does do the same. Zodias has a lot of tech that trickled down from higher end rods.
Excellent review, like you described the actions of both and the differences, Very complete review for someone looking to purchase. Honestly very thorough review.
Thanks!
great review.. i was wondering when youre gonna make one for the steez
Great video. I love Daiwa rods and reels. I have the TATUA P/F on a BLX rod that is my go to jig/worm setup.
Have tried the Steez Compile X stags711mfs Utility Player Spinning Rod?
Have you tried the new Diawa Steez Spinning rods? I havet he old version black/blue with foam grip Steez 7'1" Med for drop shotting and looking to buy the new Steez 7'1" ML for drop shotting here in NY. Is there an improvement?
I have not gotten one yet
I see the steeze ags bottom contact rod it’s the older model but it doesn’t have red accents it has blue accents/trim? Which year is that one ? Is it older then the red one ?
I think since the Exprides popularity and selling success at the pricepoint, they forced competing brands to up the bar. The new Falcon Cara for 250 are amazing with insane balance and weight, also Alx rods are good, I am sure others are doing the same. I have been setting aside my Glx's.
Great video. I’ve been a long time Loomis man. I’ve been very interested in this rod, but I didn’t hear anything that makes me want to switch from an NRX+. There are many guys (like me) that want the best of the best jig and worm rod. I will be looking forward to your upcoming NRX+ videos. The Steez sounds less durable and maybe not any more sensitive.
NRX+ videos won't be terribly exciting to be honest. They fish literally the same as the old NRXs. On the water I feel virtually nothing differently vs the old ones.
You should really try an ark reinforcer. They are the most insanely well balanced rods and make my poison adrenas feel overly tip heavy, which is saying something.
I’ll tell you what the most well balanced rod ever is. The P5 super destroyer. I think they bragged about the counterbalance in the description and it feels like I have a perfectly balanced Katana in my hand.
@@hunterbull7804 you should really try one out, I replaced all my old fenwick(when they still made great rods) this year with them. All paired with jdm ballistic lt's or curado mgl 70s and 150s. Perfect and pretty to boot.
Thanks for posting. I wasn't aware of those rods, but I'm ordering two of em.
So, if you could have only one jig and worm rod, would it be an NRX+ or a Steez Bottom Contact II?
Really can't go wrong with either? If you want flashy, high tech and premium looking.. Steez. If you want a no frills, purpose built fishing tool NRX+.
Do you have any experience with the new Steez AGS Spinning rods? Which would you prefer for bottom contact sensitivity and jigging 1/8-3/8. Can you compare your recommendation to a particular NRX+ spinning rod? Thanks Punch!
I haven't gotten my hands on any of the spinning rods yet
The p5 lineup is falling way out of favor when comparing to these rods. Each ones action is so well though out and versatile. I don’t feel like every model has only one or two spots it truly excels in and I get that with most of the p5 lineup. On the hook keeper, it’s super shitty and breakable material but I like it because it’s so easy to use and adjustable. I’m replacing my Fuji keepers with this one even thought they are overpriced and break. Bottom contact II is awesome and the length feels just right for the techniques. It’s my vote on an ideal jig and worm rod around medium cover
Enjoyed the video although I'm not their yet spending that much money on a rod and reel.
Thanks for watching!
I would like to know how the the Bottom Contact 2 would balance with a Daiwa Steez SV TW Casting Reel…
Me too! I don't own this reel sadly.
Your discount code for Omnia is not working. Do you have a 15% off code for November?
I will very soon! keep an eye on my Instagram and I'll post when it's up.
@@PunchFishing not a Instagram guy... :-(
What do you think about the 7’2 medium in this line? Moving bait versatile sounds interesting
Looks cool! Sadly I haven't gotten my hands on any other of the AGS rods besides the two I currently own.
can you make a video discussing weight and balance in a rod and reel combo I'm a little confused on which is better
Can you elaborate a little on what's confusing you?
@@PunchFishing what matters more when trying to fish effectively without being fatigued weigh or balance and should I pay more attention to weight or balance when buying rods and reels
I know you’ve done a video on a Dobyns champion extreme but would be curious how the Dobyns Xtasy 755 compares. Also what’s your take on the overall feel of it, do you think it is totally on par with nrx? Sounds like there’s lots of comparisons
I honestly don't have any interest in the Xtasy rods. I've seen them in person and they didn't really do anything for me.
@@PunchFishing I haven’t seen them in person. Living in western Washington (trout and salmon land) I don’t have an opportunity to put a hand on anything above an Slx before buying. I used to be a Dobyns fan boy until I tried an expride. Dobyns Facebook group people rave over that 755. Thanks for all the reviews, loving my nrx872s plus
Is the 7’5 Bottom Contact stouter than the 873CRR? Maybe able to handle 5/8-3/4 jigs better?
Yes, it's a bit stouter.
Hey Brian I own the whole line up. Any you particularly interested in learning more about? I can let you know my thoughts
Sure, what are some of your favorites?
Moving bait hands down is number one. So versatile. Great mid range cranking rod (my primary use) Great for flukes, senko rod, medium treble baits. Great for topwater although a little long for my liking
The one is a great rod, they made the unicorn 76mml even better. Perfect small swim jig and spybait rod although it can literally handle 90% of spinning usecases I find.
Sensor is a unique rod for light t rig/shakeyhead although I find it pretty niche for that. It blows the x bites away for that though
Utility player is awesome, open water spinnerbaits, mid sized jigs and worms, I used it as my go to magnum speed worm rod because it swims will and can work it off the bottom.
I don’t think there are any duds in the lineup but if I were to skip some it would probably be the utility spin as it’s just a solid shakeyhead t rig rod and I can throw those just fine on the sensor and the one does it decently as well
@Cody Neely I don’t think so. I’m not very good at it.
@Cody Neely well I’ll give it another try then in a few weeks once I’m wrapped up for the season
where are the Steez AGS rods made?
Your cork reck of some kind of solvent smell? Like gas? Mine sure does!
No, not at all.
GLoomis wasn’t trying to create a new rod they “updated” one of the best rod lines ever made. They fixed the reel seat that had a lot of failures, they added the spiral x tech and made the guide wraps black because people couldn’t find that NRX blue thread when they needed to repair a guide. Little updated things. I want to like these steez rods but don’t like the red 🤷♂️
Have you looked at the daiwa rebellion. Series?
Yeah, they seem very nice. Not sure if it's worth it to spend the extra$ above the tatula rods though.
Gonna have to break down a try Daiwa rods I guess. Glad they went to cork. Is Daiwa and Shimano included in Omnia’s sale? Might know what to splurge on now!
Not in the current 20% off sale, it's only on tackle.
Can't wait for the Dobyns Xtasy rod review so you can see what you are missing...... :-)
🤣
@@PunchFishing I'll get ya there. You need to fish it so you can share your opinion on the rod. :-)
@@nawinchester xtasys are garbage
@@cheezuscrust7730 totally disagree. I can't speak to their casting rods, but their spinning rods are elite. And I have fished as many high-end spinning rods as punch.
How does this compare to the St Croix AGS?
No idea, I ain't touching those rods. They are soft and overpriced.
@@PunchFishing soft? I have 3 spin & 2 casting. They don't feel soft.
@@mandogfish7418 I've felt them in store and thry seem softer in power than their Legend X counterparts. I've flexed them side by side and the legend extremes are more "noodly". I'm just not into them when the Legend X seems like a much better value.
So frustrating when you pay over $500 for a rod and you get average quality cork.
The only cork that's really blown me away is the Conquest and St Croix Legend X/Elite cork. Rest of it is all kinda the same.
SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!