Is This the Best Bass Rod Ever? High-Tech, High-Priced and Super Scarce

Where Can I Find One?

Now that it’s a couple weeks after the Classic, I’ve done a quick search for these rods online. Outside of a few eBay listings, the only reputable retailer I found with any available inventory was Thorn Bros in Minnesota. But, obviously, I don’t know how long they’ll have them available. If you decide you need one of these, you’d better act fast.

What Are These Rods Designed For?

While they are not a signature series line, they were tested by and developed for the specific style and techniques, of young, Japanese, fishing phenom, Bassmaster Elite Pro, Kyoyo Fujita. I realized pretty quickly, just from the look and feel of these rods, that I am currently way behind on the presentations he is using to put himself near the top of so many tournaments over the past couple years. Obviously, we’re mostly talking about the Live-Scope, forward facing sonar techniques that seem to have everybody in such an uproar. For me, I can’t wait to learn more.

The Details

Daiwa STEEZ Real Control Rod

Models:
STEEZRC73HFB | Bottom Contact
STEEZRC510XULFS | Micro Lure
STEEZRC61LFS | Multi-purpose
STEEZRC68MHFS | Power Spin

Price $1299.99

These are the finest rods Daiwa builds. As one of the few rod companies that owns and operates their own rod manufacturing facilities, they have complete control over the process and the level of quality they put into each rod.

The heavier power spin model’s blank is made of SVF (super high volume fiber) compile X graphite, displaying its telltale woven pattern. It is incredibly strong and light weight with a great deal of rigidity. The other three rods are made with Daiwa’s X 45 blank technology for increased torsional stiffness, resisting blank twist during casting & jigging, prevents the blank from losing stored energy during the cast.

And all four rods feature their Nanoplus Resin, enriched with a nanoalloy compound, used for connecting the single carbon fibers, thus enabling the design of very lightweight and robust blanks. And all of the rods also include their AGS Carbon Fiber Guides and are secured with a Carbon Fiber Wrap to minimize weight without compromising performance.

Things to Consider Before Buying Expensive Fishing Rods

The STEEZ Real Contact series is definitely not for everyone. Sure, anyone who knows anything about fishing would be blown away if they got one of these in their hands. But would they actually be able to use it to its fullest potential? Here area few things to consider before buying this or any top-level, expensive fishing rods:

How Important Is Each Fish You Catch?

Think about how much each fish means to your career and your success in life. For Fujita, and other top-level competitors, one additional fish can make a huge difference—making a paycheck or not, qualifying for the championship or not, qualifying to maintain your invitation to fish in the big leagues. It really can be the difference of one fish over an entire season. Choosing the ultimate gear to minimize those differences is vital. For the average angler, and even the way-above-average angler, fishing generally isn’t like that.

What Techniques Do You Use?

These rods, and most other aspirational fishing gear, are very technique specific—designed to do one job with zero compromise. The Real Contact rods are designed to be optimal for forward facing sonar related techniques. If that’s not what you’re trying to perfect, then these probably aren’t a wise investment.

Are Expensive Fishing Rods Worth It?

The question of whether or not buying the most expensive, exclusive fishing rod I’ve ever seen is worth it, is different for everybody. Like I mentioned above, for those competing at the highest level, $1300 in order to increase your odds of flawless execution and improving your success rate is a pretty easy decision. And for that matter, even if you’re not on the tour, but you’ve got the money and a deep appreciation for the finer things, go for it. I can appreciate that. But again, it's different for everybody.

My Summary

For me, as blown away as I am by  these amazing rods, I don’t think it makes sense to invest in one at this time. However, as I’ve said before, I love to see the crazy, over-the-top, new products, because that’s how the sport advances. The cutting edge manufacturing techniques and materials a leading company like Daiwa develops today, are what will drive the new, more affordable products tomorrow.

In any case, if you get the chance, hold one of these rods for yourself. The experience really is difficult to put into words. And if you happen to get your hands on one, and you fall into one of those categories where it makes sense to buy it, I can't imagine how you could ever put it down.