STEEZ AIR TWSTEEZ AIR TW

The flagship ‘STEEZ’—a reel dedicated exclusively to bait finesse—has finally arrived. It features an ultra-small-diameter φ28mm G1 duralumin AIR spool, designed to take finesse fishing to the next level. This spool, with its unprecedented small diameter, enhances the reel’s ability to handle lighter lures than any previous bait finesse reel, redefining the very concept of finesse fishing. The TWS system, which maximises the performance of the ultra-high-speed spinning spool, combined with the weight advantages of its compact body, is set to rewrite the history of bait finesse reels by ushering in a whole new dimension.

*For fresh water use only

An AIR spool designed exclusively for finesse fishing, optimised for finesse performance.
Equipped with ultra-lightweight micro BBs to accommodate ultra-light lures.
*For use with fresh water only.

DAIWA baitcasting reels: G1 duralumin, which has underpinned the spool technology, is used in the gears. This improves durability and ensures a smooth reeling action that lasts.

Lightweight and featuring a new finesse knob, ideal for finesse fishing.
Although compact and lightweight, it offers a firm grip and is comfortable to hold.
*For fresh water use only

By using Air Metal (a magnesium alloy) for the main housing and Super Metal (aluminium) for the set plate, the reel achieves both light weight and high rigidity, thereby minimising wobble and distortion. This directly contributes to improved rotation and winding performance.

In this series, the frame and gear-side side plate (handlebar side) are made from die-cast magnesium, whilst the dial-side set plate is made from die-cast aluminium alloy; both are finished with high-precision machining to deliver unrivalled rigidity.

The launch of the 19STEEZ CT SV caused quite a stir. In addition to its completely new, compact body—which was distinctly different from the existing STEEZ range—it featured an SV spool with a diameter of φ30mm, the smallest available at the time. Not only did this allow for a softer palm grip and more nimble handling, but the spool’s light and rapid acceleration also enabled high-speed rotation, delivering exceptional casting distance at both close and long ranges—from heavyweight lures to ultra-light ones. It is true that there was a sense that the category formerly known as ‘bait finesse’ had now converged under the name of the CT SV.
However, DAIWA did not stop the evolution of its bait finesse rods there. Indeed, it is now clear that the CT SV was merely the prelude to even greater progress.
This is the ‘STEEZ AIR TW’—a true masterpiece. It carries on the legacy of DAIWA’s great bait finesse reels, featuring a colour scheme that symbolises engine revs pushing beyond the red zone. The frame utilises magnesium—an ultra-lightweight yet highly rigid metal—and, whilst effortlessly meeting DAIWA’s stringent strength standards, weighs in at a mere 135g. This is the KIWAMI of racing specification. The door to a new era of bait finesse is about to swing open.

Shuya Akabane, a master angler from the Kanto region and Kasumigaura, has high hopes for the AIR TW as a new weapon to tackle the challenging modern fishing grounds.
At the heart of this design lies the φ28mm AIR spool, which boasts the smallest diameter in DAIWA’s history—indeed, in the history of the world. It is crafted from the trusted G1 duralumin, which maintains strength whilst offering an exceptionally lightweight feel. Its remarkably low inertia, combined with the TWS system featuring a large opening, encourages you to really put your foot down, ensuring smooth line release.
What really catches Akabane’s eye is not only the ability to handle smaller, lighter lures with ease, but also the fact that it enables ‘longer casts and a softer splash-down’. There is no doubt that this will prove to be a powerful weapon for landing that one extra fish, even in the toughest of conditions.

Naoto Kawaguchi, a JB Top 50 competitor who, as a master of the legendary T3AIR, has produced numerous standout moments on trails across the country, says that the moment he switched to the AIR TW, he realised that the standard line weight of 8lb—which had been the benchmark for Bait finesse rods—was now over-specified.
The inclusion of the unique UTD drag mechanism—which ensures a smooth, snag-free start—means that finger drag with the clutch disengaged is no longer necessary. If you are increasing the spool’s weight by utilising the line’s strength to create a safety margin, you should instead enhance your fishing precision by reeling in finer lines correctly. That is Kawaguchi’s true view. 　To keep pace with the outstanding performance of this ultimate machine, a masterful set-up is also essential. The stable reeling, achieved by the compact body design that brings the line closer to the centre of rotation, is supported by the small, lightweight, high-grip Type I finesse Knob, which ensures a smooth and responsive feel. Your casting skills will also be honed to make the most of the reel’s potential.

Like Kawaguchi, Kyoya Fujita is a rising star competing in the country’s top-tier series.
Although this is only his second season partnering with DAIWA reels, the fact that he has so impressively clinched the title of Japan’s number one is the best proof yet that the reel has already become second nature to him.
One of Fujita’s specialities is sight fishing. Traditionally, he has relied primarily on spinning tackle to handle delicate lures with ease, but it is also true that he has struggled with the required precision. No matter how skilful the manoeuvring, feathering with the index finger can sometimes lead to a loss of control. To pinpoint the landing spot exactly where intended, ‘thumbing’—making full use of the thumb—offers an overwhelming advantage. It is clear that Bait casting holds the upper hand when it comes to spatial control, and he sees his best chance of success in Bait finesse techniques utilising PE line. Needless to say, Bait casting also holds the advantage in terms of reeling power.
Furthermore, Fujita—who describes himself as a ‘high-gear enthusiast’—is delighted with the AIR TW’s gear range. The 9.1:1 ratio covers 80 cm per turn of the handle. There is absolutely no difference in feel compared to the 8.1:1 ratio of my SV TW1012SV-XHL, which I’ve been using for about a year. It allows me to take up the slack the moment I set the hook, pull the fish off the cover and land it effortlessly. As for the other model, the 6.8:1, I suppose I’ll have to adapt to it when reeling in light plugs.
The ultra-small-diameter spool concealed within its remarkably compact body reveals boundless potential. DAIWA is taking bait finesse to a whole new level, and the STEEZ AIR TW is set to make history.

The current STEEZ range, which entered its second generation in 2016, now includes the versatile Origin and SV TW, the tough and Long Casting A, the compact and tough CT, and this season’s ultimate bait finesse model, the AIR. To ensure a solid foundation for both offence and defence, all four models in the Extended range are available in both left- and right-hand versions with a variety of Gear ratios. With a total line-up of 24 items, it is no exaggeration to say that the STEEZ universe is now complete.
How do DAIWA WORKS professional anglers make the most of this extensive STEEZ range? Let’s take a look at some typical examples for reference.

Take Shuya Akabane, for example, a seasoned angler who specialises in boat fishing. For his standard rig—using a 14lb line paired with a 5g lure—he opts for the SV TW. For lighter lures of 5g or less, which he uses more frequently depending on the season, he chooses the CT; and for an even more aggressive approach, he switches to the AIR. On the other hand, when using thick lines exceeding 20lb to target heavy cover, or for techniques requiring power such as deep crankbaits, he selects the A. For reeling, a right-hand handle with a low Gear ratio offers stability; for casting, a left-hand handle with a high Gear ratio allows you to set the hook instantly without having to switch hands. On a boat, where there are no restrictions on the number of tackle sets you can carry, you can select rods specifically tailored to each fishing technique.

On the other hand, take the case of Kotaro Kawamura, a ‘Grand Master’ whose fishing is primarily land-based. He inevitably uses the SV TW frequently, with a Gear ratio of 7.1 being his main choice. When selecting the most versatile Origin model to cover a range of fishing techniques—from reeling to casting—the centre Gear ratio is crucial, as it allows the angler to adapt to both low and high speeds. However, for reeling lures, a Gear ratio of 6.3 is generally used, except when prioritising a rapid reeling motion, such as with spinnerbaits; for power fishing techniques like casting into cover or using feathered lures, the ‘A’ Gear ratio comes into play. Whilst the handle is ‘right-handed only when specialising in reeling’, the left-handed version is the primary choice.
As mentioned, the main distinctions between boat and shore use are as outlined, but there are exceptions. Kyoya Fujita is one such case. He primarily uses the SVTW1012XHL with a gear ratio of 8.1 for both casting and reeling, prioritising ‘rapid retrieval above all else’. It is therefore understandable that he has chosen the 500XXHL with a gear ratio of 9.1 as one of his new tools.
The key to utilising STEEZ’s wide range of abilities is ‘Match The Timing’. Master it and unleash its ultimate potential.

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