Developed with K.T.F.
Breaking Through the Limits of Bait Finesse
The appearance of the STEEZ CT SV marked an important turning point. Its compact body and 30 mm SV spool expanded the operating range of baitcasting equipment, making light lure performance more accessible without sacrificing casting distance or control.
Yet DAIWA did not regard that achievement as the end of bait finesse development. The CT SV became the beginning of the next phase.
STEEZ AIR TW pushes that evolution further. It inherits the red accents associated with DAIWA's finest bait finesse reels, while a magnesium frame provides both exceptionally low weight and high rigidity. At only 135 g, the reel embodies true racing-machine specifications.
At the heart of the system is the 28 mm AIR Spool, the smallest-diameter spool developed for this class of reel. Made from G1 Duralumin, it retains the required strength while achieving extremely low rotational inertia.
Combined with the wide line opening of TWS, the spool accelerates rapidly and releases line smoothly. The benefit is not limited to casting smaller lures. It also enables longer approaches, softer lure entry and more accurate presentation in highly pressured fishing areas.
“Even a 2 g lure presents no problem. In extreme cases, the reel is capable of casting presentations approaching 1 g.”
Development commentary from professional field testing
The combination of precise spool control, smooth UTD drag performance and the ability to use lighter lines moves the STEEZ AIR TW into a performance range once associated primarily with spinning tackle.
“True finesse can be completed with a baitcasting reel. The system also reveals new possibilities for PE bait finesse fishing.”
Professional angler evaluation
For sight fishing and other presentation-oriented techniques, the ability to control the lure with the thumb provides a major accuracy advantage. The angler can guide the lure into a precise landing zone, while retaining the winding power and control advantages of a baitcasting reel.
The high-speed 9.1:1 model retrieves approximately 80 cm of line per handle rotation, allowing slack to be recovered quickly after a strike. This is particularly useful when a fish must be moved away from cover immediately. The 6.8:1 option is better suited to controlled retrieves with light plugs.