First off it doesn't matter what I write i get thumbs down from everyone, so what. I ve found over the years, the truth only hurts those that lie. Here again are two virtually the same products made in quality and for the market by price point. When two items are best matched I have to recommend going with the one that feels best in your own hands. I mean if it's going to make your hand tired the way you have to hold it, then you won't want to use it. Some of these "not so high up the quality ladder" products have quirky things that I hate, one is a hair trigger (the thumb bar release) engages way too easily. Or it might be too light weight or small (doesn't feel strong enough) and I have big hands, dinky little reels seem somehow challenged to me. I have to know it's a comfortable fit first, then compare the features and benefits and then the price. I do like the fact that the Daiwa is a one piece aluminum frame and has eight ball bearings while the shimano is graphite frame with four ball bearings. However, I like the shimano because it has a faster speed and for saltwater the graphite is much more versatile (to me)