The long-awaited "26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW" is finally here. Eight years after the original "SV LIGHT LTD" — the first reel to feature a φ32mm SV LIGHT spool, developed under the supervision of Toshinari Namiki (One of the leading figures in the Japanese bass fishing industry)— its successor is set to arrive in December 2025.
DAIWA 2018 SV LIGHT LTD
The original SV LIGHT LTD was born from Namiki's vision: "I want the advantages of SV (Super Versatile) while getting as close as possible to a bait finesse reel." It became the defining light-versatile baitcasting reel of its era.
Now, eight years later, the "26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW" arrives as its true successor — equipped with a newly designed φ32mm SV LIGHT spool and ready to redefine what light-versatile baitcasting means.
The Ultimate Light-Versatile Reel
The 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW is described as the "ultimate light-versatile" baitcasting reel. Its one-of-a-kind cast feel is born from the combined synergy of SV BOOST for extended distance in the latter half of the cast, a newly designed low-inertia spool, and the high line-release performance of the Tapered TWS.
This reel enables the same fishing techniques previously reserved for bait finesse reels — but with heavier lines. And of course, it retains full capability for heavier lures. It is, in every sense, the ultimate light-versatile model.
Achieving Lower Trajectory Casts and Improved Casting Accuracy
The 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW achieves lower trajectory casts and superior casting accuracy through the high-response spool design. This casting performance is the result of three technologies working in synergy: SV BOOST × Shallow Spool × Tapered TWS.
SV BOOST
SV BOOST retains the trouble-free nature of the SV concept while instantly applying two stages of optimal braking force based on spool rotation speed, further improving distance in the latter half of the cast.
Against the backlash zone at the start of the cast, it instantly delivers maximum braking force. Then, from mid-cast through the end, it progressively reduces braking in two stages to prevent late-cast deceleration.
SV LIGHT Spool
The reel is equipped with the SV LIGHT spool. Compared to the "24 STEEZ SV TW," the spool weight after line loading has been reduced by approximately 14.8%.
This approximately 22% reduction in inertia enables lower trajectory casts. The spool material is G1 Duralumin — a special aluminum alloy that delivers twice the strength of magnesium and 1.3 times the strength of super duralumin — achieving overwhelming lightness while maintaining structural integrity.
Tapered TWS
The level wind features the Tapered TWS, newly introduced with the "24 STEEZ" series. By expanding the opening size, the resistance-free zone during line release is extended, and a special surface treatment called DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is applied to maximize line-release performance.
Gear Ratio 9.2 — A First for HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR
The 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW introduces a gear ratio of 9.2 — the fastest in the series and a first for HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR.
With 92 cm of line retrieved per handle rotation, this reel excels not only in fast retrieval but also in quickly picking up slack line and pulling fish away from cover. It provides a significant advantage especially in pitching and flipping applications.
HYPERDRIVE DESIGN
The 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW adopts "HYPERDRIVE DESIGN" — DAIWA's next-generation design philosophy for baitcasting reels, aimed at dramatically raising the standard of all fundamental performance characteristics so that high initial performance lasts longer.
Centered on the "HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR (drive gear + pinion gear)," this philosophy encompasses four critical components: "HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR," "HYPER DOUBLE SUPPORT (pinion gear support system)," "HYPER ARMED HOUSING (body)," and "HYPER TOUGH CLUTCH." Each has been significantly upgraded using both refined legacy technologies and cutting-edge, first-ever innovations.
ULTIMATECASTING DESIGN
As a second design philosophy, the 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW also adopts "ULTIMATECASTING DESIGN."
This casting-focused philosophy unifies four revolutionary technologies: the "Variable Induction Rotor" that determines the braking characteristics demanded by anglers; "TWS" that dramatically improves casting distance and trouble-free performance; "G1 Duralumin," the highest grade of high-strength special aluminum alloy essential for low-inertia spools; and "ZERO Adjust," which frees anglers from the hassle of mechanical brake settings and contact resistance.
Additional Details Worth Noting
Oil Injection Cap
In line with the sub-brakeless design, the Zero Adjuster has been removed and replaced with an oil injection cap. Using the included dedicated tool, the cap can be removed to allow direct oiling and maintenance of the pinion ball bearing.
Solid Pinion Gear
The pinion section inside the reel now uses a solid pinion gear (shown on the right in the image), which delivers over 20% greater gear strength compared to the conventional hollow pinion structure (shown on the left).
This strength improvement completes a high-rigidity gear system that does not rely on increasing gear diameter, significantly boosting the rotational durability of the already highly regarded HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR.
AL Star Drag and Drag Click
An aluminum star drag has been adopted in pursuit of superior operability. The ratchet mechanism has also been redesigned, with meticulous attention paid to every click of adjustment — delivering a crisp, finely spaced star drag click sound. When a fish makes a sudden run, the audible feedback from the drag system gives the angler a critical advantage in managing the line system to its limits.
Feature Comparison: 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW vs. 24 STEEZ SV TW
| Feature | 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW | 24 STEEZ SV TW |
|---|---|---|
| Design Philosophy | HYPERDRIVE DESIGN + ULTIMATECASTING DESIGN | HYPERDRIVE DESIGN + ULTIMATECASTING DESIGN |
| Level Wind | Tapered TWS | Tapered TWS |
| Drag | UTD | UTD |
| Brake | SV BOOST | SV BOOST |
| Spool Diameter/Width (mm) | φ32 / 22.5 | φ32 / 22.5 |
| Spool Material | G1 Duralumin | G1 Duralumin |
| Weight (g) | 160 | 160 |
| Retrieve per Handle Turn (cm) | 78 / 92 | 63 / 78 / 85 |
| Gear Ratio | 7.8 / 9.2 | 6.3 / 7.8 / 8.5 |
| Max Drag (kg) | 5 | 5 |
| Line Capacity Fluoro (lb-m) | 8-40~80 / 10-30~65 / 12-25~50 | 12-40~80 / 14-35~70 |
| Line Capacity PE (No.-m) | 1.0-140 / 1.5-100 | 1.5-120 / 2-100 |
| Handle Length (mm) | 85 | 85 |
| Handle Knob | High-Grip I-Shape Light Knob | High-Grip I-Shape Light Knob |
| Bearings | 12/1 | 12/1 |
| Drag Click | Yes | Yes |
| Spare Spool Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Saltwater Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Specifications
| Model | Weight (g) | Retrieve (cm) | Gear Ratio | PE (No.-m) | Fluoro (lb-m) | Handle Length (mm) | Bearings | Max Drag (kg) | Spool Dia. (mm) | Spool Width (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26STEEZ SV LIGHT TW 100H | 160 | 78 | 7.8 | 1-140 / 1.5-100 | 8-40~80 / 12-25~50 | 85 | 12/1 | 5 | 32 | 22.5 |
| 26STEEZ SV LIGHT TW 100HL | 160 | 78 | 7.8 | 1-140 / 1.5-100 | 8-40~80 / 12-25~50 | 85 | 12/1 | 5 | 32 | 22.5 |
| 26STEEZ SV LIGHT TW 100XXH | 160 | 92 | 9.2 | 1-140 / 1.5-100 | 8-40~80 / 12-25~50 | 85 | 12/1 | 5 | 32 | 22.5 |
| 26STEEZ SV LIGHT TW 100XXHL | 160 | 92 | 9.2 | 1-140 / 1.5-100 | 8-40~80 / 12-25~50 | 85 | 12/1 | 5 | 32 | 22.5 |
Conclusion
In today's high-pressure fishing environments where finesse techniques are increasingly essential, the 26 STEEZ SV LIGHT TW is the one reel that lets you fish both versatile and finesse styles with a single setup. It is a true "light-versatile" reel — and the wait is almost over.
