2023 LEGALIS LT: The Undisputed Budget King Got Even Better! 

Your review is absolutely exceptional with the break down, the measuring, the explanations, etc. thank you! I really like the new improvements. Very promising for Daiwa's future to see them keep looking for improvements, even when they already have an exceptional reel. 👏👏

Good morning, Victor! Your reel breakdowns are by far the most technical on RU-vid, such an invaluable resource. Thank you, Victor!!!

Awesome Victor! Thank you for the review.

Love all the details and break down of what has been changed and improved. I ordered two of the 1000 and One of the 2500 and have about a week to go before they arrive. I think for the money they are as good as anyone could expect from what you are showing here. I agree also that the old bail looks better but really they both serve the same purpose so the new one doesn't take away from anything. Thank you for the time you spent breaking this down. Good stuff.

Hi Victor! Great review. Yes, it's a huge difference in weight/design of the new rotor. What makes it a even bigger difference is comparing the new rotor to the much 1st gen air rotors. Thanks for your time!

Awesome review. Thank you.

Thanks for this video, it was very interesting to see the differences! 👍

Very informative videos you do. Truly enjoy watching.

Nice review Victor, still my go to reel.

Thank you, Victor. I bought two of the '23 Daiwa Legalis LT 1000s today.

Thx for a detailed review

Bravo once more!

Just got mine in and it is quality! Copped it on sale for $70 and it is going on my regular Presso! Love the detailed review as always Vic!

Absolutely thorough review man! I will see if the new exceler is exactly the same as the JDM legalis. Daiwa has increased it's dominance the budget ultralight war!

Good video Victor....Good that you have so much focus on the weight of the rotor, (and elsewhere) I got a shock when I tried my new Shimano Exsence C3000 MHG-A (Japan). You can really feel how much weight matters, but the handle is very heavy (26 grams), you can use one from shimano vanquish

Looking forward to this

You are the absolute best at discussing reel design! I've suscribed and am going back and watching all your videos. Two questions: What function does the rubber o-ring on the main grear perform, and what does the bearing in the back of the pinion gear sit in? Is it the back of the body cavity or behind that cavity?

Love this content! Can’t believe I missed the original upload. Any chance you will update your legalis family video since there is now a 23 version of the exceler and regal? I’d love to see what if any difference’s there are now

Another brilliant review.

Nice job Victor

I love this review ❤😊

Thank you Victor! Always looking forward to your next video. Ordered my Legalis 2000S-P last week. Hope it arrives tomorrow. Cant wait to test it here in the South of Philippines. God bless you always!

Well done Victor. This content is why we are loyal viewers of i_fish. Now if we had some occasional carp content again, it would be like the old days. 👍👍

Your first reviews of the Legalis LT 2017 was the reason I bought my very first one in 1000 size back in 2018. I added a 2000 and 3000 size in 2019 to my collection and now looking to add a 4000 reel and this new 2023 Legalis LT is exactly what I will be getting and again your review has done the job. All three of my 2017 Legalis LT’s are still as smooth and tight as the day I first unboxed them. Used to be a Shimano fan but since getting that first Legalis I have not been bothered to look at Shimano again.

I’ve been looking forward to this review. I appreciate your honesty, thank you. I have the 23 Legalis LT2000-XH from Japan and was wondering where I might be to find a smaller 40 mm handle.

Again great video. Now I have not had a legalis but the piscifun carbon x 1000 seems fairly comparable 20 dollars cheaper now I don’t know weight wise it says 5.5 ounces but I have not weighed it but the internals seem pretty close to each other.

Awesome review I'm getting the new diawa legalis on black Friday 👍🐟

amazing presentation. i wish daiwa would also upgarde the line clips in their spinning reels. hopefuly all handle versions will have removabal knob

Hey Victor. Your right, the 23 legalis is an unbelievable reel for the price. It feels like a 300$ reel. I picked up a 5000, and compared to my Certates the gap is getting closer and closer. The airdrive really does make a difference.

Quick tip Ifish drag grease is perfect for all threads for screws anywhere on reel

Mine should be here Tuesday.

Great video! Fantastic comparison between old and new. With the 23 Legalis new screw-on handle, any reason for Daiwa to continue producing the Exceler?

Hi Victor, i'm a subscriber who loves your videos and I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into them. I'm a saltwater fisherman usually chasing larger reef fish and pelagic's so a bit different from your ultra light world - perhaps a small crossover with my estuary gear that runs 2000/2500 series reels. As an engineer of 35+ years, i just like watching them from a technical perspective ........ and i like your accent (I'm Australian). Just a note for your followers/readers on reel bodies. Sometimes the term 'plastic' is used and said in a negative manner. In high-end engineering applications (aerospace, piping, military structures, robotics) as well as sporting equipment, we use carbon fibre composite plastics which have mechanical properties far greater than any metal. Also, the terms strength and stiffness are often used interchangeably or incorrectly - in simple terms, strength is a measure of resistance to load or force and stiffness is a measure of resistance to deflection or deformation. Standard Carbon fibre has a stiffness (elastic modulus) about 10% higher than steel and so about 3x that of Aluminium, and a Tensile Strength about 6 to 7x that of steel - Aluminium has many alloys and tensile strength is completely dependent on the temper used but most popular is around 90MPa so standard carbon fibre about 35x that of Aluminium. You can also get high modulus, and high strength, carbon fibre which has 2x the stiffness of steel at about 1/2 the weight of aluminium. Given these high mechanical properties only low doses of carbon fibre are usually used to keep costs down. Lower-end applications such as tools, car parts, and sporting equipment (which includes spinning reels) composites are usually engineered so that they just have better stiffness to weight ratios than competing products - usually aluminium in the spinning reel world. Any low dose plain weave carbon fibre composite should have a higher stiffness to weight ratio than most commercial aluminium alloys so not difficult for any reel manufacturer to produce - if that is what Zaion V is supposed to be??? From the comparison at 4:00 we can all see that the support arm at the junction with the reel body has been significantly thickened geometrically so would have much greater stiffness even without changing the composite structure. As the weights are still the same as you measured, Daiwa have likely changed the composite to reduce the material density - and may have also reduced dimensions elsewhere. Would be interested in some data on Zaion V for sure.

Hi, you are doing a great Job! What about a next Vlog about the new Daiwa 23 Tatula (7+1 bearings)? I've read that you can easily put 2 additional bearings in and then its on the Level of a complex xr... Would be interesting to See a Review from you🎉

Zaion V is *stiffer* than the previous material, not lighter. It's used to reduce the handle flex that the previous models had. But it does weigh the same.

Let us know when you add the bearing kit to your website. Legalis on the way!

I did not tried legalis but after this video I will consoder buying it for sure! Best reel I have ever used is mitchell mx9 and i cant find any video on youtube about disassembling it.Also I found pflueger patriarch reel thas is 100% same looking from outside but I don't know is there any difference from inside

Do you plan on posting a 2023 ultralight reel and rod Buyer's Guide like you did last year around this time?

Servus! Informative video as usual especially for "fishing normies" like myself that enjoy tackle but maybe cannot find the time or ressources to go in depth into it. I like to know what you think about the Bullzen Zantetsu CX 800. It's JDM gear for UL with good availability here in the EU for 140 Euros. I don't know about the looks.. since it's like a monster energy drink can as reel but goes Ok with my Carabus extreme. Cheers Victor!

Does the new spool fit the old rotor and vise versa? It would be handy to use the old one as a spare. Great video. Thanks.

Hey there ifish, was wondering if you’ve tested ultralight snap swivels with spoons? I’ve just been getting more into JDM/micro spoons since I got the Carabus. If you get a chance, could you give your opinion on JDM telescopic rods? I’ve been looking at the major craft trapara 6’ UL versus the Daiwa triple BBB 6’10” light….i plan on doing a lot of backpacking and I’m looking for a solid solution!

Добрый. Вы ничего не сказали про ролик лесоукладывателя. Я так понял там Twistbuster 3. Интересует как перевести его на подшипники? Какой размер подшипников и втулок нужен?

Victor. What accent region do I detect? Thanks. Love your videos!

Great explanation vic. Going to get a ultegra. Mainly for saltwater in Texas for trout redfish and flounder.

I just received this reel and it’s a great finesse reel. It feels like a Sahara to me. In a blind test I would think I’m holding a Shimano. I know you said it shouldn’t bother anyone but for me the bail does. The thin wire and the “springy” audible click while opening the bail drives me nuts. I’m accustomed to Daiwa air bail and quiet open design. The only noise I like my reel making is drag clicks. Other than that it’s a fantastic reel! Any recommendations on a similar Daiwa reel but with a hollow bail?

Thanks for the video. Just cost me 80$ because i instantly wemt and ordered o ne 😅. Nice breakdown. Lookimg forward to some videos of you fishing with it.

The knob on my 2023 Exceler is not removable so I think in most countries 2023 Legalis doesn't have a removable knob. Good video, thank you!

Have you ever considered picking up a daiwa gekkabijin?

Really enjoying your videos and wondering what size you’d recommend for a 6’ lamiglas x11 light4-8lb. I like the idea of the lower gear ratio you talk about but wondering if I’d be better with a 1000 size for most line

Hi sir can i know the size of Daiwas Pinion gear bearing

Time to upgrade the fleet!

Really good work. There ist one question left,wat ist now the difference between the legalis and exceler? In the past it was only the screw in handle of the exceler..and now?

I’d have to say I was quick to try a heap of the Off brand reels but there is no amount of bearings or drag pressure that can defeat attention to detail and refinement! Something developed over many decades! I’ve the opinion that you get what you pay for!

Do you think the old thicker bail is interchangeable with the new rotor. I'd be curious as to the weight difference of the older bail vs the new one once removed. 🤔

Hello VIctor, thanks for the info . What do you think about TSURINOYA Ranger 1000S 156g ? Thank you!

In 4:00 those metal rods that support the oscillating shaft they are on the revros 2015 model, both upper and lower of the revros 2015 frame have that, thus the shaft is steady when oscillating, and yup the bearing on the pinion gear in the revros 2015 is only one thus it is feeling gritty when turning it. I hope daiwa will upgrade that Anti reverse clutch on 10:00 because that anti reverse easily corrodes under saltwater conditions, unlike the KOYO branded anti reverse clutch that the higher models use (btw it is blue green in color, on lower models its black) If they upgrade the anti reverse bearing on the lower models and removing the reverse switch below that reel, that reel will be a great reel. Btw the bail is airdrive design, its the same as the saltiga and lexa Lt 2023 model, i think they are trickling down the techs from higher models because on shimano Ultegra they have done that, what technology the higher model have they are using it on budget reels.

To keep your humble, they may have taken your opinions in their remake but judging but the amount of incremental improvements seen, I would say they took a top to bottom look at this reel and the drag part was just part of the review.

I like your videos victor and I think you can help me The new air rotor design has ,to me has a very difficult line roller to reassemble. it has completely stumped me those 2 little washers and hooked on bail are crazy difficult to reassemble. I bought mine from the amazon japanese store and it showed up with no schematic. I cannot find it anywhere. I really like this rotor and bail but if I can't service the line roller then that is abig problem

Hi. Would you still select the Shimano Sahara 2500\3000 over the new 23 Legalis for bass? Thank you for an excellent review.

The Japanese love America. As an American, I LOVE the Japanese! Thank you for taking your craft seriously and trying to perfect your work. Also, let me say that RU-vid is allowing market forces to impact industry more immediately and this channel is educating customers to demand from suppliers higher quality at lower prices! Thank you.

Hi Victor! Is a 210 grams ,2000 size reel considered ultralight? Because if so - I may have a challenger and it is Tailwalk Speaky 2000. I don't know if you can find Tailwalk products in the USA. It costs around 200 USD, but you said regardless of price. The reel feels and looks amazing. It will be great if you have the time, desire and possibility to take a look at the reel and share your thoughts. I wish you all the best, sir!

Got mine in today, feels solid....very similar feel to my Ultegra. Does the reverse switch ever wear out? Price on the 2k size like you have went up bout $30.00 now $103.95

Hello -- your channel is great ... here's the question ... I hear that the Daiwa 23 Exceler is the U.S. version of the rebuilt Legalis LT of which you just tore apart recently -- do you have any knowledge of this ... as I find the 23 Exceler better looking. Please advise when you have time.

Very comprehensive review! New subscriber here! I'm trying to get back into fishing after a 30 year lapse. I finally have time in my older years to get back out there. Originally I was going to purchase a Legalis 1000D until I watched your review and you suggested getting the 2000 with the slower gear ratio. Does the gear ratio really make all that much of a difference when you're fishing for panfish? Keep in mind there is a $30 price difference between the 1000 and the 2000 you recommended. Thanks in advance... Dan

Amazing, well thought out and in-depth review. I wish we had more content like this on youtube instead of the usual "taking it out of the box, spinning it and saying it's good or bad" kind of videos. On another note one thing came up in my mind about the new LT reel range. Not so much in the ultralight aspect, but in general spin fishing here in europe i have heard of several reports that people have found reels like the vanford and vanquish to not be as good at fishing with hard lures or lures with large resistance because of the MGL rotor as it has less rotational momentum due to the rotor's decreased weight, therefore making the retrieve of such lures less comfortable. Coincidentally i find it odd that Daiwa has decided to add this similar style of rotor to all of their reels as it might be a deal breaker for certain customers. What do you think?

Victor I know you have a grease on your page that you sell. For the kit you are going to list, do you put a tad bit of grease on the bushings before instaling or just swap them out?

The anti reverse / drag system fails in my current regal lt when I fish in cold weather conditions, will this reel have the same problem? Is there an easy fix for this? Thank you !

Victor ..you would have made a great brain surgeon with that attention to detail. Ps I am buying this thanks to your videos ..hope daiwa recognize your service to their brand…..also ..your model is not available tonight at Digitaka ....they have 23 LEGALIS LT 2000S-XH ..do you recommend the XH or would you hold on until the "P" model is back in stock.

My apologies. The question was related, so I replayed it to another comment. The jig itself does not create resistance, but it needs to be fished occasionally with the rod. And that causes shocks that are transmitted to the rotor and gears. That's what they told me. Thanks for the answer, I'm calmer now!

The pinion? on the right actually looked tapered vs the one on the left?

Hi Victor, do you know if this model will be sold in the U.S.?

Victor I’m sorry to beg a favour, but as a Daiwa and JDM Tackle expert do you know anything about the Daiwa Iprimi 1003 reel? - I sent mine to a reel servicer who lost the bail trip lever... I’ve tried the retailer and Daiwa but no one can/will help me find a spare. It’s now scrap unless I can find a part.

Hello Victor, Compare this Legalis with the ABU SUPERIOR Regards

Damnit... Lol... I shouldn't have clicked on your video... Well yet at least, as I'm tearing down the legalis this week... I wanted to see everything for the first time on the bench... Daiwa is taking no prisoners with this generation of reels... I like you, am scratching my head over what zaion v is... The only thing in writing I can see is that it's a "more machineable" carbon composite. Awesome video!

Have you tried the Kastking kestrel 1000 size spinning reel, at under £50 it is very hard to falt.

Victor, I have been seeing the Fuego discounted to $80 by a number of retailers. Do you feel that the new Legalis is a better reel at pretty much the same price point?

Is the new Legalis you tested made in China,Vietnam or Japan? Thank you

I've got a Legalis 2000sh, must be 10 years old. Is. it worth upgrading to the new legalis model? The handle has some side to side play, i don't remember if it originally had it.

Bought a Nasci this year and could not put it down. Maybe this could be a challenger.

Would you happen to know if I can put a different spool on a 23 Legalis lt 2500shx a 2500d spare spool?

So what will now be the difference between Legalis & Exceler, when the Legalis got the steady handle + even the changeable knobs ? 🤔 Knob of the first Gen Fuego LT was changeable as well,but with the second Gen, they cut this feature.

I ordered a 2000S-P from Digitaka two weeks ago. It has been stuck in customs for over a week😡

What size and model do you recommend? I see a few different ones with different gear ratios. Looking to start and would love your opinion

why do they always give the jdm reels better upgrades . thanks for sharing

I've found out that the 23 global Legalis models have the old handle type. Only the Japanese models have a screw-in handle. It appears that the 23 Japanese Legalis is identical to the 23 global Exceller. What a shame... I really wanted that new handle.

Hi. What would you sa a ot the 23 exceler in comparison? I can get it for 10 bucks more the the legalis in the samé size. Is it worth it?

It doesnt hold enough line for me. In saltwater i need at least 200mtrs of braid bc anything could bite and daiwa reels just dont cut it. Imma stick to the sahara fj 👍

This or the vanford size 1000? Which one is smoother, has better drag?

Hi,the only youtube guy I can ask, I have shimano tp 2020 c3000,can I swap the spoon for size 1000?thanks.

In your hands is this smoother than the Ultegra?

turkey didnt get the 1000 size and diffirence between 1000 and 2000 is 5gr im thinking of using it for aji rod. major craft aji-do 5G 0,2-3g rod will it be okay mate?

How does it compare to the current ultegra?

The problem I have in purchasing is that most sellers don't give the year. The Daiwa store on Amazon does but they want $98.00 for the 2000S-P.

Hello, do you recommend 2023 legalis in size 3000 for pike or zander fishing? Or should i choose shimano stradic fm for durability and hold that for years? I have 2020 legalis in size 2000 but i dont know if 3000 size can do the job with big pike or zander. Thank you!

Pretty interesting, the Legalis LT 23, the exact same model in europe does not have screw in handle and the handle knob is not removable.. how about that. Legalis 17 and legalis 20 did not have also

What size is the reels

Is it compatible with 20 version 23 version spool?

how is this compared to a penn spinfisher?

Hello Victor! Great review as always! May I ask for your advice please? I'm looking forward to buying a new reel for a rod that I recently got. It's not really an ultralight as it's 0-8 grams. It's Atec Crazee Ajimeba and I can put a link later if it's ok and if needed. I have never fished so light as I was mainly targeting bigger species thus I can't really decide 1. Reel size and 2. Reel model. I got the rod for about 100 USD and the reel should be roughly same price. I would instantly get the 2023 Legalis as I already have the old model and I love it,but I want to use it for sea fishing as well. I have used my old Legalis for light sea fishing a few times and it didn't have issues yet.Do you think the 2023 will survive the sea or I should go for the 2023 Fuego? Is the new Fuego just a Legalis with magsealed again?( I know how much you hate it). And lastly - 1000,2000 or 2500 size? Sorry for the long comment and thank you in advance!!

seems like theyre following shimano's reel now.