jtesch

Zillion 100 customized zillion 100 crazy cranker ZPI bearings zillion J Dream TD-Z with a zillion SV spool and finally TD-X HSDF with a TD-Z spool in it along with a dozen Tatula elites and modern Zillions

Totally agree on the 7’3 all purpose its a great rod. The Kage 7’3 is a great upgrade to the Tatula elite also.

I have a couple of these reels. Good all purpose up to 3/4 oz or so. It’s made as a light lure reel and is quite good in that duty. Treat it a little gently as they can get banged up easily. Take a little time getting used to the cast control. I have to adjust mine more than other reels

Anyone who is interested, Sierra trading post has several Daiwa BLX rods selling for $199 and a Kage swim bait rod for $109. Pretty great deals

I’ve tuned several OG Zillions and to me the most important upgrade is the spool and bearings. Japan Tackle is the place to go for a spool. The HLC spool is a good one for heavier lures or the PE special isn’t bad. Original spool is not great for what was a pretty high end reel There really aren’t that many spools available for a reel that they sold a ton of. Used to be able to get a TD Z 100 spool and it was a great upgrade but they are super hard to find now

Great reel for heavier lures, just happens to be able to go fairly light also. I’d be comfortable up to 1.5 to 2 ounces

I still fish 2- J-Dreams and 2-tuned OG Zillions along with a tuned TD—Z. Also fish several new or newish Tatula SV. And SS sv’s. I think the quality reels from the late 90’s on can still be usable today with proper maintenance and maybe a little tuning but it all comes down to how much you want to spend. The 2020 tatula sv and tatula elites are darn good reel in the 200-250 range so you’ll have to find older reels at a good price to make it worth your while. The OG Zillions are tanks and will last forever with maintenance

Like it a lot

Daiwa TD-Z’s and Zillions, also original Sols and Fuegos all are solid reels with plenty of aftermarket upgrades available. JDM Zillions an the J-dream or PE are great reels also. Keep in mind that tuning them will push the price up quite a bit

Love it. Spray it with KVD line and lure and it is one great casting fluoro

Have the 7’3” mh f. In both Kage and Tatula elite. I prefer the Kage as I feel it’s a little lighter and more sensitive. I think the painted blank and heavier handle of the Tatula make the difference. Either is an excellent choice in the sub $200 catagory. Prefer the Kage to the Cronos also. Another series using the same blank I believe. I’ve got a Kage spinning rod also that I love. Reminds me of the first gen Shimano Cumara’s. High praise in my world.

Owners of the first gen MGX baitcaster. How have your reels held up over the years. I’m not thrilled with the performance of mine after 6-7 years of not so heavy use that included regular cleaning and maintenance. Or is it not fair to compare them to today’s baitcasters

Have them both, no question the SS SV was way over braked when new. So where some other early SV reels. I put an SV 1000 spool on mine and problem solved. That being said I’ll take the New Tatula SV but I do think the SS SV can be made into a great finesse reel it just takes another $150 dollars or so. Even then it probably isn’t better than the Tatula, just different

Looks like the KAGE has a different handle, more of a rough texture than the new Tatula bass series. I personally love all the Daiwa rods in the $150-$200 range. The elite 7’3” all purpose might be my favorite rod and the 7’4” heavy is my go to heavy jig and frog rod. Great value for what you get

Just bought the 7’3” MH F casting rod, a little bit better guides but a really nice feel. Light and crisp. I’ve got the Tat elite with the 7’3” MH F blank and love it, very all purpose and I like the feel of the Kage more. Be a while before I fish it so we will see.

Remember the Tat SV doesn’t have a free floating spool like most Daiwa reels. The spool shaft runs through the reel and a third bearing. Not saying bearings won’t improve the reel but I’d get the spool shaft polished as well. Honestly I cleaned the stock bearings and used a little Alchemy oil and it was a big improvement. Also not sure if there are screws on the handle knobs or if they use a rivet like s lot of Daiwa reels.

Anyone know if Shimano still accepts the lifetime warranty on older Crucials and Cumaras?? If so, I wonder what they would replace them with

I’ve got the Ehler 7’3” Multi purpose rod and love it. Really can fish multiple techniques with it. Different feel then the regular Tatula ( softer ) I think you could put a few of these in the boat and cover a lot of presentations

I don’t actually think quantum makes A true high end rod but I do think KVD gets to pick the best of the lot.

Let’s not forget, the pros are using quality mid range rods because that’s what most of us can afford. Sponsors will push a rod that has a legit chance of selling high numbers. Most of us aren’t gonna run out and buy a $600 Steez because our favorite pro is using one. Notice all the Daiwa pros are using Tats and Zillions and a few CTs. Hmmmm, how well are they selling right now

I went from gen2 Crucials to Tatulas and never looked back.

My BPS will toss a bunch of rods in a clearance section toward the end of the season. Usually a model getting phased out.

The OG Zillion is a true workhorse. What I love about them is that you can take a 10 year old reel, replace the bearings and clean it and it’s like a new reel. Bad thing is not many spool options. I’d still go with the OG Zillion

I’m not positive but I’m pretty sure the air spool is the only one that will fit that SS. Megabass May make one but you could buy a new reel for the price. The SS air was made for one purpose and that’s it. Odd for Daiwa although the Presso is the same way

Daiwa Tatula 7’4. Frog/slop rod perfect for your needs