jjwalker67

Had a Zillion SV TW lasted almost a year then the brakes took a dump on me. Luckily bought a US version and was able to return it. Picked up a Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL, smaller, lighter cast farther then the Zillion. I also had a Steez SV TW several years ago lock up on me beginning to question Daiwa’s reliability, although I still have another Steez, that seems to be OK. Also have the newer Bantam A which I find an improvement over the older Bantam MGL. It is a solid reel. The casting and reeling reminds me of the Antares A I used to have it just feels like a fine instrument. Only thing I don’t like how heavy it is. If you don’t mind the weight, Bantam > Zillion.

I would agree, I've spent thousands of dollars at TW. Only issue I've every had was UPS saying they delivered my package when it wasn't. TW shipped me out another reel and rod next day. They have also allowed me to return a few reels that went bad months later.

Curious if it is possible to swap the main gear from an Aldebaran BFS to an Aldebaran MGL 50 so I can get the drag clicker.

Megabass Super Destroyer and Daiwa Steez SV TW. Prefer this rod over a NRX+ 853 i use to have.

Will this Varivas braid stop dig ins? I've tried many different lines on my baitcaster setups and always get line dig in. Tried all the recommendations to help but nothing works. I think it is due to my casting style which is more of a quick wrist snap instead of casting like I'm chuckin live bait.

Yes you are right my bad. I was thinking of the Zillion.

Just know JDM version does not have brass gears like US version.

How would you compare the cork? I hear the cork on the xtasy is a little better?

Daiwa Zillion SV TWS or Shimano Bantam A. If you use mostly Flouro go Bantam. If you want a lighter reel go Zillion. Note if you go JDM model Metanium, you're not getting brass main gear like the US model. I'm curious if you have fished the Zillion with both Mono and Flouro. I notice a huge difference when the two lines. Brakes on mono for me are 3-4, when using Flouro double that.

Think you are referring to the Metanium B model, which is the latest model. I had one a while back and ended up returning it. The difference between the min and max outer dial settings made little different with 3 internal brakes on. There just seem to be something off with the reel. Maybe it was defective, but I have read other with issues as well. I have since acquired the Bantam A and really like it. I don't have an A Steez model but do own the Steez SV TWS model and the newer model Zillion SV TWS. What I've noticed with the Daiwa reels is the brakes are much easier to adjust, it's just one dial with 20 settings and there is a hug difference between those settings. They are also lighter then their Shimano counterparts. However they are more finicky with Flouro line. With the Zillion if I use some JDM mono line the outside dial is on 3 or 4. With Flouro it's double that. The Bantam doesn't seem to be as sensitive when switching to Flouro line and might only need going up from 3 to 3.5. Not has much fluff up on the initial and mid-cast. Feel wise they are different. Shimanos you can feel the gears, on the Bantam is super smooth more so then the Metanium. The Daiwas I have you don't really feel the gears. Kind of an empty feeling. Hopefully that provides a little insight to make a more informed choice. Note: if you buy a JDM Metanium you will not get the brass main gear the US model has. Hence the weight difference.

Hi All, Does anyone have experience with the Gloomis NRX+ JWR action rods and the Dobyns Xtasy Fast action rods? Would like to hear how they compare, ( weight, balance, durability, warranty claims, transition of taper, backbone, etc). Note: I currently own a 853c NRX+ (looking to always try different brands) Thank you!

Have both of these. If you like mechanical smooth retrieval go Bantam anything else Zillion SV TWS.