Zillion And T3 Ballistic

[cddan]

I bought a Zillion and a T3 ballistic. Really like both, anyone else have them and like them too? Is anyone upgrading them with bearings and such. The stock bearings seem really good. They cast well just wondered if I made the right purchases. Reel trade in for 20% off Zillion and over half price on the T3 ! What line and such works best on these, I started with cheap line till I got the hang of them.

[webertime]

I have both and LOVE them.  Both could use a handle upgrade to something with bearings ( Tatula/Lexa/Hawg Tech/Sempre Fi/Hedgehog).  Both accept bearings on their level wind and drive shaft(5x8x3 & 5x9x3 I believe).  No need to go with Abec 5000000 bearings as these a slow rotation parts.  Spools are fine to start with, but a 100m for the Zillion and the SV for the Ballistic would be good $ spent down the road.

[DogBone_384]

I have a pair of T3's and find they're the best casting reels I own. I own Shimano, Lew's, BPS, and Abu baitcasters. My Core 50mg comes pretty close.

[cddan]

I have both and LOVE them.  Both could use a handle upgrade to something with bearings ( Tatula/Lexa/Hawg Tech/Sempre Fi/Hedgehog).  Both accept bearings on their level wind and drive shaft(5x8x3 & 5x9x3 I believe).  No need to go with Abec 5000000 bearings as these a slow rotation parts.  Spools are fine to start with, but a 100m for the Zillion and the SV for the Ballistic would be good $ spent down the road.

100m and sv spools, where can I get them and how much and why are they better?(thank you)

[new2BC4bass]

No T3B here, but have 3 different model Zillions and 3 different model T3 1016 reels.  50th has 12# Elite, PE 30# braid, and the SHLA whatever came on it when purchased (appears to be 12# mono also).  Mono came with the 2 used T3s.....nothing yet on my new T3, but it will most likely be 12# mono as well although I may stick some 40# braid on it and put the reel on a rod for jigs.

 

Currently no plans to upgrade any of them.  Seem like very good reels stock.  Had the 50th the longest, and it is a favorite.  Feel like the T3s will also become favorites from the little time I've been able to spend with them.

 

Line choice is very personal.  I like mono.  Most MH rods carry 12# while Med. rods carry 8# mono.  Of course there are exceptions depending on primary use of the rod.

 

The 50th is a great casting reel.  Better than the other 2 Zillions although some of it may be that I don't have the SHLA set up quite as well as the 50th yet.  The T3s required very little practice to have them set at the lowest brake settings, but I feel distance is just as good with a little more brake set.  Zero brakes and Long Cast feels like I could get into trouble fairly easily if I don't pay close attention to my thumb.  The T3s are easy to cast without fear of backlashing as is the 50th.  The SHLA requires more care.  Haven't used the PE much.  For some reason I am not as enamored with it as the other Zillions.

 

Congrats on the new reels.  I feel quite certain that you will enjoy both immensely.  Be sure to let us know your thoughts after spending a little time on the water with them.

 

[iabass8]

have t3b's and t3 1016s. love all of em.

[Mike2841]

My zillion is hands down my favorite reel out of the ones I have.

[webertime]

Plat, Japan Tackle, Rakuten, Tackle Trap, all have the spools I mentioned.  Keep an eye on forums too, one or the other pops up roughly every week.

[new2BC4bass]

My zillion is hands down my favorite reel out of the ones I have.

 

Mike, have you used an Alphas yet?  I absolutely love my 50th Zillion, but the Alphas is also a great reel and another top pick for me.  My Zillions go on MH rods, while I spool lighter line on the Alphas reels, and mount them on Medium rods.

[Mike2841]

No I haven't. I remember I found a purple alphas on ebay that looked pretty good, I regret not pulling the trigger.

I have my zillion on a mh, spooled up with braid.

[new2BC4bass]

No I haven't. I remember I found a purple alphas on ebay that looked pretty good, I regret not pulling the trigger.

I have my zillion on a mh, spooled up with braid.

 

You should have.  Bought my 1st Purple Alphas winter of 2012/2013...LNIB.  Bought second not quite as nice cosmetic condition this past winter.  Know you would love them if you like Daiwa reels.  Don't know if you can switch out the gears for faster ratio ones.  I assume it is possible.  You have to remember that it wasn't that long ago that 5.8:1 was considered fast.  Today you can't sell a 3.8:1 Curado cuz no one wants such a slow reel.