John G Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 I have never owed a baitcaster other than Shimano and I am interested in maybe acquiring a Diawa. I have read Jun's comments on Japan Tackle's Website about current and discontinued models but I want to hear from you guys. The reel will be used for only T-Rigged worms and craws and lighter (1/4 to 3/8oz) jigs. This could also include the Megabass versions as well. Quote
Super User Chris at Tech Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 Zillion. Edit: and they can be found on sale now since Daiwa will be releasing an updated model. But don't let that dissuade you. The current models are great! Quote
Super User MCS Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 Megabass_Zonda68Hedgehog......But if your looking for mainstream Zillion. Everyone loves the zillion palms nice and built like a tank. 3 Quote
Super User Tywithay Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 For lighter stuff like that, I like the Steez SV or SS SV. They are light as can be and casting is just stupid easy. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 If money isn't an issue get a Steez. This is Daiwa's flagship reel. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 If you are interested in not only current, but previous production (used), reels - a Zillion (new) is a do-anything workhorse, or a Sol (used) would be lighter and still handle your applications. Both are classic USDM-type models with lots of customization parts. A Fuego is a nice reel but probably doesn't have the panache of the Zillion and Sol. If you want JDM - MANY options - I'll let the Daiwa junkies go there. If you only want to test the Daiwa waters before diving deep..........a Tatula is a great start. You will probably get lots of opinions on this one... Quote
ColdSVT Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 The only problem with diawa are the names lol The zillion is a solid workhorse reel as is the sol...ok i kinda like the name sol lol Quote
Super User Tywithay Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices. Quote
thehooligan Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices. I'm thinking the same same thing. I'd shoot for a px-r. Would handle those jigs great right out of the box. If you ever want to finesse fish throw in an i'ze finesse spool... If you want something more collectible, I'd probably go for a hedgehog. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices. I agree. I started to mention the Zillion but feel like it would need a different spool to accomplish what the OP is going for. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 TDZ-105H, I like the TDZ platform but I have large hands, the Alphas platform is fantastic also, and Pixy, Sol, or Alphas would all be fantastic. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices. No. I have a couple Purple Alphas reels. An Alphas variant would be my first choice....unless you can find a TD-Z 105H. OP, most people seem to like the Sol better than the Fuego. I don't belong to that group. I have 2 Sols...one tuned and upgraded drag, bearings and a Presso spool. One of my 3 Fuegos has been upgraded with Carbontex drag, bearings and a tune-up although my understanding from Mike is that there isn't much that can be polished on a Daiwa.. I prefer the Fuegos. I have no experience with the more expensive Daiwas such as the Pixy, Steez, PX, etc. Out of my price bracket. I do have 3 Zillions. The 50th Anniversary is definitely one of my favorites. If you want to throw 1/4 oz. baits, the a Pixy or PX-R would undoubtedly be great. Just going by what I have read about them. The Zillion is a very good reel. My understanding is that it can be made to cast lighter baits with the replacement of the spool (forget the name). Of course upgraded bearings wouldn't hurt either. Depends on how much you want to spend. Quote
Super User DogBone_384 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 I have a T3 ballistic I got from Tackle Warehouse for short money and can tell you it casts light-ish baits great and is smooth as silk. If your budget is up to it, the Zillions might be the way to go, IMO. Best of luck, and I doubt you'll be disappointed with whatever you pick. Quote
Smallmouth Hunter Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 NOT the zillion.. Lol The zillion is a good reel for baits 1/2 and up (isn't great at 3/8 oz compared to other reels), and even with 1/2 oz baits the reel does not stand out among other reels in casting performance. I believe it shines with 3/4 oz baits and up.. I think you should look at the SS SV. Poor mans steez, but with an sv spool. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 One of the Alphas types, for what you want to do. Otherwise, for gen. purpose a Zillion. Quote
John G Posted June 30, 2014 Author Posted June 30, 2014 I was wondering when the Alphas would get some nods. To be honest, the Alphas platform is what I have been looking at the most. Quote
timsford Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 With the weights you want to throw id reccomend a sol, fuego, td-z 105, t3 1016 or ballistic, or tatula type r. The steez or px-r would handle those weights awesome as well if you have the dough to spend. I can't afford either of those but im in the process of saving for a ss sv to do the same thing you are wanting. Its a jdm reel that should work great from what ive heard Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 I was wondering when the Alphas would get some nods. To be honest, the Alphas platform is what I have been looking at the most. The Alphas platform is fantastic. You can't go wrong with any of the Alphas reels. I have a Sol and an Alphas Ito 103-AI. Quote
5fishlimit Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices. I have 2 Zillion 100SHLA's and have no problems throwing a 1/4oz lure. Both have stock bearings and spool. My PX-R is a much better option for this weight, but don't think the Zillion isn't up to the task. The rod your using is IMHO much more important in being able to get down to 1/4oz. 1 Quote
0119 Posted June 30, 2014 Posted June 30, 2014 NOT the zillion.. Lol The zillion is a good reel for baits 1/2 and up (isn't great at 3/8 oz compared to other reels), and even with 1/2 oz baits the reel does not stand out among other reels in casting performance. I believe it shines with 3/4 oz baits and up.. I think you should look at the SS SV. Poor mans steez, but with an sv spool. My fishing buddy throws 1/4oz. jig heads w/ little DOA C.A.L. paddletails all day long with a Zillion Inshore without a problem. I've used his and found it to throw weightless super flukes easily. 1 Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted June 30, 2014 Super User Posted June 30, 2014 There probably isn't a member on this board with more experience with the Alphas variants than Tim S. If this was the platform you want for sure he could probably elaborate on the differences among them. I own a custom Alphas with more $ in it than I care to admit. It is a great real for sure but the one thing I like best about it is the way it palms. The retrieve is beyond smooth and the instant anti reverse is very tight. For being an older reel they were truly ahead of their time. A Sol would be a very similar reel. I would look at the Purple Alphas if you don't want to get too deep into one. Quote
Super User Raul Posted July 1, 2014 Super User Posted July 1, 2014 I own a few Daiwas, must have ------> TDZ103H, the only thing that baby needs is a drag pad upgrade, why from all the Daiwas I own say that reel is the must have ? You can get it for around 200 dollars, it's upgradable and spool compatibility and aftermarket spool turn your reel automatically in something else. You can get the spool from the 100ML and imediately you have a deep spool versión for heavier line, get the spool from a 105 and you got a super great finesse reel, you can get the new SV aftermarket spool and you got a super finesse baitcaster, you can get the handle from the US trail and have the longer handle. Weights a lot less than the Zillion, has more bearings than the Zillion and casts like dream. I own several Alphas variations, I like the plataform but they are not a TDZ. Quote
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