Daiwa Zillion Or Abu Garcia Elite 8

[Alpha Male]

I am looking for a new high-end reel. I am looking at the zillion and the elite 8. This would most likely be used for plastics and the like so I will be getting a high speed reel. I know not many will have first hand knowledge of the elite series reel but would like to hear what you would do with your money.

[aavery2]

Two very different reels in terms of profile.    I have an older Revo Elite IB, it is smooth, powerful, and well constructed.   I also own some mid tier Daiwa reels, they are smooth, powerful and well constructed.   

 

You almost can't go wrong with  either, I think if it were up to me it would be the one that felt the best in my hand.  You could always make use of TW's  Try it before you buy it program.

[HoosierHawgs]

I've never fished either reel, but if I were gonna buy one, I'd give my money to Daiwa. Their other reels feel more solid IMO

[Cgrinder]

I would be looking at the previous Zillion. Comfortable to palm, multiple spool options, and not a glorified Tatula. 

[Alpha Male]

I would be looking at the previous Zillion. Comfortable to palm, multiple spool options, and not a glorified Tatula. 

That's what has me hesitant in regards to the zillion.

[Mike2841]

If you use and like daiwas get the zillion, if you use and like revos get the elite. I had both the old zillion and elite 8, and I still have the zillion. The zillion is solid and feels more robust, the elite is much smaller and lighter. I kept the zillion because I like how it felt on the rod and I found that I stopped using the Revo. It really comes down to which brand you already like, you won't be disappointed with either.

Went back and read you're going to be using it for plastics (I'm assuming generally weightless or a light t-rig) if so I would spend the money on a shimano core instead.

[Alpha Male]

I currently have 3 revos and do like them. I had a Attila last year and wasn't 100% impressed but liked some features and after reading the zillion has a free spool and a double supported pinion. And that feature alone almost got me to buy a curado I but I just find all shimano reel to be ugly. That and I had an old Calais and curado and didn't like them. I know a lot of people really like them and now with this post I have opened the flood gates but it's a hard sell and I can get the same performance from other brands that I find more aesthetically pleasing.

[Mike2841]

I really liked the ivcb brakes on the elite, very tame reel, although I don't recall ever trying to throw anything light on it. I also really liked the clicking drag on it. If you already had a tatula and weren't sold on it but like your revos I would go for the elite. Also I would get it off ebay rather than tw, it will be a lot cheaper.

[bootytrain]

I currently have 3 revos and do like them. I had a Attila last year and wasn't 100% impressed but liked some features and after reading the zillion has a free spool and a double supported pinion. And that feature alone almost got me to buy a curado I but I just find all shimano reel to be ugly. That and I had an old Calais and curado and didn't like them. I know a lot of people really like them and now with this post I have opened the flood gates but it's a hard sell and I can get the same performance from other brands that I find more aesthetically pleasing.

The double bearing pinion on the zillion is not going to give the same effect as the Xship in Shimanos due to the short spool shaft. In fact I think most Daiwas with their free floating spool have had double bearing pinions, probably out of necessity since the spool shaft does not pass through the pinion like on Shimanos therefore does not aid in support.

[JGBassinAL]

The double bearing pinion on the zillion is not going to give the same effect as the Xship in Shimanos due to the short spool shaft. In fact I think most Daiwas with their free floating spool have had double bearing pinions, probably out of necessity since the spool shaft does not pass through the pinion like on Shimanos therefore does not aid in support.

 

That Xship on Shimanos is something special IMO...

[Ozark_Basser]

That's what has me hesitant in regards to the zillion.

The zillion is hands down my favorite reel I've ever owned, but it wasn't the new one. Super solid feel in your hands. A true machine if you ask me. I've owned multiple revos, curados, and some of lews stuff as well. They kind of feel like toys in your hand compared to a zillion is the best way to describe it. I haven't fished with the elite 8 though.

[bootytrain]

Personally I don't see any performance gains to be had from a free floating spool. But the Elite 8 also has their version of it called Infini. I would choose the Elite based on palming, weight, and the spool weighs only 10.6 grams so the casting range is going to be superior to the Zillion. I think Daiwa dropped the ball by using the Tatula as the base for the Zillion, they should have came out with a new design from the ground up. Throw in the fact that the Elite 8 can be had for $240 from Japan, that would seal the deal for my money. I don't think you will go wrong with either though.

[Diggy]

When in doubt...get both.

[Alpha Male]

That Xship on Shimanos is something special IMO...

 

it seems thats exactly what daiwa did... or has been doing, according to another post.  its a gread idea though and thats why I am still interested in the zillion.

[bootytrain]

it seems thats exactly what daiwa did... or has been doing, according to another post.  its a gread idea though and thats why I am still interested in the zillion.

Only on the short spool shafts, long spool shaft Daiwas don't have a double bearing pinion.

[Alpha Male]

Only on the short spool shafts, long spool shaft Daiwas don't have a double bearing pinion.

 

I've noticed that. the long spool shaft daiwas dont have a second bearing on the spool side of the pinion. just the one on the brake side and the one under the spool tension knob..