Vintage Daiwa Millionaire - anyone heard of it?

[Ray K]

I've been offered this Daiwa Millionaire GS-2000C for less than $50.  It's in pristine condition and working fine.  Has two ball bearings, anti reverse switch, and on/off clicker switch.  It's a mini bait-caster and super small but, I can't find any info on it anywhere online.  The only one I see is one on the auction site asking $150 but, not sold yet.  Does anyone have any info on this reel, like when they were made, how they compare with the other reels in the Millionaire line, etc.?  I think it may be a Japan only reel and possibly not offered in the US.  It has "made in Japan" stamped on the bottom.

So, is it worth $50?  I would probably use it on a 5 ft light action rod for cranking and possibly finesse fishing light plastics.

 

 

[OCdockskipper]

That is a nice reel, looks to be in good shape and is probably capable of being part of one's arsenal.  That said, why would you choose to spend money on 40 year old technology for any reason other than collecting?

My daughter has a pristine '65 Mustang, had it since she was 16.  She also has a 5 year old Corolla that she drives to work every day.  As cool as the Mustang is, the newer vehicle is a better fit for everyday use.  I think you would find the same thing with a newer reel.  Your $50 would be better spent towards a new reel.

["hamma"]

Back in the day that was a top of the line reel, nowadays you'll find better but its going to cost you

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That should be a perfectly fishable reel but I'm not sure the application you mention is its best  use. 

[Ray K]

6 hours ago, OCdockskipper said:

That is a nice reel, looks to be in good shape and is probably capable of being part of one's arsenal.  That said, why would you choose to spend money on 40 year old technology for any reason other than collecting?

My daughter has a pristine '65 Mustang, had it since she was 16.  She also has a 5 year old Corolla that she drives to work every day.  As cool as the Mustang is, the newer vehicle is a better fit for everyday use.  I think you would find the same thing with a newer reel.  Your $50 would be better spent towards a new reel.

Good points but, I enjoy using gear that was state of the art 40 years ago.  My arsenal also contains several Ryobi AD4000V reels with the V spools that I still use for cranks and top waters and that I've owned since new.  They are mounted on 6 ft. vintage Berkley Lightning rods and will cast a 3/8 or 1/2 oz lure almost as far as any of my Lew'sTournament MBs Lites or Pro Gs.  I Also have an original Lew's BB1N that is like new and mounted to a vintage Fenwick Lunker Stik.  Fun to fish that one too.

3 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

That should be a perfectly fishable reel but I'm not sure the application you mention is its best  use. 

And, what application would you suggest?

[Ray K]

2 hours ago, "hamma" said:

Back in the day that was a top of the line reel, nowadays you'll find better but its going to cost you

 

Tell me about it.  I've got mostly Lew's Tournament reels (MB, Lite, & ProG) and they cost from double to about triple what this reel would cost.  I just like to fish with vintage tackle sometimes and thought it would be a cool reel to own.

[d-camarena]

id get it

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

2 hours ago, Ray K said:

Good points but, I enjoy using gear that was state of the art 40 years ago.  My arsenal also contains several Ryobi AD4000V reels with the V spools that I still use for cranks and top waters and that I've owned since new.  They are mounted on 6 ft. vintage Berkley Lightning rods and will cast a 3/8 or 1/2 oz lure almost as far as any of my Lew'sTournament MBs Lites or Pro Gs.  I Also have an original Lew's BB1N that is like new and mounted to a vintage Fenwick Lunker Stik.  Fun to fish that one too.

And, what application would you suggest?

Spinnerbaits, cranks, swimbaits, maybe C-rigs

[OCdockskipper]

4 hours ago, Ray K said:

I enjoy using gear that was state of the art 40 years ago...

Then by all means, get it.  If just using it brings joy, then it doesn't matter whether it is the most effective tool or not.

Enjoy.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

State of the art ...bearings instead of bushings i dont really call that state of the art just a little smoother thats all that can be attributed to that saying. Its the same as any reel made today minus bearings .i use 50 yr old reels that catch fish never had a prob.

Someone mentioned "better"  its the Indian   not the arrow. Smoother lighter newer has nothing to do with better

[Ray K]

1 hour ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

State of the art ...bearings instead of bushings i dont really call that state of the art just a little smoother thats all that can be attributed to that saying. Its the same as any reel made today minus bearings .i use 50 yr old reels that catch fish never had a prob.

Someone mentioned "better"  its the Indian   not the arrow. Smoother lighter newer has nothing to do with better

Good point on the bearings vs. bushings but, the Ryobi and Lew's reels of the 70s/'80s also had ball bearings although only 2 or 3 vs. 10+ in today's reels.  They were pretty smooth and actually began the low profile "palming" trend of reels we use today.  I was curious about weight so weighed my Ryobi AD4000V from about 1980 and my Lew's Tournament MB bought this year.  The Ryobi weighs 6.7 oz. and the Tourny MB 6.8 oz.  The Lews and Ryobis of the day were the lightest of the baitcasters as the Garcias, Daiwas, Penns were 8 to 9 oz. or more.

Just a bit of vintage tackle trivia for any that are interested. 

[jr231]

I like spinning tackle for finesse plastics. Always. 

[Columbia Craw]

On 11/6/2016 at 6:54 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Spinnerbaits, cranks, swimbaits, maybe C-rigs

At forty bucks, it would be a nice collectible reel. It's a piece of tackle history.  I have six Lews BB1's from the late 70's , early 80's and they are retired.  

[Spankey]

Buy it, fish it and enjoy it. I still have some of my stuff from growing up during the 60's and 70's. I don't use it any more but I won't part with it either. Go with your gut feeling.