Daiwa J Dream

[robster80]

Anyone still fish the daiwa j dream?  Still a great reel or has some of the newer stuff surpassed it in performance. I found a couple im considering buying one but was also found an SV103. Would the sv103 be the better option or should i grab a J dream?

[Angry John]

The j-dream is the most upgraded zillion ever produced.  I want one really bad, and its a reel that will maintain its value.  Now that said you can still find brand new sv103's for around 200 dollars and i cannot find a used j dream less than 300 ish shipped.  I am cursed looking for left handed so i have to pay extra to get the better reel with the handle on the correct side...

[rippin-lips]

The dream is a limited version of an og zillion. It's just got that specialness about it. Definitely a looker. Probably my favorite appearance wise that I own. Spool options are very limited but the stock spool is great. Not so much on lighter stuff though. It's not meant for that. The SV103 is built on the same frame as the dream but with updated sv spool.  The 103 for $200 is the best reel you can get for that price right now and it'll be brand new. A used dream in good shape will run you about $300. Market has dropped on them in the past 2yrs. You are asking to compare a $300 reel to a $500 reel. The 103 is not a dream but it's no slouch. You have to ask yourself if you wanna spend $300 or $200. Also if you want newer sv spool technology or older 'still good' mag z technology. The 103 can handle a larger range of bait weights than a dream. Plus it can use any Steez/Tdz/T3/IS spool so you have so many options to make it do whatever you want.  If you just want a reel that flat out works for anything then get a SV103. If you want a reel that's limited in production and doesn't do all that well under 3/8oz then get a J dream. 

[Silas]

I have 2 J Dreams and 2 TD Itos. I  rarely use anything larger than 1/4 oz. 

  the Dreams are a tad smoother than the Itos. 

 

 I also don't own a heavy action rod and only a couple medium/heavy. Most are medium/light with a few light. 

 

   After casting extensively with these reels I actually have no trouble with 1/8 lures 

of course I usually use 6-8lb line. 

 

   Match those reels with appropriate line and rods and you will not find them lacking. Their spools are so good you don't need to buy others. 

 

    I just seem to fish with more confidence with those on deck. 

 

I would think that the SV103 is best bang for buck. Best value. 

 

   There is a time for many that best value is superseded by the synergy of art. 

[robster80]

2 hours ago, Silas said:

I have 2 J Dreams and 2 TD Itos. I  rarely use anything larger than 1/4 oz. 

  the Dreams are a tad smoother than the Itos. 

 

 I also don't own a heavy action rod and only a couple medium/heavy. Most are medium/light with a few light. 

 

   After casting extensively with these reels I actually have no trouble with 1/8 lures 

of course I usually use 6-8lb line. 

 

   Match those reels with appropriate line and rods and you will not find them lacking. Their spools are so good you don't need to buy others. 

 

    I just seem to fish with more confidence with those on deck. 

 

I would think that the SV103 is best bang for buck. Best value. 

 

   There is a time for many that best value is superseded by the synergy of art. 

I like the way u put it Silas. Kinda why im leaning towards a j dream

[ksfishinguy]

Where are the sv103's in the $200 range right now? I'd like to pick one up.

[Silas]

Low Range, what brand finesse spool is that?  Nice looking. I might try one on my IP79. 

[Big-Bass]

The Megabass IP79 and the J-Dream seem to be the same reel.  What about the IP68 and the Dream?  The J-Dream only came in 7.9 and 6.3 so the 6.8 is a nice middle of the road do everything ratio...and the black and gold of the IP68 reel just screams to match with a Megabass rod!  I have three SV103 reels (1 H and 2 XS) that I was told to hang onto (and for one or two I may not use and keep NIB) because there were only out for a short time in the U.S. market and will hold or increase their value with time.  

[rippin-lips]

35 minutes ago, Big-Bass said:

 The J-Dream only came in 7.9 and 6.3

No, it came in 3 different gear ratios. There's a 5.3 

[Big-Bass]

9 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

No, it came in 3 different gear ratios. There's a 5.3 

Yes that is true.  I forgot about the 5.3.  Still, the IP79 and the IP68 are supposed to be identical reels aside from some cosmetic changes (red vs. gold, rubberized cork (clear) vs. rubberized cork (black), etc.) and gear ratios (7.9 vs. 6.8).  I just wonder why the J-Dream was made in 6.3 and not 6.8 if the platform for the IP and J-Dreams are the same.  Thanks! 

[rippin-lips]

That's a question nobody can answer. Two different companies put their own spin on a zillion. 

[robster80]

Found a pretty good deal on a 6.3 j dream.  Should i snag it or hold out for a 7.9?  Didnt realize the 7.9 had the longer handle which i like. I figure id use the reel for some cranking,spinnerbaits,topwater,liplesscranks,etc. will i think the 6.3 is too slow?

[Jrob78]

I've get a 6.3, it is easily one of my favorite reels to fish with and I have many. I don't have a 103 but you can't really go wrong with a J-Dream.

[robster80]

11 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

I've get a 6.3, it is easily one of my favorite reels to fish with and I have many. I don't have a 103 but you can't really go wrong with a J-Dream.

 

Awesome! What techniques do u use yours with?

[Big-Bass]

6.3 will be just fine for those applications...folks have been using that ratio with those baits for decades with no problems!

[Jrob78]

15 hours ago, robster80 said:

 

Awesome! What techniques do u use yours with?

Lipless, bladed jigs, sq bills and spinnerbaits mostly. It really shines with cast and retrieve baits because it's so smooth and fun to cast and reel.

[robster80]

43 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

Lipless, bladed jigs, sq bills and spinnerbaits mostly. It really shines with cast and retrieve baits because it's so smooth and fun to cast and reel.

Awesome. Thats pretty much what im lookin for in this reel.  Just bought it from a guy. Anxiously awaiting its arrival!