Looking for a sub 250 USD reel for frogging and pitching

[freelancer27]

Went ahead and order the SV103 and the ZIllion HD from TW. 

Will have a look and see how they feel. Just saw that I could get the Zillion HD for 315 USD shipped from TTT vs the 245 USD for the SV103.

Based on those prices, is the HD the better pick?

Thanks!

[Tim Kelly]

They're all good reels, any preference is going to be down to your own choice, you're not going to get a definitive answer from anyone. I would say that those two are quite different reels with very different spool capacities, so it should be easy to pick which one is more suitable for what you want to do with it.

[Chance_Taker4]

Ardent Apex Elite. That's the reel I use for frogging and flipping. It is smaller than most reels and the lightest reel I have ever used. I have it spooled with 40# braid and never had any issues with it.

[Big-Bass]

On 8/16/2017 at 1:03 AM, freelancer27 said:

The more I search the more I find.

I think I will make a decision between the following three reels:

*Daiwa SV103*

+ Sturdy
+ Affordable (230 USD)
+ SV spool for lighter lures
+ good line capacity
+ good (fast) gear ratio
- not officially safe for saltwater
- bit heavier

*DAIWA 15 ZILLION TW 1516 XXHL*
+ Sturdy
+ Super Fast gear ratio
+ Salt water safe
+ cool looks
+ TWS for pitching bigger braid
- only available through Japanese websites (shipping time + no local warranty)
- More expensive (270 USD)
- Unsure about the torque for big bass
- line capacity not as much (12mono /110 yards)

 

*Shimano Curado 200K*
+ seems to be sturdy enough from the first reviews
+ fast gear ratio
+ nice looks
+ decent price 
- line guide seems too small for big braided lines
- not enough reviews out there
- not available till end of september

What would you do guys?

Thanks for your help!

 

http://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/reels/sv_series/index.html

 

The SV103 does not say "freshwater only" and if you look at each model, it can be used in (M)edium freshwater and (L)ight saltwater.  They have CRBB bearings.

[Tim Kelly]

The SV103 and Zillion SV would have been a logical pair to compare. Not sure where the zillion HD came into the equation?

[freelancer27]

27 minutes ago, Tim Kelly said:

The SV103 and Zillion SV would have been a logical pair to compare. Not sure where the zillion HD came into the equation?

Yeah, fair enough. 

I just read a bit about the reels and I am not the biggest fan of the Tatula platform. Therefor the SV103 and the Zillion HD are in the final round.

What are the pros of the Zillion HD vs the SV103? So far I can see weight and line capacity.

[Tim Kelly]

Zillion HD is a tatula platform where the zillion sv is a tat ct platform as far as body shape go. 

[freelancer27]

Tested the reels a bit and I am really impressed with the SV103. Only issue could be line capacity. I bombed a 1oz lipless crank out until there was maybe 5m of line left (50# Berkley Trilene Professional Grade Braid). Which was just for testing purposes. 
I have different set ups for for lipless and 'bombing' 

Also I was impressed by the skipping ability. I am a veeery long way from calling my self a decent skipper. But I was able to skip a unconvenient lure quite a bit. 

Its a keeper!

Thanks all for your opinions and ***!

[DomQ]

On 8/13/2017 at 0:14 PM, Finnz922 said:

Popping frogs? If that is what you meant, it's just fine. One of my go-to  baits is a Spro Poppin' Frog. if you meant a popper like a Pop-R or G-Splash, I don't use braid for those and wouldn't. Not for me. I like mono for that style of baits.

 

I throw the Spro Jr. Frogs and t-rigs down to 1/8oz Tungsten + hook/plastic, Senko's, and 1/4oz jigs. I have no issues with the reel handling those. Of course your rod plays a big role in casting light baits also. I like an IROD 733, 744, 754, and 764. I only own 1 SV103XS and it is now my favorite reel.

 

Currently my lineup consists of 1 SV103XS, 5 OG Zillions, 4 Tat CT's, 1 Tat SV, 2 Fuego CT's, and 2 Alphas w/ aftermarket SV spools. I just unloaded 3 Pixies and have owned the Zillion SV, SV105, and OG Steez. The SV103XS is by far my favorite out of all the reels. The Zillion SV was ok, but I'm partial to the OG body style. The SV105 just wasn't my thing, the after market SV spools for the Alphas are much better IMO. As for the Steez, I unloaded it for a mint JDM Zillion. Wish I would have kept the Steez and bought an SV spool for it. Oh well. 

Very interested on your thoughts comparing the tatula ct vs fuago ct, If you'd have any input you'd like to share? 

[Finnz922]

5 hours ago, DomQ said:

Very interested on your thoughts comparing the tatula ct vs fuago ct, If you'd have any input you'd like to share? 

My personal opinion is that there isn't enough difference to me to justify the Tatulas anymore; CT's or Originals. The Fuego is easily as good as a caster. Now if we throw the Tat SV into the mix, that reel is head and shoulders above the CT's; Fuego and Tatula. I'm a Daiwa "Fanboy" and I don't see the T-Wing as being such a big deal good or bad. My preferred reels are still the OG Zillions. 

 

So I guess what I am saying is that for the money and what you get, I would go with the Fuego. 

[DomQ]

7 hours ago, Finnz922 said:

My personal opinion is that there isn't enough difference to me to justify the Tatulas anymore; CT's or Originals. The Fuego is easily as good as a caster. Now if we throw the Tat SV into the mix, that reel is head and shoulders above the CT's; Fuego and Tatula. I'm a Daiwa "Fanboy" and I don't see the T-Wing as being such a big deal good or bad. My preferred reels are still the OG Zillions. 

 

So I guess what I am saying is that for the money and what you get, I would go with the Fuego. 

I really appreciate your reply, its nice having guys who know the equipment well to give their opinions on the gear. Helps me and a lot of other guys here 

[Finnz922]

1 hour ago, DomQ said:

I really appreciate your reply, its nice having guys who know the equipment well to give their opinions on the gear. Helps me and a lot of other guys here 

No problem

[Bassin_Harrison]

On 8/13/2017 at 11:20 AM, MassBassin508 said:

Not sure if its SW safe but the Tatula CT is an amazing pitching/frogging reel. The 7.3:1 is what i use.

Would you think that the 7.3:1 would be better than the 8.1:1 cause you can use for more than just topwater?