Daiwa sv103

[bassbassontherange]

I used to be pretty active on here once upon a time, but I've been out of it for about three years. 

 

Speaking of three years ago, I purchased a couple of the non-twing sv103's prior to the sv Tatula being released around 2017. I REALLY like them and I can't even find them on Ebay to purchase anymore. I wish I would have snapped up more of them.

 

What's the most comparable Daiwa reel at this point to these? I feel like they were a superior reel to the Tatulas by a fair margin. Is there anything these days that meets that quality that's not a Steez? To give you an idea of the other reels I typically use they're mostly 16' Metaniums and Aldebarans. The SV 103's were the first Daiwas I really liked. 

 

Thanks for your input!

[Cgrinder]

Bantam MGL behaves a lot like a Daiwa. A Bantam replaced my SV103.

[bassbassontherange]

 

10 minutes ago, Cgrinder said:

Bantam MGL behaves a lot like a Daiwa. A Bantam replaced my SV103.

Thanks for the input! I was eyeing that when I saw some of the positive reactions. It sounds like a great moving/swimbait reel! I can't really see a use case for the xg version where I live and with the faster ratios I already own. I'm looking for something primarily for small squarebills like a MB Knuckle or for willow leaf 1/4 oz spinnerbaits using something like 8lb Sniper FC. I'm thinking something in the 7:1 range would be ideal. 

 

I mean... I don't really need a new reel. I'm really just a bit of an enthusiast who wishes he had a couple more 103's. I'm surprised to hear that you replaced yours with a Bantam. It seems like it's a bit more "tanky", but then I've never held one either. 

 

I'll probably end up trying one of the new Mets or Aldebarans, but if there are any other recommendations, especially on the Daiwa front that you might suggest for my use case, I'd like to hear them.

[Cgrinder]

2 minutes ago, bassbassontherange said:

 

Thanks for the input! I was eyeing that when I saw some of the positive reactions. It sounds like a great moving/swimbait reel! I can't really see a use case for the xg version where I live and with the faster ratios I already own. I'm looking for something primarily for small squarebills like a MB Knuckle or for willow leaf 1/4 oz spinnerbaits using something like 8lb Sniper FC. I'm thinking something in the 7:1 range would be ideal. 

 

I mean... I don't really need a new reel. I'm really just a bit of an enthusiast who wishes he had a couple more 103's. I'm surprised to hear that you replaced yours with a Bantam. It seems like it's a bit more "tanky", but then I've never held one either. 

 

I'll probably end up trying one of the new Mets or Aldebarans, but if there are any other recommendations, especially on the Daiwa front that you might suggest for my use case, I'd like to hear them.

For me, the ergonomics on the Bantam were the main draw; it's a very nice reel to palm and it's good on a variety of seats. However the performance is also very good. The reel is a winch and an excellent pitcher with a variety of weights. Tanky is absolutely the word; I use it to frog, flip, and punch. The new Met has a similar frame concept as the Bantam so I want to check it out as well.

 

I feel the Tatula Elite is also worth a look. I have the PF model and it's very solid, surprisingly so. Other users praise the Long Cast for its versatility. Palms great, feels good. Unfortunately if you're not into the T-wing, there's not much in the way of a production Daiwa I could recommend. The Alphas CT seems popular but I do not own one.

[bassbassontherange]

24 minutes ago, Cgrinder said:

For me, the ergonomics on the Bantam were the main draw; it's a very nice reel to palm and it's good on a variety of seats. However the performance is also very good. The reel is a winch and an excellent pitcher with a variety of weights. Tanky is absolutely the word; I use it to frog, flip, and punch. The new Met has a similar frame concept as the Bantam so I want to check it out as well.

 

I feel the Tatula Elite is also worth a look. I have the PF model and it's very solid, surprisingly so. Other users praise the Long Cast for its versatility. Palms great, feels good. Unfortunately if you're not into the T-wing, there's not much in the way of a production Daiwa I could recommend. The Alphas CT seems popular but I do not own one.

Great input, thank you! You're going to be the reason I spent a bunch of money I didn't need to, so thanks for that.

 

I used to import most of my reels via Digitaka or Japan Tackle. Most of that was under the former administration. Has there been more difficulty in getting stuff through customs lately? Any recommendations for where to buy?

[DenhamBruce]

Tranx 200... I fished one of my buddies today and it seemed every bit as solid as my SV103. Great caster too!

[Tywithay]

For 8lb with the baits you mentioned, I'd look at the Alphas CT SV 70. I paid $220 for mine from Asian Portal. Has the SV spool, made in Japan quality. They're excellent reels.

[Manifestgtr]

10 hours ago, bassbassontherange said:

 

I'll probably end up trying one of the new Mets or Aldebarans

Mets and Aldebarans make up the core of my “arsenal”. They’re as good as any reel I’ve ever owned.

[newapti5]

Look at my avatar picture, then you'll know what I think about SV103.  

 

Like others suggest, Bantam is a great reel; the one I have is definitely as solid as SV103. But its performance with lighter lures is not as good as SV103's. I don't really think there're any reels on Daiwa's current lineup that can replace SV103. They may perform like SV103, but not with the same build quality. I mean, if you open them up, most of them are using many plastic parts inside nowadays, for weight reduction I suppose. On the other hand, SV103 and other TD-Z reels are built like tanks. For example, it rivets the metal pinion-support pillars to the frame.

 

The one that could replace SV103, might be the new 2020 Metanium MGL. It uses the same frame as Bantam, a construct as solid as SV103, and I heard many good things about its castability. May give it a try next time I have some free money to throw around. 

[freelancer27]

32 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

There is the 19 Morethan PE.  It's an aluminum Steez.  Cheaper too.

There still is nothing like the SV103.  That is the legendary TD Zillion finally offered in a 103/1016 spool size.    Nothing they have made out of Malaysia is close to the TD Zillion in build quality, smoothness and reputation.  The only holding it back was the lack of 103 spool compatibility and the SV103 changed that. 

I would agree with that statement on the 19 Morethan. One just needs to put in a SV spool! From my memory of my SV103s I feel that the Morethan with an SV spool shows fairly similar characteristics. Super sturdy (under load), refined and with the ability to cast a wide spectrum of lures. 

[freelancer27]

6 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

You have the 8:1 bronze gears?

 

I have two of the 2019 Morethans in 8.6 gear ratio.