2021 Zillion SV TW, JDM vs. USDM

[Squidly]

I'm looking at getting a new Zillion soon, and can't decide between the US or JDM version. Has anyone had a chance to play with both? Are there any significant differences besides the US model having brass gears? Opinions on brass vs. aluminum gears is also appreciated. 

[fishwizzard]

4 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

  I'm actually holding off for a SLP works fancy pants version because I hate the silver color.

 What now? 

[JustJames]

https://japantackle.com/special/daiwa-21zillion9.

A Tatula look alike Zillion

 

For OP. Depends on how you use the reel I guess. You value make in Japan more or Long lasting brass gear? Can you wait until USDM widely available? If you know where to order, you can get USDM not much more but you got full warranty service from Daiwa, but it might take another 2-3 weeks to ship to you.

I ordered JDM version because I don’t want to wait any longer and my most absolute plan is to swap gear between Zillion Aluminum gear to my Alphas SV TW which is brass gear. I’d like zillion to be a brass gear because I plan to use Zillion mostly for Jig and Chatterbait, in the mean time I want Alphas SV TW to be as light as possible for general and Finesse fishing.

 

Performance wise, both Zillion and Alphas are incredible smooth. I’m not worry much about using Daiwa aluminum gear. I’ve heard about geary feel but doesn’t happen a lot like Shimano. My old Steez Ex is using Aluminum gear. I used the heck out of it, chucking big jerkbait, big top water even plan for medium size (2oz swimbait) it was still perform very good the day I sold it.

 

 

[fishwizzard]

10 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

https://japantackle.com/special/daiwa-21zillion9.

A Tatula look alike Zillion

 

That is so much nicer looking then the production reel.  

[Bandersnatch]

Don't forget the jdm is almost a half ounce lighter! 

[Squidly]

On 4/29/2021 at 4:24 PM, BaitFinesse said:

I'd order the JDM one to be a made in Japan snob and replace the gears with USM brass once/if they loose that factory butter smoothness.

That seems like a pretty solid plan, never crossed my mind to replace the aluminum gear with brass lol. 

[CrankFate]

On 4/29/2021 at 4:24 PM, BaitFinesse said:

Might have a shorter handle and thinner knobs per region preferences.  

 

I have to upgrade nearly all of my reels to 100mm handles. When the whole hand size thing became part of the election in 2016, I learned from hand size charts that were circulating on social media that, unlike I always thought, my hands are not small. Instead, my palms are actually bigger than what is normal. I then realized for the first time that it was my big clunky palms that were the problem and that they were getting in the way when it comes to these small baitcaster handles.

 

Does anyone know why they use the smaller handles? Is it for hand size?

[CrankFate]

2 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Most likely.  There is also a preference for thinner knobs too for whatever reason.

Not a fan of thinner knobs, but seriously, the one thing I think reel makers do best is the knobs. I never see any reason to change them. 

[NOC 1]

On 5/1/2021 at 3:30 PM, CrankFate said:

 

I have to upgrade nearly all of my reels to 100mm handles. When the whole hand size thing became part of the election in 2016, I learned from hand size charts that were circulating on social media that, unlike I always thought, my hands are not small. Instead, my palms are actually bigger than what is normal. I then realized for the first time that it was my big clunky palms that were the problem and that they were getting in the way when it comes to these small baitcaster handles.

 

Does anyone know why they use the smaller handles? Is it for hand size?

I would think so. The Asian folk I know seem to be smaller people in general than Americans and have smallish hands. I have smallish hands myself and prefer 80 to 90 mm handles and thinner grips and so have never replaced a JDM handle for size.

[txchaser]

Anyone have one of these and also have a Steez SV (not the CT or the A). If so, how are you feeling about the difference between the two? I've seen some posts elsewhere that suggest the zillion is a legit competitor to it, and I'm nearing the upgrade moment on a couple of reels. It'll be the morethan PE, 2021 zillion or Steez SV. I'm in no big hurry so on the latter two I'll probably stalk them until I can get 20% off somewhere. 

[Deplorable Fisherman]

On 4/29/2021 at 8:24 PM, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

https://japantackle.com/special/daiwa-21zillion9.

A Tatula look alike Zillion

 

For OP. Depends on how you use the reel I guess. You value make in Japan more or Long lasting brass gear? Can you wait until USDM widely available? If you know where to order, you can get USDM not much more but you got full warranty service from Daiwa, but it might take another 2-3 weeks to ship to you.

I ordered JDM version because I don’t want to wait any longer and my most absolute plan is to swap gear between Zillion Aluminum gear to my Alphas SV TW which is brass gear. I’d like zillion to be a brass gear because I plan to use Zillion mostly for Jig and Chatterbait, in the mean time I want Alphas SV TW to be as light as possible for general and Finesse fishing.

 

Performance wise, both Zillion and Alphas are incredible smooth. I’m not worry much about using Daiwa aluminum gear. I’ve heard about geary feel but doesn’t happen a lot like Shimano. My old Steez Ex is using Aluminum gear. I used the heck out of it, chucking big jerkbait, big top water even plan for medium size (2oz swimbait) it was still perform very good the day I sold it.

 

 

That's not a 2021 Zillion...that's the old model. Looks like a revamped Zillion 10.

[evilcatfish]

On 4/29/2021 at 8:34 PM, fishwizzard said:

 

That is so much nicer looking then the production reel.  

Unfortunately it is made in Thailand. I got all excited for this reel but at that price I’ll just get another steez

[Deplorable Fisherman]

35 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

It's the old Zillion anyways and not even the good old Zillion.

What's wrong with the Zillion 10? I have one and rank it up there with my Steez...?‍♂️