Zillion SV TW G clicking drag - why?

[jimanchower]

I guess it's kind of exciting to hear drag being pulled, and it's probably useful to the angler to know that it's happening, but the drag on my new Zillion SV TW (ZLNSVG100L) is very jerky compared to any other casting (or spinning) reel that I own. Why trade smoothness for the sound?

 

Aside from this relatively minor quibble I really, really, really like this reel.

[softwateronly]

I don't think that's a minor quibble.  Smooth drag is one of the most important things on a reel, especially one that can't back reel.  Maybe there's something wrong and you should trade in on the warranty.

 

scott

 

 

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, jimanchower said:

Why trade smoothness for the sound?

One has nothing to do with the other. The click ratchet washer might be dry, or the carbon drag washer might need a whisper of grease.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I agree one should have nothing to do with the other. Do you feel the drag doesn’t start up correctly or sticks when paying out line? Is it possible that the sound merely gives the perception of jerkiness?

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Is it possible that the sound merely gives the perception of jerkiness?

When he responds we'll know more. In the meantime, I have a JDM Daiwa Catalina TW which is just a Zillion HD with Magforce Z braking and clicking drag. If I'm running mono while using a somewhat moderate rod and catch a decent fish I hear the drag start and stop with the line's stretch and rebound. Bass rarely run out in a straight line, so this makes sense. When I'm running straight braid and a faster rod the drag sounds more consistent on short runs. It's still possible that something in his drag stack is a skosh dry, but I haven't come across that particular complaint elsewhere. My Zillion G has been on backorder since November, and it might be a thing, so we'll see. Mine will get cracked open for a look as soon as it arrives. @bulldog1935 has one now. Maybe he'll chime in.

[bulldog1935]

My Zillion, '21 SV-TW 1000XH from AP, pays a lot of drag on slot redfish.  Even a 14" redfish will take drag, just won't sleigh-ride your kayak like a mid-slot fish. 

I've never heard an audible click, though I always feel a light buzz through the lightweight ML rod. 

I would never call the drag jerky - but extremely smooth - paying drag to redfish is one of my favorite things with any rod and reel.

When you're paying drag, the spool is turning the pinion gear, which is turning the main gear, but nothing else in the main shaft or main shaft stack is turning. 

I didn't see a part that makes a drag-pay click...

 

... @PhishLI sent me a TackleTour link that shows the clicker in the main gear, which makes sense.  I like TackleTour. 

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwazillionsvtwgpg4.html

Yes, that makes total sense. 

It's not a part you want to go after and refine, unless you desire to change the drag washer composition, total clean and lube, install an aftermarket thumb-bar, etc. 

 

Since last May, I'm sure my Zillion has paid 200 yds drag.  I always set with a spring scale at 1/4 of my weakest link, which on this combo is rod max line rating - 1/4 of 12 lbs is 3 lbs., so that's my drag set.   I really like the reel and the drag - and the cost-effective rod. 

 

 

Edited January 15, 2022 by bulldog1935
thanks friend

[JustJames]

I’ve never noticed jerky problem with my JDM zillion SV TW. I don’t really care for that zillion plastic drag sound. Might be good when I fish for catfish lol.

 

[jimanchower]

When I pull drag by hand, I can feel the notches that correspond to the clicking. This is most noticeable when the drag is set lower than one would fish with. I can see, hear, and feel this jerkiness.

 

edit: this issue still exhibits itself at "real world" drag levels but is most obvious at low levels

 

edit2: the drag system itself may be fine. It feels smooth between clicks of the drag.

 

6 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I’ve never noticed jerky problem with my JDM zillion SV TW. I don’t really care for that zillion plastic drag sound. Might be good when I fish for catfish lol.

 

Would you mind trying this for me? Set drag low, feed line through T wing, and try to pull the line as slowly and smoothly as you can. Do you feel it catching at the same time that you hit a "click?"

[garroyo130]

7 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I’ve never noticed jerky problem with my JDM zillion SV TW. I don’t really care for that zillion plastic drag sound. Might be good when I fish for catfish lol.

 

 

Did they flip the A/R switch on that baitcaster or am i missing something here?

[JustJames]

2 hours ago, jimanchower said:

.

 

 

Would you mind trying this for me? Set drag low, feed line through T wing, and try to pull the line as slowly and smoothly as you can. Do you feel it catching at the same time that you hit a "click?"

Of course if you pull the line slowly, you would feel more resistance and a little jerkiness from clicking pin gilded along the groove not drag pressure . This will not happen in real world fishing, once the fish taking drag, line would get out smoothly not out and stop and out (jerky motion). This system a little bit different than spinning, where zillion sv tw using spring loaded pin to push out into groove at all time. You might be able to tame the jerkiness with a little lubricant on the clicking drag system.

 

1 hour ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Did they flip the A/R switch on that baitcaster or am i missing something here?

It is special reel ??? or I would say magic of digital world.

[bulldog1935]

even more so, at very light drag load, the load of the click between main gear and key washer is a significant portion of the total load. 

At fishing drag loads, it's insignificant. 

 

@garroyo130 tough to follow what you're asking, but A/R on the reel is full-time roller-bearing - there's no dog or switch - is that what you're asking? 

[jimanchower]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. The feel of the clicks is certainly less noticeable when drag is set to normal levels. I can definitely still feel it in the line. If you blindfolded and earmuffed me I could easily tell this reel from any of my others, but I can be convinced that in real-world situations it's insignificant. I'll just have to spend some more time on the water (like I need an excuse).

[garroyo130]

55 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

even more so, at very light drag load, the load of the click between main gear and key washer is a significant portion of the total load. 

At fishing drag loads, it's insignificant. 

 

@garroyo130 tough to follow what you're asking, but A/R on the reel is full-time roller-bearing - there's no dog or switch - is that what you're asking? 

 

Maybe its seeing it on a small screen or the banjo music that made me think it was one continuous shot of the handle being spun both directions

[iabass8]

Yes, the zillion G has an audible clicking drag. It's also on a few other reels. Personally, I hate it and remove it on my Morethans, Zillion G's and Steez A's. Remove the handle side plate and the drag compression plate, part 88 on the schematic above, has a small pin hole /w a spring loaded pin. you can remove the small pin and leave the spring in w/o issue. As for a consistent drag, dry the under side of the washer, drag washer, and top of main gear and just use a super light film of grease. make sure the layering is consistent and you'll be set. I love the zillion G JDM and US versions.