Diawa JDM reel users; 22 Zillion TW HD 1000HL

[softwateronly]

I have mostly upper mid-range Shimano reels and want to try a Diawa version.  Thinking of JDM 22 Zillion TW HD 1000HL, and looking to pair it with a MB Tequila Bacarac.  I use a 18 Bantam on it now, but would move that over to a different rod.  Is this the smooth, solid frame, long casting, brass geared reel I think it is?  I would definitely be junk fishing with medium to large baits, from frogs to glides to swimmers to heavy jigs.  I usually throw braid or braid to leader, but might move away from that with this one.  Any insight appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

scott

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, softwateronly said:

I have mostly upper mid-range Shimano reels and want to try a Diawa version.

My lighter weight SB setup is an iRod Jr. Swimbait 7'8" with a 7 spd JDM Catalina TW 100, which is just the previous gen and still available Zillion HD, but with a Mag-Z brake. The "100" designation is meaningless. It holds more line than a Curado K 200.

 

I love this setup. No problem switching right over from 3 oz swimbaits to chatterbaits, jigs, big worms, or whatever's in the usable range of the rod. Unlike most swim bait rods, the Jr has a conventional handle length, so common baits are workable. The TB is similar in that respect.

 

The new Zillion G is magical. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but you'll understand if you get one. However, the non-HD model won't cut it regarding line cap when using 20lb fluoro or mono. This is where the T-wing really shines. Heavy plastic lines just fly right through with zero friction It's something you have to feel to understand.

 

The '22 HD's deeper spool should cut it if you stick with the 7spd and aren't looking to unload the spool on every cast, not that this would be easy anyway with the TB's length. By the numbers the Catalina's spool cap shouldn't be enough, but it's plenty, especially if you're not dogmatic about IPT.  I'm not, and this hasn't hurt me in any way using glides, etc. The fact that this combo is super versatile over a wide range of baits makes up for any theoretic penalty regarding retrieve rates after a long cast. I'd say it's worth a shot. You only live once.

 

[TNBankFishing]

1 hour ago, softwateronly said:

I have mostly upper mid-range Shimano reels and want to try a Diawa version.  Thinking of JDM 22 Zillion TW HD 1000HL, and looking to pair it with a MB Tequila Bacarac.  I use a 18 Bantam on it now, but would move that over to a different rod.  Is this the smooth, solid frame, long casting, brass geared reel I think it is?  I would definitely be junk fishing with medium to large baits, from frogs to glides to swimmers to heavy jigs.  I usually throw braid or braid to leader, but might move away from that with this one.  Any insight appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

scott

The JDM Zillion is not brass geared. I’d suggest the Steez HLC or Zillion HD. Those I believe have brass gears. 

[PhishLI]

19 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

The JDM Zillion is not brass geared.

The HD is brass geared with a bronze pinion.

https://www.daiwa.com/jp/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/zillion_tw_hd_22/index.html

[Bandersnatch]

12 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

The JDM Zillion is not brass geared. I’d suggest the Steez HLC or Zillion HD. Those I believe have brass gears. 

They have been making steez reels for years with aluminum. Why are you worried about brass ?

[Tatulatard]

48 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

They have been making steez reels for years with aluminum. Why are you worried about brass ?

Because many report their aluminum steez gears get buzzy after a lot of use over years.  Luckily brass gears from the zillion g drop in. Buzzy gears are still functional gears but when you drop $300+ on a reel its nice to have it feel like butter and stay that way.  Any who, the 22 zillon HD is a black zillion g with a longer handle, eva knobs, magZ boost spool and black paint.

[softwateronly]

17 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

They have been making steez reels for years with aluminum. Why are you worried about brass ?

 

I know you didn't quote me, but thought I'd chime in with my neurosis.  For me, I have more confidence in brass in terms of longevity.  It probably doesn't matter, but the added weight is also a benefit for what I know about this particular rod.

 

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

My lighter weight SB setup is an iRod Jr. Swimbait 7'8" with a 7 spd JDM Catalina TW 100, which is just the previous gen and still available Zillion HD, but with a Mag-Z brake. The "100" designation is meaningless. It holds more line than a Curado K 200.

 

I love this setup. No problem switching right over from 3 oz swimbaits to chatterbaits, jigs, big worms, or whatever's in the usable range of the rod. Unlike most swim bait rods, the Jr has a conventional handle length, so common baits are workable. The TB is similar in that respect.

 

The new Zillion G is magical. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but you'll understand if you get one. However, the non-HD model won't cut it regarding line cap when using 20lb fluoro or mono. This is where the T-wing really shines. Heavy plastic lines just fly right through with zero friction It's something you have to feel to understand.

 

The '22 HD's deeper spool should cut it if you stick with the 7spd and aren't looking to unload the spool on every cast, not that this would be easy anyway with the TB's length. By the numbers the Catalina's spool cap shouldn't be enough, but it's plenty, especially if you're not dogmatic about IPT.  I'm not, and this hasn't hurt me in any way using glides, etc. The fact that this combo is super versatile over a wide range of baits makes up for any theoretic penalty regarding retrieve rates after a long cast. I'd say it's worth a shot. You only live once.

 

 

Thanks for the insight, that's a great comp and set up .  I am not dogmatic about ipt, in fact, I fish uphill quite a bit and if I do "speed up" on the back half of the cast, it's probably a benefit.  Because of the TB's length, I do want a reel that helps me get some distance.  The Bantam is slightly above average at best, most heavier baits get out there plenty, though I wouldn't mind an easier fling to improve accuracy.  The TB is a strangely versatile and more casting distance would improve it's perceived usefulness to me in clear water.

 

scott

[Bass Rutten]

Fyi there’s a massive thread over at tt about this reel with some great info. Don’t sleep on the current zillion hd (1520) it has mag sealed bearings and holds more line and although an ounce heavier it’s a true hd reel, and it looks way cooler imo. I’ve been rocking mine on 2 different similarly spec’d (to the mb tb) swimbait rods over a year now, a daiwa 7’3” xh 1-4oz, and a custom 7’0” 1-3oz and it’s been near perfect for them, smaller and lighter would be nice but you can’t have it all. Reports are that the tw hd 1000 doesn’t feel heavy duty despite it’s name but interestingly it’s…  you guessed it, smaller and lighter. I still want one though. I’d be concerned about the line capacity for your purposes, if your bantam hasn’t left you wanting more you’ll probably be fine.
 

[PhishLI]

7 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

Fyi there’s a massive thread over at tt about this reel with some great info.

True, it's massive, but it's mostly a whole bunch of nothing until the last page in a half where just a few people actually grabbed one and have sort of used them. I've been following since it started.

7 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

Don’t sleep on the current zillion hd (1520) it has mag sealed bearings and holds more line and although an ounce heavier it’s a true hd reel

You'll get no argument from me on this one. The 36mm tall wide spool is a real plus for easy distance casting. It's a great platform. However, if our OP is neurotic about absolute smoothness, the '22 Zillion is a level higher. On par or maybe better than an out of the box Met B.

7 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

I’ve been rocking mine on 2 different similarly spec’d (to the mb tb) swimbait rods over a year now, a daiwa 7’3” xh 1-4oz, and a custom 7’0” 1-3oz and it’s been near perfect for them,

We're pretty much doing the same thing, so I get it. One of the posters over there dropped in the Catalina's Mag Z spool into their '18 Zillion HD. Have you? It's a very fast spool. Easy casting and can really bomb for super distance.

7 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

Reports are that the tw hd 1000 doesn’t feel heavy duty

Again, we're talking about 2 guys or so. I'm not sure what they mean. My standard Zillion G is rock solid. I've used far less solid feeling standard reels like a Quantum ICON PT for the same purpose on a 7'3H and they've held up just fine throwing and retrieving high resistance big billed crank down wake baits. Line cap hasn't been an issue either with 20lb Big Game mono on its 34mm spool.

7 hours ago, Bass Rutten said:

if your bantam hasn’t left you wanting more you’ll probably be fine

Agree, especially with a 7' rod. I seriously doubt he'll ever exceed a 150' cast at the most unless he's 7' tall.

[Bass Rutten]

Good points, the tt thread is the most there is to go on that I’ve found aside from owning one, it is what it is.

 

While that catalina spool swap seems interesting and I appreciate the enthusiasm to experiment and squeeze out every last drop of performance, I've yet to think "I wish I could cast just a bit further". I just can't see buying a $400 reel and then spend another $75-100(?) spool for a few extra yards? Just get closer lol (not always possible I know), if fish are so spooky that a few yards makes the difference, a lighter line should pick up those few yards and may get more bites too. Your line choice or rather diameter may be the x-factor, with heavier line like 20 or 25lb you'll probably only get about 65-70 yds onto the 1000 which would nearly half empty the reel on a typical cast.

[txchaser]

On 6/7/2022 at 9:48 PM, Tatulatard said:

Any who, the 22 zillon HD is a black zillion g with a longer handle, eva knobs, magZ boost spool and black paint.

Whoops, I just found a new frog reel I needed. That handle/knob combo is perfect.
 

 

[Tatulatard]

9 minutes ago, txchaser said:

Whoops, I just found a new frog reel I needed. That handle/knob combo is perfect.
 

 

Me too.  Just waiting on the prices on these to drop.  I want a black zillon g for jdm zillon money. 

[txchaser]

20 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Me too.  Just waiting on the prices on these to drop.  I want a black zillon g for jdm zillon money. 

Amazon.co.jp - shipped, $303. WOW.

[softwateronly]

8 hours ago, txchaser said:

Amazon.co.jp - shipped, $303. WOW.

digitaka as well.  This is the perfect bait monkey excuse for me to finally try something above a tatula.

 

scott

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, softwateronly said:

digitaka as well

$298.22

[softwateronly]

6 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

$298.22

Funny how it got back up to $385 with a silent killer, boogie back, & tiny bull shooter, d**n monkey.

 

scott

[txchaser]

Ordered from amazon japan at 11pm central Wednesday night, and the reel arrived today. Basically the same as two-day shipping in the US if it overlapped a weekend... express and regular shipping were the same price

 

Anyway, this reel is beautiful. I really like the big handle, and the metal drag star had more impact on feel than I expected. 

 

Seems like my excuses to not mess with JDM just melted away. 

 

[Tatulatard]

7 minutes ago, txchaser said:

Ordered from amazon japan at 11pm central Wednesday night, and the reel arrived today. Basically the same as two-day shipping in the US if it overlapped a weekend... express and regular shipping were the same price

 

Anyway, this reel is beautiful. I really like the big handle, and the metal drag star had more impact on feel than I expected. 

 

Seems like my excuses to not mess with JDM just melted away. 

 

That's how it happens.  Also a fan of the metal drag star.  There is just something about that metalic click.

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, txchaser said:

Anyway, this reel is beautiful. I really like the big handle, and the metal drag star had more impact on feel than I expected. 

Cool. Report back once you've frogged with it.

[txchaser]

On 6/14/2022 at 2:20 AM, PhishLI said:

Cool. Report back once you've frogged with it.

Well dangit I think like it more than the regular zillion, at least for heavier baits. Just so solid, and the handle is A+.

 

One thing that was really different was I usually run the zillion on 8-10 mag dial, and the HD felt really choked off at that setting. I think I ended up at 4. Double-checked the 'zero adjuster' and it seemed ok, but I backed it off some anyway. 

 

Oh and I was able to reasonably throw a stanley buzz-it on my frog rod without blowing up the reel. Unexpected. 

 

If I was starting over I'd probably put the HD on all my Heavy rods. 

 

[PhishLI]

5 minutes ago, txchaser said:

Just so solid, and the handle is A+.

65 lb braid?

[txchaser]

46 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

65 lb braid?

50lb vicious no-fade (0.3048). I wasn't able to spool it, so I expect you'll be fine on line capacity. 

 

[Tail Slap]

Given the choice between the two JDMs:  Zillion SV TW and the Zillion TW HD as they are the same other than spool, alum gear on the JDM SV and silver paint vs black respectively and handles (HD has the longer 100mm vs 90mm on the SV).  I would choose the HD and grab whatever 34mm spool you want for variety in cast perf.  The price difference is made up by the brass gears alone  longer handle, but add in the frankly better looking black paint, as person preference that may be.  

 

I guess you could compare the USA Zillion SV TW which has the brass gear and larger knobs but is made in Thailand vs Japan on the JDMs. I know it's not suppose to matter but people make it matter.  You would get the warranty if that adds value for you.

 

Can not see them ever offering the current 22 HD in US as it a duplicates the US SV here too closely.   The HD designation only really works comparing the JDM ver and frankly just barely.  Certainly nothing compared to my 18 Zillion TW HD 1520/36mm mag spool and 12+1with magsealed bearings. It is true HD.

 

What they may do and would make sense following past Daiwa moves is release a 2023 Zillion TW HD USM same current 21-22 frame, bronze gears, 100mm handle large knobs, magsealed bearings and the alum drag star off the Zillion Silver Wolf Sv Tw PE Spl ver (soon to be released) maybe the faster level wind as well, MagZ-B spool.  It's an easy model for them to make from the parts bin.  Ideally I would want that but with a 36mm 1520 spool like my 18 but with MagV-B tech.  In fact if they do not do it I may turn a Silver Wolf version into that sans the 36mm spool. Make a great inshore baitcaster to possibly rival the 19 morethan but that reel sure is slick smooth.

 

Throw in an a single level wind bearing and 2 knob bearings and you have the Steez level reel in most everyway.

 

[Tatulatard]

What's the casting like on the new HD?  Does it have more braking avaliable for handling heavier baits?  

[AmmoGuy]

Well, I think I may need to try one of these for frog rod. Maybe some jig duties. 

 

I usually run 7.X:1 on everything other than crankbait reels. Considering the 8 speed, but nearly 34" LPT seems pretty fast. Anyone have thoughts? 

 

Also, I wonder how the Mag-Z is at skipping jigs compared to the SV?