JDM Daiwa Zillion users

[LCG]

Hello All,

 

Hoping some members could offer some assistance. Been going back and forth between the JDM Zillion and JDM Bantam. I Have not used Daiwa since original Tatula and a Fuego about 4 years ago. I have been enjoying Shimano reels since, particularly the Curado 71 MGL due to size and performance.

 

However curiosity has peaked my interest in the 21 Zillion as an all around reel on a Rebellion MH-R rod 1/4-1oz, But I have a few questions... 

 

How does the size compare to Shimano reels ie 200 K, 150 MGL, etc? 

 

Is the location of the brake dial an issue with accidental movement?

 

How are those aluminum gears holding up vs brass? 

 

Can the zillion skip easily (not skilled enough with baitcasters, no issue with spinning)?

 

Any long term issues with the T wing or springs with the sv boost spool?

 

Is the paint holding up / showing scratches? 

 

If anyone has experience with both the 21 Zillion and the 22 Bantam, any general observations would be much appreciated. 

 

Thank you in advance. 

[FishTank]

I have the new Zillion and the old Bantam and like both but the Zillion might be the best reel I have ever used.  I have older Daiwas with the T-wing and no issues.  I also have had no issues with the brake dial. So far this reel has been flawless in every way. 

[Tatulatard]

Brake movement is only an sometime an issue if you cast while palming the reel.  Just cast normally and that won't be an issue.

[PBBrandon]

Like Fishtank said, the Zillion is flawless. I can’t find a single thing I don’t like about it. They really made sure that you won’t accidentally change the brake setting it seems. It’s a little harder to turn than typical Daiwa dials and it’s kind of tucked into the bottom of the plate. One gripe I have with my older model Tatula SV is the brake dial being so easily changed on accident. Not an issue at all with the Zillion. 
As far as the aluminum gears are concerned, they shouldn’t be an issue. Shimanos are notorious for getting geary with aluminum gears but I haven’t heard anyone complain about their JDM Zillions. The Digigear teeth I’m sure improve the durability and the .5oz weight cut is nice. If the aluminum gears go out it wouldn’t be hard to put a brass set in it and it’d still probably be cheaper than getting the US version. 
The Zillion is a small reel. Definitely smaller than the Curado 200k. Closer in size to an SLX I’d guess but I don’t have them with me currently to compare. 
The zillion doesn’t skip as well as the Tatula SV. Tatula SV is hands down the best skipping reel I’ve ever used. The SV boost is not as aggressively braked as the standard SV. I haven’t tried skipping much with the Zillion but I have noticed on regular casting it requires a little more thumb attention than the Tatula SV. The upside is that it does cast a bit further.

And unfortunately yes…the paint does scratch, and when it does, you will notice. I like shiny things and I love shiny reels. But my zillion and Chronarchs always get dinged up. it bothers me to look at the scratches at first but then you get used to them and enjoy the reel for what it’s meant to do. Be butter smooth and catch big fish

 

hope this helped and good luck with your decision. Both are fine reels

[FrnkNsteen]

I have both and I really like both, but for different reasons. FWIW though,... My Zillion is the USDM, not the JDM and my Bantam is the 2018 MGL

 

I like that the Zillion feels a little smaller and more rounded and I think it palms a little better. I have the 6 spd, have it loaded with mono, and throw crankbaits and spinnerbaits with it. I was fishing it a lot on our trip lately and was blown away at how smooth it is. I will say I bump the brakes when I palm it while casting and accidently increase the brakes. I haven't noticed issues with the finish yet, and dont really care. Not worried about a little boat rash. Skipping seems ok, but you have to bump the brakes a little more than Tat SV. TatSV still wins that area though.

 

I have my Bantam MGL on my Dobyns Champion 736cb Glass and love it for that. It is also a 6spd and I have it loaded with braid. I like the rigidity of it, and I think it enhances the sensitivity of the whole rig. Between the composite rod and the rigid frame, I can feel everything the Jackhammer is doing.

 

You absolutely cannot go wrong with either. Both palm nicely and feel good in the hand. Bantam is heavier, but I think I like the Zillion better and it is on sale more often than Shimano. Got mine on sale for $280ish for US model

[JustJames]

3 hours ago, LCG said:

Hello All,

. I have been enjoying Shimano reels since, particularly the Curado 71 MGL due to size and performance.

 

 

First of I never used 2022 Bantam but I sold old bantam MGL for JDM Zillion. To compare the two, I like Zillion better in term of smoothness and light weight. The bantam is better in term of beauty, performance and palm able comfort.

The size of Zillion is a tad smaller but pretty wide and sit high on reel seat just like 200K. 
Aluminum gear should hold up just fine for all around use and I caught plenty of big bass with the reel. For something more abusive like frog, deep crankbait, punching weed, I would use brass gear.

I have alternative for you though, if you enjoy the 70 MGL, you will much more enjoy the alphas sv tw than zillion. It can be used as all around reel better than Zillion with lighter line ~ 10-15lb FC or braid (line capacity 103 VS 105). It comes with brass gear (same gear as zillion USDM minus clicking drag). It is way cheaper. If you still want JDM Zillion you can order brass gear for ~ 60-70 bucks.

I don’t 

 

 

[Revival]

I have one JDM Zillion and several US Zillions.  Favorite reels ever.  If I had to use them for the rest of my life, I would be happy.  Love everything about them.  I hope to eventually get couple more and sell off my Tatulas.

[LCG]

56 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

I have alternative for you though, if you enjoy the 70 MGL, you will much more enjoy the alphas sv tw than zillion

I plan on keeping the Curado MGL 71 as it has been by far the most well rounded reel I have tried yet.

 

Is the Alphas SV TW that different than the Curado 71 MGL? I don't know much about that reel, but I will certainly look into it. Thanks.

 

I have been using 10lb yo Zuri hybrid a lot and it has served me pretty well so far as an all around line. I like the idea of a clicking drag, as I tend to fish on the lighter end of the spectrum. 

 

 

2 hours ago, PBBrandon said:

And unfortunately yes…the paint does scratch, and when it does, you will notice. I like shiny things and I love shiny reels.

This would seriously trigger my OCD

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, PBBrandon said:

And unfortunately yes…the paint does scratch

That's why god made reel covers?

[JustJames]

On 7/21/2022 at 6:09 PM, LCG said:

I plan on keeping the Curado MGL 71 as it has been by far the most well rounded reel I have tried yet.

 

Is the Alphas SV TW that different than the Curado 71 MGL? I don't know much about that reel, but I will certainly look into it. Thanks.

I don’t have MGL but Curado 70 used to be my favorite. I had 4 altogether fishing from Ned Rig all the way to 1oz topwater and Frog. They both are about the same size and very comfortable to palm. Some how all 4 of my Curado become buzzing/geary feel when retrieve. I replaced all x-ship bearings but that didn’t help either. Once I tried alphas sv tw, I know right away this reel would replace Curado 70. Now I have 3 Alphas SV TW and only one Curado left.

The performance wise, so far Alphas is still smooth both cast and retrieve. Distance wise Curado 70 win but Alphas is very comparable to SLX MGL both control and distance.

 

[LCG]

On 7/22/2022 at 1:15 AM, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

The performance wise, so far Alphas is still smooth both cast and retrieve. Distance wise Curado 70 win but Alphas is very comparable to SLX MGL both control and distance.

 

You peaked my interest in the aplhas... 

 

How is the Alphas SV TW with skipping? I have the SLX MGL (JDM version) as well and it has served me well, but I can't skip a baitcasters to save my life.

 

Does the aphas have a metal side plate (palming side) or plastic / Zion material?

 

 

[PhishLI]

43 minutes ago, LCG said:

How is the Alphas SV TW with skipping?

The same as the Tatula SV, which is definitely way more brake heavy than the new Zillion with SV Boost. If you're struggling, the standard SV Air Brake will help. Over time you may be able to dial it down enough to where it'll be similar to skipping with anything else. Sort of like training wheels, you won't need them eventually.

43 minutes ago, LCG said:

Does the aphas have a metal side plate (palming side) or plastic / Zion material?

Metal frame and gear side cover. Metal set plate for the bearing and magnets built into the plastic side cover proper. Functionally it's essentially all metal once locked, but your hand won't get as cold palming it in cold weather. 

[Bandersnatch]

50 minutes ago, LCG said:

 

You peaked my interest in the aplhas... 

 

How is the Alphas SV TW with skipping? I have the SLX MGL (JDM version) as well and it has served me well, but I can't skip a baitcasters to save my life.

 

Does the aphas have a metal side plate (palming side) or plastic / Zion material?

 

 

Alphas is good for skipping. Zillion boost spool isn’t great for skipping unless you’re seasoned and skipping with a faster spool 

[Basseditor]

"How are those aluminum gears holding up vs brass?"

 

You can buy brass gears if you want. Also, the "Zillion boost" spool is available if you want to put it in a different reel too.

[Tail Slap]

1 hour ago, basseditor said:

"How are those aluminum gears holding up vs brass?"

 

You can buy brass gears if you want. Also, the "Zillion boost" spool is available if you want to put it in a different reel too.

Yes $38 from Plat.  Seems like a no-brainer if at the very least as a backup.  It also gives you the ability to change gear ratios if you find the need. 

 

The boost spools are a bit rich but have already come down a bit.  There are so many other aftermarket and oem 34mm spools in about every config possible.

[JustJames]

On 7/28/2022 at 6:19 PM, LCG said:

 

You peaked my interest in the aplhas... 

 

How is the Alphas SV TW with skipping? I have the SLX MGL (JDM version) as well and it has served me well, but I can't skip a baitcasters to save my life.

 

Does the aphas have a metal side plate (palming side) or plastic / Zion material?

 

 

Skipping, yes the SV brake might help a little but still skill is better. I am not really into buying a reel just for skipping, even though I practiced with Magforce brake system. Nowadays in a good day I can skip with any Shimanos or Daiwas.

As @PhishLImentiones yes Alphas come with Aluminum side plate yet lighter and smoother than SLX MGL.

you also mentioned of clicking drag, if you go with alphas you can get either brass or aluminum gears from Zillion, thus make your alphas as cool as zillion, BUT at about the same cost of Zillion. Some might say I’m stupid, why not just get a zillion but to me reel size is more important and Alphas fit me like a glove.

Either reel you go with, you won’t be disappointed that one thing I know for sure.

And the results is super finesse reel for me, both size and the weight after swapping aluminum gear from Zillion.

 

[waymont]

Same thing happened to 3 of my Curado 70 MGL. Sold them all.

My Alphas 800 doesn't cast as far, but is a better reel as far as I'm concerned.

[LCG]

 

Thank you for all the info. Wife has approved a new reel purchase ?. The Alphas SV TW is sounding like the best fit and that I can customize to my liking. 

 

I plan on installing one of those cheap drag clickers on the brass gears. The 85mm handle will need to be replaced though. The handles on the pic of the Alphas on the scale appear to be aftermarket... May I ask what brand that is and where you got it? I like the look of the knobs and the length looks longer. 

[JustJames]

First of all, customized stuff it goes with all Daiwa lol.

You should buy reel that feel more comfortable to palm and line capacity matching the technique. The zillion is a tad too big for my liking, maybe because I use left hand reel instead of my usual right hand. I once recommended Alphas to a guy, end up I bought it from him because he like the size and feel of his 3 zillions better. To me which usually fish 8-12lb line, 800 is good enough but I still need 15lb from Zillion from time to time.

I don’t wanna have forth alphas if you end up don’t like it, lol.

Cheap drag clicker? I don’t like the one that glue bent metal washer on to main gear ($35), the other brand “sagisi” also glue pieces of plastic like the one come with zillion but cost about $60.

You only need 3 zillion parts to make it work and opt for either brass or aluminum for the cost of 60-70 plus shipping from Japan.

Handle the one I have just cheap 90mm carbon fiber to save weight. The knob is old i-shape Daiwa cork knob. Spool is Ray’s studio shallow spool to also save weight and no need for backing when use 10lb braid.

I’m in your plain as well, got money and wife approved  already to buy a reel but can’t make decision. I want alphas 800S shallow spool to replace (Ray’s spool), should I buy just spool 60-70 plus shipping or get forth Alphas, should I get another right hand zillion since I have other 34mm shallow spool ready for it and I already have 3 alphas.

[Fishydishy]

The gears are interchangeable between the alphas and  the zillion?

[JustJames]

I would say so far”yes”. I swapped mine and use them for a while now (Alphas SV TW and 2021 Zillion 1000/100G). But to be able to use clicking drag, you need zillion gear plus some other parts (metal washer, pin/spring, main shaft sleeve)

 

@LCGjust in case you are interested, I just placed an order with Plat for Zillion HD gear set and necessary parts to make clicking drag. The total come out around 7000 yens plus shipping and handling around 3000 yens.

[LCG]

Thanks for the tip. I decided to order a 95mm carbon fiber handle from a cheap overseas company and a clicking drag from the site as well. I actually prefer the cheap handle to the smaller factory one :). Still waiting for the clicking drag assembly.

 

One thing though, I have noticed that my Alphas has a slight edge to it, gear side plate on the rear portion. It catches my finger if I palm the reel a certain way. It's like the frame was not seated properly, but there doesn't appear to be any raised areas anywhere else. But everything works really well, so not sure about that. Maybe it will correct itself when I clean it in a month or two.