Shimano Bantam vs Curado vs Misc Diawa

[Cody28]

I am looking for a new reel for a 7'11" Heavy that I both flip with and throw A rigs with once the grass dies back. Up until this point I have always gravitated towards Lew's for budget gear and Diawa when spending more because the Curados and SLXs I have had absolutely do not feel good in hand. This has led me to never gamble on their higher end gear. I know I am in the minority, but these reels are not comfortable to me. However, for the applications I want to throw it seems like the new Bantam would be perfect. I am just worried it will not be comfortable like my other Shimanos have felt and no store near me has them in stock. Does the Bantam palm anything like the Curado? I believe the biggest issue for me is how high off the rod the reel sits, leaving more of a gap than my other reels do. Or alternatively, is there any Diawa reel that you feel does a good job at meeting my needs? Any advice would be great, thanks. 

[JustJames]

Nope if Curado and SLX is not comfortable for you,  they might be either too small and too narrow, for those big hand or long fingers.     The bantam gonna feel pretty close to SLX.
If I were you I would go to store mount the reel on a rod and try to hold the way you fish. Daiwa Tatula 100 is wider than SLX or Fuego CT bigger and longer than Tatula 100

[Cody28]

3 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

Nope if Curado and SLX is not comfortable for you,  they might be either too small and too narrow, for those big hand or long fingers.     The bantam gonna feel pretty close to SLX.
If I were you I would go to store mount the reel on a rod and try to hold the way you fish. Daiwa Tatula 100 is wider than SLX or Fuego CT bigger and longer than Tatula 100

I wish I could. No where within 100 miles has one in stock. The curado bugs me more than the SLX. I don't necessarily think its a width issue, I believe they just sit higher or maybe they are just taller frames even though they may be more narrow. Thanks for the input.  

[JustJames]

Which Curado? The SLX sit pretty low on reel seat and not tall at all. I don’t have a lot of reel but might be able to compare them for you, but first we need to know why you are not comfortable with SLX. I know guys that don’t like Alphas SV TW because smaller size and sit lower than Zillion. Some also prefer Curado 70 than sit lower than 50e. 

[scbassin]

With out a doubt the reel you need for what you want to use it for is the 22 Bantam. I have 3 of the XG models that I Frog & Toads with in heavy cover. With a 6 power rod when I get a good hook set that fish is coming to the boat. You use to be able to get a plastic shim to put on the reel seat if the reel set to low for you. At the present Digitaka has a excellent price on that reel.

[FrnkNsteen]

If you are talking about the newer Curado K 200,... I agree. I don't have one because they always felt big and heavy when I held them.

 

I have the following setups to compare

 

SLX MGL on a Dobyns Sierra 682C for poppers

SLX on Champion 705cb with DT10

Curado MGL on Champion 704cb small cranks and jerks

18 Bantam MGL on Champ 736cb glass for bladed jigs

 

SLX MGL feels smallest and lightest

Curado MGL is close, but a hair wider and longer then SLX MGL and feels a bit heavier.

SLX and Bantam feel about the same size in hand when palming. Id have a hard time telling the difference shapewise if Bantam wasn't smooth and SLX rougher satin finish. Bantam is a bit heavier, but balances nice on the 736cb glass and is rigid and SMOOTH. Close comparison on shape but not on fishing enjoyment!!

 

I REALLY like all of them for what I use them for, and for the record I am more of a Daiwa guy,..but I like what I like! Shimanos are my ling casters and I use a lot of Daiwa for closer in work.

[FishTank]

I have a Curado K and a DC.  The K is not the best for flipping but the DC is pretty good. In the Shimano line up, I like the Metanium the best for jigs but I dont know about the A-rig.  In Daiwa's line up. I just received the Zillion HD and out their reels, I think this would suit the OP's purpose the best. It's small, powerful, has a bigger spool, and it's really smooth.  

[T-Billy]

Why not stick with Lew's? My super Duty G's are holding up great, and all they see is heavy duty work. The oldest is on it's 5th season and the newest of three on it's 3rd. They cast far, have great line capacity, and the LFS frame is very comfortable IMO. They just upgraded them recently with the P2 pinion support, making an already durable and great performing reel even better. Flippin and A rigs are exactly the kind of bassin they were designed for.

[DaveT63]

Just sent you a PM.

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, T-Billy said:

Why not stick with Lew's? My super Duty G's are holding up great, and all they see is heavy duty work. The oldest is on it's 5th season and the newest of three on it's 3rd. They cast far, have great line capacity, and the LFS frame is very comfortable IMO. They just upgraded them recently with the P2 pinion support, making an already durable and great performing reel even better. Flippin and A rigs are exactly the kind of bassin they were designed for.

I agree.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Never held the new Bantam, but the Met 20s and Bantam 18s sit higher off the reel seat then SLX and Curado because of the frame design.  I would suggest finding a Bantam 18 if possible and seeing how it fits in hand.

[softwateronly]

The Zillion HD, 20 Met, and 18 Bantam (all jdm) are by far my favorite reels and most expensive reels.  I think the Met would be too light to balance for me, so I'd lean toward the zillion or new bantam.  But if you're happy with Lew's why change.  Comfort in hand is really important to me as well and you know the lew's feels right.

 

scott

[zpelletier]

23 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

Which Curado? The SLX sit pretty low on reel seat and not tall at all. I don’t have a lot of reel but might be able to compare them for you, but first we need to know why you are not comfortable with SLX. I know guys that don’t like Alphas SV TW because smaller size and sit lower than Zillion. Some also prefer Curado 70 than sit lower than 50e. 

How does the Alphas compare the the SLX in terms of size? I was thinking of picking up the Alphas 800 to use for chatterbaits, I’ve used an slx and I like the size. 

[JustJames]

It feel much closer to Curado 70 which sit pretty low on reel seat. It would feel clamp in some what larger hands but also depends on reel seat. All in all if you like SLX I can’t imagine you don’t like Alphas, unless if SLX is on the border of being too small and if you palm the reel with 4 fingers in front of trigger then Zillion might be a better choice.

I will have compare picture with SLX if you want.

[JustJames]

@zpelletierhere picture compare SLX and Alphas, very similar size wise. To me though SLX 150 is better for line capacity. Alphas line capacity is about the same as SLX 70.

 

compare to zillion my chatterbait/jig reel. Bigger body and sit higher might help for more secure palming.

[RDB]

With high dollar demand and the Yen taking a dump relative to the dollar, there hasn’t been a better time to purchase JDM.  You can get higher end JDM reels and not spend a lot more than “budget” USDM reels today.  Thank the dollar as the world reserve currency for some pretty sweet deals during these globally difficult times.

[zpelletier]

20 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

compare to zillion my chatterbait/jig reel

The JDM Zillion HD? That would be my ideal choice, but it’s a good bit more. The alphas seemed like it would be a step up from an slx, but I guess that doesn’t matter if line capacity is going to be an issue

[Cody28]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Just some more insight, I have had the Curado 200k, Curado 70, SLX, and SLX mgl. None have felt right to me so maybe I should just stick to Diawa based on your suggestions. The bantam just seems like the reel for the job which is unfortunate. 

The zillion sv tw g is my favorite reel I own for both comfort and performance. The tatula elite and elite p/f are up there as well. These two and a lot of other recommended reels being about 100 sized, I just worry they’re not up to the task for a rigs or winching out of the thick stuff. If I throw line capacity to the wind, I would probably buy another zillion sv or P/F as it is up to the task of winching and has a nice power knob handle. Has anyone put their zillion through the harsh test of flipping heavy stuff? Maybe I am just overthinking the line capacity aspect?  
 

As for people recommending Lew’s options I did give the super duty some real consideration, but ultimately it’s a high end rod so I want to put a high dollar reel on it. Totally dumb I know, but thats just how my brain operates.

[DaveT63]

Have you considered the new Zillion TW HD?  You can pick it up from Digitaka for under $300 right now.  That reel should be fine for what you want to use it for.

[FrnkNsteen]

14 hours ago, Cody28 said:

Has anyone put their zillion through the harsh test of flipping heavy stuff? Maybe I am just overthinking the line capacity aspect?  
 

As for people recommending Lew’s options I did give the super duty some real consideration, but ultimately it’s a high end rod so I want to put a high dollar reel on it. Totally dumb I know, but thats just how my brain operates.

I understand you liking the Zillion. It's one of my favorites at the moment too.

 

I typically don't equate line capacity as an issue when flipping and pitching since neither uses much line. I think the Zillion would be fine for either, though I understand your thoughts on the Bantam being a good choice for the heavy stuff due to its rigid design.

 

As for your thoughts on having to put a high dollar reel on a high dollar rod,... I understand what you're saying, but my suggestion would be to not put too much emphasis on that, and here's why I say that..

 

When I bought my Zillion SV, I brought it home thinking I was going to put it on a Dobyns Champion crankbait rod. I put it on there and didn't like the feel and balance. Tried a bunch of other reels and decided my cheaper SLX felt the best. I've thrown that setup all day multiple times and am happy with it. The Zillion ended up on a different rod that balances well. To be honest,... I think I currently have it on a Fury 733 throwing spinnerbaits and I love it.

 

Go with what feels right in your hand!!!

[Cody28]

4 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I understand you liking the Zillion. It's one of my favorites at the moment too.

 

I typically don't equate line capacity as an issue when flipping and pitching since neither uses much line. I think the Zillion would be fine for either, though I understand your thoughts on the Bantam being a good choice for the heavy stuff due to its rigid design.

 

As for your thoughts on having to put a high dollar reel on a high dollar rod,... I understand what you're saying, but my suggestion would be to not put too much emphasis on that, and here's why I say that..

 

When I bought my Zillion SV, I brought it home thinking I was going to put it on a Dobyns Champion crankbait rod. I put it on there and didn't like the feel and balance. Tried a bunch of other reels and decided my cheaper SLX felt the best. I've thrown that setup all day multiple times and am happy with it. The Zillion ended up on a different rod that balances well. To be honest,... I think I currently have it on a Fury 733 throwing spinnerbaits and I love it.

 

Go with what feels right in your hand!!!

I’m more so concerned with line capacity for when I use it for A rigs, which even that I’m not too sure really matters as much as we think it does ??‍♂️

7 hours ago, DaveT63 said:

Have you considered the new Zillion TW HD?  You can pick it up from Digitaka for under $300 right now.  That reel should be fine for what you want to use it for.

Does that one have brass or aluminum gears? Doesn’t normally concern me but with it being for heavy applications I’m a little worried. Also never ordered JDM in general but I’ll check it out. 

[FrnkNsteen]

9 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

I’m more so concerned with line capacity for when I use it for A rigs, which even that I’m not too sure really matters as much as we think it does ??‍♂️

Does that one have brass or aluminum gears? Doesn’t normally concern me but with it being for heavy applications I’m a little worried. Also never ordered JDM in general but I’ll check it out. 

That makes sense the,.. If that is the case I think I would recommend the HD as well, and yes,... I believe it does have brass gears.

[txchaser]

2 hours ago, Cody28 said:

6 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I’m more so concerned with line capacity for when I use it for A rigs, which even that I’m not too sure really matters as much as we think it does ??‍♂️

 

[Cody28]

3 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

That makes sense the,.. If that is the case I think I would recommend the HD as well, and yes,... I believe it does have brass gears.

I pulled the trigger and bought one off Digitaka! I’m in no rush but just curious, are they decent about shipping times? Or does it take forever being an import? 

[Revival]

43 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

I pulled the trigger and bought one off Digitaka! I’m in no rush but just curious, are they decent about shipping times? Or does it take forever being an import? 

Super quick!  Have ordered from Digitaka multiple times and from Japan to my house takes about 3-4 days.  Can’t beat that!