Daiwa Zillion

[lunkerboss923]

I've switched back and forth from Daiwa and Shimano for a while now. When the Zillion came out, I knew this would be a goal of mine. It came in the mail this Friday and I was instantly loving it. It bombs lures way past any Shimano...well maybe about as far as my Bantam. At any rate, the first cast, I almost lost my entire spool. It's extremely hard to backlash and it is a permatch for my Sierra 734. Dark Sleepers are a dream in this reel. I'm very pleased with the performance It's much smoother than my Bantam. I really didn't think I'd like the knobs but they are actually not too bad. 

 

What has your experience been with it? What are you using it for...what techniques? 

[Revival]

Which Zillion are you referring to?

[PingDawg]

I throw a zillion sv tw g on an Expride 6’10m for jerkbaits.  Superb setup 

[FrnkNsteen]

Assuming it's the Zillion SV TW G the OP is asking about, there are of LOADS of threads talking abouy how much people like this reel.

 

I have one and have never had a reel as smooth. I would buy more if I could justify it!

 

The only issue I had with it is bumping the brake knob when palming it, but addressed that issue by putting it on a rod that has a thicker handle thar keeps my finger away from it.

[casts_by_fly]

Mine is on my 7’4” falcon heavy cover jig.  It’s my big jig rod for pitching and swimming. I had it on my single hook moving bait rod last summer and fall but moved it when I got the HCJ.  Great reel for sure.  Still not decided which I prefer between the zillion and the metanium. 

[softwateronly]

1 hour ago, PingDawg said:

I throw a zillion sv tw g on an Expride 6’10m for jerkbaits.  Superb setup 

I’m doing the same thing with the jdm version. It’s a lovely feeling set up. 
 

scott

[LrgmouthShad]

Zillion is fun. It's fun. Real fun

 

Seriously though, its a nice reel that I only have one gripe with, and you already mentioned it. If my spool is 80% or less filled, with a lipless I will empty spool on a cast. Lower line capacity than I would like when using heavier line

[FishTank]

29 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

Zillion is fun. It's fun. Real fun

 

Seriously though, its a nice reel that I only have one gripe with, and you already mentioned it. If my spool is 80% or less filled, with a lipless I will empty spool on a cast. Lower line capacity than I would like when using heavier line

I never thought about it but you're right.  Probably one the reasons I got suckered in to the HD version.  Both are awesome though.  

[webertime]

I have the JDM version of the new model. Mounted it on a Brailist and it's a dream.  1/2oz footballs can be cast almost "uselessly" far with it. (Line stretch over the distance hurts hookset).

 

[PhishLI]

46 minutes ago, webertime said:

1/2oz footballs can be cast almost "uselessly" far with it.

Yeah, but what would happen if you only had 80% of the spool filled? Hmmmm??

[new2BC4bass]

5 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I would buy more if I could justify it!

 

I want one sooooo bad, but can't justify it either.  PhishLI talked me into getting too many other reels before the Zillion came out.  ?

[AlabamaSpothunter]

16 hours ago, Revival said:

Which Zillion are you referring to?

My guess is the Zillion HD given his reference to knobs.

 

I've yet to get a new Steez SV TW, but until then I'm done looking at reels besides the Zillion SV TW and Zillion TW HD for primary roles.    I'd like to see Shimano's updated option of whatever the Calais 100a I currently have is.   That's the only other general purpose/do everything great reel I'd buy, and they haven't made those for a decade plus I'd imagine.    That reel is more bombproof than any other reel I've owned by a huge margin including the new Zillions.

 

I have the JDM versions of both, outside of spinning reel applications, I'd throw literally everything in my tacklebox on one or the other.    Buzzbaits, Jerkbaits, T-Rigs, Jigs, Chatterbaits, big Swimbaits, A-Rigs, Squarebills, DD cranks, and I might be leaving out a couple of baits I've personally tried on one or the other.     After fishing both extensively, I've yet to have a casting backlash with either one.....the only way I can get them to backlash is without a bait on them and the line somehow gets pulled.    Those are the only two reels I've ever owned I could make that claim about.    The fact I never adjust a thing on either is another thing I've never had in other reels.   

 

The SV TW is my Chatterbait reel, the HD TW is my heavier bait reel until I get a Tat 300.   I hope to get one or two more of them. 

 

 

 

 

[Columbia Craw]

SV TW G is awesome but the knobs suck little green apples.

[bulldog1935]

we don need no steenkeeng knobs

[FishTank]

13 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

I'd like to see Shimano's updated option of whatever the Calais 100a I currently have is.   That's the only other general purpose/do everything great reel I'd buy, and they haven't made those for a decade plus I'd imagine.  

 

I had the 201A years ago. Fantastic reel. A guy offered me more than what I payed for it new so I sold it. I have always regretted it but I have two 2012s and the newer 70A.

 

If you are looking for an updated version of the 100A, the 70A Antares is flawless.  It can out cast any reel I have. It's buttery smooth in a way no other reel matches and it has power when you need it. 

[msgf91]

I just got a metanium shallow spool and a zillion sv tw. I saw on hedgehog studio there's a SLP works shallow spool for the zillion. I was thinking about getting it till I realized the capacity of the stock spool is similar to the metaniums. 

[lunkerboss923]

18 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I want one sooooo bad, but can't justify it either.  PhishLI talked me into getting too many other reels before the Zillion came out.  ?

You can finance one. 

[Kelvin]

I bought the JDM version of this last year.  Love the reel--that said it broke on me, had to send it to Japan and pay to have it fixed. The sideplate where the screw would go into it broke.  Full disclosure I made the reel punch above its weight with Peacock bass on live bait that typically ran 4 to 8 lbs and almost always pulled drag.  Clown knifes too that ran up to 10 lbs.  And took it into the saltwater inshore environment to catch sheepshead, snapper, snook and jacks. 

 

In other words I put the reel through its paces and pushed it way past its comfort zone.  And even though she busted on me, once I got her back she's right back on the starter list. 

 

Daiwa and their t wing line are easily my favorite reels by far. 

 

 

[waymont]

My favorite reel! The Zillion SV tw  G is great at everything.

Doesn't feel any different after fishing it really hard, still feels new.

I have both JDM and USA versions, and can't tell the difference .