Best “Do it all” Baitcaster between $200-250

[Chris Shonefeld]

Looking for an all around baitcaster to pair with a 7’3” MH legend tournament I just got from my fiancé for Xmas. Sadly I have to wait to use it as I live in Minnesota but heading to Newton Lake (top 20 bass fishing lake) in Southern IL in April. I have Shimano SLX-DC, Daiwa tatula SV TW 103, and Lews Pro Ti reels. They’re all great but would love some input on what to pair with a “do it all” rod. I primarily bass fish and occasionally go for pike.
 

I am pretty thrifty when it comes to finding deals so feel free to throw a $300 reel on here as a suggestion if you think it’s worth the extra $$$.

 

Thanks in advance!!

[AlabamaSpothunter]

No brainer......JDM 21 Zillion SV TW for about $230 from Digitaka 

 

 

[Chris Shonefeld]

9 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

No brainer......JDM 21 Zillion SV TW for about $230 from Digitaka 

 

 

Thank you!! I’m taking a look and have never used Digitaka. Having a difficult time pulling it up. Looking for a right hand gear ratio of 7.X reel. Any chance you could link it? Would love to take a look!!

[NavyToad]

@Chris Shonefeld https://www.digitaka.com

Zillion SV TWs are pretty much out of stock. The only model that’s left is R/H 8.5.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Here ya go.....currently OOS, but I've found they re stock quite often

ZILLION SV TW 21 ZILLION SV TW 1000H RIGHT (digitaka.com)

 

Just checked Japan Lure Shop and they only have the 6.3 model in stock.   

 

 

[roadwarrior]

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/2/4969363042323

 

USD $332

[MiceNReets]

1 hour ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

No brainer......JDM 21 Zillion SV TW for about $230 from Digitaka 

 

 

I say this reel.    The ‘21 Zillion SV is a no brainer.   Or even check out the SLX DC XT.    Really awesome reel and pretty much only Shimano I have left.   Everything else is daiwa.  But that slx dc xt is no slouch.  

[Chris Shonefeld]

Thank you all!! Really appreciate it. I’ll keep an eye out for when it comes in stock.

 

dies anyone know how long that takes to get to the US?

[AlabamaSpothunter]

If I order on a Sunday night, I'll have the new reel by Weds.   

 

Digitaka doesn't play around.  

[waymont]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/2/4969363042323

 

USD $332

Not sure that's a good all around reel

[Chris Shonefeld]

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

I say this reel.    The ‘21 Zillion SV is a no brainer.   Or even check out the SLX DC XT.    Really awesome reel and pretty much only Shimano I have left.   Everything else is daiwa.  But that slx dc xt is no slouch.  

One last question, what’s the difference between the digitaka zillion and the one that’s sold in the US for $370? 

[Chris Shonefeld]

Nvm! Just found this thread. Appreciate everyone chiming in. Looks like I’ll be getting the zillion once it’s back in stock!!

[MiceNReets]

JDM has aluminum main gear and USDM is brass main gear.    I have a couple USDM ones and no jdm.   But I need to get one more so I’ll be going jdm.   
 

I think maybe the jdm handle is a touch shorter but I don’t know for fact.  

 

[Chris Shonefeld]

 

[Bass Rutten]

Daiwa Alphas sv tw 800; lighter, lower profile and cheaper than the zillion, seriously underrated reel imo

[casts_by_fly]

The zillion is a great option. I picked one up from digitaka this last year. I like shimano form factor better so the bantam is my preference (or metanium if you want lighter). You have a daiwa and a shimano. Pick which one feels better on the new rod and order that brands high end model. 

[JN94]

Curado 150 MGL is what you're looking for. I can't stand Daiwa's braking system personally but if you've used one and like it you may prefer the Zillion

[MiceNReets]

7 minutes ago, JNorman said:

Curado 150 MGL is what you're looking for. I can't stand Daiwa's braking system personally but if you've used one and like it you may prefer the Zillion

don’t get the hype on the curado 150mgl.   Had one.  Made 5 casts and hated it each cast.   Gave it away to some kid fishing.  Made his day.  
Zillion 100%.  Braking system is great. 

[JN94]

16 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

don’t get the hype on the curado 150mgl.   Had one.  Made 5 casts and hated it each cast.   Gave it away to some kid fishing.  Made his day.  
Zillion 100%.  Braking system is great. 

If you've got any more shimanos laying around you don't want I'll take them off your hands!

[FishTank]

The JDM Zillion would also be my choice.  Great reel. One of the few game changers I have seen in the past few years. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I've bought a JDM Zillion SV TW and a USDM Curado 150mgl within the last year.....fish with both of them 4-5x per week. 

 

With all due respect to the Curado because it's still a great reel, it's not even in the same league as the Zillion SV TW.  

[Chris Shonefeld]

Thinking more about this, I am going to get the 7.1 zillion when I comes in stock but would also love your input on what line to get for a “do it all” MH rod. I have quite a mix at the moment of suffix braid to FC leader and straight seaguar FC for my other rods. 

For this rod, I want to jig with it, throw top water, maybe a frog here and there, shallow to medium diving crank baits. I was thinking of getting 30lb 131 suffix to seaguar FC invisx leader 12-15lb. 
 

Was also thinking of going straight FC and doing 15-17lb to skip tying a leader.

 

I’m open to all suggestions!! Thanks again. This is such a great community. Really appreciate everyone chiming in!!

[bulldog1935]

My buddy lost his Twin Power/ Omen combo off the back of his kayak earlier in the month (it was in a rod holder, but out of sight and out of mind).  

Yesterday, I made him a pair of quick-release rod leashes with a gang of rod-end bosses.  

 

[MiceNReets]

5 hours ago, JNorman said:

If you've got any more shimanos laying around you don't want I'll take them off your hands!

Gladly.      I’ve just got a few scorpions mgls, slx dc xt (can’t pry that from my hands lol) and couple slx mgls.    You in the great white north?

[JN94]

4 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

Gladly.      I’ve just got a few scorpions mgls, slx dc xt (can’t pry that from my hands lol) and couple slx mgls.    You in the great white north?

No sir. Tennessee. I'd be interested in SLX MGLs