Is the Zillion and the Alphas the best bang per buck reels we've ever seen in fishing?

[Columbia Craw]

All I know is my favorite reel colors are black, silver, grey and maroon.

[TimTheGearNerd]

This topic is still relevant! 
 

Zillion is still great value but if we’re talking about JDM, I can’t see how the Zillion beats out the Bantam or the scorpion DC. Both shimanos are cheaper on Digitaka. 
 

 

[FrnkNsteen]

8 hours ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

This topic is still relevant! 
 

Zillion is still great value but if we’re talking about JDM, I can’t see how the Zillion beats out the Bantam or the scorpion DC. Both shimanos are cheaper on Digitaka. 
 

 

I just looked and technically, you are right. The Zillion SV TW is currently $226, while the Bantam is $222 and the Scorpion DC is $208, but I don't consider that a significant difference.

 

As for choosing between them. No way would I choose a Scorpion DC over the Zillion. The Zillion I have is smoother than my Bantam and the Curado DC I had, and from what I have read, the smoothness of the Zillion seems to hold up better than recent Shimano offerings, but I can't say that from personal experience. I just know my Zillion is smoother right now.

 

According to specs on Digitaka, the Zillion weighs 6.2oz, while the Bantam weighs 7.8oz and the Scorpion weighs 7.9oz.

 

All are good reels, but at least in my opinion, there are still grounds for choosing the Zillion over the Bantam or Scorpion DC,... Even if they are a few dollars cheaper.

[ABU is overpriced]

12 hours ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

This topic is still relevant! 
 

Zillion is still great value but if we’re talking about JDM, I can’t see how the Zillion beats out the Bantam or the scorpion DC. Both shimanos are cheaper on Digitaka. 
 

 

It isn't, the zillion is still cheaper through amazon japan. There is also the fact that the bantam is a tank that weights half a ton, so not especially great for many applications and the scorpion dc, which i had this summer, is a very bleh reel (in my opinion that is). Literally sold it within 5-7 days of use because it felt very low end.

[Darth-Baiter]

my Zillion is on my X-bites rod.  it is my 80% rod/reel.  it is always in my hands and is quickly about to overtake my other rod in the bass-head count department.  

 

used to be drop shot, but now this Zillion is dragging in the numbers..  I have another casting reel in the shopping cart, and I'll probably put a Zillion on it.  the Zillion isn't my distance champion tho.  

[Rockhopper]

I have fished A LOT of baitcasters.  For price vs product value my perspective is the curado 151 mgl is the real for me.  The zillions are nice, don't get me wrong.  Just something about the way that 151 fits my hand.

[FrnkNsteen]

10 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

I have fished A LOT of baitcasters.  For price vs product value my perspective is the curado 151 mgl is the real for me.  The zillions are nice, don't get me wrong.  Just something about the way that 151 fits my hand.

I have to agree the Curado MGL is a nice reel for the money. I have a Curado 151 MGL and 71 MGL and like them both. The SLX MGl 71 falls right in there with them too though!!

 

As good as my Zillion???.... Hard for me to go that far, but the difference isn't huge. Kind of explains why I feel the rule of diminishing returns starts kicking in around that $150-$200 range. Going above that line starts to make you wonder if the gains in performance warrant the increase in price!

[Rockhopper]

26 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I have to agree the Curado MGL is a nice reel for the money. I have a Curado 151 MGL and 71 MGL and like them both. The SLX MGl 71 falls right in there with them too though!!

 

As good as my Zillion???.... Hard for me to go that far, but the difference isn't huge. Kind of explains why I feel the rule of diminishing returns starts kicking in around that $150-$200 range. Going above that line starts to make you wonder if the gains in performance warrant the increase in price!

Which is exactly why I no longer own any mets.  Yes, they are nicer, but the return on value doesn't warrant the price for me as an angler.  I know they can be had cheaper through jdm, and I did enjoy fishing with them.