Get the four of the same reel, or mix it up?

[DogBone_384]

On 12/14/2024 at 8:10 PM, August said:

My question is whether to just throw a zillion on all the rods, or to get different reels to fit the rod more specifically.

Do you like to change things up and ‘see what this does’? Is consistency more important?  What reel feels best in your hands?
 

I’ve tried almost every major brand reel and can say every brand has a lot to offer above $200.
 

After a lot of mixing & matching I use different brand reels for different situations/conditions.  My favorite jerkbait reel is an Abu Garcia, Diawa Tatula SV TW my #1 crankbait reel, and a Curado DC is my most used jig reel.

 

Everything, however, is subjective, sort of the Mustang/Camaro for best pony car argument. 
 

Best of luck picking out your reels.

 

 

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

48 minutes ago, WRB said:

^^^Zillion HD^^^

Tom

 

5 hours ago, T-Billy said:

If I were to start over today, I'd pick up a half dozen JDM Zillion HD's and be set for a LONG time.

Zillion HD for everything, including light baits like jerkbaits, etc? Any down sided except for the price? 

[T-Billy]

3 hours ago, August said:

 

Zillion HD for everything, including light baits like jerkbaits, etc? Any down sided except for the price? 

Nope. They're one of my longer casting reels. I'm sure there are lighter spools available for them also, should you feel the need. 

[bulldog1935]

My fourth 34-mm Daiwa was SLP Works Zillion - based on HD, and doesn't come with spool or handle, which suits me just fine.  

Here, it's two different reels - 1/8 oz (more and less) with Ray's SV spool,

 

and big weights to great distance with SV Boost (and will still cast light). 

 

Both spools above are shallow for braid.    

 

Throw in fixed-inductor super-light Roro, AMO or KKR spool, and it will cast 1/16 oz into next week.  

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

I will definitely try a couple zillion HDs, I like the idea of brass gears.

[rangerjockey]

To me. tournament fishing is just fishing. The only difference is it matters if you lose one.

Trust me no one ever said "I'd have cashed a check if I would have had a different reel".

Get what feels good to you. Mine are mostly Daiwa and Shimano with a few Lews left from 10 years or so ago.  They are all capable of handling a Bass. 

If the series your fishing offers any incentive program for a particular brand that would influence me.

[Koz]

My personal opinion is that the rod is more important than the reel.

 

Most of my reels cost between $150 - $350. I choose them based upon how they feel in my hand as well as the gear ratio, then pair them up with a rod.

 

During the course of a season I may swap up the rod/reel combos for one reason or another.

[AvoidingYardWork]

I wasted a lot of time sampling new brands as they went on sale, but recently started converting everything to the Curado 150 MGL because it just makes me smile. I have a Curado 70 mgl for jerkbaits, and a Curado k 200 in a lower gear for swim baits.  Only outlier is a Daiwa Tatula CT I snagged on sale for my frog rod and a few SLX reels that i just cant come up with a reason to get rid of.

[TimTheGearNerd]

If I were buying reels for tournament I’d get the same reel because that would help me win and have more time with line in water. 
 

I have the 20 Met and a steez. Sometimes as wind picks up or I retie a different lure on the Met, I’m more prone to having backlash. Steez doesn’t cast as far but mag breaks are just fool proof. Punchfishing on you tube has a good video & compare. Your JDM Zillion has aluminum gear vs USDM has brass gear. Maybe you like USDM zillion better, can’t say that explains everything you don’t like about the zillion. 
 

if you’re curious about what else is out there maybe try one at a time on used market when you see a good deal. Don’t like it, just sell it. 
 

I have the Bantam too. It’s heavier and for some long rods like my 894 NRX it balances way better. Seems like the Bantam should be something for you to try as well! My favorite is my 20 Met but I wouldn’t bet my entry fee on it. 

[papajoe222]

I remember a Rick Clunn video where he showed the rods on his deck. All were the same brand and length with different actions and all the reels were not only the same brand, but the same gear ratio. His reasoning was he didn't need to think about how fast or slow to turn the handle to get the speed he wanted, line recovery never changed per handle turn.

I didn't go that far when I fished tournaments, but all my reels were Daiwas and they all were the same gearing, except for my deep cranking combo.  I didn't switch to different geared reels until I retired.

[WRB]

For 30+ years most bass reels were 6.3:1 ratio and rods were 6’6”, not a lot of choices.

Tom

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

10 hours ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

If I were buying reels for tournament I’d get the same reel because that would help me win and have more time with line in water. 
 

I have the 20 Met and a steez. Sometimes as wind picks up or I retie a different lure on the Met, I’m more prone to having backlash. Steez doesn’t cast as far but mag breaks are just fool proof. Punchfishing on you tube has a good video & compare. Your JDM Zillion has aluminum gear vs USDM has brass gear. Maybe you like USDM zillion better, can’t say that explains everything you don’t like about the zillion. 
 

if you’re curious about what else is out there maybe try one at a time on used market when you see a good deal. Don’t like it, just sell it. 
 

I have the Bantam too. It’s heavier and for some long rods like my 894 NRX it balances way better. Seems like the Bantam should be something for you to try as well! My favorite is my 20 Met but I wouldn’t bet my entry fee on it. 

Thanks dude! This is probably a stupid question but what’s the difference between the 20 met and the met 100? 

[TimTheGearNerd]

On 12/18/2024 at 6:31 AM, August said:

Thanks dude! This is probably a stupid question but what’s the difference between the 20 met and the met 100? 

Appears to be just spool size