well, I have to choose a new reel. Zillion or Met (non DC)

[CaughtMeABiggun]

Shimano guys are gonna Shimano, but I will not buy another Metanium and going Zillion going forward. I have a Metanium 100. I unboxed my Metanium at the same time I unboxed a NOS Curado D. I couldn't tell a difference except one was smaller and the design of the side cover on the Metanium is tragic. How come I don't have to worry about my SLX XT side plate coming off but Metanium side plate can take flight? Even the old Curado D kept the side plate attached when adjusting the brakes.... 

[Darth-Baiter]

Haha. I’m 50/50 Shimano Daiwa at this point.   I like Toyota and Nissan I suppose.  

[ABU is overpriced]

11 hours ago, CaughtMeABiggun said:

Shimano guys are gonna Shimano, but I will not buy another Metanium and going Zillion going forward. I have a Metanium 100. I unboxed my Metanium at the same time I unboxed a NOS Curado D. I couldn't tell a difference except one was smaller and the design of the side cover on the Metanium is tragic. How come I don't have to worry about my SLX XT side plate coming off but Metanium side plate can take flight? Even the old Curado D kept the side plate attached when adjusting the brakes.... 

Im not too sure how exactly would that side plate come off. Its tightly fitted, no chance of opening on its own. As a matter of fact, i really like this design, and wish my daiwas had something similar.

[CaughtMeABiggun]

The Metanium side plate won't come off on it's own, but with wet hands it has a good chance of you dropping it while taking it off to adjust the brakes. There is not a reason for any reel above 100 dollars to not have a side plate that stays connected to the reel. 

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, CaughtMeABiggun said:

The Metanium side plate won't come off on its own, but with wet hands it has a good chance of you dropping it while taking it off to adjust the brakes. There is not a reason for any reel above 100 dollars to not have a side plate that stays connected to the reel. 

The design on the met is for waterproofness and strength. It’s a great design.  There’s no reason to be opening it on the water. Set it somewhere in the 3 or 4 blocks range and fine tune with the dial on the outside. 

[jigheadworm]

I have and use both Metaniums and Zillions both are great reels.I also have a Zillion hd and it is a very nice reel but the regular Zillion is better with light stuff in my observation 1/8th ounce and small worm on a regular Zillion is a breeze not so much with the Zillion hd.  

[Darth-Baiter]

I almost have to google how to get the Bantam side plate off every time.  I think the Met has the same twist off thing right?   how can it possible pop off unwanted.  its tough when it is wanted.  

[TimTheGearNerd]

@Darth-Baiter

have you got any old spools size 34mm?

 

for heavier stuff, I swap the 1016 spool for the SV. It’s fun to tinker and try that out. I had an old T3 and those had nice spools that fit well.  It might be fun for those Mexican green monsters and 1/2+ oz lures. 

 

-21 Zillion SV TW

• Steez SV TW Series

• T3 Series

• TD-Z 103/105 Models

• SS SV Series

• Ryoga 1016

 

I think getting a zillion was a good chose for what you were looking for.
 

I really like my 20 Met but it’s just not an ATV style of reel for me. It does a few jobs way way better than any other reel. I throw jerkbait on it and it can outcast anything. The feel of a shimano cast is just different. If you know what I’m talking about and you like it, there is no comparison. 

 

that tiny reel is more cozy in my hand if the technique is wrist twitching or tip up all day long. 
 

That bantam is likely super similar, just more heavy duty. 
 

 

[1984isNOW]

3 hours ago, jigheadworm said:

Zillions both are great reels.I also have a Zillion hd

How much distance do you lose from hd to zillion sv?

[Bigbox99]

3 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

How much distance do you lose from hd to zillion sv?

I have both and don't notice and difference in distance.  Both cast far and offer plenty of control on the other end.  The difference is that the SV is better with baits under 1/2 oz than the HD and the HD can handle baits up to 3 oz and large diameter stiff lines very well.  They are so close you can use both for normal bass duties and not notice a difference between the two.  If I were to buy another Zillion I would get an HD because it looks nicer.

[1984isNOW]

Alright cool, thanks for sharing your insight

 

And 100% no flagship reel should be fully that silly plain chrome, so dumb

[MiceNReets]

6 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

Alright cool, thanks for sharing your insight

 

And 100% no flagship reel should be fully that silly plain chrome, so dumb

Don’t like chrome? lol

 

[Bigbox99]

21 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

Alright cool, thanks for sharing your insight

 

And 100% no flagship reel should be fully that silly plain chrome, so dumb

The Steez is the flagship and their special limited edition versions are basically chrome.

[Darth-Baiter]

I like the chrome!! but honestly, looks/esthetics is way down the list on what and how I choose a tool.   

 

I dont need color coordination in my gear.  I barely match with clothing!!  

 

but the chrome coating isn't robust.  my first Zillion is fairly abraded from dirty boat decks in Mexico.  but again..it still sends them, so I dont care. 

[F14A-B]

There shouldn’t be any reason to need anymore than 2 brakes on a Met with the dial that can increase or decrease friction. Never needed a third and if you know your equipment you shouldn’t need to take the side plate off on the boat. As far as the Zillion HD it’s a great reel. I’d highly recommend giving one a try. I’ve bought 2 and they’re perfect for my pitch and midrange casting but do long distance good as well. This reel wasn’t designed for light weight work, hence the HD designation. Although I’ve been doing 3/8 on it. If I’m choosing between a Met or the Daiwa I’m choosing the Zil HD..

17 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I like the chrome!! but honestly, looks/esthetics is way down the list on what and how I choose a tool.   

 

I dont need color coordination in my gear.  I barely match with clothing!!  

 

but the chrome coating isn't robust.  my first Zillion is fairly abraded from dirty boat decks in Mexico.  but again..it still sends them, so I dont care. 

Right, I’ve got Daiwa reels on Loomis rods and Shimano reels on Daiwa rods.. go figure 🤣

[Bigbox99]

16 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I like the chrome!! but honestly, looks/esthetics is way down the list on what and how I choose a tool.   

 

I dont need color coordination in my gear.  I barely match with clothing!!  

 

but the chrome coating isn't robust.  my first Zillion is fairly abraded from dirty boat decks in Mexico.  but again..it still sends them, so I dont care. 

The Zillion silver paint is particularly fragile especially on the top over.  It's a removable top cover but isn't sold individually yet.  I will be getting a sticker decal set to cover a gouge on mine from the drag star of another reel.

[Eric 26]

5 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

The Zillion silver paint is particularly fragile especially on the top over.  It's a removable top cover but isn't sold individually yet.  I will be getting a sticker decal set to cover a gouge on mine from the drag star of another reel.

Would you mind sharing the website for this?

[1984isNOW]

33 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

looks/esthetics is way down the list on what and how I choose a tool.   

Hundred percent

 

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

like chrome

 

1 hour ago, Bigbox99 said:

basically chrome.

More shiny gunmetal, not quite bumper chrome like the zillion

[MiceNReets]

2 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

Hundred percent

 

 

More shiny gunmetal, not quite bumper chrome like the zillion

 

im not a fan of chrome… especially on cars :/

[Bigbox99]

50 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

Would you mind sharing the website for this?

Wanees is the brand.  I've seen them for sale on the Japanese Amazon but I'm sure other sited have them too.

 

They have a US site I just found.  I haven't compared them to Japan prices but everything US seems to be considerably more expensive 

https://wanees-usa.com/

[Standard]

On 2/15/2025 at 10:03 AM, Darth-Baiter said:

It’s here!   Got it last week but had to toss the box on the spare bed and jump on a plane for work meeting. 
 

got home, hugged kissed wife and got a good nights sleep.  Woke up , coffee and NEW Reel fondling!   
 

it looks awesome on new Orrichi X10. (First zillion in background)

 

time. to re-spool everything for Mexico bass. 
 

 

I picked up that same reel from Digitaka 2 or 3 years ago.  It quickly became my favorite.  The finish has help up really well, and I'm not too gentle with my setups.