Zillion or Revo "Skeet Resse"

[WCCT]

I can't decide between these two reels.  I am pairing it on a new Kistler 7' MH LTA rod.  I know the Zillion reels are good, but does anyone out there have any feedback on the Revo?  Thanks.

[DEbassman17]

The zillion is alot better than the revo skeet reese, It is made of better componets, the revo has some graphite and plastic parts in it, The revo is a little lighter, but doesn't reel as smooth as the zillion, The zillion's swept handle is a great feature, also the brakes on the revo are cheep and pop out easily, But the zillion has externally adjustable brakes, i would deffinintley go with the zillion.

[Jake.]

The zillion is alot better than the revo skeet reese, It is made of better componets, the revo has some graphite and plastic parts in it, The revo is a little lighter, but doesn't reel as smooth as the zillion, The zillion's swept handle is a great feature, also the brakes on the revo are cheep and pop out easily, But the zillion has externally adjustable brakes, i would deffinintley go with the zillion.

Do you own both of these?

[firefightn15]

 WCCT, I do not  own either one of these, but I  do own several other Revos and am fairly familiar with them.  I own all the models except the Skeet Reese and the Premiere and highly recommend them, but at the same time realize there are other quality reels out there. I would do some on-line fact  finding on the Skeet Reese before electing to dismiss it.  Not familiar with the graphite parts of the reel.  As far as I know the frame and side plates are aluminum.  

[Micro]

The zillion is alot better than the revo skeet reese, It is made of better componets, the revo has some graphite and plastic parts in it, The revo is a little lighter, but doesn't reel as smooth as the zillion, The zillion's swept handle is a great feature, also the brakes on the revo are cheep and pop out easily, But the zillion has externally adjustable brakes, i would deffinintley go with the zillion.

Both reels have some plastic in them.  As far as which has better components, it's a toss up.  The Zillion is smooth, but the Revo is very smooth as well.  The thing about the brakes popping out - I've yet to experience that.  

As far as the Mag-Z brake goes, I'm not liking it all that much.  It seems unpredictable compared to, say, the Revo STX's mag brake.  After using my Fuegos that have the Mag-Z brake, I'm gonna say that's the weak point.  It seems to kick in hardest at the middle of the cast when I need it least.  

I'd skip the Revo SR and just buy a Revo STX.

[ww2farmer]

The zillion is alot better than the revo skeet reese, It is made of better componets, the revo has some graphite and plastic parts in it, The revo is a little lighter, but doesn't reel as smooth as the zillion, The zillion's swept handle is a great feature, also the brakes on the revo are cheep and pop out easily, But the zillion has externally adjustable brakes, i would deffinintley go with the zillion.

Both reels have some plastic in them. As far as which has better components, it's a toss up. The Zillion is smooth, but the Revo is very smooth as well. The thing about the brakes popping out - I've yet to experience that.

As far as the Mag-Z brake goes, I'm not liking it all that much. It seems unpredictable compared to, say, the Revo STX's mag brake. After using my Fuegos that have the Mag-Z brake, I'm gonna say that's the weak point. It seems to kick in hardest at the middle of the cast when I need it least.

I'd skip the Revo SR and just buy a Revo STX.

I find just the opposite to be true for me. The Daiwa magforce -z brake is the mag brake which other should strive to be. While I don't have a Zillion, I have several TD-Advantages which use the same brake, so I am only commenting on the brake aspect. I also have several Revo S's, which use the same brake as the Skeet Reese Revo, and an SX and STX whixh use Abu's mag brake. I would take Daiwa's Magforce Z ANYDAY of the week over Abu's mag. brake, and between the Centrifical Revo S (or skeet reese in this case) I would take the Magforce Z as well. I do not dislike Abu's c-brake system, just like the Daiwa better. And if you really want to know, Shimano VBS is the best of them all,c-brake/mag-brake or what ever.

[mike bat]

i dont own any revos ... i have played with all the revos execp the skeet reese ... i do however own 3 zillions soon i will own 2 more ... my olny comment on the revos is i do feel they lack refinement ... the zillion on the other hand is smoth as butter and refined ... this is just IMO ,,, but just handling a revo and a zillion it was easy to tell witch reels i would use ... i also prefer the looks and detail of the zillion ...

[Micro]

I think the Zillion is more meticulously made, too.  The reel, and most of the higher end TDs, exhibit a superior fit and finish than any other reel I've seen, whether its Abu, Shimano, Pflueger or any other.

As far as the Mag-Z brake goes, I'm still working on it.  I am not getting the distance with my Fuegos that I can get with my STXs, and I have to use more thumb, too.  Maybe I'll find its sweet spot, but right now, my opinion is that I think its an overly complex brake and so far rather a pain in the butt.  

[cart7t]

The zillion is alot better than the revo skeet reese IMO, It is made of better componets, the revo has some graphite and plastic parts in it, The revo is a little lighter, but doesn't reel as smooth as the zillion, The zillion's swept handle is a great feature, also the brakes on the revo are cheep and pop out easily, But the zillion has externally adjustable brakes, i would deffinintley go with the zillion.

Fixed the first line for you.  

I've owned and used both STX and Premere Revo's.  I've never owned a Zillion.  What I can say is this,  you're quibbling if you're making a statement about one being smoother than the other.  The SR Revo is a premere that's had bearings added along with the centrifugal braking system vs. the mag braking.  I'm not sure how much smoother one can make a reel.  You're basically picking nits.

As for the gripes.  It's no wonder Skeet went with the centrifugal braking.  Despite the fact you have to remove the side plate to change brake settings, it still works better than the externally adjustable mag braking on either the STX or the Premere.

Now, having said that,  the centrifugal braking Garcia is using on the Revo is rather cheap looking.  Those little plastic pins just aren't worthy of a reel costing as much as the Reese model..  They could've borrowed the centrifugal brake system that Pflueger uses.  While that system is heavier, it also has a more solid feel and is a time tested design.

My only other complaint with the Revo line are the handles.  Except for the STX,  the handles on the Revo line aren't any different that what they're sticking on a 5500 C3.  Not that there's anything wrong with the handle just that a reel line that's new like the Revo line is/was should've had a new handle design instead of one that's been used on most Garcia reels for many years now.  

[Steven Ladner]

The zillion, super smooth and quiet. Little pricey but its worth it.

[Chad.]

I think the Zillion is more meticulously made, too.  The reel, and most of the higher end TDs, exhibit a superior fit and finish than any other reel I've seen, whether its Abu, Shimano, Pflueger or any other.

As far as the Mag-Z brake goes, I'm still working on it.  I am not getting the distance with my Fuegos that I can get with my STXs, and I have to use more thumb, too.  Maybe I'll find its sweet spot, but right now, my opinion is that I think its an overly complex brake and so far rather a pain in the butt.  

So you don't have the zillion, well in my little time of experience with the fuego, zillion and td-a it seems to me that the fuegos brake isnt as good. Both reels can cast further I don't even have to thumb the spools some times. The only experience i have with the revo is sx is trying my fishing partners own which felt smooth refined casts well, but the zillion poops on it.

[Micro]

My only other complaint with the Revo line are the handles. Except for the STX, the handles on the Revo line aren't any different that what they're sticking on a 5500 C3. Not that there's anything wrong with the handle just that a reel line that's new like the Revo line is/was should've had a new handle design instead of one that's been used on most Garcia reels for many years now.

But they do have bearings, and the C3 does not.  The arms may look the same, but they are smoother assemblies overall.

[Micro]

I think the Zillion is more meticulously made, too. The reel, and most of the higher end TDs, exhibit a superior fit and finish than any other reel I've seen, whether its Abu, Shimano, Pflueger or any other.

As far as the Mag-Z brake goes, I'm still working on it. I am not getting the distance with my Fuegos that I can get with my STXs, and I have to use more thumb, too. Maybe I'll find its sweet spot, but right now, my opinion is that I think its an overly complex brake and so far rather a pain in the butt.

So you don't have the zillion, well in my little time of experience with the fuego, zillion and td-a it seems to me that the fuegos brake isnt as good. Both reels can cast further I don't even have to thumb the spools some times. The only experience i have with the revo is sx is trying my fishing partners own which felt smooth refined casts well, but the zillion poops on it.

If I get a bonus this year, I'm planning on buying a couple before spring.  I like the Zillion a great deal.

As far as the Fuego goes, it's a sweet, sweet reel.  It's super light, and is exceptionally well made.  The spool seems heavy, though, and may be the reason I don't get as much distance with light baits as I do with my Revos.  But I must say, within practical distances, it's a wash.  It does just fine.  I just need more time with it.  Otherwise, it's a finely made, beautiful reel.

I could easily jump ship from Abu to Daiwa.

[firefightn15]

Cart7t, you inferred that the centrifugal brakes on the Revos aren't time tested, that is, if I understood correctly.  I respect everyones opinions and comments here so please, don't take offense.  The revos centrifugal brakes have been around for a little while and I haven't heard of any one having a quality issue with them as far as durability or longevity.  Understand, I'm just trying to stay informed.

Micro, feel free...

[firefightn15]

and Micro, Please.......No mutinies ;D ;D ;D