Daiwa Baitcaster Questions

[Scorpio]

I know nothing about the Daiwa Baitcasters. There seems to be numerous models in the $200-$250 range, such as the Fuego, Sol, Zillion, etc. Out of these reels, which reel would you guys recommend as the best all-around reel and why? Also, how do the Daiwa magnetic brake controls compare to the Abu STX?  Thanks.

[Pantera61]

For all around, I would have to say the Zillion.  It's the most up-to-date design wise and can be used under the widest variety of situations.  The Sol would be better for lighter applications.  The Fuego is similar in design to the classic TD Z, a reel which was in production for near 10 years, so it's proven itself.

I don't have any issues with the Revo mag brake, so I really don't have any complaints with the Daiwa mag brake.  The Shimano crew will becoming around soon.

[steezy]

I really like the Daiwa Baitcasters, my previous reels were BPS signature series with the difference being the BPS had both conventional and mag brakes and my Daiwa has only mag brakes.  It didn't take me long to adjust to the different system and now I perfer the simpler design, less parts to fail.   It also allows me to readjust the reel quickly for different tackle.  Since it has mag brakes only, I typically set the mag brake higher and set the spool tension lower (more free).  That combination lets me make a long smooth cast with almost never any birdsnest.

[J Francho]

Actually the latest generation of Daiwa Mag-Z and Mag-V braking systems are centrifugally activated magnetic brakes. Centrifugal force draws the spool hub outward, where it can be influenced by the magnets. The magnets are actually two short cylinders that surround the metal hub, concentrically. Making adjustments to the brakes alters the polarity of one of the magnets, increasing or decreasing the amount of breaking force. Mag-V is for lighter baits, Mag-Z for heavier.

The magnetic brakes on just about all other reels, including the STX, simply change the distance of the magnet to the spool. The Daiwa system is much more linear, and more effective. Some have run into issue with this system, myself included. I am one of the more brakes/low spool tension types, and perhaps this mixture just doesn't work with these reels.

That said, there is something to be said for the simplicity of typical centrifugal braking systems, especially those found in Shimano. The faster the spool, the more braking force applied. Once you find your groove, just adjust the spool tension for the weight of the bait.

[Speed Worm]

It all depends on your style. I am generally more of a finesse technique in thick cover fisherman and I need a strong reel with good drag to be able to cast light lures. For those applications there is nothing like the Revo STX. I casted the Zillion before and it feels really cheap, but some people swear by it. One thing I can say: If you need an all around reel, no matter what brand you go with, choose what fits your style the best, whether it be an STX, Zillion or Curado.

[Raul]

As usual, when it comes to choose between which one would be better between such a wide variety of very nice options  ....... I end up buying one of each, problem solved !  

[steezy]

I agree with you J Francho, more brakes less tension.  My Steez reels use the Mag-V braking system and after just 2 weeks of use I'm really starting to like the Mag-V brake.

[21farms]

i'm like raul...when there are many good options, i end up buying one of each and seeing for myself which ones work for the way i fish and which ones don't. i have a fuego and love it and will probably pick up a zillion coastal in a few months. i've also had two mag revos and, well, that's something you definitely have to try for yourself...some love it, some hate it.

j.francho's explanation of the differences in magnetic braking systems is spot on. i'd basically call daiwa's mag-V/Z "smart" brakes since they automatically adjust on the fly, applying more braking force when most needed (e.g., at the beginning of the cast when the spool is spinning at the highest RPM) and less when less is needed (e.g., at the end of the cast as the spool slows). contrast that to the revo's linear magnetic braking system which maintains the magnets at a set distance from the spool throughout the cast.

[grimlin]

The magnetic brakes on just about all other reels, including the STX, simply change the distance of the magnet to the spool. The Daiwa system is much more linear, and more effective. Some have run into issue with this system, myself included. I am one of the more brakes/low spool tension types, and perhaps this mixture just doesn't work with these reels.

That said, there is something to be said for the simplicity of typical centrifugal braking systems, especially those found in Shimano. The faster the spool, the more braking force applied. Once you find your groove, just adjust the spool tension for the weight of the bait.

Well said,That my issue right now....still trying to work out that kink.

[Micro]

For an all around reel, you cannot beat the Zillion 100HA (6.3:1).  

It palms exceptionally well.  You have a broad top to rest your thumb on.  And you can wrap your index finger around the front of the reel and the pawl cap will not touch your fingers as it sweeps back and forth.

It's the smoothest reel, regardless of prce, I've ever handled.  It's glass smooth.  So is the drag.

It casts exceptionally well.  Whatever you may have heard about it not handling light baits all that well, it will throw a 1/4 oz crank or other light bait very well.  Not as good as the Sol, but certainly as well as the Revo.  It casts heavier baits pretty much as far as you want to throw them.  

The Zillion is built like a tank.  Everything of consequence is metal.  The gears (to include the worm gear) are brass.  

The Zillion is built to last many, many, many years.  

[Chris W]

I like the Zillion best also unless you are going to be casting baits that weigh less than 1/4oz. I was a tried a true Shimano Guy have bought nothing for the last 15 years but Shimano after all of the praise the Zillions have on this and another message board I decided to pick one up about 4 weeks ago, I now have 4 of them and have retired a few Shimano's they are great reels.

[Scorpio]

Thanks to all.  Great responses!

[21farms]

by the way, you can demo up to four daiwa reels for a week for free at www.***.com and only pay $15-$20 for shipping. imagine fishing with a sol, fuego, zillion and a steez...how cool is that?