TDZ compared to the Zillion

[Scorpio]

I recently purchased a Zillion baitcaster and think it is a great reel. I have been noticing that TDZ's can be had fairly inexpensively these days. So, I was wondering how the TDZ (with the air metal frame) compared to the Zillion reels from a performance standpoint. Thanks.

[Raul]

Same frame different animals,

1.- All domestic TDZs have Magforce V ( notice I said domestic, nowhere I said JDM versions ), Zillions have Magforce Z.

2.- TDZs have flipping/ pitching versions, Zillions don 't

3.- All domestic TDZs have a ceramic/graphite composite spool, Zillions have aluminum spools

4.- TDZs have a lower line capacity spool, Zillions have large capacity spools.

5.- TDZs are super lightweight, Zillions are heavy if compared to TDZs

6.- Most TDZs have 80 mm handle, Zillions have 90 mm handle.

7.- TDZs have a couple more bearings than Zillions.

8.- The fastest TDZ is slower than the fastest Zillion.

From the performance stand point some TDZ versions ( TDZ105H ) will make a Zillion fall on it 's knees beggin for mercy when it comes to cast light lures, other TDZ versions vs Zillion versions are pretty much even.

Even though discontinued TDZs are great reels and now they can be found relatively cheap ( used ).

[SJB1226]

To me the TD-Z 105 is simply the best reel ever made... I do love my pixys tho.. I own Zillions and TD-Z's and each have its place.. light lures=TD-Z and the zillion= heavier lures. pretty much the TD-Z's are a Lambo and the Zillions are a tank.

[llPa1nll]

Couldnt agree more I have 5 lefty TDZs enough said...

[Andy Nuyen]

TDZ all the way.  But I'm so used to fishing light reels I won't even look at anything over 7 ozs.

[fishntime]

What site does one go to, to look for the infamous TDZ reels?   8-)

[d.hark]

What site does one go to, to look for the infamous TDZ reels? 8-)

Heres a breakdown of them not sure if he has any to buy or not.

http://www.japantackle.com/Daiwa_reels/Daiwa_TDZ_right.htm

[Micro]

I don't have a TDZ.  But if its better than the Zillion, it must be a fantastic reel.

[Scorpio]

I just got to fish with a TDZ105H yesterday.  It is a super reel.  The reel I borrowed was pretty beat up, but casted and handled like a dream.  It is not as smooth as my Zillion, but that could be because it was used hard and not taken care of very well.

Raul is right on.  It is amazing for light baits.  I am going to buy one.

[SJB1226]

Ebay is a good place to look but the best place to buy from is http://www.ichibantackle.com/showmanufacturer.asp?manufactureid=92&name=DAIWA%20(TEAM%20DAIWA)

I have bought about 12 TD-Z, 5 TD-ITO's, 4 Pixys and a few presso's from them they are a GREAT dealer and ship fast! A++++++ service.

Ive also bought many ZPI MG spools from them as well.

[SJB1226]

Heres a TD-Z Type R thats really nice!! the Type R is my fav off all...its got the same tuning as a TD-ITO and you wont believe how GREAT they cast and how light they are.... its 286.00 and if it dont get sold pretty soon it will be mine lol.. buy it so i dont have too.

http://www.ichibantackle.com/showproductdetail.asp?productid=2198&name=TEAM%20DAIWA-Z%20103H%20/%20103HL%20TYPE-R%20[uSED]&manufacturename=DAIWA%20(TEAM%20DAIWA

[steezy]

If they changed the color on the TDZ it would closely resemble a steez.

[Bronzefly]

I'm a huge TD-Z fan.  Absolutely love them!  I have more or less at least one of just about every model they've made.  If I had to pick just one "all purpose" reel, it would be a TD-Z 103H, and yes, I'd pick it over the Steez.  The Zs are light weight, have a great profile, and just flat out perform.  Not to mention all the cool aftermarket stuff that can be done to take them to the next level.  The biggest downfall to the TD-Z series in stock form is the drag system.  I've found it to be weak and inconsistent.  A Carbontex drag washer upgrade is worthwhile upgrade if you decide to get one - which I highly reccomend!

The Zillions are fine reels as well, but with either a TD-Z 100M or Zillion HLC spool, a set of quality bearings, and a levelwind bearing replacing the bushing, they are amazing!  I couldn't beleive the difference in performance between the stock spool and either the Z or HLC spool...  

[SJB1226]

I'm a huge TD-Z fan. Absolutely love them! I have more or less at least one of just about every model they've made. If I had to pick just one "all purpose" reel, it would be a TD-Z 103H, and yes, I'd pick it over the Steez. The Zs are light weight, have a great profile, and just flat out perform. Not to mention all the cool aftermarket stuff that can be done to take them to the next level. The biggest downfall to the TD-Z series in stock form is the drag system. I've found it to be weak and inconsistent. A Carbontex drag washer upgrade is worthwhile upgrade if you decide to get one - which I highly reccomend!

The Zillions are fine reels as well, but with either a TD-Z 100M or Zillion HLC spool, a set of quality bearings, and a levelwind bearing replacing the bushing, they are amazing! I couldn't beleive the difference in performance between the stock spool and either the Z or HLC spool...

The HLC spool made a big difference? I have a Zillion HLC and truthfully have never casted it shes just setting in the reel case. TT said there wasnt a noticeable difference in the stock Zillion and HLC so I never used it. but heck if the spool makes a big DIFF. then ill swap spools so my HLC doesnt get boat rash. does it make the Zillion handle light lures better and add casting distance? I put ABE7 Ceramics in every reel I own before they are ever casted and I love the Zillions its just to me the spool is overly deep and weighs to much with line on it. I ended up slightly mod'ing the rotors on my Zillions to a Type R profile and it helped with light lures a good bit but the spools just to heavy. any info would be awesome..

And I totally agree with Bronzefly Ide I love my Steez rods and I like my Steez reels but I would take my TD-Z's over a steez any day. IMHO there is not a better reel ever made. the 103's would be your best all around of the TD-Z's but like Raul said the TD-Z 105 Will make the Zillion and pretty much any reel cry when it comes to light baits its only 2nd to a Daiwa Pixy. Get you a TD-Z thats in nice condition and you will be hooked.

Danny B.

[Fishing Doug]

I don't own a Zillion but have fished one a couple times and they are great. A precision tank is how I would describe it. Now with that being said, IMO, that is the only downside, they are a tank (heavy). I have 5 TD-Z's and I absolutely love them. I would describe them as a light weight precision tank. Mine are the 100's and 105's and all of them are stock, no aftermarket parts. I use a 105 for weightless Trick worms and it gets the job done. Not sure what the current market is for used TD-Z's but at one time they could be found used for around $200. If you are ok with used gear, that is a lot of reel for 2 bills....

[Raul]

The biggest downfall to the TD-Z series in stock form is the drag system. I've found it to be weak and inconsistent. A Carbontex drag washer upgrade is worthwhile upgrade if you decide to get one - which I highly reccomend!

That 's the only flaw I see in a TDZ, the drag system is not weak nor inconsistent IF it is clean, just a little moisture or lubricant contaminating the pads and it becomes weak and inconsistant ( studdering ), very touchy and finicky dry drag system, but fortunately a Carbontex drag pad upgrade and the studdering issue dissapears.

[Raul]

Forgot to add:

Wanna turn your TD Zilion into a mean casting machine ? ---> pop in a TDZ GIGAS spool and hold your underwear cuz you gonna get a surprise.  

[Bronzefly]

The HLC spool made a big difference?

It's not a "stock" HLC spool... it's an aftermarket IZE factory HLC spool, and YES it makes a HUGE difference in a Zillion all the way around - as does the GIGAS TD-Z spool.  It's incredible what those spools do to a zillion!

[The_Natural]

I'm a huge TD-Z fan. Absolutely love them! I have more or less at least one of just about every model they've made. If I had to pick just one "all purpose" reel, it would be a TD-Z 103H, and yes, I'd pick it over the Steez. The Zs are light weight, have a great profile, and just flat out perform. Not to mention all the cool aftermarket stuff that can be done to take them to the next level. The biggest downfall to the TD-Z series in stock form is the drag system. I've found it to be weak and inconsistent. A Carbontex drag washer upgrade is worthwhile upgrade if you decide to get one - which I highly reccomend!

The Zillions are fine reels as well, but with either a TD-Z 100M or Zillion HLC spool, a set of quality bearings, and a levelwind bearing replacing the bushing, they are amazing! I couldn't beleive the difference in performance between the stock spool and either the Z or HLC spool...

I agree with you on everything but the HLC spool. The HLC spool holds too much line and has a mag Z rotor. I spent $320 on Tdz 100m spools to get my Anniversary Zillions up to par. I hate mag Z! I am, however, a huge TD-Z homer. The TD-Z reminds me of the 1995

Acura NSX my buddy has. Old...but still competes in style AND performance with today's machines.  

[Scottypee]

I have a TD-Z 103HL and I am wanting to do the Carbonex drag upgrade, but I am unsure of the kit needed to do so. Can anybody help me on this?

[J Francho]

I have a TD-Z 103HL and I am wanting to do the Carbonex drag upgrade, but I am unsure of the kit needed to do so. Can anybody help me on this?

Set #1.  To be sure, just call Smooth Drags, and tell Dawn what you want to upgrade.

[Redlinerobert]

Agreed on the TDZ Being an awesome reel.  I think it compares more to the Steez than a Zillion to be honest.  I was lucky enough to pick up a few when they were on close out for $199 a couple years back.

With an upgraded drag and 90mm Bassart carbon handles, these reels are awesome!

[Scottypee]

Awesome, thanks for the help.