Zillion RH or LH

[Hot n Tot]

I recently purchased two new reels, a 50th anniversary Zillion and a Chronarch D7. While I like both reels, the Zillion is the one that I much preferred. I've considered exchanging the Chronarch for another Zillion which I can still do since I've only used it once. But there is only one more Zillion available and it is a LH retrieve. I briefly considered going LH when I purchase my RH, but decided to stay with what I've always used. Still, I think that it might be an advantage not changing hands to start retrieving buzzbaits and traps.

Also, I haven't really given the Chronarch a good workout as I only used it once. It casts pretty well with two weights engaged, but all my other current reels and Daiwa TDZs and a Steez so I'm confortable with Daiwa now. A few years ago I had all Curados and while they were great reels for the $, they were no match for the higher end Daiwas.

So, should I exchange the Chronarch for a LH Zillion? If I do, I hope I don't prefer LH retrieve and start obsoleting all my RH reels! :-/

What are your thoughts?

[Skunked in DR]

Go Lefty!!

[Big Bait Fishing]

whatever hand you use to work the rod with , retreive with the other . i can only use my right hand to work the rod so i use only left hand retreive reels , if you can use both hands , maybe you might prefer both (L and RH retreive reels !!!)

[Hot n Tot]

whatever hand you use to work the rod with , retreive with the other . i can only use my right hand to work the rod so i use only left hand retreive reels , if you can use both hands , maybe you might prefer both (L and RH retreive reels !!!)

I've always reeled with my left hand using spinning equipment, no problem. I've just never tried it with casting equipment and I don't know how I'd like it. It's kind of unconventional as the salesman even thought it was wierd when I mentioned that I was considering a LH retrieve when I bought the two reels originally. He thought it very unusual a RH person would use a LH retrieve, so I'm not at all sure how common it is around here and his reaction had me second guessing the wisdom of purchasing a LH reel.

[Raul]

For how long you 've been fishing righty reels ?

I 've been doing it for more than 20 years

Why would I bother in changing suddenly for lefty reels if I mastered the hand switching a loooong time ago ?

[K_Mac]

I think it just comes down to preference. There are many right handed folks that use LH reels, and vice versa. Some use both. The salesman who told you it was "weird" probably should find a new job or at least a different department.

If you can find a LH reel to use for a bit, you would have a much better feel for whether it will work for you. If not put a LH reel on a rod at your local tackle store to see how it feels. Good luck.

[David P]

People put far too much thought into all of this. Do whatever feels comfortable. I am right handed, but hold the rod in my left hand. I can't set the hook nearly as hard or as smoothly with my right hand. I've tried switching to LH reels and it's just too awkward.

[rubba bubba]

People put far too much thought into all of this. Do whatever feels comfortable. I am right handed, but hold the rod in my left hand. I can't set the hook nearly as hard or as smoothly with my right hand. I've tried switching to LH reels and it's just too awkward.

Note, I am not doubting you but I have to ask - is this not an issue when you fish spinning reels with a left-hand crank? I've always wondered how it could be problematic with one reel type but not the other.

i.e. setting the hook or working a lure with spinning gear - doesn't that feel awkward?

[Hot n Tot]

People put far too much thought into all of this. Do whatever feels comfortable. I am right handed, but hold the rod in my left hand. I can't set the hook nearly as hard or as smoothly with my right hand. I've tried switching to LH reels and it's just too awkward.

Note, I am not doubting you but I have to ask - is this not an issue when you fish spinning reels with a left-hand crank? I've always wondered how it could be problematic with one reel type but not the other.

i.e. setting the hook or working a lure with spinning gear - doesn't that feel awkward?

I've always assumed that reeling a casting reel with LH would be different from reeling a spinning reel. I've always imagined the cranking radius being smaller with a casting reel. Also, you hold a spinning rod in your hand differently that you grip a casting rod/reel, at least I do. Also,  I've been casting for 25-30 years and do not even consciously place the rod in my left hand to start cranking. It's just something I do without giving it a thought. I've always been real reluctant to try the non-convential LH retrieve when casting. I've never seen it done, but I know lot's of folks on here are doing it. It's not wrong, just different. On the other hand, I could not imagine using a LH spinning outfit. Maybe I'm just too old and set in my ways.  Does anyone know how most 'pros' do it?

[rubba bubba]

I've always assumed that reeling a casting reel with LH would be different from reeling a spinning reel. I've always imagined the cranking radius being smaller with a casting reel. Also, you hold a spinning rod in your hand differently that you grip a casting rod/reel, at least I do. Also, I've been casting for 25-30 years and do not even consciously place the rod in my left hand to start cranking. It's just something I do without giving it a thought. I've always been real reluctant to try the non-convential LH retrieve when casting. I've never seen it done, but I know lot's of folks on here are doing it. It's not wrong, just different. On the other hand, I could not imagine using a LH spinning outfit. Maybe I'm just too old and set in my ways. Does anyone know how most 'pros' do it?

Please don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying it's wrong, I just am trying to understand why it is uncomfortable for those who say it is.  I understand your point about holding the rod differently (spinning/casting), but like you said I don't even think about it.  I'm focused on using the same hand to work the lure, not how that hand is holding the rod.

Another way to look at it is, for those who prefer right handed casting reels, why don't they like moving the spinning crank to the right side so they use their same hand for the same things?  Again, not a right or wrong thing at all, just something I've always been curious about.

[b.Lee]

I'm not following why you are asking this question when you are the one using the reel. It is like asking people which leg should I kick the ball with or which arm do I throw this baseball with.

Am I wrong?

[rubba bubba]

Let me try again:

- there are those who hold the rod in their right hand for spinning gear, but the left for casting

- they don't want to use a LH baitcaster because it's uncomfortable for them

My question is why is it uncomfortable for a LH baitcaster, but not for a LH spinning reel?  That's all.  As for "why am I asking", I'm just curious as it doesn't seem logical to me.

[Micropterus salmoides]

Why be forced to buy a LH Zillion? Ask the shop to special order a RH Zillion or if possible get your money back and buy elsewhere.

[b.Lee]

Well, I am right hand user and I switch all my spinning gear to the right side. Again this such a broad question no is going to be able to answer it.  Per my example, do you ask someone how you kick a ball, no you just do what is comfortable to you. You will naturally do it.

[D4u2s0t]

Let me try again:

- there are those who hold the rod in their right hand for spinning gear, but the left for casting

- they don't want to use a LH baitcaster because it's uncomfortable for them

My question is why is it uncomfortable for a LH baitcaster, but not for a LH spinning reel? That's all. As for "why am I asking", I'm just curious as it doesn't seem logical to me.

I use both, and don't have a preference.