TD Zillion: overkill for fishing mostly plastics?

[Nebraska Bassin]

First of all, sorry if this has been brought up before. I tried a search but either I didn't search for the right thing, or it hasn't been discussed much yet.

I haven't been using a baitcaster very long, but I'm already considering upgrading from my Daiwa Procaster Rojo, just to find out if the difference between a cheaper reel and a pro-level real is as great as the difference between rods is. Plus I feel like I need a better reel to match up with the G.Loomis I bought from my dad. I've been looking at a lot of options, and although I've always been a Shimano fan, the reviews seem to point to the Zillion as being the best option for a pro-level reel that wouldn't require me to sell a kidney to have the funding for. I know that the reel has a high gear ratio, and from my understanding, having a high gear ratio is like having a fast car: the speed is there when you need it, but you don't have to use it in situations that call for more moderation. Is that the right idea? I mostly throw T-rigs, but also will throw spinnerbaits, and will probably go to crankbaits when neither of those are working. I'm going to say at least 75% T-rigging, though. Is this a good choice for that type of fishing?

[WanderLust]

Shimano Curado is a great reel and cheaper than the Zillion or get the Core which around the same price and is incredible!!!

I'm sure the Zillion is sweet but Curado / Revo is cheaper. Core is supposed to be insane as well.

Demo from TW and let us know what you pick.

[Nebraska Bassin]

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Shimano Curado is a great reel and cheaper than the Zillion or get the Core which around the same price and is incredible!!!

I'm sure the Zillion is sweet but Curado / Revo is cheaper. Core is supposed to be insane as well.

Demo from TW and let us know what you pick.

I'll have to check 'em out for sure.    The Curado has gotten some good reviews, it seems like it'd be a pretty good option.  What's the difference between the 200E and 300E, besides almost $100? 

The Core looks like a sweet reel too, but it might be just a tad out of my price range.  I might have to give it a try anyway.

[islandbass]

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Shimano Curado is a great reel and cheaper than the Zillion or get the Core which around the same price and is incredible!!!

I'm sure the Zillion is sweet but Curado / Revo is cheaper. Core is supposed to be insane as well.

Demo from TW and let us know what you pick.

I'll have to check 'em out for sure. The Curado has gotten some good reviews, it seems like it'd be a pretty good option. What's the difference between the 200E and 300E, besides almost $100?

The Core looks like a sweet reel too, but it might be just a tad out of my price range. I might have to give it a try anyway.

The main differences are the reel size and gear ratio.  The 300 has a larger line capacity and lower gear ration than the 200.  For most bass fishing with the exception of tossing swimbaits, the 200 is perhaps the better choice.

[torsten329]

I have a TD Zillion Coastal as well as the normal Zillion. Both are excellent reels and are definitely great for fishing soft plastics since the high gear ratio allows you to pick up slack in your line a lot quicker. I also have a curado and in my opinion the zillion is a better reel, but again it comes down to personal preference. You can't go wrong with any of the reels these guys have mentioned though.

[Nebraska Bassin]

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I have a TD Zillion Coastal as well as the normal Zillion. Both are excellent reels and are definitely great for fishing soft plastics since the high gear ratio allows you to pick up slack in your line a lot quicker. I also have a curado and in my opinion the zillion is a better reel, but again it comes down to personal preference. You can't go wrong with any of the reels these guys have mentioned though.

Thanks for the feedback.  Getting back into differences between submodels, what's the difference between the base model Zillion and the Coastal?

[KYntucky Warmouth]

The Zillion comes in lower gear ratios

[Micro]

I have 5 Zillions and love them.  They cast great.  The drag is good and the brake is very effective.  It is built like a tank.  It's a fantastic workhorse reel.

[South FLA]

Just go all out and buy this:

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

All kidding aside I love my Zillion, I also love my Curado, JDM Core, Chronarch, and Abu Revo Skeet Reese. For T-Rigging, I really like the Core or Chronarch since in my opinion they seem smoother.  The Zillion is a great reel and you can't go wrong, but bang for the buck I think the Curado wins hands down.

[Raul]

Overkill in what aspect ?

Too expensive ?

In my arseenal my most expensive reels ( TDZ, Chronarch 100B, Chronarch SF, Alphas Itö, Liberto Pixy, Chronarch Mg ) are for worming & jigging

[Nebraskabassin]

I love my Abu Garcia Revo stx and I believe its in your price range.

[BigGame0892]

I gotta agree with South FLA here. In terms of bang for the buck, you can't beat the Curado 200e. I have a good friend that loves his Zillions as well, but he has some Shimanos too! Side-by-side I just think that Shimanos have a little smoother retrieve.

[Nebraska Bassin]

Tough call... the Curado really sounds like a great reel, and I could save quite a bit of money by going that route.  I'd like to be able to pony up a little more money and get a Core, but I'm just not sure that funding will allow that, which is why I compromised and looked at the Zillion.  Sounds like either way I couldn't go wrong, I'd just have to sink a little more money into the Zillion.

[northern basser]

I have a curado e7 and a core 50mg7.  Love both!  If you are even tempted to buy the core do it.  The price I paid for the core still scares me,  but I will never regret it.  No doubt the best reel that has ever touched my hands.  Brand new one on  one on ebay for $295 w/ $10 ship.

[new2BC4bass]

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Tough call... the Curado really sounds like a great reel, and I could save quite a bit of money by going that route. I'd like to be able to pony up a little more money and get a Core, but I'm just not sure that funding will allow that, which is why I compromised and looked at the Zillion. Sounds like either way I couldn't go wrong, I'd just have to sink a little more money into the Zillion.

I eventually will have a couple Shimanos. Lots of loyal fans. Really like what I read about them. In the meantime I am very happy with my STX and various Daiwas...including a 50th Anniversary Zillion.

Overkill is a relative term. Some guys use nothing but Steez reels. I can't afford even one much less a half dozen or so of them.

Others that could afford all Steez reels won't spend more than $80-$100 for their reels.

It's all a matter of personal preference. I enjoy using quality equipment, and have spent more than I could really afford setting myself up with some this year. However the pleasure I derive from my equipment is worth it to me. Some are just as happy with that $80 reel as long as it gets the job done. They aren't concerned if another $80 is required a few years down the road. To them the reel is simply a tool. It is more than that to me. Obviously lots of guys on fishing forums feel the same way I do.

It's just as obvious that a few sit in the other camp. It is also obvious that some want the costlier equipment, but have enough self control to stay within their budget. (I'm not one of those guys!)

Ultimately you have to decide if you will be satisfied with your decision. I would suggest that you don't decide on price alone. Try each reel if possible. For many of us that isn't possible. Buy the one that lights your fire. You won't be satisfied otherwise, and will probably wind up spending even more money to get the one you really wanted in the first place. Unless you are one of those who can stick within your budget and be satisfied.

If you are one of those guys, I've got 3 words for you: You lucky dog! ;D

[BigGame0892]

One thing you might want to think about is the cost of one reel may not be what you want to look at. Rather, if you buy a reel and you like it - how long before you can afford another one like it? Personally, I believe that sticking with the same reels (brand and model) helps you be more efficient as a fisherman.

You can usually find Curado Es on eBay for around $145 shipped. Zillions are going to be closer to $200 - $250.

[Bronzefly]

  I'd look at application first and make your selection based on this factor.  What Loomis rod are you pairing this reel with?  It sounds like you need or want one baitcaster to be very all purpose.

  You said that you would T-rig 75% of the time, but may also opt for a spinnerbait or a crankbait.  I'm not a fan of a 7:1 ratio reel for crankbaits in general, so you may want to consider getting an all purpose 6.3:1 (or close) ratio reel with not quite such a high IPT.  You won't make major sacrifices when t-rigging and it's much easier to slow down when you break out the crankbaits.

  The issue of the weight of the baits you plan to use most often hasn't been addressed either, nor the line capacity you need for your line of choice.  Some reels are better on the lighter end of the spectrum while others are better suited to heavier applications.

  It seems like with a bit more information, some of the choices you have will become more clear. 

[Nine Miler]

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Buy the one that lights your fire. You won't be satisfied otherwise, and will probably wind up spending even more money to get the one you really wanted in the first place. ;D

Best advice yet.

[TBendBassin]

curado is hard to beat.. hands down the curado IS the best reel under $200 but if your tempted..... get a core  my first core was a gift from my fiance then i went on a core binge.. i own 5 now i promise you wont regret it

[Nebraska Bassin]

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I'd look at application first and make your selection based on this factor. What Loomis rod are you pairing this reel with? It sounds like you need or want one baitcaster to be very all purpose.

You said that you would T-rig 75% of the time, but may also opt for a spinnerbait or a crankbait. I'm not a fan of a 7:1 ratio reel for crankbaits in general, so you may want to consider getting an all purpose 6.3:1 (or close) ratio reel with not quite such a high IPT. You won't make major sacrifices when t-rigging and it's much easier to slow down when you break out the crankbaits.

The issue of the weight of the baits you plan to use most often hasn't been addressed either, nor the line capacity you need for your line of choice. Some reels are better on the lighter end of the spectrum while others are better suited to heavier applications.

It seems like with a bit more information, some of the choices you have will become more clear.

The Loomis is a Bronzeback, 6'6" M/F. I'm pretty sure it's an older SMR-series Bronzeback, but I'm not positive about that. I T-rig at 1/8-1/4oz., so far I've been using 1/8oz. more, but if I start tournament fishing with my brother I'll probably be going to 1/4oz. more often since I'll probably be fishing deeper waters. Also, I forgot to mention it in my first post, but I might also be doing some drop-shotting, but I still expect to be doing a lot more Texas rigging than anything else.

I'll probably keep my Procaster, and I have a cheaper Shimano rod that I could pair it up with if I do. If I do that, I might save it for the spinnerbait/crankbait duty, but it'd be nice to have a reel that's capable of also fishing those baits on a limited basis just in case. I doubt I'll be going much heavier than 1/4 oz. I generally use 14lb. test mono, I have a spool of Sufix 40lb. Performance Braid but I'm not sure that I'm sold on it yet. Line capacity isn't a big deal, if I had to throw out a number I'd say 150 yards would be plenty.

Hope this helps... I'm just starting to really get into fishing, so there are a few things that I'm still trying to get figured out, but I do know that Texas rigging works well in a lot of situations, so it's what I have the most confidence in right now.

[roadwarrior]

I'm very happy with the Curado 200E7. I consider

this reel the "Best Buy" in the Shimano baitcasting

line-up. If you are looking for a spinning reel, I think

the CI4 is a "Best Buy", too!

8-)

[bigfruits]

IMO 7:1 is best for jigs/plastics.

i have the chronarch mg51 and the curado 201e7 and recommend both.

i hope to get a core 51 (7:1) soon. from what ive read, it sounds perfect for t-rigs. 

[Nebraska Bassin]

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IMO 7:1 is best for jigs/plastics.

i have the chronarch mg51 and the curado 201e7 and recommend both.

i hope to get a core 51 (7:1) soon. from what ive read, it sounds perfect for t-rigs.

I'm really tempted to give a Core a try.  I'll have to save up a little more for one, but if it's noticeably better than the Curado, it'd be worth it.