freelancer27

Thanks for the tip. Looks like a nice reel. Why is it 130 USD cheaper than a Shimano Calcutta 400D though? It seems to be a bit heavier and a bit larger in size, any other cons? Thanks!

Hi guys, I am looking for a new swimbait reel that I can use for bigger baits (2-8 oz) in Fresh and Saltwater. My attention is right now on the Shimano Calcutta 400D and the Calcutta Conquest 400. I had a chance to test the Calcutta 400D over the weekend and really liked it overall. Of course the fact that you can not adjust the brakes without unscrewing the side plates sucks a bit, though I am wondering how important that is for such bigger baits anyways. What is your thought on this, is it worth to spend 200 USD more on the Conquest? If there are other round bait casters in the 400 size that I should consider, I am totally open! Thanks for your thoughts!

I am throwing the Bass Pro Shops Qualifier in as well. Good reel and can be had cheaper. It was a good start for me !

So if I wanted to get a DC reel atm, the only option would be to go over a importer or over ebay and I assume none of the two offer any warranty...?!

Why are there no DC reels for the US domestic market?

TW only has the non DC version

Hi guys, I have laid my eyes on the 2016 Antares DC from Shimano after I have seen a couple of videos on youtube. I am wondering where one could purchase it and get some warranty with it? Do not want to shall out 600 bucks and then don't have decent warranty. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Well, if this is the case then I will gladly start saving. Though I think I have a good understanding now of what 'high end' provides. If money was not an obstacle, I would have eight 1000-USD combos a 70k bass boat with which I would fish on my private 100 acres lake, where only 10+ bass live in... THanks for your concern bud!

I have used Berkley Trilene Professional Grade Braid and I liked it but wanted to try something new. I am reading really good reviews on 832 on TW.

I think I have come to a decision! I will follow Gary's advice (from tackletrap) and get the following combo: * Reel: Daiwa Zillion SV TW * Rod: Megabass F5-72XX Diablo Spec-R * Line: 30 pound test Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green (I will attach a Fluro leader if needed) I think I am getting most what I want from this combo. Robust set up, Distance, good warranty and versatility for the set of applications that I am looking for: (Spinnerbaits, lip less crankbaits, small swimbaits - 3/8 - 1oz). What ya thinking?

I think I have come to a decision! I will follow Gary's advice (from tackletrap) and get the following combo: * Reel: Daiwa Zillion SV TW * Rod: Megabass F5-72XX Diablo Spec-R * Line: 30 pound test Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green (I will attach a Fluro leader if needed) I think I am getting most what I want from this combo. Robust set up, Distance, good warranty and versatility for the set of applications that I am looking for: (Spinnerbaits, lip less crankbaits, small swimbaits - 3/8 - 1oz). What ya thinking?

Thanks guys once again! How about something like this: * Reel: Daiwa Tatula 100 Type-R Casting Reel / Daiwa Zillion SV TW * Line: 20 pound Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green * Rod: ? Thanks! I have already enough reels, I just want to replace my BPS Qualifier.

Great response! THanks!!! I think I was not clear enough on my requirements, please let me clarify! What I meant with a 'light reel' was anything under 8.5 ounces. Great call out on the rod. I think I have to consider this part as well. I would like to stay around 7-7'3''. Is a Medium-Heavy with a medium taper more fitting for long casts than a Medium-Heavy with a (extra)fast taper, since it can 'load up' more? Thanks for the help!

Fair point! My other thread was more general on high end reels. I have rented the Steez and the Metanium from TW over the weekend and tested them. The end result of the testing is, that I will not spend 500 USD on a reel. At the same time I have realized that my BPS Qualifier reel needs to be replaced in the future (I was not that lucky as you were with my reel). Since I am a bank fisherman for most of the time, I need something were I can make some distance to get to specific places with my lure, hence the request for a good caster. It is not my intend to spam this forum, but I felt that the thread did not represent my goal (that has slightly changed over the last days to be fair) any longer

1. The pure distance to cost ratio. As I said I was able to cast just a few (5-10) feet shorter with a 100 USD BPS reel. One lure (frog) I was actually able to cast further than the Metanium. 2. Build quality was better than the BPS, but was comparable to my Lew's Team Pro Speed Also I think the line capacity might a bit limiting How are the opinions on this reel: Daiwa Tatula Hyper Long Cast JDM Casting Reel ?

I tested the Metanium over the weekend and I was super disappointed with it. Barely was better than my Bass Pro Qualifier reel. I heard that they are not really robust Sorry guys for the counter arguments. Just was on the water yesterday again and realized that I have to replace my BPS reel really soon!

Hi all, I was wondering what options of reel out there would you consider share those qualities? Price range would be to 350-400 USD. I will be using it on a MH rod (fast taper) for Spinnerbaits (3/8 oz - 3/4 oz) and smaller swimbaits (1/2 oz -1oz). Thanks!

I am looking to use the reel for spinner baits and smaller swimbaits, the ability to cast far is important. The Daiwa SV103 and the Daiwa Zillion SV TW cost the same on TW. The SV TWS is lighter and newer. Can you please help me understand why I should choose the SV103? Thanks!

Is there a consensus on if the SV TWS is worth 120 usd more than the normal TWS? thanks!

Any recommendations?

Custom build rods are a completely new territory for me. I am planning to get a new combo with a much more affordable reel and for the rod something like this: Orochi XX Casting Rod 6'10" MH Jig And Spinnerbaiting What benefits would a custom build rod give me? (I like the warranty on the Megabass, not sure if a custom builder offers such warranty). Also I think for a pure reaction bit rod (Spinnerbaits, Cranks and little swimbaits) the sensitivity of the rod is not really important. Distance, Power and weight, material quality is though!

Hi all, so, after work today I had a chance to pick my Bass Pro Extreme Rod and 4 reels to test them against each other. The reels were: * Lew's Team Pro * Daiwa Steez (old model) * Shimano Metanium * Bass Pro Qualifier I used 4 different lures (from very light to heavy) to see what differences it would make. Overall I have to admit though that I was a bit disappointed with the performance of the Steez and the Metanium. Yes, they were lighter and also much smoother but even my beat up Bass Pro Qualifier was not far off. I tweaked quite a bit to get the best result. Here is what I (roughly) measured (in meters): I think this makes it easier for me to pass on a 400 USD reel... Thoughts on that?

Fair enough!

He recommended the Daiwa Zillion SV TW. I generally like the idea. I just received the demo reels from TW. The Daiwa Steez SV and the Shimano Metanium Casting (old model). Out of the box I have to honestly say that I am not that impressed by the build quality. Both reels warble a bit at the handle. The cheaper Metanium makes actually a better impression. When I compare the Metanium with my Curado, there is no 200 USD difference to my eye in terms of build quality. Well, when I cast them I make my ultimate judgment, but what I am seeing so far, lets me honestly doubt if I should be spending 400plus USD on a reel, when a 250USD offers the same build quality.

That is for a next bonus! (Though a Hobie Pro Angler is next...)