freelancer27

How does it look powerwise? So far I am hearing that the rod does not have enough power. In your YT review you mentioned that you were throwing frogs. What size, what cover? Thanks!

If you get this rod on a sale, it is really quality rod. I originally bought mine for 3/4oz jigs to learn quickly that the rod was not powerful enough for that kind of heavy lure. The rod has a nice sensitivity to it, quality materials (blank, guides and cork) and has a timeless design. I have been using the rod as my 1/2 -3/4oz Spinnerbait and Chatterbait rod and it is great for that, the softer tip provides enough 'give' and the backbone is there when you need it.

I have not used it around docks. For these activities i use a NRX 804c. I prefer a bit more power for dock fishing to get the fish out asap. The nrx852c casts and skips nicely too and has quite abit of power. Caught multiple 5s with it.

Hi guys, though it will be quite a while till the frog bite (even here in Cali) will turn on again, I am considering taking advantage of the BF sales and get me a frog rod that I can use in the kayak when the longer rod, Steez XBD, is just too long to comfortably walk the frog and get it into the tight pockets. Hence I am looking for a rod that should be under 6'11, should have enough backbone to fish the delta and a fast enough tip to walk a frog. Balance is important as well (considering using it with either a Morethan or a 2021 Antares DC). Would like to stay under the 400USD range (but open if there is THE rod that fits my criteria). Currently I have the NRX 804c and the P5 Super Destroyer that could fit the bill length wise. Though I dont think that either of them is powerful enough to get a 3# out of cover. I previously had the P5 Tequila Baccarac as my short frog rod, but sold it again because I did not like the moderate taper and the reel butt was a bit too long as well for me. Some quick research has yielded the following results: * Megabass P5 Tachyon Shaft ** Powerwise it should work (I think?!) but it seems to have the same regular taper of the Tequila, so not sure if I would be happy with that * Megabass P5 Killer Code ** Should have more power than the SuperDestroyer, since it has a higher lure rating?! Unfortunately seems to have the same regular taper * Megabass Orochi XXX Cover Hacking ** Rated as similar power to the SuperDestroyer, but with a faster taper. Not sure if the power is adequate though * *Megabass Orochi XXX Mat Bucker Type L ** Rated as similar power to the SuperDestroyer, but should be stronger, given the lure rating? Are there any other rods out there that would fit the bill? What are your experiences and recommendations? Thanks all!

Reviving this one. How does the TS handle frogs in medium to heavier cover? Is the tip fast enough to walk a frog?

Second vote for the P5 Super Destroyer! It's versatile, one can throw moving baits on it as well as bottom contact stuff, it is short (which can be a plus for bank angling, but also a con - when distance of the cast is super critical) and it looks sexy (with the new Zillion). This rod would get my vote. Definitely you would be the uncle of the year with such a gift! ?

I wouldnt waste fishing time because of a couple inches of line intake! ?

Depwnds a bit on what kind of bottom contact techniques you want to use the rod for. To give an example: For my finesse applications on my NRX 852c I am using a Steez CT, while on my bigger jig applications on my Steez BC 1 I am using a Morethan. Power and line capacity of the reel, as well as weight are informed by the specific rod and techniques used for me.

For the reel I would support the Antares 70 as well, but would even more so suggest the Steez A with an additional SV spool. That provides a single, super flexible option where you can bomb anything above 3/8oz with the Steez A' s original spool and go very finessy with the SV spool and/ or skip lures effortlessly . When it comes to the rod I would suggest maybe a NRX + 893c, a NRX 804c or a Megabass Super Destroyer. I am also hearing a lot of good things about the new Steez lineup. Personally I am not a big fan of the new reel seat. But that might just be me. Doing research on a new quality fishing combo is almost as exciting as actually fiahing it, imo. Enjoy! ?

Well, have ordered the 2021 DC yesterday already ?

I think the Antares DC should have enough line capacity for 16# FC

I have a Antares 70 on a Megabass Super Destroyer for smaller chatterbaits and paddletails. Great reel but no enough line capacity. I am surprised that you use the DC for such lighter lures, where the Antares 70 would probably fit better. I have read other comments that suggest that the 2021 Antares DC is better equipped for heavier lures. Interesting how opinions can vary:-)

THanks guys! I have ordered the 2021 Antares DC yesterday. It was a close call between the three reels. All had pros and cons. If I didn't own already two Conquests (2021-101HG and 2018 - 401), I would have gone with the Conquest. The Ryoga only one in the looks department. It was the heaviest, least line capacity and the issue with the sideplate was a concern as well. Let's see how I like the 2021 Antares DC. If it is as smooth and performant as my 2019 Antares MGL, I am a happy camper! ? What are you using yours for?

Hi all, I have decided to upgrade my reel on my chatter-bait/spinnerbait rod (St.Croix 7'4H legend elite). I am running a older Daiwa Coastal on it right now and while the reel is decent it is just not as smooth as I am hoping for and just not as sexy. ? The two reels that I am choosing between are the 2021 Antares DC (probably in XG) and the 2021 Calcutta Conquest 201HG (I have the 101HG and I am digging it!), also throwing in the SLP Ryoga (I am hearing though that this reel has some side plate issues that can lead to wobbling of it). Would love to get some thoughts from people who have either reel (or even both) to see what they would recommend. I am mostly throwing spinnerbaits, chatter-baits and underspins with this combo, where the total weight lure ranges between 1/2 -1.25oz. Since I am using this combo a lot from the bank, distance is important but I also would like to invest in a reel that is and stays smooth. I had the 2016 Antares DC and still have the 2018 Antares DC MD. Both of these reels were smooth to begin with, but just didnt stay as smooth as one would hope for. Would appreciate any opinions and suggestions. Thanks folks!

I contacted them and asked about just that. They said that they could do 15%off, you just have to chat with them. With their 10% reward program, that still gives you 25%.

I have almost every high end reel from Daiwa and Shimano. I pick the (for me) right reel for the specific rod and technique. This does not mean though that I always buy the most expensive reel. In this case I chose the Daiwa Tatula Elite P/F for my Flipping rod (Daiwa Steez 7'9XH). The reel is not super expensive (I bought it with 20%off) but checks all the boxes for me: * It palms well * Has the right spool for pitching with heavy braid * Is super smooth * Has the right (out of the box) handle and know set up * Looks cool on the rod A expensive rod does not always require a expensive reel (and vice versa). Choose and buy for what makes sense.

Did some tests today. In the 2021 Zillion I tested the spools from the Steez SV TW as well as the one from the 2019 Morethan. What can I say? It is quite a difference in performance and control. In more details: (Test rod: 2015 Steez AGS 7'1MH, Lure: 3/8oz Dobyns Extreme Football jig with plastic trailer; total weight 0.42oz) Testing with the spool from my Steez SV TW I first added the 1016 SV Spool G1 spool. Right away, I was able to see a difference in control of lighter lures. This was particularly noticeable since the spool at 16# FC Sniper on it, while the Zillion's Boost spool had 14#FC Sniper. The 1016 spool produced roughly an additional 15 feet and also was much more controlled during the cast. I had do fight with much less line overruns than with the SV Boost spool. Skipping became much easier and I was able to skip the jig (break setting 18) around 8-10 feet. My Steez A with the same spool is still king here. With the Steez A I can cast super easily without breaking a sweat. 19 MORETHAN PE TW Spool Next I wanted to see how the spool of the 2019 Daiwa Morethan would behave in the Zillion. To my delight, the spool behaved very similar to the 1016SV. I achieved an even greater distance with the 3/8oz dobyns jig. My best cast was around 100 feet. The skipping abilities were pretty decent as well, though not as quite as good as with the 1016sv spool. Decision made! My decision was made to put the Morethan spool into my Zillion! What to do now with the SV Boost spool? Out of curiosity I installed the SV Boost spool on my Steez SV TW reel (that I use for crankbaits and top water lures up to 3/4oz). Match made in heaven! This combo showed some great casting performance and threw a Evergreen SB-105 more than 150 feet. I love Daiwa's swap and fit system where a spool can become a completely different performer in a different reel!

Thanks guys! Would you recommend the Ray's Studio spool over this one: https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=898_660_655&products_id=10950? Thanks again!

Hi all, I am playing with the idea of replacing the SV Boost spool in my 2021 Zillion. While the spool behaves nicely with heavier lures, it does not convince me for lighter ( <3/8oz) lures. Also the skipping capabilities are no where close to the other sv spools' in my experience. I am wondering therefor if I should get the SV spool from the previous Zillion. Has anybody tested this? Has anybody put their SV Boost spool into another reel (Steez Sv, Steez A)? Appreciate any thoughts!

I got some pretty decent result by bending the inside out (with a tubed tool) and then rolled the spool on some flat metal surface. Result is actually pretty decent. It sounds pretty normal. Lets see how it will behave on the water. ?

Hi guys, while I was organising some tackle, I accidentally dropped a spare 1016 G1 spool on the floor and as luck has it it landed in the perfect angle to put a significant dent into it. I am curious how you would attempt to fix it (if this is possible) and how much bend in the spool is acceptable without harming the breaking system of the reel. Thanks a lot for any suggestions!

I had mine for 4 months now. I fish it alongside my Morethan, Steez SV/A/CT. Overall i am pleased with the reel, but not blown away. Yes, it is smooth, yes it casts a good distance. But it doesnt cast lighter lure sizes as well as the Steez SV does. I had originally bought the Zillion to use for my skipping combo. That was a big mistake. It sits now on my 893c NRX + where the reel struggles when I am throwing 1/4oz lures at times. There are some good deals on ebay for Steez. I personally think that for 50 usd more (when one finds a sale), the Steez is worth the extra money.

Yes, I think if everything goes perfect, you should be ok with the line capacity. But I would consider the following: * Bigger spool holds more line, which allows you to retie more often * Bigger spool makes it easier to use cheaper line for backing, which would especially be beneficial when you use expensive Tatsu. * Bigger spools remain the inch - per turn numbers easier as smaller spools. After a long cost with a Aldebaran or a Steez CT, etc. you will only have a little bit of line left, which significantly decreases the inch per turn numbers which can have an impact depending on your style of fishing. IMO you can not go wrong with the Steez SV TW. It is almost as light as the Aldebaran or Steez CT. With the current deals on ebay you can get one for 410USD shipped. The Steez is just better build quality in comparison to the Aldebaran, which you will appreciate after a year or two when the Aldebaran shows its wear and tear. The Steez has a wider spectrum in which you can throw lures, is quicker adjustable and (if you like to do that) is a true skipping champ! As you can probably tell, I am a huge Steez (SV TW, A, CT) fan! ?

Another thought on the reel: If you are a true bankfisherman that only brings one combo, I would think that a Aldebaran's or a Steez CT's (which I own and love) might give you a bit too little like capacity with 12# Fluro. My thinking here is that on the water you get unlucky every now and then and you get a backlash or some line breaks up, etc.. Since you want to throw a variety of lures, I would highly suggest you to consider the Steez SV TW. Amazing reel! I have mine now for more than 4 years and it is as smooth as the day I got it. Even my Antares A did not stay that smooth after some fishing with it. Some good deals to be hand on ebay right now!

I just got my new 893c yesterday (it was a warranty replacement for an old model 893c where the reel seat broke). So far my impressions are so so. I feel that they look worst than the model they replaced. I understand why they did not due the blue guide wrapping in the top guides (to make it easier to replace guides by non Gloomis shops), but I feel that this takes away from the esthetics of the rod. Also the area above the reel seat could have been designed a bit better in my opinion. It looks cheap. I hoped that they would use the Gloomis logo (skeleton bass) and reduce the amount of printing (the NRX + logo is just too big for my taste). Also the craftsmanship is as bad as the previous one. Some guide wrapping was not done cleanly and at one section the epoxy had a little sharp dent near the reel seat. It sucks, but I dont want to send it in again to wait another 2 months for another one (which most likely will not be perfect either). I just dont understand this. Gloomis chooses to assemble their rods here in the USA (which I support) and hence charges a premium price for their product. But why am I getting now an inferior product (when compared with China produced Megabass products)? St.Croix (also USA assembled) does this better. The reel seat feels slightly better than the old one, but to me it is not a major difference. The major upset is the placement of the hook keeper. Just sucks! I use the rod with my Antares MGL and I subjectively can not feel much of a difference in balance. If all, to me (this is hard to compare since I sent the old 893c in more than 2 months ago..) the latest rod feels slightly heavier in weight. Powerwise (again hard to judge), the newer version feels slightly more powerful in the tip. Havent fished it yet, so will report if I can detect further differences, once that is done. Cheers!