Big-Bass

Which Steez SV do you have 103H or XS?

When I had $400 in Cabela's gift cards and free shipping, I figured it was worth it. Is there much a difference between the two main gears and why brass on the 8? Wouldn't you want the brass on the 6 since many baits used would offer resistance. Thanks! And by the way, couldn't I just buy any TD-Z, Steez, etc. spool to pop in the reel and the performance is determined by each spool used> Therefore, if I got a Steez spool (of the past), essentially its the same reel and I still have the SV option.

I can exchange if I needed to (at this point) so input on ratio is super helpful and thank you!

So I just ordered a Steez SV103H for the following reasons:1. All around ratio2. JDM also includes this ratio (US model is also in 8.1)3. Lighter than 8.14. Many reviews that said the 6 is smoother with a more connected feel than the 8.Did I do alright? I used Cabela's bucks with free shipping and a Visa gift card to even the balance.Any reason for the 8 or was the 6 a good choice? I may pair it with a Dobyns Champion 702C.Looking to use for lighter worms, small jigs, jerks, small cranks, small spinnerbaits, and senkos.Did I make the right choice? Thanks for any/all suggestions.

Looking into one of these but which ratio? I heard the 8.1 has brass gears which is why is weighs slightly more but does the brass matter at that higher ratio and does the 6.3 have aluminum gears then? Looking for a reel for jerk baits, spinnerbaits, jigs, worms, senkos, and topwater. Maybe an occasional small crank (DT6, Bandit 200, Norman, etc.). Thanks for any/all help and best wishes on the water!

I was told Gander rods used to be made by St. Croix (years ago) and now they are made by a company that uses a number in their name.

6.3 will be just fine for those applications...folks have been using that ratio with those baits for decades with no problems!

Do the Tatula rods (not the new ones but the black and gold rods) have a locking nut that will scratch the reel seat of a reel? Is it all aluminum or does it have a plastic/rubber insert to avoid damaging the reel? Thanks!

Yes that is true. I forgot about the 5.3. Still, the IP79 and the IP68 are supposed to be identical reels aside from some cosmetic changes (red vs. gold, rubberized cork (clear) vs. rubberized cork (black), etc.) and gear ratios (7.9 vs. 6.8). I just wonder why the J-Dream was made in 6.3 and not 6.8 if the platform for the IP and J-Dreams are the same. Thanks!

The Megabass IP79 and the J-Dream seem to be the same reel. What about the IP68 and the Dream? The J-Dream only came in 7.9 and 6.3 so the 6.8 is a nice middle of the road do everything ratio...and the black and gold of the IP68 reel just screams to match with a Megabass rod! I have three SV103 reels (1 H and 2 XS) that I was told to hang onto (and for one or two I may not use and keep NIB) because there were only out for a short time in the U.S. market and will hold or increase their value with time.

I thought I posted a video on here of Seth Fieder using a 3000 sized Daiwa (4000 equivalent Shimano) for his finesse fishing. Not sure where the link went.

Yes. I would buy a few if they have them and hold onto them. They are going for at least that price used.

The new Bass series is nice but I think the older Smallmouth rods had better guides and felt better overall. I have my 6'9" ML that I use all the time and a brand new one in my arsenal still with the plastic on the cork. Some say it was the best bang for the buck Fenwick series ever made. It's interesting to know that the tapers of the Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye rods match the Smallmouth series very closely (even in color) except they have a full grip handle.

I have to lock the drag down a little more than my other reels on the SS SV but don't find it too bad. Did I get a lucky one? I got mine at the TW sale for a really good price and now they are sold out.

My SS SV suits me well. I find casting just fine. I also have a Zillion and an SV103. I have never found distance to be an issue at all. All in all, the SV spools are awesome!

That's an awesome reel...I own one. Don't be concerned with gear ratio...rather inches per turn of the handle. Use it for spinnerbaits, cranks, and jigs. It's a great reel!

Get a 103 if you can find one or the Zillion. Although the Tatula is a really nice reel...just got to check one out yesterday. Or if you can find an SS SV from Japan for the right price, you will like that. Then there's the Steez! The Tatala SV might be the best bang for the buck for regular retail. If you plan on using the reel for general use, the 105 drag might be a little light. Honestly, the Tatula SV is awesome and you would be super happy. If you have the extra coin, try the 103 or the Zillion.

How do these reels compare? Thanks and best wishes on the water!

For what applications?

Which one do you prefer and why...thanks and best wishes on the water!

Your call. You have to be happy with what feels right for you! I have a great steelhead reel for you though...PM me if interested. I have a few I may sell.

I got an Old Town Predator MX on Sierra Trading Post for $799 about a month ago. It was a 2016 in Urban Camo. It's a great boat. And I have an LL Bean Manatee DLX Angler (Perception Prodigy) 120 and both are great kayaks. I agree with not getting a cheaper kayak and if you are tall or heavy, get a 12' kayak if you can manage it! Best wishes on the water!

Cabala's also carries this reel. I bought one from them using gift cards. Haven't taken it out on the water but it seems like a nice reel. According to Japan Tackle, Jun commented at the bottom of the Zillion page that this reel was the finest casting reel Daiwa has ever produced. That's quite a statement.

Does anyone know the IPC or IPT (Inches Per Turn) of this model reel? I know it is an older model but I am curious to know. Sorry to revisit such an old post but I am looking for more information on this reel model since I just recently acquired two of them. Thanks and best wishes on the water!

They are nice boats...just be sure the seat is comfortable!