A kid from Canada

Are you using a nut retainer?

They were AE, Ive never had an issue. Also bought a Tatula 150 and an SV, couldn't tell a difference between them and the ones I picked up on Canada.

I buy all my reels from overseas either digitaka or AliExpress. Gotta keep your eyes out for the deals, prices fluctuate aggressively.

I use my Elite more than my Zillion, the Zillion isn't so amazing that it makes you forget about all other reels. It's nicer but not by the amount everyone says it is. In Canada l the Zillion sells for $475 which I bought for $300, the Elite sells for $290 but I got both mine for $155. I put lighter spools in the Elites for $50 and they are so good I wouldn't spend the extra money for another Zillion. If they both cost about the same it would be silly not to buy the Zillion though.

After trying some different rods made of different materials I settled on staying away from Crank Bait specific rods and using Moderate Fast graphite rods with Mono line. I like my 7'2 Zodias and 7'2 Combat Stick depending on lure weight. I stay away from longer rods because the casting distance isn't worth the tip heavy feeling to me as a non competitive angler.

How far did you go when taking it apart? I've heard of this happening when guys don't line up the pinion and main gear tooth the same way it was. They would have to keep taking it apart and moving it tooth by tooth and checking the smoothness after each time.

My vote is Tatula Elite. The 150 is great but big and doesn't palm the best. It really shines for lures above 1oz like a magdraft. I also love my SV but I like It best with a shallow spool and light braid for light lures. I had a 100 (not the 23 model) but its very similar to an Elite, just not as good so i sold it. The elite is a great all around spool size, aluminum side plate, long casting with a light enough spool to easily throw a wide range of lures. Plus I just got another one 45% off retail stacking coupons and black Friday deals off Ali.

I've owned one Chinese BFS reel (GH100), at the time it seemed to be the most popular choice of youtubers and it worked very well until the second season of use and the clutch broke. You also have to be careful about the braid going in between the spool and frame on these cheaper reels as well as adding or removing magnets to get it tuned just right. Just some things to think about that they might not tell you on a YouTube review.

I have a Ray's Studio spool on my Tat SV with 15lb braid on it and I'm pretty happy. I would go that route instead if the Black Max mainly cause the Tatula is more narrow and comfortable to palm on a small rod.

Could you tell me how the frame compares to a Revo4 SX and a Revo5 Winch? The Revo 4 is a very wide reel, in my hand atleast but they did a great job of making the 5th Gen more palmable. The main thing keeping me from buying the Zenon is it potentialy not being comfortable to hold.

I've never had my Elite and Zillion out at the same time to compare distance because I mostly bank fish and don't like laying combos on the ground but i havent noticed a huge difference. I agree that if distance is the main concern try a Shimano.

My Tat 100 was built loose like if I shook it around it would make clacking noises if that makes sense. I sold it and bought an elite, as mentioned the side plate is a worthy upgrade plus a nicer drag star. I also bought a Zillion from all the peer pressure that goes around on this forum and couldn't be happier.

Found some pics of the reel outside to show a more accurate color representation.

I usually spend more on my reels but I just have a fascination with them. I also mostly fish moving baits so it's nice using a smooth reel.

They're firm, but not as grippy or nice to hold as a Shimano or daiwa knob. They get slippery when wet as well. You can put your Shimano knobs on that handle though of you'd like. I don't like any of the smaller knobs Gomexus makes either, the 27mm TPE ones are great, I also like the 30mm ones and I have a carbon knob that's 38mm I believe which I also like.