Jeff H

Wow. That is some hefty credit you're throwing at that reel!

I don't have the Ballistic but I have Cabela's version of it, the Verano 2500. It was not my most used spinning reel last year but I did use it quite a bit and am really happy with it. I am in need of a smaller spinning reel and at this price should probably consider the Ballistic 2000. That sure seems a good buy!

Ideal! I like this idea, on an American made St. Croix blank! Support the independent American craftsmen when you can!

I know one guy who wouldn't use anything else for skippin' docks. He kept 2 spincast rigs in his boat, if ya saw one on the deck you knew for sure what he'd been doing. Like every other kid, I started with them, used them until I was about 11 yrs old I think? Don't miss them at all.

Couldn't agree more!

Aim higher!

I'm gonna Mike. I already worked a trade with Tim S for the 100M handle it needs

It's a magnetic system with a centrifugal component. In my opinion it's simple, unique, genius and very effective. It is one of 2 things that made me switch solely to Daiwa. Very effective braking system.

There is some difference in braking profile going on with this spool that I just loved. I think that's what was. Whatever, I liked it a lot. It would cast into the wind better than anything I've ever experienced before too. Just very versatile.

There were many variants of the TD-A's over the years. The culmination was the HSTA. Opinions will vary but mine is that this reel is one of those timeless designs that ANY angler can pick up and do well with. Slightly bigger and heavier (8.5 oz) than the trends of today (smaller & lighter) it will do it all except fish lighter lures well. I have thrown 1/4 oz jigs with mine at times but that is getting just outside it's abilities. Go over to Tackle Tour and find the review of the HSTA, it's good reading. Have you ever fished a Daiwa with their MagForce-Z braking system?

Spool options....I have used the 103H and 105H stockers and also tried the 1016, which I found to be incredibly versatile. At this point I like it (1016) better than the 103H/105H spools. Would like to try the 1012 or SV spools though. The most important change for me is to get the 90mm handle from the 100M on them! I don't like the stock 80mm handles!

Which one is it? The newest model (Daiwa Laguna) or the older one (Rapala Shift)? You may have 2 different problems there.

You will get to try the Producer after I do. I'll gladly send mine to you to fish with after I use it for a bit. Sound good?

Ahh...d**n right they are. Been my absolute favorite for years. Many different versions over the years, all bullet proof solid performers, but the HSTA is killer in my opinion. It will do it all except for light stuff. My entire collection is mostly TD-A's, some TD-Z's, a couple Fuego's and 1 Alphas Type F. Love them TD-A's!

Yep, 3x8x4 bearing right? I did the same thing though I question if it will really make any difference, but why not since I have that bearing laying around.

They are nice. I would still rather have an old TD-Z or Fuego than a new TWS Zillion.

I paid $130 for it I think, or $132 maybe?. Most I've paid for a TD-Z so far.

My spool bearings were PACKED with grease. I soaked awhile and then blew air through them and a LOT of grease still come out. My spool wouldn't even go 3 full revolutions as they came. They clean out well like any other bearing though

OMG! Bite your tongue! Just a reel? It's a daggum TD-Z! No, it's a freakin' gem of a TD-Z! Yeah, you guys are right. I'm not into shelving reels and my kids can get their own stuff. This beautiful piece of Daiwa history will get used right along with the rest of 'em.

Last weekend I was digging around on the auction site and found what looked to be a TD-Z 103H in decent shape. The pictures were not super clear so was hard to tell just how nice it was I really like the TD-Z so I bid and won. It came in yesterdays mail. It is beyond nice. It is just about perfect mint shape. It looked as if it had hardly been used if at all. The only marks that suggest it being used, and the only marks on the entire reel are a couple spots on the front corners of the reel seat. They are small and I didn't even notice them until I put my reading glasses on. The knobs show no darkening as the gray ones usually do from sun/use etc. The reel looks like it got mounted on a rod once and left in the dark corner of somebody's cabin. I was kind of shocked to see one like this knowing the finish of these reels are...well, they wear easy. The spool sticker is still there too. I tore it down to bare frame and cleaned it up inside. I know I am the first to be inside this reel. New grease it needed, but it was not dirty at all inside, I mean nothing. I put in Carbontex drag kit as I do in all my Daiwa's and this one, like any TD-Z, sings like a bird. My problem is this, and it is this I'd like your opinion on....would you use it or stash this gem and let your kids inherit it when you leave. I have 6 others, all ugly but still perfect 10 performers so I don't have to use it but it's a TD-Z, ya know? I'd just hate to put a mark in this one, probably not many of these left in this condition.

Now that's better! knock is gone, spool spins better. The main gear was just dry, needed a little grease. much smoother, no knock. Now I can fish this thing, but it'll be a few months yet. Could be a decent reel for the price and it's definitely nicer than the last Pinnacle I bought 5-6 yrs ago. I don't like the sharp edges on the grips but that is easily fixed since they are EVA. Other than that, I just wish it had a 90mm handle. Oh, and the drag is pretty decent, it's got a lot of power too!

Mine just showed up today. My spool bearings are so greased up it won't hardly spin at all. Never had one this slow ever before. I'm going to take it down this weekend and see how it ends up. Mine has a very slight knock when I spin the handle. Nothing to get worried about yet but it is there, and I expect it will be gone after I clean it out good. Just so everybody knows....the handle is 80mm. This was something I asked about awhile back, so just to make it clear, 80mm handle. I gotta find a 90mm handle for it eventually.

Seriously? It is 2015 and there are BC reels being made without AR bearings??? yikes!

This is good, this Arachnid, but Cabela's has also gone back to Daiwa for their Tournament ZX spinning reels (2 or 3 years absent) AND for the first time their Pro Guide spinning reels are Daiwa too! I'll be getting one of the Tournament ZX spinners for sure. The old ones have been great!

Leave it out. I just went through a Laguna and left it out. It feels better without it.