I have never owed a baitcaster other than Shimano and I am interested in maybe acquiring a Diawa. I have read Jun's comments on Japan Tackle's Website about current and discontinued models but I want to hear from you guys. The reel will be used for only T-Rigged worms and craws and lighter (1/4 to 3/8oz) jigs. This could also include the Megabass versions as well.

Zillion.

Edit: and they can be found on sale now since Daiwa will be releasing an updated model. But don't let that dissuade you. The current models are great!

Megabass_Zonda68Hedgehog......But if your looking for mainstream Zillion. Everyone loves the zillion palms nice and built like a tank.

For lighter stuff like that, I like the Steez SV or SS SV. They are light as can be and casting is just stupid easy.

If money isn't an issue get a Steez.  This is Daiwa's flagship reel.

If you are interested in not only current, but previous production (used), reels - a Zillion (new) is a do-anything workhorse, or a Sol (used) would be lighter and still handle your applications.  Both are classic USDM-type models with lots of customization parts. A Fuego is a nice reel but probably doesn't have the panache of the Zillion and Sol. If you want JDM - MANY options - I'll let the Daiwa junkies go there. If you only want to test the Daiwa waters before diving deep..........a Tatula is a great start.

 

You will probably get lots of opinions on this one...

The only problem with diawa are the names lol

The zillion is a solid workhorse reel as is the sol...ok i kinda like the name sol lol

Zillion. Period.

You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices.

You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices.

I'm thinking the same same thing. I'd shoot for a px-r. Would handle those jigs great right out of the box. If you ever want to finesse fish throw in an i'ze finesse spool...

If you want something more collectible, I'd probably go for a hedgehog.

You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices.

I agree.  I started to mention the Zillion but feel like it would need a different spool to accomplish what the OP is going for.

TDZ-105H, I  like the TDZ platform but I have large hands, the Alphas platform is fantastic also, and Pixy, Sol, or Alphas would all be fantastic. 

You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices.

 

No.  I have a couple Purple Alphas reels.  An Alphas variant would be my first choice....unless you can find a TD-Z 105H.

 

OP, most people seem to like the Sol better than the Fuego.  I don't belong to that group.  I have 2 Sols...one tuned and upgraded drag, bearings and a Presso spool.  One of my 3 Fuegos has been upgraded with Carbontex drag, bearings and a tune-up although my understanding from Mike is that there isn't much that can be polished on a Daiwa..  I prefer the Fuegos.

 

I have no experience with the more expensive Daiwas such as the Pixy, Steez, PX, etc.  Out of my price bracket.  I do have 3 Zillions.  The 50th Anniversary is definitely one of my favorites.  If you want to throw 1/4 oz. baits, the a Pixy or PX-R would undoubtedly be great.  Just going by what I have read about them.

 

The Zillion is a very good reel.  My understanding is that it can be made to cast lighter baits with the replacement of the spool (forget the name).  Of course upgraded bearings wouldn't hurt either.  Depends on how much you want to spend.

Alphas type r baby!

I have a T3 ballistic I got from Tackle Warehouse for short money and can tell you it casts light-ish baits great and is smooth as silk.  If your budget is up to it, the Zillions might be the way to go, IMO.

 

Best of luck, and I doubt you'll be disappointed with whatever you pick.

NOT the zillion.. Lol

The zillion is a good reel for baits 1/2 and up (isn't great at 3/8 oz compared to other reels), and even with 1/2 oz baits the reel does not stand out among other reels in casting performance. I believe it shines with 3/4 oz baits and up..

I think you should look at the SS SV. Poor mans steez, but with an sv spool.

One of the Alphas types, for what you want to do. Otherwise, for gen. purpose a Zillion.

I was wondering when the Alphas would get some nods. To be honest, the Alphas platform is what I have been looking at the most.

With the weights you want to throw id reccomend a sol, fuego, td-z 105, t3 1016 or ballistic, or tatula type r. The steez or px-r would handle those weights awesome as well if you have the dough to spend. I can't afford either of those but im in the process of saving for a ss sv to do the same thing you are wanting. Its a jdm reel that should work great from what ive heard

I was wondering when the Alphas would get some nods. To be honest, the Alphas platform is what I have been looking at the most.

The Alphas platform is fantastic.  You can't go wrong with any of the Alphas reels.   I have a Sol and an Alphas Ito 103-AI.

You guys really think the Zillion is a good choice for 1/4oz jigs? I agree it's one of the must have Daiwa's but it's not one of the best, or even really that good, when it comes to casting anything that light. There's far better choices.

I have 2 Zillion 100SHLA's and have no problems throwing a 1/4oz lure. Both have stock bearings and spool.

My PX-R is a much better option for this weight, but don't think the Zillion isn't up to the task.

The rod your using is IMHO much more important in being able to get down to 1/4oz.

NOT the zillion.. Lol

The zillion is a good reel for baits 1/2 and up (isn't great at 3/8 oz compared to other reels), and even with 1/2 oz baits the reel does not stand out among other reels in casting performance. I believe it shines with 3/4 oz baits and up..

I think you should look at the SS SV. Poor mans steez, but with an sv spool.

My fishing buddy throws 1/4oz. jig heads w/ little DOA C.A.L. paddletails all day long with a Zillion Inshore without a problem.  I've used his and found it to throw weightless super flukes easily.

There probably isn't a member on this board with more experience with the Alphas variants than Tim S. If this was the platform you want for sure he could probably elaborate on the differences among them. I own a custom Alphas with more $ in it than I care to admit. It is a great real for sure but the one thing I like best about it is the way it palms. The retrieve is beyond smooth and the instant anti reverse is very tight. For being an older reel they were truly ahead of their time. A Sol would be a very similar reel. I would look at the Purple Alphas if you don't want to get too deep into one.

No question in my book. Daiwa Zillion

I own a few Daiwas, must have ------> TDZ103H, the only thing that baby needs is a drag pad upgrade, why from all the Daiwas I own say that reel is the must have ? You can get it for around 200 dollars, it's upgradable and spool compatibility and aftermarket spool turn your reel automatically in something else. You can get the spool from the 100ML and imediately you have a deep spool versión for heavier line, get the spool from a 105 and you got a super great finesse reel, you can get the new SV aftermarket spool and you got a super finesse baitcaster, you can get the handle from the US trail and have the longer handle. Weights a lot less than the Zillion, has more bearings than the Zillion and casts like dream. I own several Alphas variations, I like the plataform but they are not a TDZ.