So, I just got back from ICAST this evening, after spending the morning fly fishing on the Gulf (1st fish on a fly rod, a nice Yellow Jack!).

 

Some initial thoughts....

 

The new Zillions are sweet.  Really sweet.  Lighter than expected, and palm incredibly.  Smooth, but still feel like they are built like a tank.  

 

I like the Tatula HDs also, but they don't compare to the Zillion.  If I would have picked up the Tatula HD first, my feeling might have been different, but I was let down.  

 

The 13 KP reel is light and tiny.  Really light.  I'm not sure I could get good use out of the reel, other than REALLY light finesse.  Really light.  Really tiny.  

 

MinnKota's new trolling motor, Ultegra?, is sweet.  Love the auto deploy/stow and trim features.  

 

The new St Croix rod feels clunky to me.  The split grip is OK, but the butt of the rod feels really, really thick in my hands.

 

The most head-turning reel I handled was the Lews Team Lite.  Great feel, and 5.7 ozs (on the placard).  Really smooth feel, and I was really, really surprised.  

How big was the zillion compared to the tatula? Same frame (other than slight porting in zillion frame)?

Not my pic, taken from TT.  The Zillion feels more compact, apparently the sideplates are interchangeable.  I found the Zillion easier to palm.

Did you get a chance to see the new conquest? 

Do want some pics of that KP reel!

Do want some pics of that KP reel!

 

Ok..  That things kind of sexy.  How did it feel?

Is the brake dial on the zillion recessed or out like in the tatula? Also? How is the super duty 8:1 feel?

Pretty positive the zillion is NOT recessed.  I didn't get my hands on the super duty, but here is the Team Lews Lite.  

Is the brake dial on the zillion recessed or out like in the tatula? Also? How is the super duty 8:1 feel?

 

I did not.  I only heard that the pricing will be at full JDM levels, hope to check it out sometime this week.  

 

Did you get a chance to see the new conquest? 

Did you get a chance to feel the new crucials yet?

How much do the new zillions weigh??? pic please! planning on a new zillion and lews tourney lite for next year!

When will all of these release? Are these set for next year? Or are these release dates scattered and/or not told to the public yet. I'm interested in the tatula hd. I was going to buy a tatula soon. Anyone know the price? So many questions

How much do the new zillions weigh??? pic please! planning on a new zillion and lews tourney lite for next year!

7.5oz

I'm interested in hearing about the *** Muse and Archangel rods. Haven't seen anything on those yet.

Who makes the 13KP reel?

13kp is ***.

If the braking system isn't recessed, then alas I can't get it as it is exactly where I put my finger for many presentations. Oh well

We will be posting videos of all the new products every day of ICAST.  Stay tuned!