What is your favorite discontinued reel?  Suppose you could bring it back from obscurity, what improvements or changes do you make to it before it hits the market?

 

I guess you can pick however many you'd like, doesn't have to be just one....just for the sake of conversation.

 

 

 

 

 

Conquest 51s, bring it back exactly as-is with a 7:1 or faster gear ratio.

Chronarch D

Original Browning Midas Round Reels. That, or the Round Quantum Tour USA. That was also a good reel. Made in the US too

I'd add an anti reverse bearing on both reels. That's why I don't use them, the anti reverse is shot.

The first, original, one and only, Shimano Bantam 100. Little silver reel with the little wooden knobs on the handle. And I would change NOTHING about them.

Hootie

Daiwa T3-1016. Exact same frame, but lose the hood and put in the Tatula style t-wing. The T3 frame was the best palming I've ever handled.

The first, original, one and only, Shimano Bantam 100. Little silver reel with the little wooden knobs on the handle. And I would change NOTHING about them.

Hootie

I have one and it is awesome, it is a work of art...

I would probably also bring back the Daiwa Procaster if I think about it. I'd add soft touch rubber nobs or Eva grips, a put bearings behind the knobs, a bent star drag and curved 90mm handle, a duraluminum style gear, as well as an anti reverse bearing, and a t wing would be pretty cool to. I'm pretty sure it was an aluminum frame, bur I'd definitely want it to be that too.

Daiwa Alphas. I hope the rumors of an Alphas SV are true.

Curado E

Even tho the I is more..let's say refined with great upgrades, there's just something about that green reel just way it was.

Mike

TDZs, only thing that reel "need" was a slightly better drag. Now that SV spools are compatible I'm actually having impure dreams ..... like getting several for my TDZs.

Curado 50/51e.

chronarch 101d7

Chronarch 51mg

 

agree /w ty 1000000%

 

t31016 w/o the hood would replace every single reel i own. i do like the ones i own though.

TD-Z or Alphas.

Well I have 4 chronarch d's so I'm not lacking in that area but man I wish they were more readily available.

Abu pro max and black max in 1600 and 3600 size

TDZs, only thing that reel "need" was a slightly better drag. Now that SV spools are compatible I'm actually having impure dreams ..... like getting several for my TDZs.

 

This would be one that I would pick also, to include the Fuego too!  I would like to see it with aluminum frame and 90mm handle with gear options from 5:1 to 8:1.  For all around use I prefer the 1016 spools in these reels.  Maybe a new color too.

Even though I'm a Shimano guy I'd have to say the Daiwa TDZ as well. Used to own one and it was a very nice reel. I'd add carbon fiber drag washers and a faster 7:1 gear ratio. While I'm thinking about it I'd bring back the Fuego as well with the same upgrades.

I won't get into details because I'm certain I'd be the only one to add this reel here but with some changes I'd like to see the Team Daiwa HSTA again.  Get it on a diet and lose an ounce or so,  slightly smaller frame and spool plus optional shallow spool and I'd be all over it.   This is the one that fits my hand best 

Chronarch D or the Calcutta TE series

Daiwa T3-1016. Exact same frame, but lose the hood and put in the Tatula style t-wing. The T3 frame was the best palming I've ever handled.

I agree with this 100%. Best form factor I've ever fished. Best braking system I've used. Exceptional caster. An aluminum version without the hood and same 1016 spool is what the new Zillion should have been.

Several years ago I ordered 4 Daiwa reels online. I took the first one out of the box and saw that hood. I gave all of them to my son. Stupid hood, If I'd wanted something with a hood on it, I would have bought a car.

Hootie

TDZ R+ with 7.1 gears, better drag, 90mm carbon handle and a more durable finish.  Also the TD ITO.

I agree with this 100%. Best form factor I've ever fished. Best braking system I've used. Exceptional caster. An aluminum version without the hood and same 1016 spool is what the new Zillion should have been.

I Agree. A Tatula with a zaion sideplate and free floating spool was abit of a letdown IMHO. That being said, I didn't have an issue with the hood like others do. It never bothered me. That being said, I still prefer the original zillion by a mile over the t3 and tatula. For the prices they are now, it's a good future for me lol