I keep hearing a bunch of fuss about how awesome this so called "TDZ" is, figured I'd start asking questions. I'm a Shimano guy, and have been since I started fishing, so this Daiwa thing is new to me.

I'm considering purchasing one, how are they compared to the Curado I/Curado 200E7 or Tatula CT? (other reels I'm considering) What makes these reels so amazing?

 

Also, how much does a decent condition TD-Z go for?

Any Curado would need to turn into an Antares to be up par with a TDZ.

 

The only real upgrade the reel benefits from is a drag pad change to Carbontex since the original wet drag system tends to "stutter" if submitted to a lot of pressure.

 

I own several of them.

 

You need to know that they stopped making TDZ reels in like 2005.

2 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

You need to know that they stopped making TDZ reels in like 2005.

I'm aware of that

11 minutes ago, Raul said:

Any Curado would need to turn into an Antares to be up par with a TDZ.

 

The only real upgrade the reel benefits from is a drag pad change to Carbontex since the original wet drag system tends to "stutter" if submitted to a lot of pressure.

 

I own several of them.

 

Can you give me a model number for a 7-ish speed righty? if you have it. 

1 minute ago, nameiztaken said:

I'm aware of that

Just making sure. 

1 minute ago, nameiztaken said:

I'm aware of that

Can you give me a model number for a 7-ish speed righty? if you have it. 

 

There is no 7 ish gear ratio in the TDZ line up, the high speed model is 6.3:1

Just now, Raul said:

 

There is no 7 ish gear ratio in the TDZ line up, the high speed model is 6.3:1

alright, not really a problem. 

can always change out the gear set

5 hours ago, byram bassturd said:

can always change out the gear set

Lefties are the only ones you can get 7.1 gear sets for.  Fortunately, I'm a lefty.

OP, for a reel made so long ago the TDZ is still one of my favorites.  One of my favorite things about this platform is the number of different spool options you have which transform this reel:  R+, R, zpi 002, zpi 001, rcs1016, sv105, sv1000, megabass finesse, diy, etc.  With these spools you can turn your reel into a long bomber, pitching, skipping or finesse reel.  I would definitely upgrade the drag to carbontex.  Unfortunately, the finish on these reels don't hold up to well so finding ones in excellent condition will cost you.  I picked one up that had the usual rash for $120.

Also Daiwa has the SV103 that is out. Same frame as the og zillion, sv spool, aluminum frame, great reel

Recently picked up a TDZ 103P in great mechanical condition for 80, I wasn't as concerned with looks as I was performance though.

8 hours ago, byram bassturd said:

can always change out the gear set

 I'm afraid that you're incorrect on that. Only LH.  

Good condition tdz is about $150

 

 

But you wont find one

I have two. And I'll take them any day over a Curado or a Tatula. No questions.

The Tdz is the reel that lead to the Steez. It's still used today by many people and some of the more rare models like the personal orders are highly sought after by enthusiasts. Tdz's in very good condition are getting harder to find but they do come up here and there. The amount of upgrade options for a tdz seem to be endless. It's a fantastic reel and I don't think you would be disappointed with one. It's an easy sell if you don't like it. 

Great reel.  Any copies in circulation out there are at least ten years old, though.

Last TD-Z 105H I bought came from Japan.  Cost almost as much as my others but wasn't anywhere near as nice cosmetically or mechanically.

4 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

 I'm afraid that you're incorrect on that. Only LH.  

yup. missed the righty part

You can also take a look on Daiwa Megabass TD-Ito,that's tuned TD-Z,I have one,-nice reel!

Oh...I like the TD-Z/Fuego platform!  For me, they require Carbontex drag and 90mm handle at a minimum.  I like to add 1016 spool too as I prefer Mag Z over Mag V. 

 

I don't care what they look like and most of mine look absolutely horrible but they function 100% (except one has a bearing on it's way out).  I don't build them to wear around my neck, they are for catchin' fish so how pretty they are matters not to me.  I really like the 100M for spinnerbaits!

 

Another big plus...they are super easy to work on!

5 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

The Tdz is the reel that lead to the Steez.

 

While the Steez replacced the TD-Z as the flagship reel, technically the TD-Z led to the Fuego.

I have 3 and I would put them up against almost any $200 reel today. The stock spool is a great all purpose spool and for $50 you can turn it into a swept handle which makes them look even better.

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 

While the Steez replacced the TD-Z as the flagship reel, technically the TD-Z led to the Fuego.

 

5 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 

While the Steez replacced the TD-Z as the flagship reel, technically the TD-Z led to the Fuego.

 

I think the Z line actually split with the 100 becoming the Fuego and Zillion. Actually the Fuego was the US model of the JDM TD X which was a detuned Z. And the 103/105 became the steez. 

The frame material and paint is quite fragile which is one reason why finding one in good quality is rare.

 

But it can cast a weightless soft jerkbait a mile with abec7 bearings and good cleaning

Oh well, if you find one ant it looks like crap you can always have it painted and make it look arse whupping, TDZs accept a lot of spool upgrades, I wouldn't change mine for anything, yup, you heard it right, actually I sold a brand new Shimano Calais 100 A and got me my first TDZ.