Title says it all.  Looking to buy my first Daiwa baitcaster.  I'm looking at something the size of the Metanium.  A JDM SS SV 103?  Is the upcoming Tatula SV TW decent?  Lemme know!

What are you going to use it for. The sv 103 is great for skipping and throwing light baits in the wind, but shorter distance. The Tatula ct type-r is a workhorse and great for long casts and heavy cover. The zillion sv tw is my favorite great control and good distance and handles everything.

Pretty much the same reel but the zillion sv tw throws baits a hair farther and the sv103 has a little more control on light baits. But I am splitting hairs. Both are my favorites I own.

Zillion sv has larger frame

 

get an alphas sv 105.  i have 2 of them and a steez sv and the alphas sv is hard to beat for the money.  super versatile, but they are more along the size of a 50 size shimano rather than metanium.

Are the JDM "SS SV 103" and "SS SV 105" same as the US SV 103 and 105?

Tackelwarehouse has a deal on the zillion tws. I believe they are $179.99 which is over a hundred dollars off. I have one and they are outstanding. 

$300 is a great budget and opens up a lot of reel options for you. Are you against buying used? That would open up a few more choices. What are your plans for the reel? Like what are the baits/weights you plan to use? 

The jdm Alphas SV 105 is a great reel for the money. Does well with lighter baits and some heavier stuff. Lacking a little bit of drag but it's not bad. The SV103 is also a fantastic choice. It makes a great all purpose reel. I now have 2 of them. The Steez SV 103 can be sourced for right around your budget. It's a little more refined than the others mentioned. I enjoy using it a lot. I own all 3 and it would be hard to pick a favorite out of them but I'd give the slight edge to the Steez. You then have all the Megabass variants to look at. Megabass Zonda 68

megabass fx 68

megabass IP 68 and 79

megabass is 73 and 79

259 buys you a sv 103 on ebay.  The old zillion frame and a great spool.  If you want a small reel any alphas except the 105 is good.  A spool for any problem with the 103 alphas.  I love my black deep zonda spool for jerkbaits on my sol on an avid66mf.

6 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

$300 is a great budget and opens up a lot of reel options for you. Are you against buying used? That would open up a few more choices. What are your plans for the reel? Like what are the baits/weights you plan to use? 

The jdm Alphas SV 105 is a great reel for the money. Does well with lighter baits and some heavier stuff. Lacking a little bit of drag but it's not bad. The SV103 is also a fantastic choice. It makes a great all purpose reel. I now have 2 of them. The Steez SV 103 can be sourced for right around your budget. It's a little more refined than the others mentioned. I enjoy using it a lot. I own all 3 and it would be hard to pick a favorite out of them but I'd give the slight edge to the Steez. You then have all the Megabass variants to look at. Megabass Zonda 68

megabass fx 68

megabass IP 68 and 79

megabass is 73 and 79

 

3/16 oz to 5/8 oz stuff.  Mostly plastois, maybe spinners.  Will likely try skipping since there is postive feedback on skipping with daiwas.  

 

The 103 spool seems to be a favorite.  Any difference in the US Sv103 and the JDM ss sv103?  I don't mind used.  Espeecially if it gets me into the Steez.

 

5 minutes ago, offsidewing said:

 

3/16 oz to 5/8 oz stuff.  Mostly plastois, maybe spinners.  Will likely try skipping since there is postive feedback on skipping with daiwas.  

 

The 103 spool seems to be a favorite.  Any difference in the US Sv103 and the JDM ss sv103?  I don't mind used.  Espeecially if it gets me into the Steez.

 

There is a used Steez 103 SHA and 100 SHA for $250 on another forum.  Same board has an SV103H for $240 like new.  I'm temped to buy one of the three, but just order a Helios and today received a box of stuff from TW and plan on another rod. Whew.  Dang Bait Monkey.  

10 hours ago, offsidewing said:

Are the JDM "SS SV 103" and "SS SV 105" same as the US SV 103 and 105?

 

Nope, different animals. 

 

If it were my 300 I would go e-baying and get me a Steez.

I love my sv103 so much. Literally everything I could want in a reel, exactly what I was hoping for.