Will the Daiwa SV103 reel go down as one of those reels to reach "legendary" status for its durability, versatility, and customizable platform since they were really only around from 2015-2017? Before the discontinuation (I wonder why they were, yet they still are in the new catalog), I saw them in the Daiwa 2015 catalog and liked them since they were a TD-Z/Zillion frame but it wasn't until this past spring that I ordered my first. Now I own five with hopes of owning more. I have many Shimano reels and have been a Shimano guy for many more years than I have fished with Daiwa, but these reels really impress me (and seem to have a big following here and on other sites). Why all of a sudden did they become the "it" reel when in 2015 and 2016, almost no one was talking about them. Any input/feedback is helpful. Also, I think I want to try and customize one or two of mine but I am new to it so I want to be sure I do it right. Thanks!

I have 3 , great reels , and cheap right now

Just 1 at the moment. Contemplating adding a 2nd...

I have one. Absolutely awesome reels. I need at least two more.

None, but would love to have five!    Every mention I have read of the reel has been positive.  Many hope that Daiwa doesn't stop making them.  Even on sale at $230 they are a bit expensive for me.

Shimano guy here, but I own one and I wish I had 1-2 more. I have the XS model that I use for flipping, and another for frogging would be great. 

None, yet. I've been eye-balling this reel for a few weeks now. I'm very tempted to try one (or 2) out. Lots of great reviews. Bait Monkey might get me soon. 

Same here --- Monkey Bait might get me on this one

 

So far, I'm winning ..

 

 

3 minutes ago, Burke said:

 

So far, I'm winning ..

 

 

HAHA! I don't know though, from everything I've read it seems to be a win/win situation.

 

(Get out of my head Bait Monkey)

Have 2 and like the 6.3 waaay better.  Would like to pick up another.

whats good about these reels?

3 hours ago, Angry John said:

Have 2 and like the 6.3 waaay better.  Would like to pick up another.

 

Where does the different lie in your opinion? Thought about picking a second reel up but I have so many 6:? gear ratio reels.

2 hours ago, xxRambo_21xx said:

whats good about these reels?

If there is a backlash proof reel, this is it. I have only been using a bait caster ford 6 months or so

And I can fish these reels all day without having to pick out a birds nest. I started out with a Kastking , then another Kastking, then a Curado 200L and a 70, a KVD Tour Quantum , Then bought my first Tatula SV TW 103 Reel is great, bought 2 Tatula CTs also great reels. Then bought 2 more 103s

 I know I am a novice at this But I am a Daiwa guy now , More time fishing less time messing with the reel

And you can change lure weights with no problems Leave a little end play in the spool and set the break at about 10  and back up on the brake until you like the distance you are getting without backlashing

Had one, sold it for another zillion sv tw

Is the SV103 safe to be used for inshore fishing?

Yes it is!  But as with all saltwater safe reels, it should be thoroughly rinsed after each use in salt or brackish water.

4 hours ago, david in va said:

If there is a backlash proof reel, this is it. I have only been using a bait caster ford 6 months or so

And I can fish these reels all day without having to pick out a birds nest. I started out with a Kastking , then another Kastking, then a Curado 200L and a 70, a KVD Tour Quantum , Then bought my first Tatula SV TW 103 Reel is great, bought 2 Tatula CTs also great reels. Then bought 2 more 103s

 I know I am a novice at this But I am a Daiwa guy now , More time fishing less time messing with the reel

And you can change lure weights with no problems Leave a little end play in the spool and set the break at about 10  and back up on the brake until you like the distance you are getting without backlashing

 

You bought a Curado L? We barely have the K model out. 

I have one.  It is such a fine reel, like the OG Zillion, that it baffles me why it never received more praise. I love mine.

7 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

I have one.  It is such a fine reel, like the OG Zillion, that it baffles me why it never received more praise. I love mine.

 

I have one of my SV103XS reels with 10lb. test line on my Tatula Elite Ehrler 7' AGS rod and it is a joy to cast.  And it matches up with the rod nicely.  I plan on using it for lighter plastics/jigs and some finesse applications that I don't use my spinning gear for.  I may put an SV103H on my 7' Tatula Medium regular taper and throw spinnerbaits, cranks, swim jigs, etc.  I know there are lighter and more refined reels out there but for some reason, the SV103 has been standing out since I saw it in the 2015 Daiwa catalog in late 2014/early 2015 at a place called Dunkelbergers in the Poconos.

15 hours ago, bigturtle said:

Had one, sold it for another zillion sv tw

 

You are like the bizarro me, I have a zillion sv tw that I would love to trade for a second SV103.  The Zillion SV feels so plasticy and loose compared to the SV103.  It is a lot lighter, which is mostly why I have not gotten rid of mine, the rod I have it on feels really unbalanced with the SV103 on it.  

My only gripe about the stock SV spool is it is too tame. Might have try a spool asap in it. 

I want to own an sv103, I really really want to. But I just hate how it fits in my hand, it actually made my hand sore. I had to return it. But I still want one, maybe I'll try it again....

new owner of a SV103XS 

On 8/17/2017 at 4:49 PM, kickerfish1 said:

 

Where does the different lie in your opinion? Thought about picking a second reel up but I have so many 6:? gear ratio reels.

I don't do a lot of pitching or techniques that take advantage of a very high raito.  The 7.9 is the fastest reel I have and imo it's more specific in application than a good all around speed.  If frogs and pitching is on a dedicated setup the I would be all for it.

8 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

new owner of a SV103XS 

 

Congratulations!  I think you'll really like the reel!