Hey guys, how are the Zaion body Daiwa spinning reels like Procyon, Tatula, Ballistic, etc. Compared to the low end reels like Fuego, Excelor, Regal, Legalis, etc?

 

I've seen some reports of stem twisting/flexing on the $100 and down reels. But maybe it was earlier versions, maybe Diawa fixed it since then?

 

Are the Zaion bodies more rigid? Do you think it's a worthwhile upgrade? Thank you.

1 hour ago, Gary_Snyder said:

Hey guys, how are the Zaion body Daiwa spinning reels like Procyon, Tatula, Ballistic, etc. Compared to the low end reels like Fuego, Excelor, Regal, Legalis, etc?

 

I've seen some reports of stem twisting/flexing on the $100 and down reels. But maybe it was earlier versions, maybe Diawa fixed it since then?

 

Are the Zaion bodies more rigid? Do you think it's a worthwhile upgrade? Thank you.

While the Zaion is stronger then the lower grade Composite IMO the biggest benefit is reduced weight, which for the 2.5 and 3k reels can be up to an oz lighter.

Ive really put it to one of my Fuegos, tossing 1oz tins in the surf for blues and stripers.  Ive caught fish to 17lb and I've never felt anything that I can say for sure was "flex."  I have a friend who says he felt some movement in his Fuego 4k while catching grouper, but the reel wasn't designed for that.

In the store there isn't a night and day difference between the Fuego and Ball. as far as being smooth.  Once the reels are under load the difference between the zinc and AL main is much more noticeable.  The AL should last longer then the zinc, but so far that 2.5k Fuego still feels great after 2 and a half years of heavy use.   

 

This ^^^^^ he is pretty sum it up my ideals. I own both Plastic (exceler) and Zaion (Kage) body Daiwa plus another with Zaion rotor(Ballistic FW). I only use 2000 size reels so the different is even less 5.8oz vs 6.5oz and most of the fish up to 4-5lb bass I don’t feel any flex at all. The smoothness and inertia are pretty much comparable. The only hope I have is Kage is remain smoothness after a long hard many years of abused but I don’t mind owning another Exceler even I have to replace in 4-5 years.

Once you upgrade to Zaion rotor, the different become more noticeable, smoother and lower inertia.

For 2500/3000 size and up, I would consider Zaion body just for the piece of mind and those aluminum main gear.

In fact I’m shopping for another reels for the new line I just ordered and consider lower grade Daiwa.

I usually look for a bass reel around 7 ounces. I've tried lighter reels but it does not seem to make a difference. That's a money-saver.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys!