Does the JDM Zillion have a shorter handle and smaller knobs than the US? 

I usually prefer a 90mm handle, and the longer knobs that come on the US Tatulas. 

I don't know about the JDM Zillion HD, but the regular JDM 21 Zillion has a 90mm handle, and 35mm knobs (still a bit small IMO). 

2 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

I don't know about the JDM Zillion HD, but the regular JDM 21 Zillion has a 90mm handle, and 35mm knobs (still a bit small IMO). 

Is that the length of the knobs?

I know there’s two diff sizes of that style knob. The size that comes on the US Tats, and a smaller size. Not a fan of the smaller size. 

1 minute ago, AmmoGuy said:

Is that the length of the knobs?

I know there’s two diff sizes of that style knob. The size that comes on the US Tats, and a smaller size. Not a fan of the smaller size. 

 

Yes, the length. I think Zillion has the smaller size. Anyway, I've ordered some AMO's wood knobs to replace them. Same length, but a little thicker. 

 

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

 

Yes, the length. I think Zillion has the smaller size. Anyway, I've ordered some AMO's wood knobs to replace them. Same length, but a little thicker. 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, darn. 

I was about to pull the trigger on a JDM, but if I have to replace the whole handle to get the larger knobs, I'll prob just go with a US. (assuming they have the larger knobs). 

I don't know how good a deal you could get on the US Zillion, but given the current Japan Yen exchange rate, it'll be a shame not taking the JDM route IMO. Even including the extra cost for a longer handle and larger knobs, the JDM cost would still triumph USDM.  But again, you'll have a brass gear set instead. 

Just measured the handle from my JDM Zillion SV TW 1000XH

90 mm handle, 35 mm  knobs

 

I always tune handle length, but you can use any knobs you want (this is Avail)

 

I have the original handle stashed in the box.  If you buy a lower-geared reel with a shorter handle, the 90 mm from my reel is available. 

According to Daiwa Japan, it's a 90mm. 

 

https://www.daiwa.com/jp/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/zillion_sv_tw21/index.html

18 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

According to Daiwa Japan, it's a 90mm. 

 

https://www.daiwa.com/jp/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/zillion_sv_tw21/index.html

Yea, handle is 90mm, but it has the tiny knobs. 

jdm and usdm both have 90mm handles. the difference, handle wise, is the knobs. jdm has the smaller ones. 

1 hour ago, AmmoGuy said:

Yea, handle is 90mm, but it has the tiny knobs. 

The knobs are just the standard S knobs that are common on many Daiwa models, including the USDM Zillion, Tatula, and Steez.  You can always swap those out for SLP cork knobs or something aftermarket like Roro or AMO if you want something bigger.  

16 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

The knobs are just the standard S knobs that are common on many Daiwa models, including the USDM Zillion, Tatula, and Steez.  You can always swap those out for SLP cork knobs or something aftermarket like Roro or AMO if you want something bigger.  

I don’t think they are the same as the USDM Tat knobs. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think they are the same shape, but smaller like @iabass8 said. 
 

ETA: The JDM knobs are definitely smaller. 

https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=898_660_654&products_id=6923

 

Check with them to see if the posts are the same. Inexpensive solution.

The price difference is quite large.  You can slap an entire gomexus handle with tpe knobs on and still come out ahead with the jdm.  

2 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

The price difference is quite large.  You can slap an entire gomexus handle with tpe knobs on and still come out ahead with the jdm.  

Heck, even buying a carbon SLP handle and some RCS corks would be about the same price as the USM variant.

I gotta say…. The JDM Zillion HD almost seems like a better option than the SV. 
 

Would be a sweet frog reel. 

16 hours ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Heck, even buying a carbon SLP handle and some RCS corks would be about the same price as the USM variant.

 

Cork knobs are the most comfortable IMO, but these wood knobs are not bad either. A little thicker than the original, just the right size.  

 

 

4 hours ago, newapti5 said:

 

Cork knobs are the most comfortable IMO, but these wood knobs are not bad either. A little thicker than the original, just the right size.  

 

 

I actually like the Japanese style knobs, but I did put wood knobs on my Millionaire because it looks really classy.

 

Late to the party but here is a size comparison of the USM Zillion SV knobs (top) and JDM Zillion SV knobs (bottom).

 

I ended up putting Tat 100 knobs on the JDM Zillion.

I would think the JDM Zillion TW HD makes the most sense.  Bronze gears, 100mm handle, larger knobs.  Pickup a second spool and your covered for light thru heavy lures. 

 

Everything the USDM adds plus the longer handle and a nicer black paint job IMO..  As always, you can add an extra spool anytime...... it's still a bit less than the USDM version. 

 

Add 1 levelwind and 2 handle bearings and your at Steez level 12+1.  

Well. The monkey got the best of me. 
There’s a 22 Zillion HD headed across the ocean. 

 

First JDM and first “real” Daiwa. 

 

2 hours ago, AmmoGuy said:

Well. The monkey got the best of me. 
There’s a 22 Zillion HD headed across the ocean. 

 

First JDM and first “real” Daiwa. 

 

 

 

 

20 hours ago, AmmoGuy said:

Well. The monkey got the best of me. 
There’s a 22 Zillion HD headed across the ocean. 

 

First JDM and first “real” Daiwa.