What is your pick for a do it all baitcaster in the 200 range?   Thanks,

Daiwa Tatula CT Casting Reel - Tackle Warehouse

6.3:1 or 7.3:1 will handle just about anything.

For $225 (not sure if that’s close enough to your range) go jdm and get either a metanium or zillion from digitaka.  

12 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

For $225 (not sure if that’s close enough to your range) go jdm and get either a metanium or zillion from digitaka.  

 

Either one, it's become kind of a no brainer at that this point with the exchange rate. Both great reels.  I own both.  They have been a blast. 

JDM Zillion G on amazon.co.jp about 205 delivered, cheaper if you are a lefty.

 

Alternatively, a Tatula SV 2020 $160 on a 20% sale which is reasonably common. IMO the SV spool is especially good in wind, with light baits, or for new anglers. 

In the $200 range the world is your oyster. Stick with a name brand and you won’t be disappointed.

IMO the trick is finding them on sale as @txchaser mentioned. The internet is good for something once in a while.

I'd get the jdm zillion.  Sure the Met is close in price, but daiwa has their braking system so dialed in,  it's the most user friendly of all the brands.

I remain a fan of my Lew's Super Duty, enough to buy a second. 

But at that price, Daiwa Zillion is Do Not Pass Go. 

I'd go Shimano Curado MGL and not spend the full $200.

the Zillion is $200 or less?

19 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

the Zillion is $200 or less?

 

No.  The OP asked about the 200 'range'.  That says $200 give or take a little.

Shimano Curado MGL 150

 

Simply put, I just can't find anything it won't do.

26 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

No.  The OP asked about the 200 'range'.  That says $200 give or take a little.

If you can swing the little extra $, the JDM Zillion SVTW is hard to argue with. Just checked Digitaka and they are estimated at $232 for the only lefty they have available.

 

For the $200 in a USDM model, I have to agree with Craig P above that the Curado MGL is a pretty nice reel. I really like the one I bought. 

 

If you don't mind the JDM option, and want to stay <$200, the Daiwa Alphas SVTW is an awful nice option. Near as smooth as the Zillion SVTW, smaller frame, and lower price is a nice combination. In my personal opinion, I would choose the JDM Alphas SV over a USDM Tatula SV.

13 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Just checked Digitaka and they are estimated at $232 for the only lefty they have available.

$206 on Amazon.co.jp

 

At that price, Zillion is the answer

Thanks for the replies,  do you guys think the prices on the Japan Tackle sites will continue to drop for us in the USA? 

Im partial to my Quantum Smokes.

50 minutes ago, Joe Henry said:

Thanks for the replies,  do you guys think the prices on the Japan Tackle sites will continue to drop for us in the USA? 

i don’t think so. I bought my zillion 2 months ago at 128 exchange rate. I paid $225. The exchange rate right now is 144 and digitaka is still showing $225.  I think they have bumped up the domestic jpn price to account for fx movement. I was going to order a Met today but they don’t have any. Same with bantams. 

1 hour ago, Joe Henry said:

Thanks for the replies,  do you guys think the prices on the Japan Tackle sites will continue to drop for us in the USA? 

JPY 144 to the dollar is exceptional. 

Buying in Japan is good any time the doller is over 100 yen. 

I've been shopping in Japan 20 years. 

$206 for a Zillion G or SV TW would be crazy to pass up in you're in the market for a $200 reel. 

If you wait they may not have stock, and you're risking it to save $2. 

 

 

If it comes from Amazon warehouse, when you load your cart for US delivery, they subtract 10% Japan VAT. 

3 hours ago, zpelletier said:

$206 on Amazon.co.jp

 

At that price, Zillion is the answer

can you share the link you’re seeing?  The best I’m seeing is 31,800 which is $220

Just now, bulldog1935 said:

JPY 144 to the dollar is exceptional. 

Buying in Japan is good is over 100. 

$206 for a Zillion SV TW would be crazy to pass up. 

 

hence why I was going to order a met or bantam. 

Lew's tournament pro without a doubt.

42 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

can you share the link you’re seeing?  The best I’m seeing is 31,800 which is $220

 

 

Search for Zillion SV TW on Amazon US. You have to pay sales tax because of it going through Amazon US though.

19 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

Search for Zillion SV TW on Amazon US. You have to pay sales tax because of it going through Amazon US though.

This. @casts_by_fly
 

It shows “Sold by Amazon Japan” so it should be good to go

 

But I mean, $220 is a steal as well

24 minutes ago, zpelletier said:

This. @casts_by_fly
 

It shows “Sold by Amazon Japan” so it should be good to go

 

But I mean, $220 is a steal as well

got it. Once you add sales tax on the Amazon US price it comes out to….$220 for me.  Wish they had a met for that. 

Dang I just found the right hand 6.3 model for $210 doing what you guys said above.   That would have to be my pick, as I'm seriously pondering buying it myself.    It's silver though, and the ones on Digitaka IIrc were slate type colored.    

Will they send aluminum or brass gear models from Japan?