Hey guys,
Are these reels still viable today? or is there better for the money?. I'm eyeballing one for about $210CAD. I can't seem to find many worth while reviews on them.
Anyone who owns these have any input?
What are the Shimano "comparables"?

Figured I'd try and get some input here first.

I would say Do not pass Go, it's a great reel, especially at that price. 

 

Wouldn’t pass up on that deal.   You’ll enjoy it.   All I use pretty much are zillions and I have no complaints     

I'd say look east - there're more options and better deals waiting in Japan, like this mint condition 16 Zillion with zero scratch.

 

 

22 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

I'd say look east - there're more options and better deals waiting in Japan, like this mint condition 16 Zillion with zero scratch.

 

 

The one I was looking at is a 16 zillion SV TW from japan, actually.

I just wasn't sure how good the 16 zillions are/if they are worth it now a days.

On 10/14/2023 at 2:08 PM, Schaefer said:

The one I was looking at is a 16 zillion SV TW from japan, actually.

I just wasn't sure how good the 16 zillions are/if they are worth it now a days.

 

I don't have one right now, but I do have its spool. It's still a great caster in 2023. Other than the spool, the rest of the reel seem like a luxury Tatula CT to me. It is still a good quality reel, but just does not stand out from the crowd like the new Zillion or the TD-Z.  

On 10/14/2023 at 11:33 AM, bulldog1935 said:

I would say Do not pass Go, it's a great reel, especially at that price. 

 

This looks like a picture of the 21 Zillion. The 16 Zillion is the same frame and similar color to the older Tatula TW with an aluminum side plate.

 

You can easily find 2016 Zillions for around a $100. I have a few and they are good but there are better options out there at this point.

 

 

There are some other minor differences, like free-floating spool, drag star difference and the Tatula SV being overbraked compared to the Zillion ZV. Both are solid and I do love my 2016 Zillions I have.

5 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

This looks like a picture of the 21 Zillion.

Yup, that’s the Zillion sv TW 

 I have a zillion tw sv in 5.5 that I'm still finding a purpose for. Got it originally for spinnerbaits but it seems to have issues casting them due to the high resistance.

For me, I have one more option to try and if that doesn't work its up for sale.  I'm comparing it to a circa 2016 Chronarch Ci4 which for me, casts much better. If only it had a lower gear ratio.  YMMV.