US zillion HD or do you guys have any other recomedations i am going to use a point blank XXHF custom built rod and 20-25 pound flouro to pitch in thick lilys

 

.

Nothing special needed for that imo, I got a plain ol' standard tat 100 on a heavy daiwa for pitching and frogging heavy cover.

This Zillion HD gets my vote. I have it on a 895 NRX+ . Killer set up but almost too powerful for most fish I catch.

is the US Zillion HD about the same size in hand as the new JDM Zillion HD

.

I’d prefer something smaller and lighter in weight. The hd is a great reel but imo there’s too much emphasis put on needing something big and heavy. Your aren’t using a ton of line and the reels durability is so good that I don’t see them breaking down. I tell myself that I’m going to need to see some nice daiwa/Shimano reels actually break before I decide to start holding an extra two ounces all day. Pitching is super fun. It’s also more fun when you’re doing with something that’s not wearing you out even more. 

Daiwa Elite Flip/Pitch in 8:1  is rugged, smooth, 100 mm handle and far less in weight.  I really like mine.

9 hours ago, corey90 said:

US zillion HD or do you guys have any other recomedations i am going to use a point blank XXHF custom built rod and 20-25 pound flouro to pitch in thick lilys

 

Forget fluoro for this task. 50# 832 is the way to roll in cover.

 

That zillion will serve you well, so will most other aluminum frame reels. I'm partial to Lew's Pro SP for pitching. The light shallow spool starts up fast which aids in pitching lighter baits, and holds plenty of braid for the task.

Ardent flipping reel. the name says it all.

8 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

I’d prefer something smaller and lighter in weight. The hd is a great reel but imo there’s too much emphasis put on needing something big and heavy. Your aren’t using a ton of line and the reels durability is so good that I don’t see them breaking down. I tell myself that I’m going to need to see some nice daiwa/Shimano reels actually break before I decide to start holding an extra two ounces all day. Pitching is super fun. It’s also more fun when you’re doing with something that’s not wearing you out even more. 

 

This is where I think I'm at as well.  With the new to me Cara Amistad looking like its going to get into the rotation more, I'm going to put a better reel on it than the Revo SX I've been using (which is a fine reel in its own right).  I put my Chronarch on it for Tuesday and it felt great.  Its a 6+ ounce reel with aluminum gears and an aluminum/graphite frame.  I might go with a Bantam for the full aluminum frame, but I don't see a need for an HD for this.

On 10/19/2023 at 2:28 AM, Bandersnatch said:

I’d prefer something smaller and lighter in weight. The hd is a great reel but imo there’s too much emphasis put on needing something big and heavy. Your aren’t using a ton of line and the reels durability is so good that I don’t see them breaking down. I tell myself that I’m going to need to see some nice daiwa/Shimano reels actually break before I decide to start holding an extra two ounces all day. Pitching is super fun. It’s also more fun when you’re doing with something that’s not wearing you out even more. 

You need a 4.9 oz. Lews custom lite

what about heavy cover

 

you're not reeling in the cover.