Anyone whose got rod building experience can attest, if you build blank X with say 8 guides, you'll use 8 the next time (as long as not micros) you use that same blank.  No need to add or subtract guides, especially add since you are adding weight and cost.

Compare the 73MHf models Steez and Tatula, Steez have 9 guides and Tatula has 8.  Obviously for different blank material and flex profile would necessitate a different number of guides.  New Zillion has 9 guides in the 73MHf model.  I'm leaning towards this not being a Tatula blank based on process and economics of build.  

14 hours ago, MeatHead1313 said:

$130 more than the non AGS Tatula elite rods which also use the Fuji alconite guides like the Zillion.  

Zillion has Sic rings....

These are up on TW.  Check out the bottom end bait weight rating on the spinning rods...all models rated down to 1/16oz.  That 6'8"M regular tapered rod might be my next jerkbait stick.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Zillion_Spinning_Rods/descpage-FDZIL.html

5 hours ago, webertime said:

 

Zillion has Sic rings....

Shows as alconite on the Daiwa site 🤷‍♂️

1 hour ago, MeatHead1313 said:

Shows as alconite on the Daiwa site 🤷‍♂️

  Also on the site above your screen shot.

1 hour ago, webertime said:

  Also on the site above your screen shot.

I missed that. Wonder which one it actually is then? I like the look of the rods, and the 7'2 medium has me interested, just wish it was clearer what we're getting for the money. 

1 hour ago, MeatHead1313 said:

I missed that. Wonder which one it actually is then? I like the look of the rods, and the 7'2 medium has me interested, just wish it was clearer what we're getting for the money. 

1000% agreed.  I did get one and will have it in my hands next week 

On 3/1/2024 at 10:46 AM, webertime said:

Anyone whose got rod building experience can attest, if you build blank X with say 8 guides, you'll use 8 the next time (as long as not micros) you use that same blank.  No need to add or subtract guides, especially add since you are adding weight and cost.

Compare the 73MHf models Steez and Tatula, Steez have 9 guides and Tatula has 8.  Obviously for different blank material and flex profile would necessitate a different number of guides.  New Zillion has 9 guides in the 73MHf model.  I'm leaning towards this not being a Tatula blank based on process and economics of build.  

Zillion has Sic rings....

Great points made. Funny you pick the 73mh model because I was looking at that one. That model in Steez says 10 guides while Zillion says 9. That model in Tatula AGS has the same specs (1/4-1oz) but doesn’t give a guide count on the website. I’d guess it has 9, so once again does it seem the Zillion is the same blank minus AGS guides for more expensive??

 

Would love to know more about what flex light really means? I’ve never seen that term used in Steez marketing, they say compile-x for those blanks

32 minutes ago, MNAngler10000 said:

Great points made. Funny you pick the 73mh model because I was looking at that one. That model in Steez says 10 guides while Zillion says 9. That model in Tatula AGS has the same specs (1/4-1oz) but doesn’t give a guide count on the website. I’d guess it has 9, so once again does it seem the Zillion is the same blank minus AGS guides for more expensive??

 

Would love to know more about what flex light really means? I’ve never seen that term used in Steez marketing, they say compile-x for those blanks

Please look at Daiwa or Tw specs on the actual rods (guides, not guides + tip)...  9 on steez 9 on zillion 8 on tatula elite.  Not a Tatula blank.  Maybe not a Steez but 100000% not a Tatula.

 

Google Daiwa Flexlite.  Pages upon pages of info on Steez/flexlite.

 

 

20 hours ago, MNAngler10000 said:

 

Would love to know more about what flex light really means? I’ve never seen that term used in Steez marketing, they say compile-x for those blanks

 

I don't know anything about it, but here's Ben's take from the hook up tackle....

 

scott

 

 

Guides are alconite per the tags on the rod. The 75 isn't particularly light, 5.4oz on my scale but it balances well with a fully spooled usdm zillion, right at the lock nut.

Has anyone held the new zillion spinning rods? From what I read the handles are very long,I don't  care for long handles on spinning rods. Looking for confirmation on this.

Did these turn out to be winners, or just meh at that price point? 

I'm no savvy reviewer but I bought the 7'2 Heavy/Fast. I have been using it for 5/8oz spinner baits, 6 inch magdrafts, heavier plastics to pitch, etc. I have been more than impressed. It has power, a fast tip but sneakily becomes more moderate under load.

 

I bought mine to directly compare to a Steez power pitch (7'2 Heavy/fast). In my hands they are incredibly close in performance and I would happily buy the Zillion again.

 

I want to try the 7'3Heavy / Regular for chatterbaits but cannot give up my Rebellion glass rods so that will wait.

On 4/19/2024 at 6:01 AM, Kevhead19 said:

 

I bought mine to directly compare to a Steez power pitch (7'2 Heavy/fast). In my hands they are incredibly close in performance and I would happily buy the Zillion again.

This says a lot... 

On 4/19/2024 at 7:01 AM, Kevhead19 said:

I'm no savvy reviewer but I bought the 7'2 Heavy/Fast. I have been using it for 5/8oz spinner baits, 6 inch magdrafts, heavier plastics to pitch, etc. I have been more than impressed. It has power, a fast tip but sneakily becomes more moderate under load.

 

I bought mine to directly compare to a Steez power pitch (7'2 Heavy/fast). In my hands they are incredibly close in performance and I would happily buy the Zillion again.

 

I want to try the 7'3Heavy / Regular for chatterbaits but cannot give up my Rebellion glass rods so that will wait.

Tbh those rebellions are fantastic rods.. was hoping the zillions would be Steez lites but it seems like outside of certain models they are very different rods.

I just snagged a (barely) used, 7'2 M/F Casting model at a nice discount, curious to try it out.

Granted it's a "Moving Bait" model so sensitivity and balance aren't exactly paramount but we'll see. Not a Flex-Lite blank. 

Pairing it with a SV TW103 I also got on sale during the closeout.  

I bought the 7’3 MH and have been using it for T rigs and 3/8 jigs and I love this rod. Feels just as sensitive as my Steez. 

Anybody else end up with these rods? What did you think?

Curious to hear opinions on this rod vs the new Okuma x. 

18 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Curious to hear opinions on this rod vs the new Okuma x. 

One of my great friends is an Okuma guy and has a few.  It's nice but the Zillion is nicer.  As an analogy.  You're car stereo goes up to 50 (volume)  Okuma X is a 40 and Zillion is 44.  Both are loud enough but one's a bit better.

It's a matter of opinion. The Okuma X-Series rods and reels are highly underrated and perform higher than their price point suggests.  More and more bass anglers are learning this and adding Okuma to their arsenal.

 

That said, comparing Daiwa to Okuma to Shimano to Powell to Dobyns to St. Croix....we all have our favorites and you'll get different opinions on all of them because they're all quality brands.  It's hard to make a bad choice.

Ive had two of the zillion rods. 
6’10 medium heavy regular rod is a bladed jig crankbait rod. When i ordered i was hoping it would be a big jerkbait rod but it was too heavy for that and the last thing i needed was another crankbait/bladed jig rod especially at the $329 price point. The second rod i have now is the 7’2 mh fast. I flat out love this rod. Perfect for texas rigs, buzz baits, 3/8 oz jigs, and was ok for wacky rigs.  Still trying to fiddle with a reel i love to pair with it. 

I sold the 6’10 zillion

My 7’2 H showed up in the mail today. My first impressions are somewhat mixed. The rod seems awesome but the first thing I noticed was the size of the guides. Im not sure how small a guide has to be to be considered a micro guide but I’m set on running 40lb braid to 20lb fluoro ( FG knot) and I’m not sure how these guides will work. 
 

Zillion 7’2 on the right, tatula elite non AGS 7’3 multi purpose ( my former jig rod) on the left. 

Edited May 1, 20251 yr by 10,000 lakes Bassin

Anyone know if this will be an issue? I’m not sure the exact size of the guides and if they would be a problem. Like I said 40lb braid to 20lb fluoro is what I run.