Tatula Elite vs Zillion Sv Tw

[1984isNOW]

Basically that, can anybody compare the Tatula Elite with the Zillion sv tw?

 

Casting distance?

 

Best technique the reel shines for?

[MediumMouthBass]

If you want casting distance go with the Tatula Elite. Doesnt Daiwa call this a long cast reel?

Elite has a deep spool.

Zillion has a SV spool.

Both have the T wing and Zero Adjuster, but the Zillion has SV boost, plus many more extras. I like the clicking drag on mine but thats not something needed.

Ive had my Zillion sitting in a box since last year but am going to start using it, from other peoples experience it sounds like a do everything kind of reel depending on ratio and line.

Either reel can do practically any technique, the Elite will shine on casting that lure as far as possible, the Zillion will shine at being a work of art, no really it will actually shine in sunlight. And youll think to yourself how can i keep this thing looking new.

 

But seriously the Zillion will be good for any technique or lure where you want the ultimate experience of fishing enjoyment while getting all the benefits of the SV spool, like for instance smoother feeling, easier casting without having to worry about backlashes.

Pluss youll be able to cast the lighter stuff/lures that arent very aerodynamic with ease.

And they are within similar prices right now, JDM Zillions going between 200-210 lately and theres a place online selling the Elite for i think 190 right now (do a quick search).

 

Both are excellent reels though.

 

And ill just be honest here and say what we are all thinking, you buy the Zillion youll be happy with it and wont think back about not getting the Elite, whereas if you buy the Elite you will think back and blame yourself for not getting a Zillion.

Plus when you take that Zillion out for the first time to the lake or pond/where ever you are fishing youll feel like a rich man walking into the country club on a nice warm sunday afternoon. And who wouldnt like that?

[PBBrandon]

The Elite is a nice reel, great for long casts. But a Zillion for the same price is a better reel imo. The Zillion has the SV Boost spool which I think has an extra spring in it to keep the inductor cup further away from the magnets compared to the regular SV spool. (May not be 100% right on the science there but basically it casts further).

 

Both reels can be used for pretty much any bass technique besides big swimbaits. Whatever technique/s you want the reel for just consider gear ratio. But I’d definitely go with the Zillion

[Bigbox99]

I'd get the Zillion.  I have an Elite spool in a Fuego CT (back when you could buy the spools for $45)  and a Zillion 1000 and while both cast really well the Zillion is a much nicer reel.  Both are effortless casters that send baits for good distance with surprisingly little effort.  Both skip pretty well too although I've only used braid on my Elite spool so it may be less skip friendly full of heavy fluorocarbon line.  The SV Boost in the Zillion has seen nothing but unconditioned 14# Sniper and has been a dream to cast and skip with.

 

If I had to choose between $170 for a Tatula Elite and $200 for the Zillion, I'd take the Zillion every time.  The new 2024 Tatula is around $100 if you know where to look and that one looks promising with its hyper gears and hyper aluminum handle side plate and at half the going rate for a Zillion it could be a real winner IF it casts anything like the Elite and Zillion.  

[ABU is overpriced]

Zillion over everything on the market. Replace all bushing by quality bearings, and you get such a banger of a reel that nothing else matters.

[A kid from Canada]

I use my Elite more than my Zillion, the Zillion isn't so amazing that it makes you forget about all other reels. It's nicer but not by the amount everyone says it is. In Canada l the Zillion sells for $475 which I bought for $300, the Elite sells for $290 but I got both mine for $155. I put lighter spools in the Elites for $50 and they are so good I wouldn't spend the extra money for another Zillion. If they both cost about the same it would be silly not to buy the Zillion though. 

[MiceNReets]

19 hours ago, A kid from Canada said:

I use my Elite more than my Zillion, the Zillion isn't so amazing that it makes you forget about all other reels. It's nicer but not by the amount everyone says it is. In Canada l the Zillion sells for $475 which I bought for $300, the Elite sells for $290 but I got both mine for $155. I put lighter spools in the Elites for $50 and they are so good I wouldn't spend the extra money for another Zillion. If they both cost about the same it would be silly not to buy the Zillion though. 

Where are you finding the elites for $155 in Canada?

[LonnieP]

I have both. Elite gets a little more distance.  I’ve found that the Elite backlashes more when casting in the wind. Zillion is smoother. For the money the JDM Zillion is the better deal

[1984isNOW]

Appreciate all the input y'all, a little conflicting for me, but I already pulled the trigger on the Elite. It might fluff more, but seems like it is getting more distance.

 

I'm gonna have to try to put the same line and lure on the same rod with each of them, but it does seem like the Elite rides a little freer.

 

@A kid from Canada where/when did you get Elites for $155?

 

@LonnieP jdm zillion at going rate (about $ 229or Elite on sale for $175?

[A kid from Canada]

7 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

Where are you finding the elites for $155 in Canada?

I buy all my reels from overseas either digitaka or AliExpress. Gotta keep your eyes out for the deals, prices fluctuate aggressively.

[1984isNOW]

We're those digitaka or AE?

 

You've had good luck with name brand stuff on AE?

[FryDog62]

I have both - very easy to decide which to use. Zillion to skip anything because the SV spool is forgiving. Elite for everything else because of better casting distance. In fact, I have three different MGL III spool Shimanos and they cast well, but not quite as far and effortlessly as the Tatula Elite. 
 

Honestly, if I’m not skipping something I get very frustrated with any SV reel (even Steez). The spool just holds you back - which can be a good thing to prevent backlashes when you skip, but much more effort to get distance with pretty much anything else. 

[1984isNOW]

14 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

,

Ya know bro you were one of the driving forces for me to pull the trigger, I remember you talking the Elite up quite a bit.

 

I did feel it casted quite a distance, did fluff a bit, and then I I really wanted to test it so I swung for the fences and nested - snapped my braid. But, I think if I didn't go for the green monsta the fluff had been manageable.

 

@FryDog62 what settings Do you think it shines on? I already tightened up the zero adjuster a bit, it arrived pretty sloppy.

[A kid from Canada]

4 hours ago, 1984isNOW said:

We're those digitaka or AE?

 

You've had good luck with name brand stuff on AE?

They were AE, Ive never had an issue. Also bought a Tatula 150 and an SV, couldn't tell a difference between them and the ones I picked up on Canada. 

[redmeansdistortion]

9 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

Honestly, if I’m not skipping something I get very frustrated with any SV reel (even Steez). The spool just holds you back - which can be a good thing to prevent backlashes when you skip, but much more effort to get distance with pretty much anything else. 

If you want distance with a SV spool, it's a good idea to tune the inductor.  There are two ways to do this and both give different results. 

 

The first and easiest method is to add another shim or two under the E clip that secures the inductor to the spool.  This maintains the factory braking curve but limits the travel of the inductor into the magnet assembly.  Lures can still be skipped effectively but braking power will be less.  If going this route, start with one additional shim and add another if necessary.  

 

The other way, and this does change the braking curve, is to use a stiffer inductor spring.  The spring from a TD-Z Type R+ can replace the much softer factory spring.  This changes the braking curve because the spool must spin at a higher RPM to actuate the inductor and move it into the magnet assembly.  You may need to use a little spool tension for skipping with this setup, but if you're looking for raw distance, this is the way to go.

[FryDog62]

16 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

If you want distance with a SV spool, it's a good idea to tune the inductor.  There are two ways to do this and both give different results. 

 

The first and easiest method is to add another shim or two under the E clip that secures the inductor to the spool.  This maintains the factory braking curve but limits the travel of the inductor into the magnet assembly.  Lures can still be skipped effectively but braking power will be less.  If going this route, start with one additional shim and add another if necessary.  

 

The other way, and this does change the braking curve, is to use a stiffer inductor spring.  The spring from a TD-Z Type R+ can replace the much softer factory spring.  This changes the braking curve because the spool must spin at a higher RPM to actuate the inductor and move it into the magnet assembly.  You may need to use a little spool tension for skipping with this setup, but if you're looking for raw distance, this is the way to go.

It can work, but just easier for me anyway to toss the Elite 90% of the time. Then pick up the Steez SVTW or Zillion to skip a Neko or Caffeine Shad. 

9 hours ago, 1984isNOW said:

Ya know bro you were one of the driving forces for me to pull the trigger, I remember you talking the Elite up quite a bit.

 

I did feel it casted quite a distance, did fluff a bit, and then I I really wanted to test it so I swung for the fences and nested - snapped my braid. But, I think if I didn't go for the green monsta the fluff had been manageable.

 

@FryDog62 what settings Do you think it shines on? I already tightened up the zero adjuster a bit, it arrived pretty sloppy.

I don’t mess much with the zero adjuster depends on the lure size weight. I typically set the brakes on 9-11 depending on that lure, wind, etc. 

[Bigbox99]

1 hour ago, redmeansdistortion said:

If you want distance with a SV spool, it's a good idea to tune the inductor.  There are two ways to do this and both give different results. 

 

The first and easiest method is to add another shim or two under the E clip that secures the inductor to the spool.  This maintains the factory braking curve but limits the travel of the inductor into the magnet assembly.  Lures can still be skipped effectively but braking power will be less.  If going this route, start with one additional shim and add another if necessary.  

 

The other way, and this does change the braking curve, is to use a stiffer inductor spring.  The spring from a TD-Z Type R+ can replace the much softer factory spring.  This changes the braking curve because the spool must spin at a higher RPM to actuate the inductor and move it into the magnet assembly.  You may need to use a little spool tension for skipping with this setup, but if you're looking for raw distance, this is the way to go.

My go to trick for speeding up an SV spool is to swap the inductor from a Ray's Studio spool onto the SV spool.  You can buy them individually from some sellers on Aliexpress and its a direct swap since Ray's copied the Air Brake.  You lose some control when it comes to skipping but if that doesn't matter for your application then it's a great swap.  I'll be doing this to a Steel LTD spool I have to free it up for jerkbait use.  

[wonkyrig]

I'd personally take a curado mgl over either. I like spool tension knobs that are supposed to be used. I like quick access to open the reel to add a drop of bearing oil. But I also don't want to spend time finagling and tuning. My jdm zillions seemed to bog down really quickly. The tatula elite feels heavy in comparison to both others. I have all 3 reels if you have specific questions.

[1984isNOW]

On 4/24/2024 at 7:45 AM, FryDog62 said:

9-11

What weights you throwing? I brought it down to about 5/6 for 1/2 chatterbait

 

@wonkyrig what do you mean "bogged down"?

 

You can feel a .374 oz difference between them?

 

Thanks for the input yall

[FryDog62]

10 minutes ago, 1984isNOW said:

What weights you throwing? I brought it down to about 5/6 for 1/2 chatterbait

 

@wonkyrig what do you mean "bogged down"?

 

You can feel a .374 oz difference between them?

 

Thanks for the input yall

I throw 3/8 oz buzzbaits on about 9 since they are light with a lot of surface area, I set at 10 for 3/8 oz swim jigs and 11 for Chatterbaits 1/2-3/4 oz.  All estimates based on wind and other factors. 

[wonkyrig]

9 hours ago, 1984isNOW said:

What weights you throwing? I brought it down to about 5/6 for 1/2 chatterbait

 

@wonkyrig what do you mean "bogged down"?

 

You can feel a .374 oz difference between them?

 

Thanks for the input yall

 

I think they may be due for a deep clean quicker than my other reels, just feels like they've lost some casting distance. The weight thing is probably just down to ergos, it's not a big difference. They're all good reels, get whichever feels comfy in hand.

[1984isNOW]

11 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

t 9

Interesting, I'd imagine a buzzbait requiring higher braking than a swim jig.

 

I was chuckin a giant blade 1/2 oz spinnerbait on 7 today, basically no wind. The Elite handled it well, 30 pound PowerPro on a 7' MHXF.

 

I also threw a half ounce giant blade bladed jig on my Zillion. It freakinzingedthedangthing! I think it was on 5/6

This had 50# Sufix 832 on a 7' MMF. The rod feels whimpy with lures that big, but it's just what I had at the ready.

 

 

 

From out the box you ever adjust the tension?

[FryDog62]

7 hours ago, 1984isNOW said:

From out the box you ever adjust the tension?

I can’t remember on all of the reels, but if I did it was minimal to no adjustment..

[GReb]

I love the zillion and own several. It’s amazing. However the Elite does “perform” better in situations and has a deeper spool. It’s a great caster and gets more distance but not quite as controllable or smooth on the retrieve. 
 

 

[1984isNOW]

On 4/22/2024 at 5:35 PM, A kid from Canada said:

I put lighter spools in the Elites for $50

Which spools and where'd you get'em?

 

 

@FryDog62 what line are you using in the Elite? I snapped of a brand new one of a k8nd custom spinnerbait tonight in 30# PowerPro with my Elite.

 

Took me by surprise, didn't really huk it, but maybe I lifted my thumb just a tad too much? Idk, the Elite is definitely a fluffy reel