So I recently purchased a new rod. A two piece JDM Jackall Revoltage C71H-ST. It’s a solid tip heavy rod meant to be basically an all purpose bottom contact rod. Being a two piece I mean to carry it around with me when I travel as well as just being easier to carry (I drive a dinky Civic). I was just going to steal my 24 Tatula off my expride to use, but the bait monkey has gotten to me and convinced me that I must get a new reel to go with this rod. I’m looking at either the 24 SLX 70 or the 21 Zillion SV TW, both JDM and both in a 8 speed ratio. The SLX is cheaper and I am interested in trying out a Shimano bait caster given I have none right now, and then swapping it out for the next iteration of Zillion. However, the bait monkey is swaying me to the current gen Zillion since I’m already used to Daiwa given I have a Tatula already. Also considering either 14 or 16 lbs fluro for weightless senkos, Texas rigs, jigs, and the occasional C-rig. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I'd go Zillion.  I don't like fluorocarbon lines in that diameter with centrifugal brake reels.  You will almost certainly have to run some spool tension to slow the spool which defeates the purpose of getting a centrifugal reel in the 1st place.  It also stiffens up the reel retrieve and puts unecessary wear on the brass shims under the palm plate spool bearing and handle side plate causing dimpling.  Also the Zillion can skip.  Kind of a big deal for a bottom contact rod to me.  

Don't get the Zillion unless you're prepared to be ruined by that reel.   

 

If the Zillion is a choice, then there really isn't a choice, the Zillion is all that and then some.  

I'm ready for the next zillion..hopefully a better color.  

yeah, a zillion vs an SLX isn't even a choice.  

@KP Duty SLPW Zillion, back in black

 

20 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

@KP Duty SLPW Zillion, back in black

 

How is that SLP works I almost got one but then decided to just get a 22 Zillion hd

MagForce/Z/SV works.  Its function and simplicity is a stroke of genius, and I believe it will eventually be copied by everyone and become ubiquitous on all baitcasters.  

SLPW Zillion is based on HD with an improved clutch and drive.  

No brainer for me, because it doesn't come with handle and spool, which I would swap anyway (already have a back-up 1016 SV mono spool  - I have total 7 spools that that swap between 4 reels).  With a Ray's Studio SV spool, it glides right into my wide-range inshore niche - small lures, big fish.  

  

11 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

@KP Duty SLPW Zillion, back in black

 

That may happen...if they offered a 6 gear I'd be more inclined.

@KP Duty I get that, and it's why 6-geared Steez was my first Daiwa in 40 years.  

 

I also have a perfect spot for 8-geared Zillion, inshore drift-fishing a kayak.  

Assume it will be an all around reel being used to fish from shore.  The SLX 70 holds 85 yards of 12# mono versus 100 yards of 14# or 85 yards of 16# for the Zillion.  Figures from TW.  That alone would make my decision easy as I'm a shore fisherman.  I like long casts without seeing the arbor.