Well, I’m super bummed. Not sure how this even happened but my new Daiwa Zillion has part of the metal at the thumb button smashed in and several deep cuts in other places. I can’t recall ever dropping this thing or banging it around. Granted I don’t have a rod holder in my garage and just lean them against a wall in one corner, but d**n…

 

Defiantly user damage not a Daiwa issue.

Better have a discussion with whomever has access to your tackle.

Tom

Just now, WRB said:

Defiantly user damage not a Daiwa issue.

Better have a discussion with whomever has access to your tackle.

Tom

I never thought it was a Daiwa issue. I don’t know if someone in my family banged it against something or knocked it over and just didn’t tell me. I’m the only one that uses them. 

The thumb bar is like $5 on PLAT. I'd replace it.

25 minutes ago, ABU is overpriced said:

The thumb bar is like $5 on PLAT. I'd replace it.

Are they easy to change out?  I’m not a very mechanically inclined person 

Should be an easy fix but sure looks like someone stepped on it. The thumb bar on my Zillion feels pretty durable. I would think it would take a lot of force to brake it. I would also check the reel seat on your rod.

I’m sure there is plenty of people that will buy it here off you if you do not want it anymore lol

Send if to DVT

Stick to the matte finish Tatulas or Zillion HD if you cant baby these reels.  The Zillion painted top plastic cover over the frame is prone to scratches and the finish itself highlights these scratches with the silver color over a dark plastic.  I always thought the silver should have been an LTD color with the Zillion base color being more like the Zillion HD.  

Oh, and you'd think that because the top cover is removable with just 4 screws you could order a new one when your reel gets rashed up.  Nope.  Not even for an exorbitant price.  New frame with top cover or no deal from Daiwa.

Your wife kicked it after you went fishing too long and didn't tell you.

Upon closer inspection this thumb clutch looks like it’s just made of plastic, and not metal like I thought it was!  If that’s the case, no wonder it could get dented so easily!  Kind of surprising for a reel that cost so much and something made in Japan!

37 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

Stick to the matte finish Tatulas or Zillion HD if you cant baby these reels.  The Zillion painted top plastic cover over the frame is prone to scratches and the finish itself highlights these scratches with the silver color over a dark plastic.  I always thought the silver should have been an LTD color with the Zillion base color being more like the Zillion HD.  

Oh, and you'd think that because the top cover is removable with just 4 screws you could order a new one when your reel gets rashed up.  Nope.  Not even for an exorbitant price.  New frame with top cover or no deal from Daiwa.

Upon closer inspection this thumb clutch looks like it’s just made of plastic, and not metal like I thought it was!  If that’s the case, no wonder it could get dented so easily!  Kind of surprising for a reel that cost so much and something made in Japan!

1 hour ago, bgaviator said:

my new Daiwa Zillion has part of the metal at the thumb button smashed in

It's plastic, which is the norm.

52 minutes ago, bgaviator said:

Are they easy to change out?

If you're familiar with disassembling a reel it is.

52 minutes ago, bgaviator said:

I’m not a very mechanically inclined person 

Then don't even think about it. The handle and gear-side side cover needs to be removed to access the dog that retains the thumb button.

 

Try calling Daiwa USA first for the part before trying through PLAT. 

Telephone: (562)375-6800 & Fax Number: (800)653-2492    

 

You need part # 42. Give them your reel's model # so they know that you need parts for a right-handed reel as the thumb button/clutch lever is asymmetrical.

 

 

 

Taka Schematic Template (shopify.com)

 

 

1 hour ago, ABU is overpriced said:

The thumb bar is like $5 on PLAT. I'd replace it.

What is PLAT?  Is this thumb bar made of plastic?  It sure looks and feels that way upon closer inspection. I thought it was metal 

2 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

It's plastic, which is the norm.

If you're familiar with disassembling a reel it is.

Then don't even think about it. The handle and gear-side side cover needs to be removed to access the dog that retains the thumb button.

 

Try calling Daiwa USA first for the part before trying through PLAT.

 

You need part # 42. Give them your reel's model # so they know that you need parts for a right-handed reel as the thumb button/clutch lever is asymmetrical.

 

 

 

Taka Schematic Template (shopify.com)

 

 

I may not even worry about it to be honest. Yes it’s going to drive me nuts that it doesn’t visually look nice anymore, but it still functions ok when I used it today. I think there may be a local place that fixed reels too. I can always check with them. 

That "new" reel has a lot of scars in addition to the thumb bar.  It has taken some major hits, and I don't think the thumb bar would be damaged like that from simply "tipping over."    If you didn't do it, someone else certainly did a significant job on it.  

 

It's a piece of cake to cobble up very effective "between the joists" rod storing setups that are very stable, so it's easy to prevent the tipping over.  But the other, . . . .

Do any reels have metal thumb bars? I assumed they were all plastic.

9 hours ago, bgaviator said:

I think there may be a local place that fixed reels too. I can always check with them. 

PLAT is in Japan and shouldn't be your 1st option for a single part. I couldn't say whether your local reel repair spot knows their chit or not, so take your chances. Your best bet would be to get the part and store it until you send the reel out for its 1st full service. DVT is the site sponsor here and I can't recall any complaints.

Delaware Valley Tackle - Home

Did you have it sitting near something hot?  Being made of plastic, I would think the thumb bar would have broken off if it took a hit.

6 minutes ago, Bankbeater said:

Did you have it sitting near something hot?  Being made of plastic, I would think the thumb bar would have broken off if it took a hit.

No. Just leaning in a corner in the garage with my other rods

19 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

PLAT is in Japan and shouldn't be your 1st option for a single part. I couldn't say whether your local reel repair spot knows they're chit or not, so take your chances. Your best bet would be to get the part and store it until you send the reel out for its 1st full service. DVT is the site sponsor here and I can't recall any complaints.

Delaware Valley Tackle - Home

Oh great to know a service like this exists!

Daiwa thumb-bar is a full take-down, and difficult to replace.  

https://kakedzukass.com/daiwa-steez-assembly-procedure-explanation/

If you go to the trouble to replace it, should upgrade with the KDW metal thumb bar.  

 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/7772

My theory is that your 4 legged frient decided it was a chew toy.

 

9 minutes ago, gimruis said:

My theory is that your 4 legged frient decided it was a chew toy.

 

I was thinking something similar happened. 
 I’m thinking someone yelled squirrel. Then Cujo the terrierist tore off after the nonexistent squirrel. Knocking over the rod. Then Cujo got upset at the rod. Biting it several times until it stopped moving. 

12 minutes ago, gimruis said:

My theory is that your 4 legged frient decided it was a chew toy.

 

Nah they never go in the garage 

18 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Daiwa thumb-bar is a full take-down, and difficult to replace.  

https://kakedzukass.com/daiwa-steez-assembly-procedure-explanation/

If you go to the trouble to replace it, should upgrade with the KDW metal thumb bar.  

 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/7772

Wow. Neat. Kinda pricey for such a small piece but it would be nice to know it’s metal instead of plastic. 

Kidding around aside. I agree with the above comment. 
When the first deep cleaning/ maintenance is needed. Take it to a shop and ask them to replace the part while it’s taken apart anyway.  

3 minutes ago, Sota said:

Kidding around aside. I agree with the above comment. 
When the first deep cleaning/ maintenance is needed. Take it to a shop and ask them to replace the part while it’s taken apart anyway.  

How often would you say a deep cleaning is needed?  I don’t go fishing nearly as often as I’d like in any given year so it doesn’t get heavy use. 

My zillions looked very used after their first bumpy boat ride as a co.  Order the thumb bar, fish the rest of the season then send off to get repaired.