My son is traveling to Japan in a few weeks once he graduates HS. He’s a big rock climber and he’s heading to some out of the way places for outdoor climbing. However, he will be in Tokyo and/or Osaka at random points throughout the 3 weeks he’ll be there.

 

That said, I WANT a new JDM reel. I’m thinking in the $300-$400 range. I have a mixture of Shimano, Daiwa and Lews, so I’m not brand loyal per se. I don’t need a reel for anything, but if you had the opportunity and that budget, what would you get and why?

Jdm metanium or bantam.. 

I'd add a Zillion to the list also.

FM

I might go a little over your budget and get a Daiwa Steez SV Limited Shallow Spool.  I really like this reel.  I have been using it for 1/2oz jigs on NRX+ 894 and it a powerhouse.  I'm not sure what they did different to this reel because on the inside it looks like the regular SV. It's fun to fish and I can pitch jig really easy with it.

 

Next would be a Metanium 100. Just an all around great reel. 

Zillion HD, Metanium 100

Zillion HD

As a Zillion shill, i must, at all costs, suggest a Zillion, especially the HD version. Outside of that, very impressed with the 24 Met DC, so that could be another quality option. I heard Bantams can be had for super cheap directly in those small shops, so a mini tank is a good option as well.

24 minutes ago, ABU is overpriced said:

As a Zillion shill, i must, at all costs, suggest a Zillion, especially the HD version. Outside of that, very impressed with the 24 Met DC, so that could be another quality option. I heard Bantams can be had for super cheap directly in those small shops, so a mini tank is a good option as well.

Bantams are super cheap.   My ‘18 Bantams (last 3 I bought) cost me around $130cdn shipped.   And I got a Gomexus handle for one of them and found a handle less bantam for $75cdn shipped and I already have a handle to go on it.  

 

im liking the bantams a lot more than the zillion SVs the last little while 

For that kind of budget, you can get the brand new Shimano Antares in Japan local shops.  But I personally would take this opportunity to get a JDM rod or two, which normally cost an arm and a leg to ship.

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

Bantams are super cheap.   My ‘18 Bantams (last 3 I bought) cost me around $130cdn shipped.   And I got a Gomexus handle for one of them and found a handle less bantam for $75cdn shipped and I already have a handle to go on it.  

 

im liking the bantams a lot more than the zillion SVs the last little while 

Are these prices in used condition? That's pretty cheap.

Would never personally take one over a zillion, they're too heavy and micro module is micro module, but they're certainly awesome bang per buck reels to buy.

Just now, ABU is overpriced said:

Are these prices in used condition? That's pretty cheap.

Would never personally take one of a zillion, they're too heavy and micro module is micro module, but they're certainly an awesome bang per buck reels to buy.

Yes.  All have been used.  One was mint and looked like it was never used, one had a small scuff that isn’t noticeable, another has a few battle scars and the one in the mail with no handle looks mint from the pictures.   The 3 I already have, I’ve taken apart and serviced them and they’re extremely smooth and quiet.  

2 hours ago, newapti5 said:

For that kind of budget, you can get the brand new Shimano Antares in Japan local shops.  But I personally would take this opportunity to get a JDM rod or two, which normally cost an arm and a leg to ship.

That was an option, but I’m not sure I trust my son bringing back a rod or two…

 

I mean, the kid is going to college to study Physics. Who does that?!?!?

1 hour ago, MiceNReets said:

Yes.  All have been used.  One was mint and looked like it was never used, one had a small scuff that isn’t noticeable, another has a few battle scars and the one in the mail with no handle looks mint from the pictures.   The 3 I already have, I’ve taken apart and serviced them and they’re extremely smooth and quiet.  

Yea, the used ones can be had for real cheap on yahoo. I thought you've seen them in new condition in stores in Japan, that would've been weird to see em this cheap.

It's easy to buy JDM reels that are readily marketed to US on Amazon, et.al. 

Might ask yourself if this is a burden you want to lay on your son - especially since you can order exactly what you want from any number of websites for the same cost.

I would be checking lure shops for Isuzu 420 or, especially 440 (IAR +high-speed) - and handmade wood plugs while I was there.  

A friend dubbed Isuzu The Ambassadeur that Never Was, But Should Have Been.  

 

You get it on the first cast, and it requires 100% thumb, but they will out-distance a new Steez using same line and weight - it's a feeling of power in a synchro reel - and everything about their function is bench art.  

If it's something your son wants to do - surprise me with a handmade wood lure.  

Any chance he could bring me back a steez a2?
 

Seriously. 😁

Maybe grab a Stella , or twin power for some power spinning or an exsense for a  super light set up. 
 

all will be super smooth, you’ll catch a ton of bass off a drop shot and you’ll never need another spinning reel again as those reels better last forever for the money. 
 

 

Reviving this old thread. I got a FaceTime call from Joshyua in Shinjuku last night from my son. Crazy, run of the mill in Japan tackle shop. Beats anything I’ve seen in the states. Don’t get a new reel yet, but picked up some sokomata (sp?) shads, a few 110s for $15, some flick shakes and some other stuff. 
 

Im looking at getting the 25 slx bfs if he can find one. 

19 hours ago, Smirak said:

Reviving this old thread. I got a FaceTime call from Joshyua in Shinjuku last night from my son. Crazy, run of the mill in Japan tackle shop. Beats anything I’ve seen in the states. Don’t get a new reel yet, but picked up some sokomata (sp?) shads, a few 110s for $15, some flick shakes and some other stuff. 
 

Im looking at getting the 25 slx bfs if he can find one. 

Any chance you could see what a steez a2 costs? 

I’ll get him to check @woolleyfooley

2 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Any chance you could see what a steez a2 costs? 

my friend texted me from that exact store in Shinjuku.  I was on Digitaka at the same time.   less than Digitaka for sure, standing in the store.  

 

I'll be there soon.  I am going with some BFS reel and stuff.  my wife is braced for my "puuuullllleeeezzzeee!"

 

crazy truth.  my MN fishing buddy and his wife are meeting us there.   we cant find time to get together her in the States, but in Tokyo.."See you there!"

Is the Zillion you are all talking about the 22 version?

 

That seems like the latest version I'm seeing.

 

DAIWA 22 ZILLION TW HD

IMHO, That's the one!

FM

I vote bantam.  I like them more than the mets.

On 6/9/2025 at 8:41 PM, Smirak said:

 a few 110s for $15

 

 

23 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

my friend texted me from that exact store in Shinjuku.  I was on Digitaka at the same time.   less than Digitaka for sure, standing in the store.  

 

I'll be there soon.  I am going with some BFS reel and stuff.  my wife is braced for my "puuuullllleeeezzzeee!"

 

crazy truth.  my MN fishing buddy and his wife are meeting us there.   we cant find time to get together her in the States, but in Tokyo.."See you there!"

Really?? How much less than Digitaka?