Can somebody lay out a timeline of the Zillion in clear and concise terms for me please? 

 

Year/ commonly called "___"/ features/ fair market price today if its a year and model worth getting or looking for/etc  kind of bullet points would be very helpful

 

I see all kinds of numbers and years and acronyms thrown around, but how do I know if I'm looking at an 2011 zillion HLC or a 1016 zillion and what does all that even mean? Are some models/years junk like a 2007 Toyota Camry? Are some years gold like 80s music? 

 

Are any of them "gotta have it's?

 

Do any previous iterations compare to the current 21 Zillion SV TW?

 

Do ALL of them have swappable 34 mm spool?

 

What about these pics - which are they and what are they worth?

 

Tia

OG zillion and many variations (including the HLC you posted) were first. Based off TD-Z platform.  Like an old Rolex. A gazillion variations values from sub $100 to $350+.  Spools, trim pieces, etc were the differences.

 

The next model included the T wing. Not as well received but still good (the 2016 you posted).  Think random 2010's Toyota Camry, nothing memorable but by no means bad. $125ish plus not as many variations.

 

Zillion G the current one (Silver or HD flat black)

 

Within the 2nd gen there were bigger bodied reels called the Zillion as well (1520 HD, CatalinaTWS). Those are swimbait-ish reels.  Those fetch a pretty penny now $250+

 

That's a broad explanation of them.

If you check Plat.co.jp repair parts, they list every JDM model currently supported with parts by Daiwa - most are identified by model-issue year:  

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/optionparts/language/en/manufacturers/1/siries/80/

 

 

2 hours ago, webertime said:

Not as well received but still good

Why is this the case?

 

@bulldog1935 so whats the difference between zillion 1016, 1514, 1516, 1520? 

 

Is there a Zillion that's DEFINITELY worth getting and one that I should definitely AVOID (or just plain isn't worth what people ask for it)?

TD Zillion, Zillion TWS (aka Tatzillion), Zillion TW SV and the modern Zillion.  The TD Zillion was repalced with a t-wing Zillion based on the Tatula platform and that was replaced by a TW SV Zillion based on the narrow frame Tatula CT platform with the wide spool Tatula based Zillion surviving as the USDM Zillion HD.  

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwazilliontws.html

 

There are also TD Zillions that aren't called Zillions such as the Megabass IP, Deps reels and Daiwa SV103. 

 

Modern wide spool Tatula based Zillion USDM Zillion HD.  The Tatzillions get hate for being a lower end platform recycled but they are solid reels and I like the 36mm wide spool for HD applications and big diameter line.

100 size and 150 size, medium to deep spools.  

nominally 100 yds 16 lb 

to 150 yds 20-lb.  

You been doing Daiwa long?  

3 hours ago, Banned User said:

2011 zillion HLC

That's the TD Zillion Hyper Long Cast.  You only want that one if you are going to be using braid and casting baits that like to long bomb.  You buy that one because you know what it is and want that behavior.  You don't buy it and then spool it with stiff fluoro and then cast normal baits.  It will be backlash prone.  It has a super stiff spring and a short inductor on the spool.  There have also been TWS Zillion HLCs and a Steez A HLC in recent years.  

1 hour ago, Banned User said:

Why is this the case?

 

@bulldog1935 so whats the difference between zillion 1016, 1514, 1516, 1520? 

 

Is there a Zillion that's DEFINITELY worth getting and one that I should definitely AVOID (or just plain isn't worth what people ask for it)?

The precieved "lower" build based on a Tatula frame mostly.

1016 (think of it as a 100 frame)

15xx (think of it as a 150+ frame)

 

There are none I would avoid short of being abused.  I don't like SV so I prefer the old ones and new/current boost ones, but... you can swap spools etc (whole different rabbit hole) for the middle gen.  The middle generation(s) are fine and for the money (same as a new SLX), you are getting a better reel for the money.  The OG for around $100 is awesome (still plenty of parts for the most part).  Newest ones for $225-245 new is an excellent buy.  The 1520 if you're looking for a big line reel is special.

If it says Zillion, it’s a premium reel.  I bought a Zillion from Japan that was well used for a very good price.  I sent it to DVT for restoration and it’s better than new.  It will outlast me.

On 12/22/2025 at 10:17 AM, Banned User said:

 

Is there a Zillion that's DEFINITELY worth getting and one that I should definitely AVOID (or just plain isn't worth what people ask for it)?

My thoughts on Zillion models-

The '16 Zillions palm the best for me; they have a more narrow frame.  Current Zillions have a more refined gearbox, but are noticeably wider and don't palm as well.  Current Zillion also has the new 'boost' spool, but I have limited time with it versus the old G1 SV spool.  '16 Zilliin did share a frame with the Tatula, but I'm not sure why that matters.  Fox body stangs are a favorite, regardless if they had a 4cyl variant.  You dig?

 

*I think the Zillion could share the Tat frame once again, because I think the next version ('26?) will be on the Tat 100 frame...minus the dimple on the thumb rest.

10 hours ago, KP Duty said:

My thoughts on Zillion models-

The '16 Zillions palm the best for me; they have a more narrow frame.  Current Zillions have a more refined gearbox, but are noticeably wider and don't palm as well.  Current Zillion also has the new 'boost' spool, but I have limited time with it versus the old G1 SV spool.  '16 Zilliin did share a frame with the Tatula, but I'm not sure why that matters.  Fox body stangs are a favorite, regardless if they had a 4cyl variant.  You dig?

I respect the 16 Zillion SV TW  and the Tatula CT.  The Tatula CT especially because it's a narrow frame version of the OG Tatula platform and shares many of the same parts.  It's a reel you can buy and be able to find new and used parts forever to keep them going plus they have a ton of aftermarket parts like spools and what not to transform the reel into whatever you want.  A lot of this also applies to the Zillion.

 

My 17 Tatula SV and other Tatulas.  

 

I have a Zillion SV TW that I got for like $70 shipped from Japan that I bought for parts.  I wanted the spool, spool tension knob, red lock plate, handle crank shaft, knobs, shiny thumb bar and gold TW from it.  The spool alone used retail at the time was what I paid for the complete working reel.  I'm happy that these exist on the used Japanese market.

 

 

The bad about the 16 Zillion SV TW  is that it's based on a modified Tatula platform.  Its a case of trickling up a lowerer end platform rather than making a new clean sheet design and that comes across as low effort like the Curado G.  There really isnt an argument other than "I don't like this" or "tatula bad".  

 

You do have the legit complaint about the reel ergonomics.  The Tatula CT has very tall frame for a 34mm reel because the frame was designed to accept the side plates from the 36mm OG Tatula platform.  If you look at a Tatula CT or Zillion SV TW you will notice that the top of the frame above the spool is tall and slopes down to the spool instead of flattening out on top near the spool.  This is to accommodate the larger side plates the reel shares with wide spool Tatula.  It's a minor thing but it definitely palms like a 36mm reel in height.  The reel is also kind of long especially for a TWS reel but again, that is the fault of it being a narrow spool version of the OG Tatula.  Also there are these weird ridges on the nose plate of the reel that feel odd when wrapping your fingers around the front of the reel when palming with 3 fingers in front of the trigger.  Not to mention the mag dial isn't recessed properly and can be turned or rub your finger raw with extended use.  Again, these are all faults of the OG Tatula carried over into the narrow frame version.  It's nitpicky stuff and doesn't bother me at all but for some people this can be a deal breaker 

 

 

This clean sheet design Seasir reels nails 36mm spool ergonomics IMO.

I should probably explain the parts Zillion.  The T3 MX has the spool, drag star and spool tension knob.  The Tatula Type R has the red lock plate and handle shaft which is a short shaft with the flush style nut (it looks cool is why).  The Tatula SV above has the knobs.  

7 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

I respect the 16 Zillion SV TW  and the Tatula CT.  The Tatula CT especially because it's a narrow frame version of the OG Tatula platform and shares many of the same parts.  It's a reel you can buy and be able to fine new and user parts forever to keep them going plus they have a ton of aftermarket parts like spools and what not to transform the reel into whatever you want.  A lot of this also applies to the Zillion.

 

My 17 Tatula SV and other Tatulas.  

 

I have a Zillion SV TW that I got like $70 shipped from Japan that bought for parts.  I wanted the spool, spool tension knob, red lock plate, handle crank shaft, knobs, shiny thumb bar and gold TW from it.  The spool alone used retail was what I paied for the complete working reel.  I'm happy that these exist on the used Japanese market.

 

 

The bad about the 16 Zillion SV TW  is that it's based on a modified Tatula platform.  Its a case of trickling up a lowered end platform rather than making a new clean sheet design and that comes across as low effort like the Curado G.  There really isnt an argument other than "I don't like this" or "tatula bad".  

 

You do have the legit complaint about the reel ergonomics.  The Tatula CT has very tall frame for a 34mm reel because the frame was designed to accept the side plates from the 36mm OG Tatula platform.  If you look at a Tatula CT or Zillion SV TW you will notice that the top of the frame above the spool is tall and slopes down to the spool instead of flattening out on top near the spool.  This is to accommodate the larger side plates the reel shares with wide spool Tatula.  It's a minor thing but it definitely palms like a 36mm reel in height.  The reel is also kind of long especially for a TWS reel but again, that is the fault of it being a narrow spool version of the OG Tatula.  Also there are these weird ridges on the nose plate of the reel that feel odd when wrapping your fingers around the front of the reel when palmign with 3 fingers in front of the trigger.  Not to mention the mag dial isn't recessed properly and can be turned or rub your finger raw with extended use.  Again, these are all faults of the OG Tatula carried over into the narrow frame version.  It's nitpicky stuff and doesn't bother me at all but for some people this can be a deal breaker 

 

 

This clean sheet design Seasir reels nails 36mm spool ergonomics IMO.

I should probably explain the parts Zillion.  The T3 MX has the spool, drag star and spool tension knob.  The Tatula Type R has the red lock plate and handle shaft which is a short shaft with the flush style nut (it looks cool is why).  The Tatula SV above has the knobs.  

I’ve heard about the Type R but really don’t know much about older reels. What was the tatula type R? I started fishing about 3 years ago and love talking about gear.

54 minutes ago, Brycecover said:

I’ve heard about the Type R but really don’t know much about older reels. What was the tatula type R? I started fishing about 3 years ago and love talking about gear.

Yeah, Daiwa has used that a few tines.  The TD-Z Type R, TD-Z Type R+, Zillion Type R, Tatula Type R and Tatula CT Type R.  Not comprehensive, but some reviews on some of the reels.  Anyways, the main difference on the Tatula Type R I have was that the 8:1 gear ratio was exclusive to the Type R, it has a lighter weight spool, unique frame milling, unique glitter paint and a Zaion drag star.  

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewenthusiastshootoutantarestyper.html

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwazilliontyper.html

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatattyper.html

The simplified timeline of Zillion reels goes like this:

1. TD-Z and variants: magnesium frame premium reels. This is the top-of-line reels before Steez was introduced, and this is how Daiwa made a name for itself. The original uses 34mm spools, but the later "US trail" version uses 36mm spools.

 

2. TD-Zillion and variants: based on the TD-Z frame, TD-Zillion has some modifications and uses aluminum material instead of magnesium. But this is actually my personal favorite, solid like a tank. The famous SV103 reel on US market is the last variant of this series. TD-Zillion mostly uses 36mm spools, except this SV103. It uses a 34mm spool, which is one of the reasons for its popularity. 

 

3. Zillion TWS and variants: this series shares the frame with the first generation Tatula. It's the first Zillion with the t-wing design, hence the name. Wide and heavy, this frame design has many variants (HD, HLC, Morethan...), and it's still being used on heavy duty 1516/1520 reels. This series uses 36mm spools.

 

4. Zillion SV and variants: this is the so-called '16 Zillion. It shares the frame with Tatula CT, narrower and lighter than the previous Zillion TWS. And it uses the SV spool for the first time. This frame has a late variant with a 10 speed ratio gear set, which can still be found in Japan used market. This series mostly uses 34mm spools.

 

5. The latest Zillion SV with the "SV Boost" spool: this is the so-called '21 Zillion, with a lot of "Hyper" stuff, and they work, making this series probably the smoothest Zillion since TD-Zillion. This series also uses 34mm spool. It has a popular variant, the all black Zillion HD, which is many anglers' favorite reel for heavy lures.

Out of these 5 different frames, my personal favorite is the TD-Zillion, with bulletproof internal design and parts. It's also the one with the highest resale value on the used market, even for the ones in bad shapes. The smallest Zillion would probably be the latest '21 Zillion, although it may seem wider. 

 

I appreciate the history lessons everyone!

Okay now for the pop quiz

If you posted here you have to answer or take a ZERO on your final exam

1. One zillion will be erased from history and all of them will be obliterated, which is it?

2. One zillion will be the only reels that have ever been and ever will be made, which is it?

The one after the Og

The OG. (It's the Rolex Submariner of reels)

This was an awesome read! I’m prob in the same boat as the OP and have been kinda learning the history of the zillion. Been a daiwa guy for years but all 200 and 300 big bait reels. Just been getting into the tatula and zillion the last year. I have very little experience like some of you, but here’s a few things I’ve noticed on my few zillions:

-‘21 I just picked up so haven’t fished it yet, but it’s light and smooth. This is the 8.5 and went on my drx755 and I think will be money for a jig/pitchin/froggin

-‘16 zillion tws in a 7.3. I actually like this one a lot for all around applications. It casts really well, is smooth and light and I like the CT frame. Had this on a dc734 and did anything from spinnerbait to bladed jig, swim jig, senko and it did them well.

-zillion tws as said above is wide and heavy. Had it on a spinnerbait/bladed jig rod and did not like it at all. This is a 6.3 and really struggled to find a good application. This year, I’ll have it paired on an 805cb for 14-19’ cranks. I think it’s going to do great. It seems to need a dense bait to get good distance and it’s a very rugged reel. I have another in a 5.5 and that’ll be on my 806cb for the deepest cranks and maybe a few swimbaits

5 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

Is that the one you want to delete 🏗️

Have you played with any of the previous zillions?

1 hour ago, webertime said:

The one after the Og

So the TD-Zillion? Why?

And what makes the OG a Rolex to you?

@Swimbaitstud thanks for breaking down your experience. I'm really hoping to get a chance to mess around with just about any of these previous gens, these comments make them all sound like they can hold a spot in any line up.

Who else has experience with any of them and can drop some bullet points on what techniques they really shine with?

I have a few of the TD Zillions: 6.3, 7.1, and the 4.9 "Crazy Cranker". I love how they fit in my hand, and I happen to like a slightly heavier reel.

I feel like they shine with power fishing techniques. The 6.3 is my favorite big squarebill/spinnerbait reel. If I threw chatterbaits it would be great at that too.

The 7.1 is perfect for jigs, I throw 1/2 Oz into thick vegetation and have made cheaper reels flex.

The 4.9 I use for DD22 cranks and bigger.

For lighter lures I use my TDZ reels, which are a bit smaller and equally a joy to fish with. I can make a TD Zillion throw an 1/4 Oz football jig, but the TDZ is better for that-same with smaller crankbaits.

I have no experience with any other Zillions.

@PourMyOwn thanks for sharing bro

So they're both equally smooth and cast well (within their specs)?

11 hours ago, Banned User said:

So the TD-Zillion? Why?

And what makes the OG a rolex...

The TD Zillion is super sturdy, which weighs marginally more than a "current" reel, but they balance so well on many rods. The ergonomics are fantastic, I have dinner plate hands, my buddy has micro hands, we both feel comfortable with it. Pre T-wing so there are fewer parts to have issues with although it's been proven reliable at this point. I just like less I guess... the availability (still) of spools and parts is great.

The Rolex Submariner connection would be build quality, material quality, proven long track record, desirability while being reasonably priced (in their respective worlds). You can get basic understated looking ones too just do what they do or flashy Gucci looking models.

The OG Zillions were super durable...most reels were at that time. It's just a nostalgia thing imo. Next Zillion will most likely be the size of a '24 Tat and dethrone the '16 as the best palming Zillion.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but are there no recent Zillion models?

I only see '21 and '22 models.

1 hour ago, KP Duty said:

16 as the best palming Zillion.

It palms better than the 21 zil?

1 hour ago, KP Duty said:

It's just a nostalgia thing imo.

zillion? If i get one of these previous gen zils I won't feel the same and new is better in this line?

2 hours ago, webertime said:

The ergonomics are fantastic

Okay, got me reel curious now, I feel like I have large medium hands and depending on the reel and reel seat it may or may not be comfortable to put 3 fingers in front of the trigger.

2 hours ago, webertime said:

Pre T-wing

Also intriguing, i think I'd like to have a Daiwa i can comfortably add a longish leader to