6 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

@Brycecover So the deal is trade in a rod or reel in working order they give you a coupon and you get a certain amount off based on the purchase price of a new rod or reel. Also there is no limit and I watched a gentleman trade in I believe it was a dozen reels one year. Here’s the flyer from the 2025 sale, hopefully this helps.

Thank you. 

@Eric 26   That is a piece of gold you have for this conversation.  🤩👍

 

I was looking for an old receipt or my old sales catalog and look, you have the exact piece.  Off the top of my head I was initially thinking in that $10-$60 off range. 
 

@Brycecover  I didn’t actually do the rod and reel trade in last year, I have some perfect setups right now for me. I was thinking about doing it this year for that Zillion but now probably the Tatula Elite. Depends on the new pricing and how my budget will look. I still go and buy plastics, under spins, jigs, frogs and just look around for a few hours. 😂 

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

Daiwa US.

Shouldn’t have an impact on JDM prices then. 

Yeah, I just replaced stock alloy gearset in my 5-salt-year '21 Zillion SV TW - bought 5 years ago this month, and fished hard.  I didn't have to, and wouldn't have thought about it until fished it side by side with new SLP Works Zillion (based on '22 HD), and noticed a Slight difference in drive smoothness. 

 

Wouldn't have noticed that if I hadn't been picking up and putting down both reels.  

Five salt years, looked like this when the drive cover was first removed.  

 

Other than inspection and gear lube last fall, I hadn't removed the drive cover in 5 years.  Been too busy.  One thing I didn't have to fix - a single backlash - nary in 5 years.  

 

3 hours ago, FishTank said:

Daiwa US.

Good!  I need to pay off Christmas presents before I order, but I would have gone ahead if JDM stuff was going up on jan 1.

3 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

horse hockey

https://www.digitaka.com/items/4/4/2/ZILLION+SV+TW

And I can confirm it’ll get to you within a week-ish with only a 10% “tariff share” added up front.

52 minutes ago, KP Duty said:

Good!  I need to pay off Christmas presents before I order, but I would have gone ahead if JDM stuff was going up on jan 1.

 

On a good note, if you are a US Daiwa rod fan, I heard they are changing the prices back to what they were prior to tariffs. I don't know what those prices will be but they will at least be lower than what they are now.

Although I’m not trying to derail the intention of this post I’ll add @Brycecover it pays to do your homework when it comes to trading in vs selling or not and buying through the Japanese market and I can say that when I first pursued buying from Japan there is a ton of information on here to search through along with asking through a Personal Message to provide information. As far as the BPS trade in I have bought both a Carbonlite 2.0 spinning reel which is a rebadged Daiwa Exceler last model not current and a Johnny Morris Signature Series which is a Daiwa Fuego from what I was told. Both were significantly cheaper than the Daiwa models and had a more normal to me spool capacity. Again I can’t confirm this information but I’ll gladly share any information if you want.

Edited December 29, 2025Dec 29 by Eric 26
Spelling

Not a problem. I discovered JDM in 2013-2014, and bought my first reel directly from Japan (ebay) in 2015. Ever since, i didn't buy a single rod or reel locally. Massive waste of money, and a warranty is never needed with reels.

On 8/2/2025 at 6:13 AM, bulldog1935 said:

From a list of suppliers for Daiwa - wherever I found this interactive map, I flagged Doyo before I snipped it.  

 

Careful, Doyo is a major parts supplier for both Daiwa and Shimano, but the map linked above was specifically Daiwa suppliers.  USM Zillion G is not made in Japan - JDM Zillion is made in Japan.  Tica builds many Daiwa reels, including all spinners with optional A/R switch.  

 

 

4 hours ago, FLYING HIGH said:

I think this answers my issue. I really want more casting distance because I am fishing from banks and shorelines and if the Tatula Elite is not much different from Zillions except for price  and a little more fine tuned then I should go that route. 

The Tatula Elite is not “much different” than the Zillion in terms of casting distance - it’s far superior. And if you are casting from shore and not skipping lures, the Elite is the way to go. In fact, I would rather have a Tatula 100 (with similar long casting spool as the Elite) over the Zillion for that application. 

toe to toe, my Zillion your Elite -  I'm from Missouri (not really, but you'll still have to Show Me)

 

Throwing 1/8-oz loaded jighead across a tide pass, I have to thumb the spool on the fall to keep it out of my friends.  (photo is 100-mm 4x zoom)

I can explain the different brake profiles of SV, MagZ and Boost, but even casting heavy weights, Zillion HD comes with a Floating MagZ Boost spool - a faster spool than on Elite.  

If you want to out-cast yourself, try one of these spools in your Zillion.  

I will say the Tica reel that @bulldog1935 has graciously shared with me is one BAD little reel.

26 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

The Tatula Elite is not “much different” than the Zillion in terms of casting distance - it’s far superior. And if you are casting from shore and not skipping lures, the Elite is the way to go. In fact, I would rather have a Tatula 100 (with similar long casting spool as the Elite) over the Zillion for that application. 

Thanks for sharing this. I’m seriously trying to talk myself into a new Tatula 100 even though I don’t need one. 

58 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

The Tatula Elite is not “much different” than the Zillion in terms of casting distance - it’s far superior. And if you are casting from shore and not skipping lures, the Elite is the way to go. In fact, I would rather have a Tatula 100 (with similar long casting spool as the Elite) over the Zillion for that application. 

I love my 2nd gen tat100 w/elite spool! It does it all, I skip just fine with it too.

7 hours ago, FLYING HIGH said:

There goes my idea of trading up to a Zillion at the Cabela’s trade in event this upcoming year.  
 

Now, maybe I have to stick with the Daiwa Tatula Elite. I was on the fence about the Zillion because of cost, it is at $399. I’m a casual BASS angler so spending the money on the Zillion would be a luxury spend for me. 
 

I feel like I don’t necessarily need the Zillion but I want the Zillion.  I’m trapped. 😂😂

I’m not trying to muddy your waters….but the Tatula 80 is currently available for $105.00 in a 6.3:1 left handed at Sheltons or $150.00 in 7.1:1 or 8.1:1 also in left handed versions through Tackle Warehouse. 

36 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I’m not trying to muddy your waters….but the Tatula 80 is currently available for $105.00 in a 6.3:1 left handed at Sheltons or $150.00 in 7.1:1 or 8.1:1 also in left handed versions through Tackle Warehouse.

Thanks @Eric 26 appreciate the info!!   I’m a right handed guy and I reel with my right hand and hold rod w/left hand.  Most comfortable for me. I like the pricing though.  

22 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

So the deal is trade in a rod or reel in working order they give you a coupon and you get a certain amount off based on the purchase price of a new rod or reel.

 

I took advantage of this in March 2023.

 

The one caveat is that you're obviously limited to whatever they have in stock.  But I'm an in-person shopper anyways so that part was a moot point.

50 minutes ago, gim said:

 

I took advantage of this in March 2023.

 

The one caveat is that you're obviously limited to whatever they have in stock.  But I'm an in-person shopper anyways so that part was a moot point.

Again not trying to derail the thread but at my local to me BPS in Bolingbrook, Illinois I was able to take advantage of the trade in purchase on a rod that wasn’t in stock. I received the discount paid for the rod and was offered free shipping to my house or the store. Granted it was a BPS branded rod but when I spoke with the manager he informed me as long as it’s a brand of rod or reel they carry they would check and see if they could get it and again I would have pre paid and had them ship it to me or the store. Not saying this is normal but worth inquiring about if they could if the deal is worthwhile.

On 12/28/2025 at 5:53 PM, FishTank said:

 

On a good note, if you are a US Daiwa rod fan, I heard they are changing the prices back to what they were prior to tariffs. I don't know what those prices will be but they will at least be lower than what they are now.

Really? Interesting. I heard a rumor that if sales of the steez AGS were bad with the new prices they would be discontinued. Hopefully Daiwa US realized $669.99 for the steez AGS is too much. It would be awesome if they went back to $549.99. 
 

Any chance you could share where you’re getting this info from? 

27 minutes ago, woolleyfooley said:

Really? Interesting. I heard a rumor that if sales of the steez AGS were bad with the new prices they would be discontinued. Hopefully Daiwa US realized $669.99 for the steez AGS is too much. It would be awesome if they went back to $549.99. 
 

Any chance you could share where you’re getting this info from? 

Sent you a message on this.

23 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

I’m not trying to muddy your waters….but the Tatula 80 is currently available for $105.00 in a 6.3:1 left handed at Sheltons or $150.00 in 7.1:1 or 8.1:1 also in left handed versions through Tackle Warehouse. 

That $105.00 is a real deal;  I bought two of the 6.3:1 left handed.  I have them both on 6'8" medium light rods dedicated to 3/8 oz. jerkbaits with 10# Tatsu.  

On 12/28/2025 at 1:17 PM, FLYING HIGH said:

Yes, I definitely like using that event. That’s how I’ve purchased my reels and rods.
 

I also strongly support the program that takes all trade ins and gives to young children to help encourage B.A.S.S. fishing for the youth.

 

I actually got a pic with Mark Zona at one of those events a couple years ago. Super cool moment for me. 

 

I might be getting a little softer in my older age(51) but I definitely enjoy helping and supporting others in this B.A.S.S. fishing sport I love. 🤩

That’s not being soft….. that’s just being a good human being. 😁

On 12/28/2025 at 4:53 PM, FishTank said:

 

On a good note, if you are a US Daiwa rod fan, I heard they are changing the prices back to what they were prior to tariffs. I don't know what those prices will be but they will at least be lower than what they are now.

That's great because the Steez rods were off my radar after the price increase.  

Sad to hear Daiwa reels are going up again in price. I currently have a tatula sv tw 150 that I love and use as my main workhorse, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, small swimbaits, even weightless senkos. I use it so much I was looking to get a second identical set up so I’m not cutting and retying so often, or rather so I make the switch in baits because it’s tied on already. Any insight on the tatula sv tw 150 va the tatula elite? 7.3:1 vs 7.1:1 comparable IPT (30.7 vs 29.8), both are 7+1 bearings, both are sv(?) and tw, 150 rated 130yds 14lb mono, elite is rated 125yds so negligible.

 

anyone have experience with both? Looking for what makes the elite worth $30 more, hoping to buy before 1/1 to avoid price hike!

 

thanks all!

22 hours ago, FishTank said:

Sent you a message on this.

Message received. Thanks!