13 hours ago, Micro Module Police said:

Fanboyism to the side, and just do it. 2026 is the year. Not some random reel either, but the 21 Zillion.

No, just NO.

I bought a zillion 100h older model with a custom 7'1" mh st croix legend tournament rod for 85 bucks at a pawn shop. It had a lot of boat rash, but I might clean it up and paint it eventually. Mechanically pretty sound too, but that era of Daiwa and Shimano reels are pretty bullet proof.

I prefer my e series shimanos and have over 30. They work always. If I find a good deal on them, I buy them.

On 1/26/2026 at 9:33 PM, IYAOYAS said:

I buy Abu round reels. I've got probably 30 or so functional ones and probably 50 or so in a bucket that needs parts or reworked.

Same here. I've been buying and using ABU round reels for a long time. I have 8 in the rod rack and probably 25 or so in boxes. Never found a reason to change.

Tom

oops, new page needs a photo.

Here's another view of that surf trio.

4500CT, 6500CS Rocket, 6500CT

Although I don’t know if my 2 reels were “old” when I bought them I know 1 my Cabelas Arachnid was being discontinued and my Tatula Type R was a leftover supposedly found on a warehouse shelf while doing inventory. I can’t remember exactly what I paid for the Arachnid but I believe it was $129.99 and the Tatula was for sure $99.00 which thrilled me at the time.

7 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

Although I don’t know if my 2 reels were “old” when I bought them I know 1 my Cabelas Arachnid was being discontinued and my Tatula Type R was a leftover supposedly found on a warehouse shelf while doing inventory. I can’t remember exactly what I paid for the Arachnid but I believe it was $129.99 and the Tatula was for sure $99.00 which thrilled me at the time.

I really like the first generation Tatula platform. Fat? sure, but it's very sturdy and durable. All my OG Tatulas were sold, but I still have a Fuego that shares the same platform.

I've been digging out some of my older reels that haven't seen much or any use in a while. I've found 3 that I'm thinking about sending to DVT along with others that do receive regular use. A Daiwa 103HVLA, and 2 of the round gold color Calcuttas (201B, and a 51) ; can't make up my mind to sell or use them again.