It seems I'm on an eternal quest for the farthest buzzbait casting reel. On this journey I've done a fair bit of relative comparisons and eyeballing casting distance. But I recently decided to take some lunch time trips with actual measurements to compare a few reels.

Now I've seen countless videos of people doing reel shootouts where they make 5 or 10 casts and that's their data set. To be fair, some of them have "dialed in" the reel before the competition, but this doesn't really mean much.

I spent at least 30 minutes with each reel testing its limits and finding where its most comfortable. I used the same rod, and same line for each reel. With the first competition I used 14# cajun mono (on sale 4 bucks for 850m) on a 6'9 MHF rod.

I was casting a 1/2oz bullet weight with a 5 inch stick worm (4 inch stick worm for a couple, I'll indicate) in a parking lot and I measured the distance between parking spots for ease of comparisons (so give or take a couple feet depending on where it landed to the nearest white line).

I started all reels with high/medium brakes and same for the spool tension. I would dial down the brakes and then bring them back up and dial down the tension until I found its limit or sweet spot.

I had already mentioned my Lews LSF in a previous post, but I did include it here (with the new line and using the 5 inch worm) to have a spread of brands/brake styles. With one centrifugal brake on the magnetic dial didn't seem to make much of an impact as it would pretty consistently cast 90-100ft. Regardless of the dial being on 8 or 2 the distance was all within that range and the casts were pretty problem free.

Once I turn the centrifugal brakes off the reel opens up and could get about 120ft, but this was at the cost of line management. It fluffed pretty easily and would nest a easily too. This ended with a bit early after the line snapped (abrasion frayed the line). I didnt bother to tie on and test the limits further as I felt I had enough data for that reel.

I also tested a Shimano SLX MGL with Si3n4 bearings. This was cast using the 4 inch stick bait. I averaged about 110-120 ft and it fluffed relatively frequently, nested a couple times, was definitely sensitive to the wind, but was also one of the most accurate, casting in a very straight line. It didnt take very much force to achieve an acceptable distance, and from a kayak or a boat when target casting (aerodynamic lures) I think it would shine. I could tell that I won't need to try it with a buzzbait given how a slight breeze would fluff it up.

Next up is the Tatula Elite, which is a bit of a double edged sword. I think for people with slick thumb control this is a great choice. It cast pretty far with relative ease, although line management asks quite a bit from the user. This averaged about 140-150ft, casting the 4 unch stick worm, and also would get past 150ft a number of times too.

The Elite would get fluffy at times, can't recall the nesting situation although I feel it wasn't much. It handled better than the Lews, and if not maximizing distance (increasing the brake a bit) also better then the MGL. It will cast far, but you'll need to be paying attention the whole way through as your thumb will play an important role here.

I also tested the new Purelure Zana Max dual spool reel. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by this reel. This was casting the 5 inch stick bait and I was blown away by how smooth everything feels with this reel. First I tested the DC spool/side plate and I'll be honest I forgot to make a note with this one, but it was definitely somewhere between 110-120ft with a pretty easy cast and good line control.

I've never fished a DC reel before, and maybe I realized too late that it seems to prefer a smooth cast, but when I tried to chuck the lure it would fluff or nest on me. When I just took it easy it was pretty consistent and didnt require much force for acceptable distance and relatively carefree casting. Maybe i could've squeezed some more distance after learning how it likes to be treated, but with only so much time I had to move on.

What took my breath away a bit was how the SV spool/sideplate performed. I expected the DC to be the star here, but the SV spool easily got to 140-150+ ft with much more control than the Tatula Elite, and also broke 150ft a few times. This didn't require much effort, was very consistent, very well controlled line, thumb input was minimal, and the retrieve in this is smoother than all the other reels mentioned so far.

Now for the Daiwa Zillion SV TW. This reel also surprised me, as long as I've had it it's been my buzzbait reel. I haven't really thrown a whole lot else with it, so when I put the 1/2oz weight and 5 inch stick bait on I was floored by how much distance it got. Especially considering all the people who say that it is choked and the sv spools sacrifice distance, maybe the boost makes the difference here but this reel is not choked at all.

It also averaged about 140-150ft with the same mindlessness as the Zana Max, was very consistent, minimal thumb required, and of course incredibly smooth. The Zana Max is very close in terms of smoothness, which I definitely did not expect. The interesting thing with the Zillion is the dialing in process is definitely a bit simpler than all the other reels.

Only one or two turns of the dial would be all that's needed to deal with the wind while maintaining distance every when the wind stopped. This was most apparent when I actually put on a 1/2oz buzzbait (7'3 MHF rod still 14# Cajun) with a small grub trailer to finish out this round of the shoot out. With the dial on 6 with no wind it would cast about 100ft, with the wind about 120ft and against the wind about 80-90 ft. Even against the wind it didn't fluff much or all, and didnt lose very much distance. It stayed very well controlled on the same setting.

The Zana Max needed a bit more tuning when going against the wind or with the wind to not lose distance or not fluff. The Zana max did well here and averagedabout the same 100ft, but the Zillion takes the cake for consistency and simplicity. The Zana Max did cast a bit farther on a number of occasions in this test, but I think the zillion takes the W here based on its predictability and ease of use.

>>That being said, if I could go back and not spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on my other reels I would absolutely have a line up of multiple Zana Maxs, got it on sale for $89 and I'd take this over most reels between $180-$275 and not feel a lack of anything. Plus the drag clicker is smooth and crisp 👌

I'd love input from anybody with A shimano DC reel, curious how they handle buzzbaits. I'm starting to get the sense that buzzbaits just have a max distance inherent in their design.

I throw a fairly large buzzbait and grin when it goes through the air like a knuckleball.

Throw mine on a Shimano SLX, a more modest approach.

I was planning to get the PureLure Zana Max during this week's AliExpress anniversary sale. How does it compare in size and palming comfort to those reels?

On 3/14/2026 at 12:05 PM, Banned User said:

>>That being said, if I could go back and not spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on my other reels I would absolutely have a line up of multiple Zana Maxs, got it on sale for $89 and I'd take this over most reels between $180-$275 and not feel a lack of anything.

A reel I never heard of until today is the Lufaxi DC reel for less than half that price at $42.78. Electronics controlled casting for under $50. I wonder how this one would compare to the Zana Max? I'd be curious to try it.

A couple of Lufaxi review comments:

"It’s like a shimano slx in terms of quality, it can cast ultra light up to 25g lures with ease. You adjust the dc by removing the side cover. I tested it against my antares dc and it wiped the floor with it ."

2nd comment:

"The reel is very nice, lots of control over distance due to the magnetic braking system and the dc braking system is very strong, leaving a very low percentage of backlash / runover of the line. The reel is very light as well and has a deep spool yet you can still cast light lures down to at least 1/4 oz (i tested, but you can likely go lower)."

Photo from sales page showing cast controlling electronics circuit board.

1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

I wonder how this one would compare to the Zana Max? I'd be curious to try it

Never heard of Luxafi, would love to hear your thoughts if you grab one, definitely some nice reviews there.

Purelure is a real contender in the CDM market. Purelure has an established presence, especially in the BFS world, and a solid line up of products. I've actually had conversations with Purelure through Amazon and Facebook.

1 hour ago, bx.versatile said:

get the PureLure Zana Max

Yes, if the sale is decent I absolutely say go for it. I'm really fighting myself to not get another, I have absolutely ZERO need for another reel but I'm thinking of selling and making an excuse to get one. Unless someone chimes in with reel casting data for buzzbaits that entices me in that direction 😉

I haven't put very much time on it, no real world on the water experience (still solid out here), but I will say that it feels very nice to use. It is comparably smooth to just about all my Daiwas, maybe a touch behind but also 1/2 to 1/5 the cost USDM.

The reel body is aluminum, can't remember if side plates are, and it feels sturdy. The brake dial feels plasticky, but they had to save our cost somehow and I don't mind it there over more integral components.

The drag is smooth with a very crisp and not jarring or clunky zing to it. The drag adjustments are wide and well nuanced, goes all the way to "bass+10poundsofweedsaren'tpullingthis"

I was thoroughly impressed by the SV spool, casts well controlled with great distance and without much exertion. The DC spool might be great too and did well enough with the stick worm test, seems like everything struggles with a buzzbait so maybe that wasn't a fair test. But the SV test really shined

Its designed for the heavier side of things, so the reel is a bit bigger than the others I mentioned. Feels more like my Tatula 100 tw(2024) but maybe a bit wider jaw. With that, the spool capacity is also a bit bigger, particularly on the SV spool (DC capacity seems about on par with a typical 100 size reel).

This past year I've really learned about reel/reel seat ergonomics. Certain reels feel more comfortable on certain reel seats but others feel better the other way. I did not find myself thinking "this feels weird" or fidgeting a bunch trying to make my hand comfortable.

I'll grab and feel it again tomorrow, try to get a Pic next to some other reels, and can throw the calipers on it too if you want.

Regardless, if its on sale I'll think you'd be pleasantly surprised and have no problem finding a home for it in your line up.

Thanks, I most likely pull the trigger on it. For the sales, oddly for some reason the multi-coupons aren't working on the reel alone and other Purelure products work fine.

My best buzzbait caster is bench-raced Ambassadeur 4500C. no centrifugal, tuned with fixed mag brake to 3 g.

Though I always got a kick fishing buzzbait on 1914 Talbot.

But THEREELTEST told me that Shimano obliterates everything from daiwa?!

The pursuit of getting distance on higher profile lures like buzz baits, spinnerbaits, jerk baits, etc. led me to experiment with a number of reels.

Daiwa Tatula SV TW

Zillion SV

Steez SV

Tatula Elite

Shimano Curado MGL

Chronarch MGL

Aldebaran

Antares

The winner for me is the Tatula Elite. I get 5-10% more distance over the Shimano MGL reels and way more than any SV spool from Daiwa. I have not found it any more temperamental than the other reels. If you dial it in right and have at least a semi-skilled thumb, it easily stands above the others for smooth, long distance casting IMHO.

On 3/14/2026 at 11:05 AM, Banned User said:

That being said, if I could go back and not spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on my other reels I would absolutely have a line up of multiple Zana Maxs, got it on sale for $89 and I'd take this over most reels between $180-$275 and not feel a lack of anything.

The value in the Zillion is two fold. First, we all got them on cheap exchange rates a few years back when the price to performance ratio was pretty immense. Secondly, that 34mm Daiwa platform offers so many spool options that it makes that one reel perform a huge range of applications.

You're seeing more and more with some of these reels either the ability to buy an aftermarket spool or them including a shallow and deep spool in the box. Having the ability to run multiple spools is a real game changer, and over time, I think it saves a lot of money.

The thing to watch for in these cheaper reels when comparing them to more expensive models is longevity. Lots of things feel good out of the box or for a season or two and then just don't hold up. Unfortunately, most reviews for nearly anything online these days are procured before the person ever had a chance to experience an item long enough to check for durability.

I commend your stick-to-it-ness. Beyond my patience. I actually own a couple of those reels so I did get some useful information (for my use) from your post. Thanks.

20 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

winner for me is the Tatula Elite

I have no problem admitting I'm not the thumbiest person around, especially casting from awkward angles in a kayak. The Elite requires more attention than i have available in the black of night casting sideways with my back twisted and a breeze kisses the lure....

Did you clean the bearings or anything?

@brophog I feel you on all that, prices are different now so zillion is about 3x the cost of this reel. You're right, no idea how long it will last, and maybe for a person fishing 15-20+ hours a week this might konk out sooner than a zillion. But maybe not... and even if it does the cost over time might not be so bad if it lasts at least 1/3 the time the zillion does. If it lasts half as long you're already getting a value return. Only time will tell, but as it stands 89 bucks for a very smooth solid great casting reel is hard to beat.

@new2BC4bass glad to hear this effort was helpful 🍻

I personally never cared about DC, but always had a couple because of the sound they make. But i feel like the new Met DC is REALLY good. Excluding even how comfy they're to palm, the casting distance, when properly adjusted, is really really good. The spool feels so free, while not having any overruns. The first DC reel that i can safely say is worth owning.

51 minutes ago, Banned User said:

I have no problem admitting I'm not the thumbiest person around, especially casting from awkward angles in a kayak. The Elite requires more attention than i have available in the black of night casting sideways with my back twisted and a breeze kisses the lure....

Did you clean the bearings or anything?

I do take my reels in for servicing, probably not as often as I should. I will add a little grease if a reel squeals at all.

I hear ya on the awkward angles casting in a kayak. The upside is that it’s forced me to become better at casting left handed at times when I’m aiming at 2:00-4:00 targets.

12 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

servicing

I wonder if that's made the difference, with factory bearings packed with grease it would make sense that it requires a bit more force to cast and is less consistent in terms of control and distance.

Maybe I'll throw some ceramic hybrids in and see how it feels

River kayak is why I went to short Japan Underground rods with offset grips and round reels.

I have them covered from weightless 3" senko to frogger.

Rod lengths are all 5' to 6', rod power 1 to 5, letting me skip-cast under cypress overhang and bomb distant lily pads.

I have four levels of Shimano DC reels: SLX, Curado, Calcutta and Calais. For buzzbaits, especially the 2 bladed ones, I use the Shimano Calais DC on a 7'2'' MH casting rod. That's the combo that gives me the maximum distance with the minimum effort.

2 hours ago, Micro Module Police said:

I personally never cared about DC, but always had a couple because of the sound they make. But i feel like the new Met DC is REALLY good. Excluding even how comfy they're to palm, the casting distance, when properly adjusted, is really really good. The spool feels so free, while not having any overruns. The first DC reel that i can safely say is worth owning.

I need to test my old Exsence DC against a couple others for distance. I thought distance was okay but it's been awhile since I've used it.

Rod length is definitely a huge factor. I migrated from 6'6 and 7' rods to 7'5 and 7'6 rods and and the casting distance gain is noticible.

@Hulkster in theory, every 20% increase in rod length should double cast distance (purely ballistics). It would be true if every rod loaded the same, and you swung a longer rod at the same rotational speed as a shorter rod.

But it completely depends on rod taper, rebound, and how much of the rod length loads.

I have two exceptional M/ML short para distance tapers that cast shocking distance.

My 6-1/2' Smith SPX will 2-hand cast 3 g to 150', just slightly better than 8'2" Yamaga Blanks BCIII.

Same weight, Abu 8'3" L Prototype Baitfinesse nominally casts to 120' - less than the Yamaga, because it doesn't load quite as deeply into the fast mid. (The fast mid fishes better)

But 5'9" M Kuramochi Synapse duplicates the 3-g, 120' cast.

Neither of these para pocket rockets seem like they should be able to cast these light-lure distances. Think about them casting target weight of 7 g (1/4 oz).

What you give up with these short distance tapers, compared to the progressive tapers I show in post above, is the ability to cast off the tip, for magic-wand accuracy, and they won't skip-cast for beans. Neither is useful in a kayak, but they're killer shore rods, and the fast tips also strike well at distance.