Hey everyone, I could really use some advice on how you’d organize this reel lineup and what direction you’d go next.

I’m a big fan of Daiwa and Shimano, and right now my current setups are:

• Daiwa Tatula Elite Long Cast for Carolina rigs and similar techniques

• Daiwa Tatula Elite Flip and Pitch for soft plastics, mainly pitching, but I cast with it some too

• Daiwa Tatula 150 (6 gear ratio) for 5XD and 6XD crankbaits

• Daiwa Tatula SV for smaller crankbaits — I have the first gen models and absolutely love them

• Shimano Curado DC for jigs

• Daiwa Zillion SV TW for casting Texas rigs

The main issue is that the Tatula 150 is the only reel in my lineup that I really don’t love. It works for my 5XD and 6XD crankbaits, but it just doesn’t have that same smooth, solid feel as the rest of my reels.

I’ve been thinking about moving the Zillion over to square bills because I like that faster retrieve, but then I’d need to decide what to use for Texas rigs. I’m debating between:

1. Getting two more Texas rig reels (maybe zillions or dc)

2. Moving to the Daiwa Tatula Elite Flip and Pitch for Texas rigs

3. Buying another Daiwa Tatula SV zillion for Texas rigs

4. Replacing the Tatula 150 with something smoother for deep cranking, maybe from Daiwa or Shimano

So I guess my question is: if this was your lineup, how would you organize these reels for the techniques listed? And for deep cranking with 5XDs/6XDs, is there a Daiwa or Shimano reel that has that really smooth feel I’m looking for?

Sorry for the long post, but I’d really appreciate hearing how you’d set this lineup up.

price range under 350 a reel

On 4/16/2026 at 6:32 AM, GoneFishingLTN said:

Sorry for the long post, but I’d really appreciate hearing how you’d set this lineup up.

I wouldn't think about it that much, that's the honest truth.

I don't think reels are particularly technique specific, given they're in the same class (I.E not comparing a small bfs reel to a big 400 class reel).

I think the choice of reel is more about the user experience than it's ability to present a specific technique.

If it was me and specifically for cranking I'd get a Bantam

Going jdm is the best value. If it was me personally I like to try a variety of reels so I would add something new. I would recommend a Metanium or bantam. If you wanted another dc, the slx dc xt or th scorpion dc. The zillion is also great for everything. It is definitely personal preference and I switch line/ use the same reel for different techniques and don’t leave them on the same rod.

7 hours ago, Brycecover said:

Going jdm is the best value. If it was me personally I like to try a variety of reels so I would add something new. I would recommend a Metanium or bantam. If you wanted another dc, the slx dc xt or th scorpion dc. The zillion is also great for everything. It is definitely personal preference and I switch line/ use the same reel for different techniques and don’t leave them on the same rod.

is there a great place to buy jdm reels?

Also what does the metanium shine in?

39 minutes ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

is there a great place to buy jdm reels?

Also what does the metanium shine in?

Digitaka is a good start. And if you don't mind the trouble but want to save more, used JDM like jp.mercari.com would be the next step.

Metanium shines in everything, or you can say it's not the best for anything but good for everything. It's designed as a general purpose reel like Zillion. Bantam or Zillion HD are designed for heavy duty.

3 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

is there a great place to buy jdm reels?

Also what does the metanium shine in?

I am going to use mine for moving baits. It casts very well with the varivas 1.5 I have on it. I would say just go digitaka best price now with the tariffs. It is a great all around reel, probably my best palming and smoothest tied with zillion. I will say mine came with a lot of play in both the handle and knobs, while my zillion and steez had zero play in the handle and knobs.

Depending on the day and the lake, I will have mets, bantams, and zillions on my deck. Once you get used to the small differences in how the brakes operate they will all do everything. My zillions are on two crankbait rods and on my topwater/light spinnerbait rod. All three are 8.5:1 gear ratio because that’s what I got. My mets are on all purpose rods because that’s where I put them. I put my two bantams on my two bigger/heavier rods because they are just a little heavier and balance the rods just a little better. If you give me any of the three of them in a 7.1 ratio I could swap them anywhere for any rod and any technique.

As @brophog suggested,... I wouldn't overthink it too much.

Here's my take... I would put the smoothest reels on your moving baits rods. Smoothness isn't that critical on bottom contact rods where you are moving the bait with the rod and just picking up slack with the reel. Only you know which of you reels are the smoothest.

Where I want my smoothest reels is on the cast and reel techniques like your crankbaits, square bills and such. I would think the Zillion, the Curado DC and maybe the Elite Long Cast would do well there. I'd lean towards putting the Tatulas and the pitch and flip on jig and worm duties.

Bottom line for me is.... Light and smoothest reels go on moving bait setups like cranks, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and maybe bladed jigs where the reel is moving the bait.

Heavier or not as smooth go on techniques where you are moving the bait with the rod

I use a Tatula Elite for deep divers. It casts further than other Tatulas. Might be something to consider.

For your 5XD-6XD combo, look at a Shimano Scorpion MD 200 on Digitaka. 159 bucks makes this a contender.