From everyone’s experiences. Which reel do you find to be the smallest profile most comfortable to grip that can handle baits that weigh 1-2oz?

Zillion HD or the Bantam.

I believe it's impossible for anyone else to tell you what the most comfortable reel will be for you.

10 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I believe it's impossible for anyone else to tell you what the most comfortable reel will be for you.

I’m looking for what others feel is small and comfortable to them, I’m trying to see if there’s a reel I may not be aware of that I should look into.

2 hours ago, WetBlanket said:

Zillion HD or the Bantam.

Okay, here is a noob question. Reels aren't rated for lure range are they? Any reel would handle 1-2oz right? Would not the determining factor be the rod, and to a lesser extent, the line. Any reel with any sort of brakes, and with proper application of the thumb should cast a 1-2oz lure, would it not?

29 minutes ago, Bazoo said:

Okay, here is a noob question. Reels aren't rated for lure range are they? Any reel would handle 1-2oz right? Would not the determining factor would be the rod, and to a lesser extent, the line. Any reel with any sort of brakes, and with proper application of the thumb should cast a 1-2oz lure, would it not?

If I put on my common sense hat, I believe @Bazoo is right on the money. 😂

On 5/3/2026 at 11:58 PM, Bazoo said:

Okay, here is a noob question. Reels aren't rated for lure range are they? Any reel would handle 1-2oz right? Would not the determining factor be the rod, and to a lesser extent, the line. Any reel with any sort of brakes, and with proper application of the thumb should cast a 1-2oz lure, would it not?

Yes, but with nuance. An aldebaran isn't rated for a bait weight and is very palmable. But it's a BFS reel and I wouldn't want to put more than a half ounce on it. That's extreme, but there are other examples too. A 200 sized shimano isn't a great choice for baits under 1/2 oz. In the 70-150 size bucket you can largely get by, but when you start hurling over an ounce and especially when you get into that 2 oz bucket you're putting a lot of force on the spool and thus the spool axle/pinions/bearings/etc at times. Some reels are better equipped to handle that than others. The Bantam and Zillion HD would both be good choices and what first came to my mind. The bantam 100 in particular is a small reel, very palmable, and great value if bought JDM. I think Shimanos (70-100 size) are more palmable than the zillion and fit my hand better, but I like the zillion over the 150 size.

I personally like the new KK Al-Ti weighs in at 5.6 oz. For me it fits nice in my hand and very easy to setup and casts a mile.

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Yes, but with nuance. An aldebaran isn't rated for a bait weight and is very palmable. But it's a BFS reel and I wouldn't want to put more than a half ounce on it. That's extreme, but there are other examples too. A 200 sized shimano isn't a great choice for baits under 1/2 oz. In the 70-150 size bucket you can largely get by, but when you start hurling over an ounce and especially when you get into that 2 oz bucket you're putting a lot of force on the spool and thus the spool axle/pinions/bearings/etc at times. Some reels are better equipped to handle that than others. The Bantam and Zillion HD would both be good choices and what first came to my mind. The bantam 100 in particular is a small reel, very palmable, and great value if bought JDM. I think Shimanos (70-100 size) are more palmable than the zillion and fit my hand better, but I like the zillion over the 150 size.

That makes total sense. Thanks.

On 5/3/2026 at 9:31 PM, WetBlanket said:

Zillion HD or the Bantam.

I wasn’t previously aware that Daiwa produced a Zillion HD, after receiving it a few days ago, I’ve been very impressed. The brass gearing should handle weights from 1–2 oz with ease, and the ergonomics are outstanding—the reel feels exceptionally comfortable in hand. Thanks!

2 hours ago, SproDD79 said:

I wasn’t previously aware that Daiwa produced a Zillion HD, after receiving it a few days ago, I’ve been very impressed. The brass gearing should handle weights from 1–2 oz with ease, and the ergonomics are outstanding—the reel feels exceptionally comfortable in hand. Thanks!

Best bang per buck (from Japan, especially if you're not dealing with the tariffs) in over 15 years easily.