Was shopping around for a hi-speed BC reel and decided on the Zillion.  After looking at the specs of the Revo STX-HS, I am having some second thoughts.  Can you help me guys?

TD Zillion - 7.1:1 gear ratio - 6+1 BB - 150/12 yards/lbs line capacity - 8.8 ounces - $249.95

REVO STX-HS - 7.1:1 gear ratio - 10+1 BB - 140/12 yards/lbs line capacity - 8.75 ounces - $199.99

Bass1,

I would suggest you goto your local shop and handle the two reels, then make your decision based on that and your budget range.

just my .02¢

Tight lines!!

Zillion

Revo! ;D

I don't know the Garcia reel,  but I can tell you that the Zillion casts like no other reel I own.  

Zillion!!

Kindly indicate why you choose Zillion over STX-HS or vice versa.  Thanks a lot for your replies.  It will help a lot  .

i picked the zillion twice .... i just loved the feel, look , and now casting of the zillion ..... and no pun intended ,,, but when i think abu i think round reels ....  ;D

Both are really nice reels, like Reel Mech suggested you have to try them on your rod. I just compared  them looking for the best reel for my 6' Loomis rod, and I ended up getting the TD SOL because it fit the rod and me the best. Now, on a different rod it might have been the Zillion because it sure is a nice looking and handling reel. It just doesn't seem like the best reel for this rod which will be for finesse worming. I also have the Revo STX for spinnerbaiting and buzzbaits, but on a different rod. Bottom line, is just because a reel looks nice and has great specs, you gotta match it to the rod and technique becaue they are all truly nice reels.

I have the same difficulties making a decision, I finally went with the Zillion when I realized they don't make the Revo 7.1:1 in lefty....dumb!!!!

I use to own the Zillion, but I now own the Revo STX. IMO, the STX outperforms the Zillion in all phases. The STX is smoother, has more drag output, and cast a lot further/easier. The new Revo's are some very impressive little reels. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.  

I use to own the Zillion, but I now own the Revo STX. IMO, the STX outperforms the Zillion in all phases. The STX is smoother, has more drag output, and cast a lot further/easier. The new Revo's are some very impressive little reels. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Do you think it's because the STX has 4 extra BBs than the zillion?  Or is it because of something else?

I don't know the Garcia reel,  but I can tell you that the Zillion casts like no other reel I own.  

.  

+1, and I own several reels including JDM reels that won't produce the distance the Zillion does.  Honestly, the only thing I can attribute this to is the Magforce Z.  Holding 150yds of 12lb line, you know it isn't due to a featherweight spool  .  Simply incredible casting distance...

I looked at both and decided on the Zillion.  It just looked and felt like a better quality reel.  So far it has been just short of perfect.

Thanks guys!!! Really appreciated it.

if drag is an issue at all, the difference between the Revo drag and the Zillion drag is enormous.

I would say the Revo is more suited to bigger baits and the Zillion is more geared toward finesse fishing and such.  Besides, that's why they made a rare "Big Bait" version of the Zillion (which is dead sexy).

zillion all the way.

Bass1,

Do you think it's because the STX has 4 extra BBs than the zillion?  Or is it because of something else?

Don't get caught up in the bearing counts. There are only 2-3 bearings in any reel that actually have any effect on the casting ability of the reel. The rest are placed in areas that might, or, might not make any difference in the reel performance other than cranking smoothness.

"It isn't the number but the quality of the bearings"

Tight Lines All!!

quote]

Do you think it's because the STX has 4 extra BBs than the zillion? Or is it because of something else?

These 4 extra bearings are at the knobs and have nothing to do with casting but make retrieve softer and smoother. The quality of the spool support bearing is what realy counts with casting and I don't think most people know what  their real rate are in either of them. AG has said that they have put ABEC 3 on theirs but I don't know it for sure.

My Zillion has 10 + 1 bb and ABEC 7s at the spool....and yes it does funtion like a dream but I don't own a Revo so it may performe as well with the same work.

Zillion all the way,STX has this toy feel about it  

Right now the big selling point in reels is the number of bearings.

It's the current hype.

A well designed and engineered reel, using quality components and strict QC can have 4 or 5 quality bearings and outperform in every way a reel that boasts 10.

The Revo is getting alot of attention, and why not? Abu Garcia has been making rugged bass reels for ages. But when it comes to a quality low profile, I would find it very very difficult to pick a Garcia over a Daiwa.

I would say the Revo is more suited to bigger baits and the Zillion is more geared toward finesse fishing and such.

Really?  I've heard almost the exact opposite....that the Zillion doesn't really shine until you're throwing 3/8 +, whereas the Revo is more capable of tossing 1/4.

And with that said (and some other things as well), go with the Revo

There is about every kind of highend & mid range reel made by all of the makers here in our home (30+ USA & JDM) and all of the highend rods are represented also (Loomis, Kistler, G-Blank, Airrus, etc...)

(I'm looking for a Steez 100H if anyone has one laying around pm me)

Right now out of them all the best combo so far I've used together is the Zillion 100SHA on a Kistler 6'6" MH Helium LTA (I am going to try it on an Airrus Puls-R that Ken is shipping to me the week of 5/21). Casts a mile and smooth as a babies .... It's now my go to set up for big fish. I don't use any line lighter than 17 lb test and I don't throw small lures/baits either so it may be different for those who do.

my .02

I would say the Revo is more suited to bigger baits and the Zillion is more geared toward finesse fishing and such.

Really?  I've heard almost the exact opposite....that the Zillion doesn't really shine until you're throwing 3/8 +, whereas the Revo is more capable of tossing 1/4.

And with that said (and some other things as well), go with the Revo

Well if that's the case, your opinion stands pretty well lol.  I've been planning on buying a Revo SX this summer, and that little fact just adds to the fun

that's kind of odd, though, considering that the Revo design definitely seems to be geared towards BIG fish.