Tackle Warehouse has the JDM Zillions for less than the US ones 

http://www.***.com/Team_Daiwa_Zillion_JDM_Casting_Reel/descpage-TDJDM.html

Nice, but you would think that Diawa could offer some lighter weight reels other than the Steez.

Nice, but you would think that Diawa could offer some lighter weight reels other than the Steez.

Oh indeed they do.  I have several that are within .1 to .4 oz. of the Steez.  All under the 6 oz. mark. 

Daiwa PX 68

Liberto Pixy

Daiwa Alphas-ito Ai

Nice, but you would think that Diawa could offer some lighter weight reels other than the Steez.

So you are saying that they do make them but you have to buy them from Japan and you have to pay atleast $400! :'(

Oh indeed they do. I have several that are within .1 to .4 oz. of the Steez. All under the 6 oz. mark.

Daiwa PX 68

Liberto Pixy

Daiwa Alphas-ito Ai

So you are saying that they do make them but you have to buy them from Japan and you have to pay atleast $400!

So you are saying that they do make them but you have to buy them from Japan and you have to pay atleast $400!

what do you consider light weight?

i got my alphas ito 103-Ai for $200, does that count? when buying gear over the net does it matter where it comes from?

So you are saying that they do make them but you have to buy them from Japan and you have to pay atleast $400!

Not necessarily, half of my reels came from the U.S., some even right off the flea market section.  I also forgot about the Presso, same weight as the Steez or even a little lighter with a few upgrades.

Just look around and don't be in a hurry, there are deals out there.  The only JDM reel I own that I paid full price for was my very first, an Alphas Ito 103 A.I. for $305.00...the second one I got was N.I.B. for $212.00.

IIRC, I got my Alphas Itos for 150, 160 and 190 respectively. I traded a mint Daiwa Sol w/ orange seal spool bearings for my Alphas R-Edition.

You just gotta be patient and keep an eye out for them in various fishing forums' for sale sections.