Daiwa's New Workhorse,
the TD Zillion: US and Japanese models compared
(continued)
While we had the reels in this disassembled state, we got into the nitty gritty with them. Starting with the construction, both the frame and the handle side sideplate are made of aluminum. The sideplates are thin but when we tried to flex them with our fingers there was no way they were going to budge. The other sideplate, which houses the Mag Force Z, appears to be made of a durable and well supported polymer. This side doesn't bear much stress so having a polycarbonate sideplate surely reduces the reel's overall weight.
The thin handle-side sideplates which are made of aluminum
Another view of the opened up Zillions
The stack of drag washers which should remain free of oil or grease
The drag system, which was already explained above, uses a stack of fiber and metal washers. This is a proven drag system and runs very smooth. During maintenance cycles, the important thing here is to make sure the drag washers are free of any oil or excess grease - contaminants that can leach in from the nearby gears and other components. The Zillion's drag is a dry system and is best left as such to maintain its consistent and smooth drag performance.
The solid frame
Left we have the JDM sideplate; right is the US version
The sideplate that houses the Mag Force Z is made of a rugged polymer
Ratings:
|
Daiwa Zillion 100SHA [& 100SHL] Ratings (?/10)
|
| Construction/Quality |
The Zillion demonstrates Daiwa's ability to build a reel that feels rock solid |
10
|
| Performance |
A good general purpose reel though not quite suited for finesse applications |
9
|
| Price |
The price point of $249 for this reel is excellent and though 0.4 ounces heavier than the JDM Zillion, the US model is about $50 less!
[Perhaps influenced by the US Domestic price point, but the JDM version of this reel has been falling in price over the last few months. Originally priced above $300, it can now be purchased for less.] |
|
| Features |
This reel is loaded with features yet could benefit from a few more nice touches to make it complete |
8.5
|
| Design (Ergonomics) |
89 mm cranking handle, micro-click adjustable dragstar and cast control knob, a familiar and comfortable profile... why not a stock red dragstar? |
9
|
| Application |
Fresh and Saltwater safe - a very good general purpose reel for baits 3/8ths of an ounce and above. While we wouldn't recommend it for finesse applications, we wouldn't hesitate to use it for swimbaits. |
9
|
|
Total Score
|
|
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus Minus
|
| J Solid and refined |
L Stock, bearing supported knobs sure would be nice |
| J Extra-Long Cranking Handle |
L How about a stock, red dragstar? |
| J Saltwater safe |
L Solid and refined equals just a tad on the heavy side |
| J Excellent line capacity |
L 8.6oz vs. 8.2oz. |
| J US version is about $50 less than the JDM reel |
L JDM more expensive than the US version |
The Daiwa TD Zillion is a workhorse of a reel
Conclusion: The Zillion must have been built with the purpose in mind to become Daiwa's new general purpose bass reel. Available in two different retrieve ratios (and a third, low gear ratio version just debuted in Japan, a very comfortable profile, good handle length, excellent drag, and familiar casting performance, the only thing really holding the Zillion back from really taking off is a stock, red dragstar - oh, we mean the price point! Seriously, at its introductory oversees price of over three hundred (300) dollars, the JDM Zillion doesn't quite feel right. Since we acquired the reel for testing, prices have come down. However, we're much more optimistic with regards to the US version and its price point of right around two hundred fifty (250) dollars - if only the knobs were serviceable or came stock with bearings installed! These minor points aside, the Zillion is definitely a fine performing reel and certainly worthy of some serious consideration - especially if you're in the market for a new workhorse that is both fresh and saltwater safe!
