Drag: The Zillion’s drag comprises of a pair of carbon washers that surround the main brass gear. In comparison to many competing reels the size and total number of washers is kept to a minimum. The result is a smooth and reliable drag setup, but also one that doesn’t generate nearly as much max pressure as many competing reels.

The Zillion's drag makes use of pretty small carbon washers which provide smooth stopping power but not a very high max pressure

While many competitors include massive drag stacks in an effort to deliver over 20lbs. of drag pressure both Shimano and Daiwa seem to lean towards delivering simpler drag systems with an emphasis on refinement and long term reliability. The Daiwa Zillion is rated at 11lbs. but we were actually able to achieve 12.1lbs. of drag pressure on the Machine in the lab at max drag. This is more than enough for bass applications, and even when I had a quality sized trout on the line the drag still performed beautifully.

The coolest thing about the Zillion's drag system is the audible drag clicker which is spring loaded within the main gear itself

The Zillion's drag may not be the most powerful but it is definitely one of the most refined. Not only is it smooth under the pressure of big fish it also includes an audible clicker in the very heart of the master gearing. When fish go for extended runs the drag provides both audible and tactile feedback that is delivered with the precision similar to that a fine watch. The way that the Zillion's audible drag sings during battles is so oddly satisfying.

I absolutely loved hearing the drag go off when I caught this rainbow on a finesse crank. Though the Zillion's drag isn't the most powerful it is very smooth and does a great job protecting light fluorocarbon line and keeping treble hooks pinned

Ergonomics: Over the last few seasons Daiwa has started to move away from the wide framed Zillions of the past. These reels all had a distinctly squared off frame giving them a quickly identifiable look, but didn't make them the most palmable reels. The series has been past due for a makeover on ergonomics alone, and even the more affordable Tatula reels are more compact and comfortable to palm. The Zillion 10.0 was a sign of a things to come, moving much closer to the smaller Steez-like profile and shared frame and sideplate elements from the aluminum bodied Steez A. The Zillion SV TW 2021 completes the transformation with a reel that not only looks new, but feels considerably more compact and comfortable in hand.

This is the cleanest looking Daiwa Zillion sideplate ever

The new Zillion looks very clean, and the sculpted lines do indeed resemble some Shimano reels even more than the previous Zillion. The new design is even cleaner looking than the Steez A which has the Magforce dial embedded into the upper section of the non-handle sideplate. There are also no screws on the handle-side outer plate, giving the reel a smoother and cleaner overall look. The level of refinement in the new design is impressive.

No matter how you palm the Zillion the angles seem to fit

This is the first Zillion that I feel is really comfortable to fully wrap your fingers around the front of the reel when palming. There are no sharp angles on the reel, and the Magforce dial is positioned not only on the underside but away from the front of the reel so it doesn't become a hot-spot when gripping the reel tightly. Though the metallic surface is a little slick the shape of the indent on the face of the reel not only looks like the hood of a supercar but also provides a intuitive place to rest your thumb when palming.

Even under a full palm grip the Zillion feels natural

The gearbox is shaped so compact that your fingers can rest on the front of the reel comfortably, and when it comes time to cast the clutch bar is ergonomically angled towards where your thumb would naturally make first contact with the button. Daiwa's attention to ergonomics on this reel is exceptional, and in many ways even surpasses the Steez in design and comfort.

Daiwa absolutely nailed the form factor on the new reel

It is in the ergonomic category that the US and JDM reels also slightly differ. While the use of the brass gearing enhances durability it also comes with added weight. The JDM Zillion weighs 6.17oz. while the US version weighed in at 6.66oz. (and is rated at 6.7oz officially). The weight difference between the two reels is just about half an ounce due to the brass gearing and slightly larger handle knobs.

The US reel weighed in at 6.66oz. in the lab. Maybe that is why Daiwa rated it 6.7oz. officially

If you are an angler that values low overall weight above all then get a Steez. The .49oz. delta was barely discernable when I cast the JDM and US versions side-by-side. It was easy to identify our test reels with the JDM one being a lefty, but if they were both right handed I would seriously have a hard time distinguishing one from the other during actual use. It is for that reason that I actually lean towards the U.S. version as an everyday workhorse reel, and am willing to accept the weight penalty, especially with both reels delivering such similar smooth retrieves.

Unlike Steez reels the Zillion comes loaded with a single bearing and one bushing. Both the JDM and US versions have the same paddle shaped knobs, but the US knobs are about 30% larger overall, and are slightly wider and longer