Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

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Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by John G » Sun Oct 21, 2018 3:58 pm

Of course I would rather have the ZPI-301 spool for the Pixy just because of what it is but I’m curious what it's performance is compared to the I’ZE Finesse Spool.
Last edited by John G on Wed Oct 24, 2018 2:15 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by hungry_cow » Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:35 pm

Very different spools. The finesse spool is really made for actual bait finesse and performs best for very light baits but is kind of fast and not that great with any normal weighted baits. The CP-301 spool can be used as a finesse spool but is not as good as the finesse spool or other true bait finesse spools, however it works amazingly well at casting baits in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz range, possibly better than any other spool I have used. So as a true bait finesse spool your better with the finesse spool but if you want more of a medium to medium light setup use the CP-301 spool if you can get one. Its a truly phenomenal spool for what it does that doesn't get much press.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by John G » Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:50 pm

Thank you for that info. I have the I’ZE Finesse spool now and pretty much the only thing I have ever used it for is throwing 2.5 g Bitsy Minnows. Later this week, I’m going to spool it up with some braid and see how it does with 3/16 to 1/4oz topwater plugs and I imagine it would perform very well with that weight range.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by adam lancia » Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:47 am

I also find the I'ze Finesse spool to be fast and tricky to use with heavier lures, you can't muscle it without a very well trained thumb in my experience. The 301 however, I find is great down to 1/8 and as long as you cast smoothly, fine well above 1/2. The best way I can describe it is that it's like a 002 spool in an OG Steez: really versatile, controllable, and fun.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by hungry_cow » Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:11 am

Yea it is similar to the RC-002 spool but works great down to 1/8 oz where the RC-002 spool starts to lose performance when you get below 1/4 oz. A little faster than the RC-002 but still great control without feeling tame or toned down like the SV spools. Also similar to the Blue Emblem spool but for whatever reason I prefer the CP-301.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by spencerinstl » Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:20 am

The ZPI-301 may not cast as light of bait as a shallower spool as say a T3 air but it has excellent control and with the right rod it can cast down to 1/16 oz with a easy smooth cast. You can definitely cast 1/8 oz with better accuracy. If you want a finesse spool with a little more line capacity that is very user friendly the ZPI-301 is a very nice spool.
Thanks for the epiphany captain obvious

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by Teal101 » Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:16 pm

hungry_cow wrote:Very different spools. The finesse spool is really made for actual bait finesse and performs best for very light baits but is kind of fast and not that great with any normal weighted baits. The CP-301 spool can be used as a finesse spool but is not as good as the finesse spool or other true bait finesse spools, however it works amazingly well at casting baits in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz range, possibly better than any other spool I have used. So as a true bait finesse spool your better with the finesse spool but if you want more of a medium to medium light setup use the CP-301 spool if you can get one. Its a truly phenomenal spool for what it does that doesn't get much press.
This sums it up pretty well!
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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by John G » Tue Oct 23, 2018 2:16 am

Yesterday, I upped the weight of what I normally throw with my I'ZE Finesse spool and I was throwing the 3/16oz Baby Pop X and a Siglett in my backyard without any issues at all so I will take the 301 off my want list.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by Bass1980 » Tue Oct 23, 2018 8:01 am

My impression of the I'ze Finesse spool is a bit different. Sure it can cast light weight well but I've tossed 1/4 oz neds heads with plastic on it and it was great. I've even 3/8oz paddletails on it and it bombs it. I don't feel it is a very fast spool like the PXR spool. It has very good control in my hands.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by mhood » Tue Oct 23, 2018 6:51 pm

Well this all makes me feel a little better about my burial instructions. I asked that I be buried with my two 301 spools, one in each hand, and it's good to know ya'll will be okay without them. :big grin:
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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by SSS » Tue Oct 23, 2018 7:07 pm

Had both. Sold the 301. My pixy is for finesse, replaces my spinning gear. If the spool cannot handle true 1/8oz and below, that's not finesse to me. Excluding the KTF spool, i would say that the Finesse Special is the best Pixy spool on the market. Deep enough for long casts, light and absolutely excellent with Hedgehog Air BFS bearings.

BUT the Ray's Studio spool is significantly cheaper and is able to cast light lure (true 1/8 and below) easier. You can easily feel a quicker startup of the spool. But unless you're casting in small creeks for trout, the line capacity is way too low for a Spinning gear replacement.

i wish they made a ported PX68 Finesse Special spool. That thing would be =D>

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by hungry_cow » Wed Oct 24, 2018 7:46 am

Also don't forget about the Presso spool which works great as a finesse spool in a Pixy or Px Type R. I sold my finesses spool but kept the Presso spool in my Pixy with 4lb line for true bait finesse and use the CP-301 with 15 lb braid on a Super Eiger as a medium to medium light setup for topwaters, light texas rigs, finesse jigs, or shakey head.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by ss30378 » Fri Oct 26, 2018 7:12 pm

I put the air stream custom spool in my pixy for ultra finesse. Best spool ive had in a pixy so far for lightweights.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by John G » Sat Oct 27, 2018 6:03 pm

ss30378 wrote:I put the air stream custom spool in my pixy for ultra finesse. Best spool ive had in a pixy so far for lightweights.
I have wanted to do that if I keep my Silver Mica and I went to Plat a few weeks ago but I didn’t see any parts available for the Air Stream Custom.

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Re: Pixy ZPI-301 Spool

Post by ss30378 » Sun Oct 28, 2018 4:47 pm

John G wrote:
ss30378 wrote:I put the air stream custom spool in my pixy for ultra finesse. Best spool ive had in a pixy so far for lightweights.
I have wanted to do that if I keep my Silver Mica and I went to Plat a few weeks ago but I didn’t see any parts available for the Air Stream Custom.

Image

Thats what i put it in!
Last edited by ss30378 on Mon Oct 29, 2018 12:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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