Daiwa Re-Images Their Stalwart : Zillion TWS

[IlliniDawg01]

The Zillion TWS is probably still a step up from the OG Zillion (US standard model) in every way except comfort and perhaps smoothness (though the Zillion TWS I had for a short while felt very similar to my other Zillions when reeling).

It has more bearings, lighter weight, and possibly better casting that the OG Zillion. The handle also has removable knobs.

If TT had given it another fraction of a point anywhere in their review (if they included oil or had 2 more $1 bearings in the handle for example) it would have been "Great" instead of "Good".

That being said, the likely reason it didn't get an editors choice is because the comfort isn't as good as its predecessor and the performance upgrade over the much cheaper Tat Type R is minimal.

DaveJ

[cndbasshunter]

One of the most important factor to me in a reel is comfort.

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

I wish it had the flip hood like the T3. It would have a lower profile and you can instantly engage the spool. The cool factor is a plus too.

[Markanthony404]

Why does this matter. I know Apple/Megabass have production in China. I will 100% still buy them since they are excellent products.

Computers are one, thing but when it comes to reels there's a reason most of the high-end models like the stella,chronarch, Calcutta, conquest, TDZ, and steez are made in japan. The Japanese are some of the best at making small machines like reels work incredibly well. Moving production to places like China, Malaysia, etc, is all about cost cutting and in the process quality is lost. I'm not saying every product made in China is bad, but look at Walmart. I'll bet most of what is sold there is produced for slave labor in places like china. All of my high-end reels that I own were built in japan. I have at least 5 that have lasted 10 years or more of hard fishing 50+ days a year. I just recently purchased a Daiwa Ballistic 2500 on sale for $99, it's a $200 reel but it's built in China and it feels cheap. I will be surprised if it lasts more than a few years, and honestly that's what companies want it's called Planned obsolescence.

[IlliniDawg01]

The Drag on the new Zillions is far superior to the OG Zillions as well. Probably better than the Zillion Type R too. Both smoother and more powerful. Honestly the ergonomics are the only thing the Zillion TWS doesn't have going for it when you search around and find them for under $220 NIB. The people who like or don't mind the ergonomics of the Tatula will probably love the Zillion TWS.

Like you, I prefer an OG Zillion over the TWS model, but only because of the ergonomics and not a single other reason.

DaveJ

[Markanthony404]

I meant the Balistic spinning reel, not the T3. Its built in china, i just looked at it.

[joekaz]

I wish it had the flip hood like the T3. It would have a lower profile and you can instantly engage the spool. The cool factor is a plus too.

I think you are in the minority when it comes to liking the hood. The reel only lasting 2 years proves this. While I liked the shape of the reel I did not like the slight wiggle in the hood when working lures. The cool factor ended for me when I
accidently reengaged the hood during a cast. The second time I hurt the reel. Also, using the hood to engage the reel was cool until I would switch to a normal reel. Oops, no hood.
When it comes the new Zillion, how you grip the reel determines the comfort level. My Tatula feels almost the same as my older Zillions to me. Only thing I hate is the mag brake dial sticking out. To me the Tatula cast better than the old Zillions.

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

I put my whole hand over the reel. All of my fingers are in front of the trigger for the most part. Depends on the rod.

[IlliniDawg01]

I meant the Balistic spinning reel, not the T3. Its built in china, i just looked at it.

My bad, you clearly said 2500... I can't read. Sorry.

DaveJ

[IAY]

Why does this matter. I know Apple/Megabass have production in China. I will 100% still buy them since they are excellent products.

Computers are one, thing but when it comes to reels there's a reason most of the high-end models like the stella,chronarch, Calcutta, conquest, TDZ, and steez are made in japan. The Japanese are some of the best at making small machines like reels work incredibly well. Moving production to places like China, Malaysia, etc, is all about cost cutting and in the process quality is lost. I'm not saying every product made in China is bad, but look at Walmart. I'll bet most of what is sold there is produced for slave labor in places like china. All of my high-end reels that I own were built in japan. I have at least 5 that have lasted 10 years or more of hard fishing 50+ days a year. I just recently purchased a Daiwa Ballistic 2500 on sale for $99, it's a $200 reel but it's built in China and it feels cheap. I will be surprised if it lasts more than a few years, and honestly that's what companies want it's called Planned obsolescence.

So you are saying that Daiwa Ballistic 2500 represents entire manufacturing done by China, or Malaysia? Yes, it is cost cutting move to build factories in China, but it doesn't mean quality it self is lower. How many people like Stradic Ci4+ or Curado I? they are certainly made in Japan. You still haven't addressed how a lot of the expensive rods from Shimano, Daiwa, and Megabass are made in China. Daiwa Ballistic 2500 is a cheaper reel, because they are designed that way. Walmart products are very cheap, because they are designed that way. I think you are confusing design flaws from country of origin.

[Markanthony404]

So you are saying that Daiwa Ballistic 2500 represents entire manufacturing done by China, or Malaysia? Yes, it is cost cutting move to build factories in China, but it doesn't mean quality it self is lower. How many people like Stradic Ci4+ or Curado I? they are certainly made in Japan. You still haven't addressed how a lot of the expensive rods from Shimano, Daiwa, and Megabass are made in China. Daiwa Ballistic 2500 is a cheaper reel, because they are designed that way. Walmart products are very cheap, because they are designed that way. I think you are confusing design flaws from country of origin.

Rods are a whole another story. I own a few shimano rods that were built in China. I bought them all on clearance But dollar for dollar I will take a high-end Loomis over a shimano any day.

All I am saying is that in my opinion reels made in Japan are overall much better quality. I haven't had much experience with either stradic you mentioned but I have owned a newer Sustain FG, built in Malaysia. For $330 I was extremely disappointed. It had a lot of play in the handle and it just wasn't as refined as a reel in that price range should be. It felt somewhat cheap just like the ballistic. I ended up selling it on ebay. I am not the only one, I've heard a few other members on here complaining about that same reel. I have an older sustain from the 90s. It was a much better quality product.

This ballistic is the third reel I have owned not built in Japan, I am yet to find one that I am extremely happy with. Although, I will admit my standards are pretty high. I'm used to fishing with reels like the older stella, Calcutta TE and calais. All built in Japan. Show me a reel built in Malaysia or China at any price that will match those reels I mentioned and then maybe we will have a winner. Until then, all I'm saying in general if it's my money I'd rather buy reels made in Japan, over any country where cheap labor is the norm.

[IAY]

Rods are a whole another story. I own a few shimano rods that were built in China, they are okay. I bought them all on clearance But dollar for dollar I will take a high-end Loomis over a shimano any day.

All I am saying is that in my opinion reels made in Japan are overall much better quality. I haven't had much experience with either stradic you mentioned but I have owned a newer Sustain FG, built in Malaysia. For $330 I was extremely disappointed. It had a lot of play in the handle and it just wasn't as refined as a reel in that price range should be. It felt somewhat cheap just like the ballistic. I ended up selling it on ebay. I am not the only one, I've heard a few other members on here complaining about that same reel. I have an older sustain from the 90s. It was a much better quality product.

This ballistic is the third reel I have owned not built in Japan, I am yet to find one that I am extremely happy with. Although, I will admit my standards are pretty high. I'm used to fishing with reels like the older stella, Calcutta TE and calais. All built in Japan. Show me a reel built in Malaysia or China at any price that will match those reels I mentioned and then maybe we will have a winner. Until then, all I'm saying in general if it's my money I'd rather buy reels made in Japan, over any country where cheap labor is the norm.

You are comparing a 300 and 200 dollar reels against Stellas, TEs and Calais... I don't think you are being very fair with the comparisons... I will definitely take a high end JDM built in China over NRX, purely based on what kind of actions and design I would get out of my money.