Daiwa Z2020 vs Calcutta Conquest DC 201HG

[freelancer27]

Hi guys,

looking to get a new reel for my chatterbait and paddletail swimabait rod (3/4oz - 3oz).

Looking at the Daiwa Z2020 HG and the Calcutta Conquest DC 201HG.

The Daiwa is a bit older tech, while the CC has the latest and greatest what Shimano has to offer. Could not find much details on the Daiwa to determine what the internals are and how they behave over time.

Also heard that the (earlier?) Z2020 had some paint chipping problems.

Wondering if any had thoughts on this decisions.

Thanks!

[SSS]

I would take the z2020 over anything and everything available if you're looking for a large reel (unless you need high line capacity of course). All z2020 have paint issues, new or old.

[benjlwq]

Hey man,

If i remember correctly, the z2020 is mainly plagued by clutch issues (main complaints from Japanese anglers), but other than that it's a great and versatile caster!

So at the end of the day it's mainly down to whether you prefer low profile or round reels, or whether you prefer DC or Magforce.
Personally I would go with the z2020, because the casting on the new conquest 200dc isn't as far as what i expected.

[Bay_Bassin86]

Personally I wouldn’t take either. You can get away with a bantam mgl for baits up to 3oz. It will be more comfortable to fish all day with. Out of your choices I would go conquest DC, they are casting machines, very smooth and very solid feeling. I think a lot of Daiwa reels feel cheap even the z2020 with it’s plastic side plate.

[freelancer27]

Personally I wouldn’t take either. You can get away with a bantam mgl for baits up to 3oz. It will be more comfortable to fish all day with. Out of your choices I would go conquest DC, they are casting machines, very smooth and very solid feeling. I think a lot of Daiwa reels feel cheap even the z2020 with it’s plastic side plate.

That is true. But since I want to run heavier line 16-18 # fluro, I dont think the Bantam will hold enough line for me.

[Jnkoepp]

I would take the z2020 over anything and everything available if you're looking for a large reel (unless you need high line capacity of course). All z2020 have paint issues, new or old.

I haven’t had any problems or heard and problem with the Deps Paint

[SSS]

I would take the z2020 over anything and everything available if you're looking for a large reel (unless you need high line capacity of course). All z2020 have paint issues, new or old.

I haven’t had any problems or heard and problem with the Deps Paint

I've seen plenty on ebay and other auction sites where the paint has flaked the exact same way as the standard version. I don't think it has anything to do with paint (even tho the original paint IS weak). From what i've read, the frame and handle side plate is anodized, so it doesn't corrode in saltwater even if the paint was scratched. As far as i know, the paint does not hold very well on anodized surfaces.

[freelancer27]

Went with the Conquest.

Overall I feel it is just a bit more solid in construction (my 401 is super solid).

Thanks all.

[Gone Phishin]

Went with the Conquest.

Overall I feel it is just a bit more solid in construction (my 401 is super solid).

Thanks all.

Please let us know what you think. This reel is on my short list for similar weights and techniques.

[freelancer27]

Went with the Conquest.

Overall I feel it is just a bit more solid in construction (my 401 is super solid).

Thanks all.

Please let us know what you think. This reel is on my short list for similar weights and techniques.

Will do! Will also compare against my Antares DC MD.

[Gone Phishin]

Went with the Conquest.

Overall I feel it is just a bit more solid in construction (my 401 is super solid).

Thanks all.

Please let us know what you think. This reel is on my short list for similar weights and techniques.

Will do! Will also compare against my Antares DC MD.

Right on, thank you. I'm excited to hear about the comparison with the Antares as well. I have the non-MD version of the reel on an X7 Diablo Fast Move, and I absolutely adore the combo for 1/2oz spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

[freelancer27]

Went with the Conquest.

Overall I feel it is just a bit more solid in construction (my 401 is super solid).

Thanks all.

Please let us know what you think. This reel is on my short list for similar weights and techniques.

Will do! Will also compare against my Antares DC MD.

Right on, thank you. I'm excited to hear about the comparison with the Antares as well. I have the non-MD version of the reel on an X7 Diablo Fast Move, and I absolutely adore the combo for 1/2oz spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

I had the non- MD Antares DC as well, and the MD is a different kind of beast. Larger, heavier, beefier and obviously designed for a different kind of lure.

I used the non-MD version for everything between 3/8 and 1.5 oz. The MD version starts to shine at 3/4oz lures in my opinion. Then it will literally bomb the heck out of things. After 2.5 years of usage the reel is still fairly smooth (not as smooth as my Steez SV TW or 2019 Morethan), but good enough. I had to replace the drag washers since they started to dissolve.

Overall a great reel to spoil yourself. Obviously there are much cheaper on the market that perform very close to the Antares DC MD.

[Gone Phishin]

Thanks for the info freelancer27.