Post
by dragon1 » Sun Jan 11, 2015 12:55 pm
Hmmm....don't know why this wasn't obvious before:
100 CT TE GT = 100 sized Millionaire/Monoblock platforms...5.8:1 ratios are also the same as the TE GT and 100 sized Gen 1 CQs. IMO, the JDM Millionaires and TD Lunas are very comparable to the CT TE GTs in smoothness, granted neither have over-sized main gear. Monoblocks are smoother than any of the aforementioned reels, Daiwa or Shimano, lighter, more aesthetically detailed, but still does not offer over-sized main gear.
Anyone who says that Millionaire platforms are not as usable, as smooth and likely as long lasting/durable (actually more connected in feel, and more refined in operation, casts as far with better casting control with the Magforce vs VBS, especially with reels like the Monoblock and I'ZE)...well, I wonder if they have used both reels side by side on the water for the same techs for a period of time?
Something you need to know about Daiwa RRs vs the Shimano RRs you own...you will need to oil the bearings (unless you plan to run the same bearings as in your Shimano) and grease the gears more often. You will want to make sure that you stop the spool completely on your Daiwa RRs before cranking...Shimanos tend to be able to take a better beating on early engaging of the pinion gear than in Daiwas. This said, I have had two levelind pawls go out in an Antares AR and a CT 100 TE GT, while I have never had this failure in any of my Daiwas.
I have owned:
Shimano: CT 250/150, TE GT 100 x 2, CQ 50 Gen 1, 14 CQ 200 (best RR with braid of ANY RR I have ever owned or used)
Daiwa: Millionaire CVZ 203A, Luna 103, CVZ 103, Ringa HLC, Ringa SSS, I'ZE Light 103, Monoblock 100XR (tuned and only the current 14 CQ 200 is as smooth/smoother than this reel in so far as my RR experience)
And even a few RRs from Abu: Morrum 3600M & 5600M x 2, Pro Max 1600 & 5600, Black Max 3600, Tournament Pro 3600, Morrum IVCB 3600, Morrum 3600 SX Mag.
If you want more cranking power in a Daiwa RR, then a Ryoga 100 series or Lin would be in order...either would be hard to procure in the $400 range however.
Calais 200, best crossover is the Daiwa Z2020H or HS or Z200H/HS. Zillion platforms have a myriad of options for gearing, spools, mag systems, etc., and would only be slightly smaller than a CL 200A size. Neither the Z or Zillion will likely let you down on performance, toughness, durability and fishability, either. Of note, both Z and Zillions have over-sized main gear...you may want to consider the new Antares if you want the HEG and this same level of LP from Shimano (will be more than $400 in all likelihood).
CL 100A/Antares AR, the competitor that Daiwa had at the time of this reel was the TD-Z Type R+, although I feel that a nicely tuned Alphas platform with brass gears and same 5.8:1 gearing feels closer to the Antares AR/CL 100 cranking.
Good luck...I believe you can crossover very successfully from one side to the other and have many years of satisfied results with either company's iterations of RRs and LP reels in this level category.