New Steez A TW HLC

[evilcatfish]

Spool weighs 16.43g FWIW. The body looks identical to the morethan, minus the cosmetic changes on the top.

Are the spool bearings the same size as the original A and morethan? I’m assuming so

[Drakestar]

Spool weighs 16.43g FWIW. The body looks identical to the morethan, minus the cosmetic changes on the top.

Are the spool bearings the same size as the original A and morethan? I’m assuming so

(Updated my post with the disclaimer that it's 16g with bearings.)

I don't have a caliper, but at least the back ones look bigger to me. Not entirely sure about the front. Keep in mind that I'm not a Steez or Daiwa reel expert - I got a morethan, this HLC, a SV Light and three Tatulas in assorted sizes, but not tons of historical knowledge on the product lines. I'm mostly posting images because maybe people can glean something from them.

SteezHLCSpool2.jpg (43.45 KiB) Viewed 4221 times

SteezHLCSpool1.jpg (61.3 KiB) Viewed 4221 times

[evilcatfish]

Thanks for the comparison pics. That should be a sweet ass combo with your ICBM.

I'm excited to use mine, but the rod I'll pair it with is probably a couple months out

[LowRange]

I thought this new one was a 36mm reel? Also holds a similar amount of line to the 14 lbs 110 yards of the TD Zillion HLC.

[Drakestar]

I thought this new one was a 36mm reel? Also holds a similar amount of line to the 14 lbs 110 yards of the TD Zillion HLC.

You're right! I went back to measure the spools after reading this, and they are different diameters. The HLC spool does not fit into the morethan. I'd let myself get confused because it works the other way, and because the morethan sideplate is a perfect fit on the HLC (but the spool opening is different).

I corrected my post above.

[Craiger12]

Aluminum gears correct?

[iabass8]

i demand to know if this spool fits in an OG zillion. I will be at the head of the picket line!

[hoohoorjoo]

i demand to know if this spool fits in an OG zillion. I will be at the head of the picket line!

X2!

[Drakestar]

Took the reel out this morning, paired with a P5 I.C.B.M. I was fishing grass flats on a reservoir with a very gradual slope; the fish are staging super far from the bank (but not necessarily deep, it's just that slow slope), so I had to bomb underspins and tubes (on a 3/4oz head) into that ZIP code. 4 bites, landed 2, had a lot of fun.

I didn't bring another reel to run A/B tests, so I can't vouch for how much (if any) casting distance I gained by using this combo. (Need to bring the morethan on a 7'5" rod next time...) But all bites came near the very end of the cast, and I can legitimately say that I had never hooked into a bass as far out as I did today (even when dropshotting super deep); felt like I was salterwater fishing! So I think that says something.

The HLC feels heavy-duty, maybe even more so than the morethan, and was rather good-natured. I did backlash a bunch as I was dialing in the reel for different baits and different air resistance and trying to get the best casting distance, but was able to unpick them all in good time. To throw a 4.8 Keitech on an Owner Flash Swimmer (tons of air resistance) I had to dial the brakes to the max of 20. The more compact tube was okay around 12. Still not a huge fan of the zero adjuster for exactly that reason; on factory settings the spool comes with minimal side-to-side play, but when I have to set the brake to 20 to cast something I'd much rather prefer to add a bit of spool tension - and that is just more of a pain with that Zero Adjuster.

Gonna go back as soon as I can to try out some other techniques. The rod is rated 3/8oz to 3oz, so I'll try throwing some smaller swimbaits (6 inch Trash Fish for sure, maybe a weedless Twerk Minnow etc.) and see how the combo performs.

[LowRange]

I run quite a bit of spool tension on the TD Zillion HLC spool in my IP68. Something like 10 clicks beyond what is needed to just eliminate side to side play. It produces a quick drop but the spool only makes a few loops once the bait hits the floor. Mag dial on the middle and I can empty the spool if 65# braid every cast with a frog. Can't roll cast or pitch without blowing it up though. This is the old spool. Not sure how this compares to the new HLC.

[HobeyBaker]

How does the HLC spool differ from the Zillion’s? Is it designed for heavier baits?

[4g63power]

It has shorter and stiffer inductor to help you get more distance with full swing cast, lure/rigs that are on the heavier side and aerodynamic to see the real difference.

[Dalleinf]

It has shorter and stiffer inductor to help you get more distance with full swing cast, lure/rigs that are on the heavier side and aerodynamic to see the real difference.

I agree with you. Personal bad experiences makes me add that you will also see the real difference (vs. SV spools) if you go with lighter less aerodynamic lures

[Dalleinf]

i demand to know if this spool fits in an OG zillion. I will be at the head of the picket line!

X2!

I have a steez a hlc incoming and will try it with og zillion aftermarket spools (diy aliexpr.) - should be able to tell you more in 5 days or so.

[4g63power]

It has shorter and stiffer inductor to help you get more distance with full swing cast, lure/rigs that are on the heavier side and aerodynamic to see the real difference.

I agree with you. Personal bad experiences makes me add that you will also see the real difference (vs. SV spools) if you go with lighter less aerodynamic lures

Lol years ago i picked up an og zillion hlc without knowing much about it. First time out, paired with M rod and 5 inch senko tied on, should have seen my face after the first cast