Reel for casting 1/2oz stuff

[TNReb]

I do a lot of fishing with Carolina rigs, jigs, and Texas rigged creatures in the 1/2oz area. Long casts - not flipping & pitching.

My two main reels for this have been Metanium MGL 16’s.

Despite regular maintenance, I’m just no longer thrilled with these reels.

The overwhelming majority of my other reels are Shimano - mostly Curado K 200 and Chronarch MGL.

The Curado 200 is a little bulkier than I would prefer. The Chronarch just doesn’t feel as solid as I would like.

Anyone have other recommendations? I’ve never tried a Zillion or Steez. My last couple Daiwas were Tatula SV TW, and I thought they felt like a $100 reel at best. Im by no means against Daiwa, but I want a reel that feels SOLID.

[Craiger12]

Sounds like the JDM Zillion HD would be a good option depending on your budget.

[dhottle]

Take a look at the new Bantam. They are as solid as they come.

[goldrod]

without a question the steez hlc.

[LowRange]

Tatulas that aren't the new 80 and 70 can be hit or miss on smoothness. I've had a few I can to return because they were scratchy and felt like crap. The new Zillion would be a great choice for what you want to throw. Steez HLC comes to mind but I'm not sure how it will handle Texas rigs and Carolina rigs. My old Zillion HLC wouldn't like them for sure. Texas rigs can flop in the air depending on what soft plastic you have. The Steez HLC might be too wild.

[Somerdink]

Take a look at the new Bantam. They are as solid as they come.

I second this! One of the best reels i have ever owned!

[Kimbro1014]

TNReb,

I’m using a 22 Zillion HD specifically for these applications and it’s pretty amazing. It’s essentially the same spool as the Steez HLC Jorrick recommended but I’m not sure if the breaking profiles are the same. I’d certainly trust Jorrick’s recommendations though.

[doomtrprz71]

Hard to get more solid than the 22 zillion hd for the money.

[LowRange]

TNReb,

I’m using a 22 Zillion HD specifically for these applications and it’s pretty amazing. It’s essentially the same spool as the Steez HLC Jorrick recommended but I’m not sure if the breaking profiles are the same. I’d certainly trust Jorrick’s recommendations though.

The braking profile of the HD appears to be more aggressive than the HLC. Even more so than the SV Boost in the regular Zillon based on 1st hand accounts and some Daiwa footage for the HD. No one has done a shootout but the consensus so far is that the HD more brake heavy of the two.

[jwfflipper14]

Steez A all day. These reels are wicked good for that !! Also my new Zillions can't be beat!

Jeff

[bronzefly]

Steez A all day. These reels are wicked good for that !! Also my new Zillions can't be beat!

I'll second both of these choices. The Steez A shines with 1/2 oz to 1 oz baits in terms of distance. The new Zillion SV TW G is no distance slouch either with SV Boost Technology, but still maintains some of the benefits of a more tame SV spool adding versatility.

[Hogsticker2]

Grab a new Zillion option.

[godshippy]

Zillion SV TW G or the Bantam A. Give either one of those a shot!

[Gone Phishin]

Japan Tackle has a great deal on the Metanium DC right now.

The Conquest DC is worth a look too.