Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

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Johnny A
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Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Sun Apr 15, 2018 6:56 am

I've been using the 1016 for about a year now with only one minor issue. It's a bit small for my hands. I decided to try the 1516. Fits the hands better with the bonus of a faster IPT rate, nice for topwaters. Anyway, there is another quite noticeable difference between the reels, casting performance.
I think the 1016 casts further, smoother and with less overrun. I think the J-Dream, with a similar spool to the 1516, is a better caster than the 1516. This is a first impression, with one and a half hours on the water but the J Dream and 1016 had better first and continuing opinion.
Do they make a SV spool for the 1516? Thanks.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by DirtyD64 » Sun Apr 15, 2018 7:13 am

Johnny A wrote:I've been using the 1016 for about a year now with only one minor issue. It's a bit small for my hands. I decided to try the 1516. Fits the hands better with the bonus of a faster IPT rate, nice for topwaters. Anyway, there is another quite noticeable difference between the reels, casting performance.
I think the 1016 casts further, smoother and with less overrun. I think the J-Dream, with a similar spool to the 1516, is a better caster than the 1516. This is a first impression, with one and a half hours on the water but the J Dream and 1016 had better first and continuing opinion.
Do they make a SV spool for the 1516? Thanks.
No, there is a Morethan SV but it is a different spool size than the 1516. I had this same dilemma and ended up trying the 1516 Aliexpress spool. Did a long review on it, after some more use, the DIY spool is a little loud, but holds PLENTY 30lb braid or 8lb fluorocarbon. It will outcast both my Zillion SV TW (1016) and Chronarch MGL now with right settings. For 50 bucks so far it has been a decent buy. Some better bearings might quieten it down a bit.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by TommyG » Sun Apr 15, 2018 7:15 am

You could try the HLC spool for the 1516. Also I think they have a DIY for it. There is a thread in Shop Talk.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Sun Apr 15, 2018 8:26 am

I found this spool too:

http://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spo ... 01134.html

I think my dilemma is looking for a spool that helps with medium, freshwater (bass) baits in the 3/8 - 5/8 oz range. The 1016 will launch an Evergreen One's Bug or a Megabass Giant Dog X. The HLC looks to be for the heavier end of the spectrum.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by tywithay » Mon Apr 23, 2018 11:31 pm

I have the JDM 1516 as well. I found it to be a very able caster, but it didn't have the "it" factor. I swapped the stock spool bearings for ZPI SiC and it helped it come alive a little. The worst thing about that platform is that it was short lived, since they quickly came out with the 1016 zillion and ct frames. They didn't get the opportunity to roll out a lot of different options. I'd be curious to see how much better the HLC spool is over the stock one.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by DirtyD64 » Tue Apr 24, 2018 12:47 am

tywithay wrote:I have the JDM 1516 as well. I found it to be a very able caster, but it didn't have the "it" factor. I swapped the stock spool bearings for ZPI SiC and it helped it come alive a little. The worst thing about that platform is that it was short lived, since they quickly came out with the 1016 zillion and ct frames. They didn't get the opportunity to roll out a lot of different options. I'd be curious to see how much better the HLC spool is over the stock one.
I wonder if the new G1 spool with Magforce Z in the Zillion HD will fit the old Zillion TWS... If it would, that could help some. I just found out that my old Zillion TWS spool loaded 80% with braid weighs MORE than my Tatula Type R spool with about 90% braid (10% old fluoro backing), after removing the bearing the Zillion spool is STILL a tiny bit heavier, meaning if line were similar the Zillion would only be fractionally lighter... Really glad I didn't pay full retail on both my 1516 Zillions, even though they are tough, smooth, and amazing, the spool is just bland...

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Hobie-Wan Kenobi » Tue Apr 24, 2018 4:33 am

The JDM Zillion 1516 has a better spool. I've never used the USDM version but, my JDM casts great, pitches punch rigs good, and is connected on the retrieve. The JDM did come with a 90mm handle with the smooth knobs. I put a 100mm handle with the rubberized Daiwa knobs on it.
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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Tony9 » Tue Apr 24, 2018 8:14 am

DirtyD64 wrote: I wonder if the new G1 spool with Magforce Z in the Zillion HD will fit the old Zillion TWS... If it would, that could help some. I just found out that my old Zillion TWS spool loaded 80% with braid weighs MORE than my Tatula Type R spool with about 90% braid (10% old fluoro backing), after removing the bearing the Zillion spool is STILL a tiny bit heavier, meaning if line were similar the Zillion would only be fractionally lighter... Really glad I didn't pay full retail on both my 1516 Zillions, even though they are tough, smooth, and amazing, the spool is just bland...
I don't believe the new 18 Zillion HD G1 spool is Magforce Z. Regular Magforce with a fixed inductor. It's also a deeper spool if that matters, 1520 vs 1516.

The Ryoga 1520 G1 spool is Magforce Z. I have one coming and will see if it fits in my Zillion 1516. It could be a good deep spool option for that frame.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Thu May 03, 2018 8:35 am

Trip 2 with the 1516:

Getting better with casting. I was fortunate enough to hook into a small channel cat that took a One's Bug off the surface. Gave a good account of itself. Excellent torque retention, even with the high retrieve ratio there was no strain or slippage.

More to follow

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Thu May 03, 2018 11:46 am

Johnny A wrote:Trip 2 with the 1516:

Getting better with casting. I was fortunate enough to hook into a small channel cat that took a One's Bug off the surface. Gave a good account of itself. Excellent torque retention, even with the high retrieve ratio there was no strain or slippage.

More to follow
cont'd:

The lake that gets the most of my fishing time is extremely clear. I don't know how to say this so it makes sense but:

You can't get access to shallow fish because the depth is often 1 or 2 feet deep for 20 or 30 feet from deep water to the shoreline.

I hope that helped. I couldn't find topo map to illustrate.

So, between clarity, depth and layout, casting distance is important.

I'm working out flukes for a follow ups, the 1016 for One's Bugs and the 1516 for Shower Blows and other heavier baits.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Tue Jun 19, 2018 9:31 am

Update:

After enough testing, side by side, same rod, same line, same bait a final decision has been made:

Going with the 1516. It may not be as refined as the 1016. Doesn't have that nice SV spool. A bit heavier.
Two features made up my mind. Ergonomics, hand feel, weight. The other? Standard size between J Dream and the 1560.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Aquaftm45 » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:40 pm

I’ve been considering some alternating spools for the 36 mm spools in my Battler and HLC. There are not many offerings in 36mm with Magforce Z. Here is the information that I have or have found:

16 HLC- 14g, G1, 14#/100m, $129. Strong spring which makes it best for 14g+
Zillion 1516 JDM- 19.5g, 7075 aluminum, 12#/100m, $60. That is a pretty hefty spool. Supposedly 20% shallower than the US Zillion TW spool. TT has done a review on the US version stating the spool weight at 16g. I can’t seem to find that spool.
Battler- 16.2g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Ryoga 1520- ?g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Zillion HD US- ?g, 7075 aluminum, 16#/100 yards, not sure of cost
Zillion HD JDM- ?g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Non-Factory 1516-12.9g, 7075 aluminum, 8#/100m, $50.

Some thoughts-
-I believe the Battler, HD JDM and Ryoga spools are the same. Don't know about the bearings and springs on the spools. The Battler has a light spring and casts very well with anything over 10g. Have not seen these spools for sale.
-HLC spring can be swapped out bring down the weight to >13.5g and should make it an able caster at 5+ grams. Going to set you back $129+ though.
-Shallowest Factory spool of the bunch is the JDM Zillion, but it is HEFTY, but supposed to be a very able caster. Have it on order to try in my HLC
- The non-factory spool is supposed to cast 4-21g, I also think I have seen it in non-honeycomb. I would swap out the bearings before I put it into any reel. Have this one on order too for $50, plus the bearings.

That is all I know. If anyone is aware of another 36mm spool that is interchangeable on the 36mm platform, let us know.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by DirtyD64 » Wed Jun 20, 2018 11:24 pm

I am still loving my DIY spool for it. Did a review on it here somewhere... I just recently changed it to 30lb braid instead of 8lb fluorocarbon. Holds more line and the total weight WITH a full spool of 30lb braid was like 18 grams. The spool weighs right around 12 grams WITH bearing. With a rod over 7' that spool will absolutely dump line, even with 1/8 shaky heads and what nots. On a side note, I have always liked my stock USDM spool for my Zillion TWS reels. I used to cast 3/16 heads with 3.3" Keitech fats fairly far (nothing like the 1016 SV TW though). As long as you use a lighter line or a decent amount of braking it helps.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Aquaftm45 » Thu Jun 21, 2018 6:42 am

DirtyD,
That is great to hear. I believe the spool you are talking about is the non factory one I was referencing. I think it will be a great spool to swap into my HLC when I have no reason to throw heavier lures. It comes in purple too! Your original reference to it is how I came across it in the first place.

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Re: Daiwa Zillion 1516 vs 1016 - JDM

Post by Johnny A » Thu Jun 21, 2018 7:47 pm

Aquaftm45 wrote:I’ve been considering some alternating spools for the 36 mm spools in my Battler and HLC. There are not many offerings in 36mm with Magforce Z. Here is the information that I have or have found:

16 HLC- 14g, G1, 14#/100m, $129. Strong spring which makes it best for 14g+
Zillion 1516 JDM- 19.5g, 7075 aluminum, 12#/100m, $60. That is a pretty hefty spool. Supposedly 20% shallower than the US Zillion TW spool. TT has done a review on the US version stating the spool weight at 16g. I can’t seem to find that spool.
Battler- 16.2g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Ryoga 1520- ?g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Zillion HD US- ?g, 7075 aluminum, 16#/100 yards, not sure of cost
Zillion HD JDM- ?g, G1, 20#/100m, not sure of cost
Non-Factory 1516-12.9g, 7075 aluminum, 8#/100m, $50.

Some thoughts-
-I believe the Battler, HD JDM and Ryoga spools are the same. Don't know about the bearings and springs on the spools. The Battler has a light spring and casts very well with anything over 10g. Have not seen these spools for sale.
-HLC spring can be swapped out bring down the weight to >13.5g and should make it an able caster at 5+ grams. Going to set you back $129+ though.
-Shallowest Factory spool of the bunch is the JDM Zillion, but it is HEFTY, but supposed to be a very able caster. Have it on order to try in my HLC
- The non-factory spool is supposed to cast 4-21g, I also think I have seen it in non-honeycomb. I would swap out the bearings before I put it into any reel. Have this one on order too for $50, plus the bearings.

That is all I know. If anyone is aware of another 36mm spool that is interchangeable on the 36mm platform, let us know.
I'm going back and forth on the HLC spool but descriptions lead one to believe they are for 1/2 oz+ heavy rigs. I'm looking for 1/2oz ball park for topwaters.

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