Best Baitcaster???????

[ffejsmada]

If given the ok by the Finance Minister (like I have;D) to purchase your Baitcaster of choice, what would you choose????

Will be using it for throwing HB's at snags for MJ's and the occasional trip to Lake Monduran for the big silver fish.:P

Your thoughts and reasonings would be appreciated.

Cheers, Jeff.

[CamH]

Shimano Calais - smoothest baitcaster you'll ever use.

[Why-ting]

Hey Jeff. My Curado........ Nah I would be looking at a Zillion or maybe an Alphas if your not going to go too heavy line wise.

Cheers Whytey

[TheSaint]

Zillion would be my pick..

[Mudguard 92]

Yea get a shimano curado ;D Great to cast i have had 1 for about 2 months, my first baitcaster and i got NO birdsnests where i had to cut any line. Only got about 10 birdsnests all up while i was learning, all could be wound out. Can cast all day with her, and really smooth!!

[Steve B]

Had a chronarch and lost it overboard in the last Basspro!!! Absolutely devistated. It was my favorite reel. Also had a T curve and my favorite jackall attached to it as well >:( :( .

Since replaced it with a Zillion ($300 to my door from US). It is just brilliant. Also have an ABU revo stx, and a Team Diawa Advantage Super tuned. Both very sweet reels....not in the ballpark of the Zillion. A Shimano Calais would be the only equivilant IMHO. Drag not as good though..if you chasing Barra with it.

regards steve

[ffejsmada]

Thanks for all of your replies fellas, looks like the Zillion at this stage.

Thanks again, Jeff.;)

[basskid]

mate go the cacltta te dc 200 you can use it for bass like what im doin and barra cause it got a great drag and jacks cause it cats light lures

[Lovey80]

Basskid, doesnt the DC take the fun out of getting to know your new real and 'relearning' how to cast it? I love the Calcutta's also and couldn't justify the extra dollars for a DC. I have a 200 on a T-Curve Barra rod and love it.

Cheers Chris

[Dunco]

I was going to say the Daiwa HRF but I'm not sure if they are available anymore? If budget allows go the Zillion

[Steve B]

Dunco,

Those HRF's are excellent reels, dont they make them any more?? shame. The team Diawa Advantage Super tuned is very much the same reel as the HRF, just a bit prettier. Has the same internals. Basskid, The 200DC's are sweet arent they. A mate has one and I just love that sound they make when you cast. and when the drag is screaming with a big barra attached!!! He still gets birds nests though!!

Steve

[Roo]

but don't get the hi speed 7.1:1 version of the zillion. better off with a sensible retrieve rate for working lures with the 6.3:1 model. I have a JDM version of the 6.3 ration model. It has been great for catching catfish at monduran. Superb drag, great to cast and fits nicely into my small delicate office boy hands;)
there is even a slow speed version that has a low 4.something :1 ratio!!crazy cranker or something like that?
cheers, Roo.

[Steve B]

Roo,

Yeah, I tried to get one of the 4.9:1 crazy crankers too. I couldn't find anywhere (trustable sites that is) to get one. The would have been perfect for slow retireving at monduran in the sticks. Ended up with 6.3:1 Have to concentrate on being a bit slower in retrieve. I hate concentrating;D

steve

[Roo]

and with 6kg drag, you could just winch them out ;)

[Dunco]

Sorry Misinformed, I checked with my tackle store today. The Daiwa HRF is available and IMO is one the best value for money baitcaster's. I was also told about a new Daiwa Twitching reel to hit the market soon. Might add it to the collection.

[Steve B]

Dunco, That twitchin reel you talk about is the Diawa Viento I believe. Blue in colour (unless they are bringing out a newer version). Google the name and you may get more info. They are a nice reel, good for lighter work in dams and esturies. I have been told they are a bit underdone in the drag department are not real keen on the salt water. Good to see the HRF is still around. Your right they are a great reel.

I beleive Jeff ended up getting a Zillion!!! He will be happy with that I am sure!

cheers steve

[NAGG]

Of my 4 BCs (Zillion 100 HLA, Cronarch SF, Calcutta 200B & 400) ... The Zillion is the standout :thumbsup: ...... It can easily be used for Impoundment barra down to bass ....... I would be happy enough to replace the SF & 200B with another Zillion:) ..... but I'd keep the 400 for the line capacity ..... Nagg

[Dunco]

Steve B, I considered buying the Viento but went for the better ball bearing option (HRF). There is a new Twitcher coming it's called a Megaforce, must have been a brainstorm for that one. idiots. Anyway the new model 7.1:1 retreve, but I'm not sure on the quality of bearings????

[vinny78]

My Zillion should be arriving on my doorstep from japan any day now. However all you guys are starting to make me think I chose the wrong one. I got the 100SH. Will it really be to difficult to target Barra with due to it's speed?

[sid_fishes]

my alphas, its the best damn thing i have the pleasure to play with, without sending me broke. unlike my rodeo, piece of shit... cheers ian

[Steve B]

Vinney,

you will be OK with the Zillion100SH. Just really concentrate on winding extra slow. I was hooking up on the weekend with a medium retrieve. Who knows what the fish think. IMHO if it swims past their nose and they are hungry or agressive they will have a chop at your lure. Good luck with it. Great reels.

Dunco, the bearings should be OK if its a Diawa. I presume most of the quality brands these days use quality bearings.

cheers steve

[Dunco]

Steve B, The Ball bearings in the viento are still good, what I ment was that the HRF has the CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearing).

There are a couple of differences in ball bearings, when buying a baitcaster this should be one of the things you do research and look for. You don't want to be fixing those all the time.

[jackextracter]

I have a daiwa alphas best baitcaster i have ever owned its so smooth and its got some balls to, perfect for casting for jacks.

[virty]

One of the best reels i have got is a Flueger bait caster with 30lb Finns braid works a treat for about $ 100 bucks.

cheers virty