Calcutta te 101gt or Daiwa Zillion

[Pegasus]

These reels are the same price at Cabelas 319.00 I mainly throw 5 " Senkos I can't make up my mind
Can somebody help me decide I am really looking for long castability since I fish from shore.

Regards

[Somerdink]

Your probaly going to get mixed reviews but I like the Calcutta te 101 gt for weightless stuff if your going weightless then the zillion. I love the zillion line of reels there my favorite but for weightless I just liked the calcutta better to me anyways great little reel and wish I never sold mine. If you upgraded the bearings in the zillion it would be better for weightless in my own opinon.

[Zimbass]

Have a couple of the Calcutta's, and believe they are the best all round reel ever made by Shimano. Reliable and smooth. Retrieve rate may be a little slow for plastics, but can handle the job without hesitation.

I would not hesitate in recommending this little beauty.

Terry.

[thelatrobe33]

I'd vote get a used Zillion and a TDZ100M spool. You should be able to and stay around $320. I love round reels, but only for reaction baits. They have no use in my worming arsenal.

[Pegasus]

Your probaly going to get mixed reviews but I like the Calcutta te 101 gt for weightless stuff if your going weightless then the zillion. I love the zillion line of reels there my favorite but for weightless I just liked the calcutta better to me anyways great little reel and wish I never sold mine. If you upgraded the bearings in the zillion it would be better for weightless in my own opinon.

I didn't understand what you said if you are going to use weightless go with the Calcutta ?
If I don't go weightless use the zillion
A 5" senko is nearly 3/8 oz. is this considered weightless or not.

[dragon1]

I believe the the poster was saying that a stock 100/101 TE GT would be better for weightless, and that the Zillion would only be comparable with a shallower/lighter spool.

I agree...however, the Zillion has higher gear ratios available and also has a very rugged, refined and very smooth feel to it. It can be tricky to compare Shimano vs Daiwa and vice versa - and then to add round reel vs LP in differing gear ratios, makes it even harder. I used my Zillions for fast retrieve power techs like lipless, swimjigs, buzzbaits, and this year - frogs. I always used my 100 TE GTs for spinnerbaits, and shallow-mid depth cranks.

IMO, the 100 TE GT will throw long, but not as long as a deeper spool reel when you get into the 1/2oz+ range due to lower line capacity. In essence, the 100/101 TE GT, is a "watered-down" USDM Conquest. Otherwise both reels will do well - but if you want higher IPTs, then a used Zillion with an upgraded spool would be a good option.

Good luck.