18 Daiwa Zillion HLC

[Aquaftm45]

Looks like they revamped this model, to it's detriment.
HD frame (including ugly sideplate), Deeper HlC spool, Carbon Handle, no purple, no cork grips, no magseal and more expensive...

http://www.daiwa.com/jp/fishing/item/re ... index.html

[KP Duty]

That's a shame.

[Redlinerobert]

Really? Other than those ugly grips, I like it.

[Aquaftm45]

Honestly, the more I look at it, the more I think I was a little harsh. I have the 16 HLC and I like purple, and I like magseal (even if I did not fish salt on occasion). I like the carbon handle on the new version.
As the story goes on the Daiwa website (once translated). Biwaa anglers were squaking that the current HLC did not have enough line capacity. This could be very well true if you are throwing a 3/4 oz lure with a bit of depth beneath you. I have no problem throwing a 1/2oz casting plug 60 yards with my HLC, granted it's mounted on an Orochi XX 7-11 with micro guides.
This is called the 1516 as opposed to the 1514, so it's possible that they won't do away with the latter.
But seriously, a $430 price point while dropping the magseal does not make sense. They did add a clicky drag...

[4g63power]

It really is a zillion version of issei/daiwa collabo tatula hlc with G1 gears and spool. It's very popular in japan among shore anglers, murakami haruhiko fans.

[KP Duty]

Really? Other than those ugly grips, I like it.

I guess it just doesn't stand out like the previous model. I think around here we want it to be badass enough to want it even if we dont need it.

[TommyG]

Wonder how many $$$ those spools are going to set me back.....

[Aquaftm45]

For anyone who does own a 16 hlc, or has the spool, have you noticed that the spool shaft is smaller in daimeter than other Mag Z spools? My Battler spool has a larger spool shaft and fits fine in the HLC, The HLC fits fine in the battler. Looking at the rotors on my Morethan, Battler and HLC they are all the SAME size. Can't figure out why the HLC shaft is smaller. Guess the pin is actually what keeps it from wobbling around.

Also, I have about an 1/8th inch of handle play in both the HLC and Morethan, but none in the Battler. Morethan was my first of the bunch, so when I recieved the HLC I just figured that's how they all are made. Then I get the Battler and there is none.

Whatever I guess, they all fish amazing and I love them.

[TommyG]

The HLC spools use the smaller bearing inside the "cup". The other spools use the larger size bearing.

[Redlinerobert]

I have 3 of the original Zillion HLC reels. Still one of my favorite reels ever.