Shimano Bantam A vs Daiwa Zillion SV!! Who makes the best $350 BAITCASTER?? 

I have both reels and I agree with you’re assessment on both. Biggest draw back on both is the finish on the zillion and the handle on the bantam (hg model). Biggest strengths Zillion is so easy to use even when you make a mistake and throw a stupid cast. Bantam casts a mile, smooth as silk and feels like it’ll last over a decade. I think the zillion is a little more fun to use and is more versatile and the bantam is the best reel for moving baits and covering water.

Clicking drag is something I absolutely love for fishing lighter line or other species that actually pull hard

Really enjoyed your video...I was a Daiwa user for about 10 years when the tatula first came out and I absolutely loved the tatula(I find it the workhorse of the Daiwa line up, felt more durable). I tried the zillion and I loved how light it was(I am getting older and finding even an ounce lighter makes a difference). My first baitcaster ever was a Shimano coriolis, and the citica. I decided to go back to Shimano and purchased the new bantam, while quite a bit heavier I feel like I exert less effort to cast. I definitely agree that it's a lot easier to set up for the Daiwa..but once I got the Shimano dialed in I feel it is a lot easier to cast. I will use these two bantams I got for awhile to see how I like it..and then. maybe upgrade one of my bantams to a Metanium. Great video!!

So excited- just ordered my first real setup being a St Croix Legend Xtreme 7’1 MH/VF and a Zillion SV TW G 7.1:1 ❤

Thanks for the Bantam info! I got one and it's awesome! I hate the spool adjustments. It took 20 minutes to figure it out, but it casts smooth and is a beast with chatterbaits!

Brian Another master class in equipment review. The Metanium comparison is a nice touch. Great live with Rich the other night Hope you had fun at the Vikings game

Thanks for the comparison! Totally agree with the finish on the Zillion but then again my Metanium Mgl is brushed up but still smooth and going strong! Happy Holiday season! Great watching the 3hr+ hr live with Hellabass!

You absolutely can’t go wrong with either reel. There both AMAZING!! Really love all my Steez reels and Zillions but damn Shimano is a super tuff reel to beat on reliability and smoothness.

Thanks for a good comparison . The 22 Bantam XG "JDM" is awesome, and has a great price too! I was concerned about the side plate dial adjustment and removing the side plate to adjust the brakes after watching this video. After using it, I found it to be very easy and a non-issue. It cast a country mile! Buttery smooth and rock solid feel. It balances my nrx+ 893c jwr, 877 crr, and 903c mbr nicely as well. For those who are concerned about the dial and brake adjustment, I wouldn't worry too much about that. I actually like how it locks up solid. Once it is set, I find the dial allows enough adjustment for different situations without having to remove the side plate. The reel performs better than what I hoped for, and more will be added soon!

The JDM Zillion is an excellent buy. For 230 dollars and the JDM is actually made in Japan, unlike the USDM that from Vietnam or Malaysia or somewhere.

Thanks for this video. I love the level of detail you provide in your reviews. I’ve always been a Shimano guy. Never used any other brand of reel, until this year when I tried to learn how to skip with my Metanium DC’s. After a few blow ups, I decided my skill level (Or lack thereof) required me to have a braking system with more adjustability. Enter the Tatula SV TW 103 (2017 version, not the newer lighter one). I was blown away and skipping consistently in less than a half hour, gradually working the brakes down to around 10-11. Since then I’ve been eyeing the Zillion SV TW as my next reel. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Shimano’s. I’m just more willing to broaden my horizons. At the end of the day, it’s about what gear is going to give me the most enjoyable fishing experience in a given situation or technique (and hopefully catch more fish).

Excellent review really appreciate it thanks 👍

I love my zillion. It’s my favorite reel and I’m a tackle junkie with high end gear. The paint finish is probably the worse I’ve ever experienced in a reel. You can chip it off with your nail. Performance wise I always say it’s the best all around reel available in its price range. Maybe in any price range

Good review. I own both those reels, and they are great in their own ways. You are 100% correct on the daiwa paint. I don't baby my reels, but I do my best not to scratch them. The zillion picks up scratches like no other. While kayak fishing, the zillion barely brushed against a tree branch, and a portion of the paint is just gone. I own a chronarch that has been through hell and back, and the paint is still unscathed.

Great video Brian. Really can’t go wrong. I’ve got 3 zillions and had an 18 bantam, sounds like shimano made the 22 even better. Competition is good!

Great comparison. I was looking at both and have decided on the Zillion. Think I will be pleased.

Jdm Daiwa zillion 21 is by far my favorite reel. Best reel you can get for $200 by far. If you’re patient you can pick them up for $200

Love the Zillion, Zillion HD, and if you're lucky enough to have one, the SLP WORKS ZILLION is arguably one of the best baitcasters ever produced. Unreal

Went from Daiwa to Shimano and nevered look back, mine was Steez SV TWS to Antares 21 DC. Similiar to my fishing rod I switch from Dobyns Xtacy to Gloomis NRX made a great choice

I own 2 bantam, a zillion g, numerous steez A and SV tws, 16 metanium mgl a 19 anateres. In terms of refinement that bantam is super heavy duty I love it for jigs and throwing heavier jigs and flutter spoon. The Zillion I haven't spent too much time with it which I should. I love shimano but Daiwa are just soo much easier to use. And that is why I sold all my 2020 metanium those reels are alright.

These reels are both so good that I think it comes down to your “gear philosophy” as an angler. If you want a reel that you can put to work for you, lighten the load of fishing and make life as easy as possible, you go with the Daiwa. Then there’s the other type of gear guy like me. Back in the 90s, I learned how to cast on a beat up abu ambassador that was missing its spool tension knob…I had no idea that “brakes” even existed when I was a kid. Consequently, I like a lively reel that lets me get the most out of my thumb…so I’m mostly on shimanos. It just depends on the type of gear your neurons got used to when you were learning.

Great stream with Hellabass. Shimano is almost always my preference. Have about 50/50 diawa/shimano.

I own both and use them for heavy reeling resistance baits such as spinnerbaits and deep cranks. The Bantam feels more superior for the task. The bantam is also a little easier to breakdown and clean.

Awesome infos and thanks so much.

JDM metanium is currently cheaper than the JDM Bantam. Makes it tough to not just get the metanium. I'd still buy the Zillion over both. I've gotten rid of my metaniums to get more zillions.

I agree with you, Daiwa almost ready to go out of the box and Shimano tricky to dial but when it's tuned they are amazing. Since for my bottom contact techniques I use braid to fluoro leader I use Shimano 'cause all the Daiwa suck due to the T-Wing that traps the connection knot. So Daiwa Elite are my reels for squarebill, deep crank and SB where I use only fluoro. Best bang for the buck the SLX, amazing for $80, I still love all my Chronarch MGL and very satisfied and impressed with Aldebaran MGL, they are on my jerkbait and finesse bc rod

I had both of these, kept the Zillion Had the Metanium too, kept the Zillion

Both solid reels imo. Bantams a better reel for cranking or throwing heavier stuff and the zillion is better for lighter stuff and skipping. Daiwa reels ore over braked in my opinion that's why they're easy to use. Matanium over both of them tho.

Great vid! Thought I should add a couple points to each reel. T Wing on zillion is a pain if you fish braid to leader. One piece construction of Bantam makes it perfect for heavy baits that displace a lot of water (deeper cranks and larger swimbaits), however, it may be a little over kill for standard techniques. Love these reels because to me they don't necessarily compete as they excel in different roles. Draw all day long

Clicking drag is also good if you wanna do any bait fishing in addition

I think I’m going to try one of these zillions this season. And I really wish shimano would come out with an updated core.

All the bad thing u said on bantam...i love it. the detachable cover is good for servicing of bearing..btw how many time do u remove cover during fishing. only bad thing is no drag sound

They're both amazing reels. But zillion is much lighter, supports a shitton of custom spools if you're into that and has smoother and way stronger gear set that ain't gonna be buzzy within a year of use.

My experience between Metanium B and Zillion is that the Zillion feels and looks great but ultimately cannot handle long casting light baits as well as the Metanium. Anything below 1/4 oz and it starts getting iffy without a lot of brakes. The Zillion is good if you’re mostly casting jigs and lures over 5/16 oz but the Bantam is Good-er below that weight.

Bantam is nice but you are correct about the side plate and backlash setting being hard to see and use. Sort of cheaper out in that area

I have a zillion TW hd 1000 XH Japan model and it’s amazing so far (6 months) 1/2 oz jackhammers and spinnerbaits with ease.I use it over my metanium all the time.I think I’m going to grab another one it’s so nice

Hmm, I own the Zillion SV JDM lighter gear version, I find more comfortable palming my Steez SV and A but love all of em. Dont' have a Bantam but about every other Shimano.

I went with the zillion when it was my choice!

If you like the audible drag the Zillion has it and is the way to go. Better for lighter baits also. Power fishing I think the Bantam has an minor advantage.

You should do a review on the 19 antares A 70mgl

First thing I do to all my reels is change the handles. Varial handles and Knobs are astonishing!! Just hate the price…. 😮

Yo Brian, can you comment on the feel of the retrieve on the Bantam? Is it more in line with the Met or Curado 150? I'm not a fan of the disconnected feel of the Curado.

I only gravitate towards the zillion cause you can get it less than retail all year with the punch code 👊🏼…….and I’d consider myself more of a shimano fan boy

I have the Zillion SV TW G and the HD. Personally the SV is my favorite reel of all time, but I don’t own the Bantum. Ugh might need to make another purchase lol

Not going to purchase a bass reel over $200 but I thoroughly enjoy your higher end baitcaster reviews. (I don’t use spinning reels) 🤷🏻‍♂️

They also are a heck of a lot cheaper if you order them from Japan!

Hi there, I heard the Zillion was more fitted for 1/2oz lures and under… The Zillion had everything i want but most of my fishing will be with 1/2 to 1oz lures like spinnerbait, chatterbait, topwater, small/medium swimbaits… I was wondering how was your personnal experience throwing this range of lures with the Zillion SV? Is the Zillion SV HD more fitted in your opinion? Cheers!

In your opinion, which one is better in terms of casting distances for weights 1/2 Oz. and up?

Happy thanksgivings everyone

Hey Brian, I just purchased the Bantam 151HG. Does the HG and the XG have the longer handle?

Shimano for the win, history repeats itself often between these two heavyweights

Hello, is there a way to buy one of the old NRX 872S from you? Ore can you pls give me a tip we're I can find one to buy? There is only one problem, the rod would have to be sent to Germany. Best regards Stephan

I like both reels, but I have found one little annoying feature that effects my fishing day with the Metanium. On a cool, cold fishing day, after you have caught a few bass, my casting hand “thumb” becomes real sore by days end by rubbing the rubber surface thumb bar. That rubber surface almost rubs a thumb blister. I would prefer a solid smooth metal surface. If I was a multi day tournament angler, after a couple days, I wouldn’t want to fish the Metanium after the first day.

JDM is the best deal hands down, i bought two Metanium of the price one, sorry i love high-end gear, but my pocket ain't deep

What about Zillion HD? Thinking about the HD for my jig rod?

A had them both but after one week I sold shimano .zillion all day everyday

What are your favorite reel covers?

Zillion sv tw is good and has a lot of nice features. It is however not in the same league as Shimano when it comes to smoothness. And US videos are pretty locked in on the price point of these reels which are a bit off when compared to the rest of the world. More and more US fishermen are finding that shopping outside the US can save them a lot of money, and actually will get you a Metanium for the same price as the Zillion. And makes the Metanium fight in the same price category as both of the reels in this video. My Metanium is well-behaved, outcasts the Zillion and feels waaay smoother. Wish it had a drag clicker.. 😅

Hi i can cast 200 yards using spinning reel. I've heard bait caster cast further than spinning reel is it true? My specs is shimano stradic+12ftrod 18lb braid.

Zillion. All day every day 💪

I have 4 Zillion SV's and 1 Metanium. I honestly thought the Metanium would be a Great reel, I picked it up even though all my reels are Daiwa because I figured ya can't go wrong with the Met. . I was so wrong, I do not enjoy fishing it at all. I have them each on the same model rod and I use them for spinnerbaits, one for me and one for my wife. When she isn't in the boat I always use her setup. Just cannot get it dialed in and it does not feel nearly as refined as the Zillion. I'm not a newbie and I do know what I'm doing... I'll be picking up another Zillion to replace it and maybe just stick it on a spare rod somewhere.

Are all your Bantams JDM? I thought the US models came with the bigger handle for the 6 and 7 gear. Thought the US model 8 gear got a 96mm.

Cant go wrong with Daiwa or Shimano

Can anybody tell me why the Zillion whistles when you make long casts? I started to notice it today.

Before I watch, I’ll say neither is better and both are reels you should have in your collection.

Looking Back to the early 1970's you were lucky if your reel had a 4:1 hear ratio. These reels came.with tiny reel handles. This was done so you could crank faster. Shimano may still think like this. As far as your reel assessments I agree on.all points. I also have both. In the last 5 years my reel purchases have been 3 to 1 Shimano to Daiwa. In general I think Shimano's are built stronger and Daiwa's are made lighter. I also think Daiwa uses more.parts in their reels. It's not a plus or minus just an observation. Thanks

tryino to find the part where you talk ab out bantam mgl.. XD had quite a mess of birdnest with it ... hmm nott sure if it becoz it a "thin" braid issue (thou) 25lb ..by ygk xbraid. Had 3 brake on ... and casting around 15-28g lures ........blow up is mad. lol

ive got 3 Diawa reels with a bubbling finish. drives me nuts

I have both, they are both amazing reels, but the shimano is still a Lil better, but Daiwa is getting alot closer.

the new bantams are 250-210 usd on jdm shops

Anyone have any experience with the zillion for salmon fishing? Very interested

how far can you cast baby yoda?

You can get that Shimano for $279 on tackle warehouse with the sale! The Shimano is the bomb!!!

JDM or US Zillion 21 if cost isn’t a factor and actually keeping the reel?

Would the casting distance be the same on the old and new bantam?

Is the drag on the bantam equally as smooth as the met b?

“Pretty good deal” on JDM version: How about $100 less?! That’s pretty dang good. Just got mine. Haven’t fished it yet.

Those lost and founds 👀

Which one for a dedicated frog rod

Just get both people you know you want to.

What real do you have on your NRX+873?

Better I watch this I'm going to say Zillion, ok let's see what you say 😊

Where can someone find these Daiwa discount codes????

Cant you get a jdm zillion for about $250 on ebay brand new?

I think the Zillion excels at applications like casting jigs and all the way down to finesse applications, but I do not think it is sturdy enough or has the torque/power to hold up to frogging or punching with long term. I think the Bantam excels at that heavy stuff, but is not something I want to throw jerkbaits or light shakeyheads on

Order JDM and save $100. They're both 200 and some change reels.

I agree…that side plate is a mfr!

Jdm zillion made in Japan usdm zillion is made in Korea or something like that .

Are you serious? Boat rash? Are you a fisherman or a collector? Function is what matters.

Don't understand the hype behind the zillion. IMO, minus the steez line, all of Daiwa's reels feel cheap and plasticky (star drag, thumb bar in particular on the zillion). I haven't touched mine in over a year since I bought it. Not enjoyable or comfortable to fish in my experience.

I have the black 22 zillion hd tw 1000XH I just don’t like that silver color Gun metal color or flat black not light silver maybe matte gray color not light gray 👎 where is made in Thailand or Malaysia I know it American reel

Shimano anything you have to take apart to adjust is a joke Dawia all the way no contest in my book 👍👍👍

Shimano Bantam A is def better it’s no competition