By Tackle Warehouse | Updated September 2023
Our goal with the Tackle Warehouse Product Review is to provide customers with an honest opinion on the latest bass fishing tackle and equipment, so they can make the most informed and optimized purchase possible. The products are distributed to a team of trusted Tackle Warehouse employees who have a wide breadth of fishing knowledge and experience. Each reviewer is responsible for testing and grading the product before and after use. After we are done testing, the grades are averaged and the reviews are compiled to highlight the most important elements – all in an effort to provide as much information as possible before you proceed to checkout.
All scores are rated from 1-to-5 with 1 being the lowest score and 5 being the highest score.
Out of the package, the first thing we noticed about Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting Reel was that cosmetically it is much different than previous generations. Exuding heavy ‘Robo Cop’ vibes, as noted by one reviewer, the Zillion’s modern styling, tapered edges, and sleek matte-silver finish were immediately welcomed upon initial inspection. The fully revamped shape creates a compact profile with exceptional palmability and allows your fingers to rest comfortably over the front of the reel while maintaining contact with your fishing line.
Featuring Daiwa’s new HyperDrive design concept, all of the product reviewers quickly noticed how insanely smooth and effortless it was to turn the reel handle without any feeling of gear contact or resistance. Equipped with a smaller 100-size spool and shorter swept handle type, most of us assumed this reel would excel with light lures, thin-diameter fishing lines, and finesse techniques. Packed with a host of new technologies, including the updated SV Booster Braking System, the staff has a decidedly favorable first impression, high expectations, and is very excited to put this reel to work.
“I expect to wind up a finesse jig and fire that thing 187 yards with no thumb on the spool like they do in the YouTube videos. I’m hoping it’s the hot ticket for small lures, makes it easier to cast 1/8oz underspins, and gets good enough casting distance to not have to use my spinning rod.” - Jake
Earning a 4.5-star performance rating from our product reviewers, clearly Daiwa’s four new key technologies – Hyper Armed Housing, Hyper Drive Digigear, Hyper Double Support, and Hyper Tough Clutch collectively lived up to the “hype.” A reel that has grown to become our favorite for a wide range of light-duty applications, the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting reel is a premier option for any angler who wants to greatly improve casting distance and accuracy with lightweight lures.
Maximizing casting distance while maintaining precise control, the Zillion’s SV Booster Braking System utilizes two-stage electromagnetic braking, which makes it a breeze to cast any lure in the 1/4-5/8oz range. Undeniably smooth, yet rock-solid and powerful, the Hyper Drive Digi-gearing make the Zillion great for all kinds of pint-sized power fishing, like smaller crankbaits, swimbaits, scroungers, and jerkbaits.
Daiwa’s Hyper Tough Clutch technology affords solid thumb bar engagement with an oddly satisfying audible click. And while we noticed the manufacturer suggested line rating was for 14-16lb line, we felt the sweet spot was closer to 12lb, especially when you consider the smaller spool size and increased casting distance. We were also in favor of the audible drag-clicker, which is a very handy feature when you have a nice fish on the line!
In order to get an accurate representation of durability, we felt this reel deserved a longer product testing period to see how it would perform over the course of an entire fishing season. After receiving the first product sample during the summer of '21, our staff rigorously tested the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting reel through the summer of '22 using various techniques, different sizes of fishing line, and with all-types of seasonal conditions.
While there were some initial cosmetic concerns regarding the matte finish, we were pleased to learn the exterior coating provides enough scratch resistance to protect it from hook and carpet rash. More importantly, over the course of the year none of the reviewers noticed any decline in performance, funny noises, or weird quirks that would suggest the reel will break down or deteriorate under heavy wear and tear.
"I've fished reaction baits using this reel at least once a week for over a year now, and despite some cosmetic scratches, it has proven it can take a beating while continuing to deliver consistently smooth retrieves." - Tyler
Over the years, the Zillion series of baitcasting reels has served as the bridge between the Tatula and Steez line-ups, so we were excited to see Daiwa re-introduce a reel that meets the ‘middle-ground’ between value and top-shelf performance. Coming in at a retail price of $349, this may not be a reel that every angler can afford to replace their whole lineup with, but we think it offers incredible value for those who want a high-end reel for technique-specific applications. Outperforming top-tier reels within and above its price range, we believe the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting is a premium workhorse reel that offers high performance at a more accessible price point than the flagship Steez lineup.
Providing versatility for a wide range of general-purpose finesse tactics, the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting Reel offers the utility to throw anything from a 1/4oz shakey head all the way up to a mid-size hollow body swimbait. While the smaller 100-size spool doesn’t lend itself to some techniques like deep-diving crankbaits, umbrella rigs, or frog fishing, it is perfectly suited for virtually any lure under 1/2oz or applications that require 10-15lb line. Although the handle knobs are slightly wider and longer than previous Zillion model options, the compact 90mm swept handle and 11lb max drag rating make this reel better suited for finesse applications as opposed to heavy cover flipping or punching.
“This has grown to be one of my favorite reels in my lineup. I use it pretty exclusively for any lures under 1/2oz, down to 1/4oz or less.” - Thomas
While the price point may not be for everybody, if you are in the market for a high-performance reel or considering stepping up from the Tatula series, we think this reel will speak to those looking to upgrade their go-to setup. Exceeding our expectations in terms of performance, everyone who had the chance to use this reel was blown away by the rock-solid construction, compact ergonomics, and its ability to make long and effortless casts with lightweight lures. A peak example of design, function, and innovation, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Daiwa Zillion SV TW G Casting Reel to any angler who loves throwing smaller reaction baits or wants to improve their efficiency with lightweight lures.
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