Daiwa Pitching Reel 2024
Montanaro reply :
I'm starting to specialize my combos and have a nice 13 *** 7'3" h flipping rod that needs a reel. What Daiwa reel past and present that can be had for less than $200 offers the best performance or super tuning path to be an effortless pitcher?
My cheap first option is a 8 to 1 type r tatula. However weight is a factor and I haven't read much on its pitching ability.
Other options are pixy, alphas, zillions, and tdz. Most of them that are affordable have lower ratios in the low 20s for inches per turn. I believe pixy and alpha can be bumped to 6.8 but what of zillions? Tdz are slower but very refined, would all I need is bearings and a shallow spool?
Thanks for the help.
Blues19 reply :
Favorite reel I have is Team Daiwa Advantage. It is a sweet reel. I wish I would have gotten a few when I got mine.
tater555 reply :
If you decide to go the tdz route just pm me, I have a 103h I might let go.
Jeff H reply :
TD-Z can be set up to do anything!
fisherrw reply :
Type r
jtesch reply :
For me it's the Fuego, you can find them in like new condition for $100-$120 and then put a 100 Z spool on it for $75. There is a world of other upgrades you can do and they look great. I can't comment on the Z's as I've never owned one. A Zillion would cost you to much to upgrade to make it a good pitching reel, and the type R is way to expensive. The TD-X HSDF or HSDL(if your ok with a lefty reel are both great pitching reels but getting harder to find in good shape. The HSDF with a spool change can be a crazy good pitching reel.
Jeff H reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 10:37 AM, tater555 said:If you decide to go the tdz route just pm me, I have a 103h I might let go.
Is that the one you had problems with the clutch spring? How'd you fix it?
Angry John reply :
The advantage htsl I have is great to. It gets good reviews in everything but weight. The alphas and pixy don't have enough drag IMO. The zillion is a workhorse reel that anything can be done to. The tdz has a lot of options as well. If your looking for a new style the ss sv might be perfect
kickerfish1 reply :
Any low profile Daiwa 103 series reel will pitch well. An Alphas can be had for under/around $200. The Steeze 103 series reels would be about $50-$100 more but would really need no spool upgrades. The TDZ 103s are good but I would track down a Steeze or Alphas first plus they are very comfortable and easy to plam and really light weight. An alphas will accept the 6:8.1 gear set.
tater555 reply :
I sent it to dvt, he replaced the clutch spring on it and fabricated something to hold the spring. the part that originally held the spring was not available from daiwa as one piece, I would have had to buy the whole handle sideplate. I have fished it quite a bit since I got it back from dvt and his work has not failed yet.
Montanaro reply :
Anyone with experience with an alpha ito ai? I've read alphas have durability issues
masterbass reply :
The alphas ito has a lexan (plastic) side plate and front plate along with bare aluminum body. If durability was your concern it wouldn't be my first choice. I'd look at a tdz 103H or 105 which can be found for well under your price range. The steez are going usually run above your price range.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
With that heavy rod I assume you're not pitching finesse baits. Any quality casting reel in the $100> price range should perform just fine with proper setup. Pick one that looks and feels good to you and I'll help you get the max out it.
Tywithay reply :
The Tatula is a fantastic pitching reel. The Zillion TWS or the T3-1016 are even better. The T-Wing allows line to flow much more freely than a conventional levelwind, and it makes pitching light weights much easier than most other reels. You can upgrade the bearings and make them even faster, though it's not necessary. I've used a lot of reels, from $100 up to $600+ and the TWS reels are easily among the best casting and pitching reels I have used.
The added heft of the Tatula will be necessary to balance a heavy rod of that length. A little 6oz reel isn't going to do it.
Montanaro reply :
Rod is only 5.3 oz and zillion tws is too expensive
Tywithay reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 10:00 PM, Montanaro said:Rod is only 5.3 oz and zillion tws is too expensive
A rods overall weight has very little to do with balance. The *** rods have fairly small split grips and just short handles overall. The best pitching Daiwa for right at $200 would be the T3-1016.
I still think the Zillion TWS is the best and it can be found for around $230 on the auction site if you wait for a deal. I paid $229 for mine NIB.
Jrob78 reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 9:54 PM, Tywithay said:The Tatula is a fantastic pitching reel. The Zillion TWS or the T3-1016 are even better. The T-Wing allows line to flow much more freely than a conventional levelwind, and it makes pitching light weights much easier than most other reels. You can upgrade the bearings and make them even faster, though it's not necessary. I've used a lot of reels, from $100 up to $600+ and the TWS reels are easily among the best casting and pitching reels I have used.
The added heft of the Tatula will be necessary to balance a heavy rod of that length. A little 6oz reel isn't going to do it.
I agree. I have a bunch of different Daiwa reels and my Tatula R pitches as well or better than any of them. That's probably what I would get.
Tywithay reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 10:06 PM, Jrob78 said:I agree. I have a bunch of different Daiwa reels and my Tatula R pitches as well or better than any of them. That's probably what I would get.
People see that you can buy them for $130 and they seem to forget that it's still a $199 reel, regardless of what you pay. It still performs at, or above, that $199 price point; whether you pay full price or 50% off.
Montanaro reply :
I have experienced fatigue with my 7 to 1 tatula on the *** rod and it doesn't palm great which I noticed when I got my first tdz. I would use my tdz but I love it on my 671 steez. It's a light combo that I can cast reaction baits all day.
Starting to lean back towards tatula 100xs. The drag is great and the speed would be excellent if I wanted to toss cavitrons. I just have this notion of a reel that would glide the bait effortlessly. Is the spool on the type r tatula that much better than regular tatula for pitching? I saw on japan tackle that the type r spool weighed less than the tatula jdm shallow spool.
Tywithay reply :
I wouldn't say it's a great deal better, but it's lighter and comes with better bearings, both of which improve pitching. I have used both a lot and prefer the R, even for the extra money. I know some people don't feel it's worth it, but it has performed better in my hands.On 1/13/2015 at 10:43 PM, Montanaro said:I have experienced fatigue with my 7 to 1 tatula on the *** rod and it doesn't palm great which I noticed when I got my first tdz. I would use my tdz but I love it on my 671 steez. It's a light combo that I can cast reaction baits all day.
Starting to lean back towards tatula 100xs. The drag is great and the speed would be excellent if I wanted to toss cavitrons. I just have this notion of a reel that would glide the bait effortlessly. Is the spool on the type r tatula that much better than regular tatula for pitching? I saw on japan tackle that the type r spool weighed less than the tatula jdm shallow spool.
J Francho reply :
I have a few TD-X 103/105 HSDL that are perfect for this.
5fishlimit reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 9:22 PM, Montanaro said:Anyone with experience with an alpha ito ai? I've read alphas have durability issues
I own this reel, and have had no issues with mine in terms of durability. I've heard that some people have over-tightened the lexan sideplate and caused it to crack, but that is a user error issue IMHO.
In terms of using this reel for the purpose you are asking I would say it's perhaps not the best option for you as it does have a 5.8:1 gear ratio.
bass1980 reply :
Since I have 2 of the exact 7'3 H *** rods I'll give my personal opinion. I assume you'll be using it like me, pitching around cover. I think the lowest weight that will balance that rod respectably is at 7oz.I have a chronarch 51e on one I use for jigs. Reel is 7.2 oz. The other I have a Curado I for punching. I've tried reels at 6.5oz and felt the balance was off a bit with my ci4+ and T3 1016. If you are pitching into cover you'll want at least 10lbs of drag. I think the fuego was mentioned but I don't think their drag is suffecient for pitching around cover.
Montanaro reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 11:46 PM, 5fishlimit said:I own this reel, and have had no issues with mine in terms of durability. I've heard that some people have over-tightened the lexan sideplate and caused it to crack, but that is a user error issue IMHO.
In terms of using this reel for the purpose you are asking I would say it's perhaps not the best option for you as it does have a 5.8:1 gear ratio.
It can be upgraded with 6.8 px gear set though for less than 80 bucks...not quite the speed of the tatula type r though.
5fishlimit reply :
On 1/13/2015 at 11:50 PM, Montanaro said:It can be upgraded with 6.8 px gear set though for less than 80 bucks...not quite the speed of the tatula type r though.
I understand, but you would also probably need to make some other upgrades to get it to perform the way you would need. Off the top of my head I'm thinking a longer handle, definitely upgrade the drag, perhaps the drag star, and maybe the spool bearings.
As mentioned by some others the Fuego might be your best option. Just my $0.02.
Montanaro reply :
Pixzillas are highly thought of. I like to tinker and over time I can build it up. First would be drag then gear set. I've yet to hear a bad thing about them but they are pushing my budget.
Tdz can be had at good price and are a step up from fuego. Carbontex upgrade is cheap and easy. However it and the fuego have a low ipt.
new2BC4bass reply :
The Alphas ito 103ai weighs 6 oz. so if you need 7 oz. to balance the rod, then....? It is an Alphas so I'm pretty sure the gears could be upgraded to the 6.8 as mentioned. I have a set in my Alphas F. I am not someone who can easily detect how smooth one reel is compared to another (not as critical for me as some). However, the first time I used this reel I was amazed. Felt like greased ice on the retrieve. 
I don't pitch, but I do have an older TD-S 103HL which has the flippin' switch instead of a thumb bar. I prefer a thumb bar. No idea how it stacks up as a pitching reel to what is available today.
OP, I wish you lived closer. I'd let you try a few Daiwa models to see if one I have would suit you. Wouldn't sell one, tho, with the possible exception of the TD-S for the previously stated reason. Besides the TD-S I also have the Tatula and Tatula Type R, TD-X 100HSDF, Fuego, Alphas, T3 1016, TD-Z 103ML, Zillion 100 SHLA, PE and 50th, older Cabela's Prodigy (very nice reel) and a Procaster 100HN. The TD-Z 103HL Type R probably couldn't be found within your price range. I doubt you would want to use a Sol or PX.
Tested the Procaster out after getting it back from cleaning (a new reel) by pitching with it off my rear porch deck (2 steps off ground). Reel was on a 6' MH Lightning. Not exactly a pitching rod. 
Combo was for my oldest grandson. I was getting 30 feet on some casts. First and only time I have ever pitched. This was shortly after I got into b/c reels so hopefully I could now better that distance with that same combo.
bass1980 reply :
7oz is just my opinion on this rod. Some people may feel differently.
J Francho reply :
Alphas, Ito Ai, Pixy <> heavy applications. I don't even know why they're in this discussion.
J Francho reply :
Also, decreasing the reel mass will move the balance point toward the tip of the rod. Not really ideal in a "pitching stick."
Alonerankin2 reply :
I pitched with Tds, Tdx, Tdz, Fuego, then the Zillion, my opinion is Palmabity is real important, but weight @ over 7 oz. do you plan to live with a pitching/ flipping rod and reel day in and day out? If so, then that is what determines my choice. I love this style of fishing, better have a fairly comfortable rig if you plan to persist for 8 to 10 hrs. A day. Also, 8.8 llb of drag is plenty sufficient imo..
Montanaro reply :
On 1/14/2015 at 2:37 AM, J Francho said:Alphas, Ito Ai, Pixy <> heavy applications. I don't even know why they're in this discussion.
Read numerous places where they are great pitchers and with a carbontex upgrade they are used even for punching (don't think I'd go that far)
J Francho reply :
I have a few MH and H rods that feel like absolute slugs with a dinky, light reel on them. Put a nice, heavy duty, 8 oz. or so reel on them, and they become balanced, crisp, and a joy to use. But, conventional wisdom - on paper and during winter, lol - is to go lighter.
Montanaro reply :
Also looking at daiwa t3 1016. Still on light side but better drag and can engage clutch with the hood system. Will be pushing budget. The 8 to 1 ballistic is interesting but not as refined.
I know I'm throwing a lot out there, but I've got a few months to get my ducks in order.
J Francho reply :
That would be a cool pitching reel.
bass1980 reply :
Maybe I missed it but how heavy of lures are you pitching, what kind of cover will you be fishing, and what's your budget on the reel?
Montanaro reply :
200 budget give or take. Over 200 with super tuning.
Lowest I'd go is 3/8oz maybe slightly less for a 1/4oz+soft plastic. Highest is 1/2 oz maybe 3/4.
Fishing timber and brush piles and while I have a punching set up I may be tempted to toss into some water shield which isn't as thick as a grass mat.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/14/2015 at 8:05 AM, Montanaro said:Also looking at daiwa t3 1016. Still on light side but better drag and can engage clutch with the hood system. Will be pushing budget. The 8 to 1 ballistic is interesting but not as refined.
I know I'm throwing a lot out there, but I've got a few months to get my ducks in order.
I really like using the hood to engage the spool. Casting machines. IMHO it has the best braking system I have ever used. (And I have used at least 4 or 5 different types.) I can set on Longcast with zero brakes and not overrun or backlash. Absolutely can't cast any other reel with zero brakes so I assume Longcast does apply some braking.
Jeff H reply :
I have TD-A HST & HSTA's, TD-Z's, Fuego's and Tatula's and I pitch with Shimano Castaic CA-200's. Go figure that one out! I do still like those old reels with the Insta-Gage thumb bar.
Jrob78 reply :
Tywithay mentioned it but that new 9.1 Zillion TWS would be the perfect pitching reel. They can be had for way below MSRP too.
TorqueConverter reply :
The TWS, low weight. Magforce 3D and the ability to engage the clutch by pressing down on the hood make the T3 reels (stay away from the ballistic) good Daiwa pitching reels.
Tywithay reply :
If you like the high speed, but want the refinement of the 1016, look at an MX. It can be had for about $220, which is a little higher. A lot of folks think it feels better than the 1016.
Montanaro reply :
That's what I'm looking at now and the 8 to 1 ratio is amazing. Hard to find though! I'd probably bump my budget for it. I read on TT about a tatula sv coming out.
Tywithay reply :
On 1/14/2015 at 11:52 PM, Montanaro said:That's what I'm looking at now and the 8 to 1 ratio is amazing. Hard to find though! I'd probably bump my budget for it. I read on TT about a tatula sv coming out.
They're not hard to find at all. The best price I've seen is roughly $220 on Digitaka. The 8.1 T3 MX is a sweet little reel, plus it looks cool with the black and purple. There's not many reels that will pitch as well.
Montanaro reply :
While the t3 mx 8.1 is super cool...
I scored an eBay deal for the 7.1 t3 1016 for $160 brand new.
If I got an mx I'd want to get the 1016 spool so total cost would be approaching 300. I think I came out alright.
Thanks for the help everyone!!!
P.s. earlier today I put my tdz 103h (6.2oz) on my *** and it balanced almost perfect. A pixy or alpha would have made it tip heavy and the t3 1016 should balance perfectly.
Longlivenyy reply :
On 1/14/2015 at 11:52 PM, Montanaro said:That's what I'm looking at now and the 8 to 1 ratio is amazing. Hard to find though! I'd probably bump my budget for it. I read on TT about a tatula sv coming out.
Check out the Daiwa Morethan PE SV
Tywithay reply :
The MX spool is essentially the same as the 1016 spool. It's not an upgrade.On 1/15/2015 at 10:41 AM, Montanaro said:While the t3 mx 8.1 is super cool...
I scored an eBay deal for the 7.1 t3 1016 for $160 brand new.
If I got an mx I'd want to get the 1016 spool so total cost would be approaching 300. I think I came out alright.
Thanks for the help everyone!!!
P.s. earlier today I put my tdz 103h (6.2oz) on my *** and it balanced almost perfect. A pixy or alpha would have made it tip heavy and the t3 1016 should balance perfectly.
bass1980 reply :
Are you sure about that? I dont think the MX has the 1016 spool. Maybe someone else can elaborate on it since I'm not too familiar with the MX.
bass1980 reply :
Digged up an old thread I saved when I was all crazy about the T3 variants.
T3 1016 Spool = 14.9 grams
T3 MX spool = 18 grams
Tywithay reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 12:08 PM, bass1980 said:Are you sure about that? I dont think the MX has the 1016 spool. Maybe someone else can elaborate on it since I'm not too familiar with the MX.
I didn't say it was the 1016 spool, I said it wasn't an upgrade. The MX spool performs equally as well. The RCS1016 only has a slight edge when you dip into the 1/8oz range. Anything 1/4oz or above, you will not see a difference.
Montanaro reply :
Just took the t3 out to the backyard....3/8oz jig was pitched roughly 25 yards smoothly.
Blows my tatulas out of water in both smoothness and distance. Thanks guys!!!
kickerfish1 reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 12:59 PM, Tywithay said:I didn't say it was the 1016 spool, I said it wasn't an upgrade. The MX spool performs equally as well. The RCS1016 only has a slight edge when you dip into the 1/8oz range. Anything 1/4oz or above, you will not see a difference.
This. No need for a spool upgrade on the MX. The tolerances are tighter internally than the 1016 as well.
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