Daiwa TD Z Fuss.. Is it that good? 2024

nameiztaken reply :

I keep hearing a bunch of fuss about how awesome this so called "TDZ" is, figured I'd start asking questions. I'm a Shimano guy, and have been since I started fishing, so this Daiwa thing is new to me.

I'm considering purchasing one, how are they compared to the Curado I/Curado 200E7 or Tatula CT? (other reels I'm considering) What makes these reels so amazing?

Also, how much does a decent condition TD-Z go for?

Raul reply :

Any Curado would need to turn into an Antares to be up par with a TDZ.

The only real upgrade the reel benefits from is a drag pad change to Carbontex since the original wet drag system tends to "stutter" if submitted to a lot of pressure.

I own several of them.

Jrob78 reply :

You need to know that they stopped making TDZ reels in like 2005.

nameiztaken reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 1:29 PM, Jrob78 said:

You need to know that they stopped making TDZ reels in like 2005.

I'm aware of that

On 3/6/2017 at 1:21 PM, Raul said:

Any Curado would need to turn into an Antares to be up par with a TDZ.

The only real upgrade the reel benefits from is a drag pad change to Carbontex since the original wet drag system tends to "stutter" if submitted to a lot of pressure.

I own several of them.

Can you give me a model number for a 7-ish speed righty? if you have it.

Jrob78 reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 1:32 PM, nameiztaken said:

I'm aware of that

Just making sure.

Raul reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 1:32 PM, nameiztaken said:

I'm aware of that

Can you give me a model number for a 7-ish speed righty? if you have it.

There is no 7 ish gear ratio in the TDZ line up, the high speed model is 6.3:1

nameiztaken reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 1:35 PM, Raul said:

There is no 7 ish gear ratio in the TDZ line up, the high speed model is 6.3:1

alright, not really a problem.

byram bassturd reply :

can always change out the gear set

Yudo1 reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 2:11 PM, byram bassturd said:

can always change out the gear set

Lefties are the only ones you can get 7.1 gear sets for. Fortunately, I'm a lefty.

Yudo1 reply :

OP, for a reel made so long ago the TDZ is still one of my favorites. One of my favorite things about this platform is the number of different spool options you have which transform this reel: R+, R, zpi 002, zpi 001, rcs1016, sv105, sv1000, megabass finesse, diy, etc. With these spools you can turn your reel into a long bomber, pitching, skipping or finesse reel. I would definitely upgrade the drag to carbontex. Unfortunately, the finish on these reels don't hold up to well so finding ones in excellent condition will cost you. I picked one up that had the usual rash for $120.

GoCougs14 reply :

Also Daiwa has the SV103 that is out. Same frame as the og zillion, sv spool, aluminum frame, great reel

Bryant Blackmon reply :

Recently picked up a TDZ 103P in great mechanical condition for 80, I wasn't as concerned with looks as I was performance though.

rippin-lips reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 2:11 PM, byram bassturd said:

can always change out the gear set

I'm afraid that you're incorrect on that. Only LH.

Montanaro reply :

Good condition tdz is about $150

But you wont find one

.ghoti. reply :

I have two. And I'll take them any day over a Curado or a Tatula. No questions.

rippin-lips reply :

The Tdz is the reel that lead to the Steez. It's still used today by many people and some of the more rare models like the personal orders are highly sought after by enthusiasts. Tdz's in very good condition are getting harder to find but they do come up here and there. The amount of upgrade options for a tdz seem to be endless. It's a fantastic reel and I don't think you would be disappointed with one. It's an easy sell if you don't like it.

J Francho reply :

Great reel. Any copies in circulation out there are at least ten years old, though.

new2BC4bass reply :

Last TD-Z 105H I bought came from Japan. Cost almost as much as my others but wasn't anywhere near as nice cosmetically or mechanically.

byram bassturd reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 10:44 PM, rippin-lips said:

I'm afraid that you're incorrect on that. Only LH.

yup. missed the righty part

Fishnow reply :

You can also take a look on Daiwa Megabass TD-Ito,that's tuned TD-Z,I have one,-nice reel!

Jeff H reply :

Oh...I like the TD-Z/Fuego platform! For me, they require Carbontex drag and 90mm handle at a minimum. I like to add 1016 spool too as I prefer Mag Z over Mag V.

I don't care what they look like and most of mine look absolutely horrible but they function 100% (except one has a bearing on it's way out). I don't build them to wear around my neck, they are for catchin' fish so how pretty they are matters not to me. I really like the 100M for spinnerbaits!

Another big plus...they are super easy to work on!

J Francho reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 11:59 PM, rippin-lips said:

The Tdz is the reel that lead to the Steez.

While the Steez replacced the TD-Z as the flagship reel, technically the TD-Z led to the Fuego.

jtesch reply :

I have 3 and I would put them up against almost any $200 reel today. The stock spool is a great all purpose spool and for $50 you can turn it into a swept handle which makes them look even better.

On 3/7/2017 at 5:26 AM, J Francho said:

While the Steez replacced the TD-Z as the flagship reel, technically the TD-Z led to the Fuego.

I think the Z line actually split with the 100 becoming the Fuego and Zillion. Actually the Fuego was the US model of the JDM TD X which was a detuned Z. And the 103/105 became the steez.

Montanaro reply :

The frame material and paint is quite fragile which is one reason why finding one in good quality is rare.

But it can cast a weightless soft jerkbait a mile with abec7 bearings and good cleaning

Raul reply :

Oh well, if you find one ant it looks like crap you can always have it painted and make it look arse whupping, TDZs accept a lot of spool upgrades, I wouldn't change mine for anything, yup, you heard it right, actually I sold a brand new Shimano Calais 100 A and got me my first TDZ.

BaitFinesse reply :

They're good old reels but a little overrated IMO. I'd rather have a Steez or sv103 as far as 103 reels go. I've got an R+ and paint has completely failed and it's not as smooth as my aluminum framed Daiwas or my Steez. They're a cool piece of Daiwa history and can be sharp looking when custom painted though.

Big-Bass reply :

The TD-Z line of reels is perhaps (arguably of course) the finest reel that Daiwa has ever put out. Yes, the OG Zillion frame is more durable and I will agree that it, and the SV103 are truly spectacular reels, but for innovation at the time (1998), the TD-Z reels were awesome. The Steez reels were improvements but I don't know if they ever truly met the mark the the TD-Z created and left to the fishing world. It was unheard of in 1998 to see a reel retail for $349.95. I remember being afraid of them being made of magnesium because I was only used to aluminum reels but they are gorgeous. I have a NIB TD-Z Type R (limited 2002 only model), a NIB TD-Ito (2003), and I have both an excellent condition with box/paperwork/oil TD-X Air Metal 105H (rare) and a bearing upgraded TD-X Air Metal 103H (no box). The TD-X Air Metal reels were simply a TD-Z with a slightly more gold frame (which was beautiful), aluminum ported spool (instead of ceramic Gigas) and no bearings in the handle knobs. All are easily converted and any TD-Z spool/upgrades will fit in those reels...plus the options of the TD-Z and TD-X Air Metal are endless...

Best wishes on the water...

nameiztaken reply :

Any safe places to pick one up? Not sure if the big auction site can be trusted with more than $100, especially since I'd be ordering from Japan.

Montanaro reply :

I got mine from ebay....hell half of my reels are ebay specials

J Francho reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 3:54 AM, nameiztaken said:

Any safe places to pick one up? Not sure if the big auction site can be trusted with more than $100, especially since I'd be ordering from Japan.

Good luck...kind of hard to find a reel that's been out of production for 12 years. Ichiban has used reel list that you can keep an eye on. No TD-Zs there now.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 3:54 AM, nameiztaken said:

Any safe places to pick one up? Not sure if the big auction site can be trusted with more than $100, especially since I'd be ordering from Japan.

I bought my last TD-Z on ebay from Japan. However, I don't remember which store it was.

rippin-lips reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 3:54 AM, nameiztaken said:

Any safe places to pick one up? Not sure if the big auction site can be trusted with more than $100, especially since I'd be ordering from Japan.

Why couldn't it be trusted? It's technically safer than buying from someone on a forum. The only thing you really have to worry about is condition but that's what the pics are for.

nameiztaken reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 4:39 AM, new2BC4bass said:

I bought my last TD-Z on ebay from Japan. However, I don't remember which store it was.

Was it by chance inari.goriyaku.japan? Thats who I'm looking at at the moment. (if you search that in your email you might be able to find out)

On 3/8/2017 at 5:40 AM, rippin-lips said:

Why couldn't it be trusted? It's technically safer than buying from someone on a forum. The only thing you really have to worry about is condition but that's what the pics are for.

Pictures unfortunately dont show the internal condition :/

I bought a Citica E from someone there, as well as a Lews SS1H, both arrived with the most torn gears imaginable.

SFL BassHunter reply :

I have a Daiwa Fuego (old version) which is from that TDZ lineup. It is a great reel, but it's been replaced by a Tatula Type R.

It is no match for the Tatula.

rippin-lips reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 5:41 AM, nameiztaken said:

Was it by chance inari.goriyaku.japan? Thats who I'm looking at at the moment. (if you search that in your email you might be able to find out)

Pictures unfortunately dont show the internal condition :/

I bought a Citica E from someone there, as well as a Lews SS1H, both arrived with the most torn gears imaginable.

Then you just file a claim through eBay for the item not being as described. Take pictures and attach them to the claim. 9/10 times they side with the buyer. There are 4 or 5 right hand Tdz's in varying condition on eBay right now for about $130.

Hogsticker reply :

If you're going to buy one off ebay just plan ahead to put some money into it. Send it off to a reel tuner and internally it's good to go. So many different parts readily available for personalization. Keep an eye on the various tackle forums. Every once in a while a pretty mint one pops up for sale. Worth every penny imo.

webertime reply :

I've purchased 5 from eBay via Japan with no issues in the last 12 months, never more than 120. Front plates get scratched up if you look at them wrong, but that's cosmetic. Most parts are still readily available.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 5:41 AM, nameiztaken said:

Was it by chance inari.goriyaku.japan? Thats who I'm looking at at the moment. (if you search that in your email you might be able to find out)

Pictures unfortunately dont show the internal condition :/

I bought a Citica E from someone there, as well as a Lews SS1H, both arrived with the most torn gears imaginable.

Pretty sure no. Don't recall ever seeing that name.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 7:40 AM, Hogsticker said:

If you're going to buy one off ebay just plan ahead to put some money into it. Send it off to a reel tuner and internally it's good to go. So many different parts readily available for personalization. Keep an eye on the various tackle forums. Every once in a while a pretty mint one pops up for sale. Worth every penny imo.

Sent the last TD-Z out for cleaning and upgrading before putting line on it. Tuner said it was dry and a little rough. The outer brake ring was loose from its holder....apparently a common occurrence. Now it is butter smooth. Love these reels which is why I am up to three. Quite fond of my older Fuegos. I also have one of the Alphas ito 103 Ai reels. That reel is smoooooooth.

kickerfish1 reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 7:40 AM, Hogsticker said:

If you're going to buy one off ebay just plan ahead to put some money into it. Send it off to a reel tuner and internally it's good to go. So many different parts readily available for personalization. Keep an eye on the various tackle forums. Every once in a while a pretty mint one pops up for sale. Worth every penny imo.

Oooh Mama, that is a beaute Hog!

Montanaro reply :

The scratched up front plate is replaceable. Tackletrap has them.

SFL BassHunter reply :

The front plate is replaceable but the replacement is the same material. That magnesium piece really sucks. Sun and heat will cause the paint to bubble up and when you use it the paint will just chip off. That is the 1 thing I don't like about my Fuego. The chrome on that front plate is half gone and the reel has been treated very well. But can't do anything about the 100 degree weather we have down here in Miami in the summer.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 10:49 PM, SFL BassHunter said:

The front plate is replaceable but the replacement is the same material. That magnesium piece really sucks. Sun and heat will cause the paint to bubble up and when you use it the paint will just chip off. That is the 1 thing I don't like about my Fuego. The chrome on that front plate is half gone and the reel has been treated very well. But can't do anything about the 100 degree weather we have down here in Miami in the summer.

Sounds like I will need to leave my Fuegos at home on hot days. Good thing I have a couple spares from other companies.

SFL BassHunter reply :

On 3/9/2017 at 1:06 AM, new2BC4bass said:

Sounds like I will need to leave my Fuegos at home on hot days. Good thing I have a couple spares from other companies.

It seems home is the best place for them lol.

nameiztaken reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 7:28 AM, rippin-lips said:

Then you just file a claim through eBay for the item not being as described. Take pictures and attach them to the claim. 9/10 times they side with the buyer. There are 4 or 5 right hand Tdz's in varying condition on eBay right now for about $130.

I dont usually have good results with ebays claim system :/

Big-Bass reply :

Winter has me buying more reels! I got these the other day from a stand up member on another forum. TD-Z/Ito hybrid reel with dress up parts and an SV103XS (OG Zillion) with IS73 spool and dress up parts! And both rods were purchased from a stand up member on here and there (TT). Gotta love this reel body style and all the custom stuff available. Happy New Year everyone!

Big-Bass reply :

Is there anyone on here that owns a TD-Z Personal Order and if so, what color and handle configuration? Thanks!

new2BC4bass reply :

On 12/28/2017 at 9:40 AM, Big-Bass said:

Is there anyone on here that owns a TD-Z Personal Order and if so, what color and handle configuration? Thanks!

TackleTour, Reels, What's in your reel collection, 3rd page, Teal101. I'm sure he would be glad to answer that question.

rippin-lips reply :

Ryan, is a PO collector. He has them in both configurations and all of the colors that were available I believe. If not all than at least 8 of the 9 offered colors. White,pink, and green are the rarest ones to find with white being #1. Blue, solid red (not metallic red) and yellow are the colors you typically find when you do find one for sale. The remaining colors aren’t as rare as the first 3 but aren’t usually “as easy” as the middle 3 I mentioned. If finding a mint PO in any color is even considered easy haha. Metallic red,metallic gold, and metallic black are the other 3 colors. It’s estimated that less than 1000 of each were produced but since nothing official is out there nobody will ever truly know.

Big-Bass reply :

On 12/28/2017 at 12:24 PM, rippin-lips said:

Ryan, is a PO collector. He has them in both configurations and all of the colors that were available I believe. If not all than at least 8 of the 9 offered colors. White,pink, and green are the rarest ones to find with white being #1. Blue, solid red (not metallic red) and yellow are the colors you typically find when you do find one for sale. The remaining colors aren’t as rare as the first 3 but aren’t usually “as easy” as the middle 3 I mentioned. If finding a mint PO in any color is even considered easy haha. Metallic red,metallic gold, and metallic black are the other 3 colors. It’s estimated that less than 1000 of each were produced but since nothing official is out there nobody will ever truly know.

Very helpful info...thank you!

rippin-lips reply :

They were also offered in two different gear ratios. 5.7 and 6.3

DaveT63 reply :

I hear so many good things about these reels that I decided to look on ebay for one. How many different models are there, anyway?! And if someone were looking for a good general purpose user reel, what would you guys familiar with the line recommend? The 100 US Trail, the 103M, the 103H, 103P, 105H? Where to start????

Yudo1 reply :

The tdz100 is kind of the oddball of the bunch because it has a 36mm spool which is only compatible with og zillions and fuegos. The 103/105 share the 34mm spool so you can swap them with other tdz/steez reels which take the 34mm. The 105 is shallower and more finesse-oriented. I like the 103 for general purpose and in particular the 103H which has a 6.3 gear. Lefties can upgrade to 7.1 with a gear set from the tackle trap. One of my favorite reels is the tdz r+ which has the tuned spool rotor.

Big-Bass reply :

You can get an 103H or 105H (which would be where I would start) and the spool options are pretty endless. If you get a Steez 103HA (black) or 103SHA (red) spool it has the R+ inductor and though it is not a Gigas material spool, it gives you essentially an Type-R+. The 103M is the Ito reel and is a beautiful reel (I still have two NIB). The 100M would not be my recommendation to start with since I think it has traditional Magforce and the spool options are as great.

If I were you, I would look at getting a TD-Z 103H or even if you can find one, an Air Metal TD-X 103H and get a different spool. Good luck...you will be buying more after your first one! Just sayin'...

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Daiwa TD Z Fuss.. Is it that good? 2024

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