SV103 - How many do you own? 2024
Big-Bass reply :
Will the Daiwa SV103 reel go down as one of those reels to reach "legendary" status for its durability, versatility, and customizable platform since they were really only around from 2015-2017? Before the discontinuation (I wonder why they were, yet they still are in the new catalog), I saw them in the Daiwa 2015 catalog and liked them since they were a TD-Z/Zillion frame but it wasn't until this past spring that I ordered my first. Now I own five with hopes of owning more. I have many Shimano reels and have been a Shimano guy for many more years than I have fished with Daiwa, but these reels really impress me (and seem to have a big following here and on other sites). Why all of a sudden did they become the "it" reel when in 2015 and 2016, almost no one was talking about them. Any input/feedback is helpful. Also, I think I want to try and customize one or two of mine but I am new to it so I want to be sure I do it right. Thanks!
david in va reply :
I have 3 , great reels , and cheap right now 
kickerfish1 reply :
Just 1 at the moment. Contemplating adding a 2nd...
Nor-Cal Basser reply :
I have one. Absolutely awesome reels. I need at least two more.
new2BC4bass reply :
None, but would love to have five! 
Every mention I have read of the reel has been positive. Many hope that Daiwa doesn't stop making them. Even on sale at $230 they are a bit expensive for me.
fishballer06 reply :
Shimano guy here, but I own one and I wish I had 1-2 more. I have the XS model that I use for flipping, and another for frogging would be great.
wet_dream reply :
None, yet. I've been eye-balling this reel for a few weeks now. I'm very tempted to try one (or 2) out. Lots of great reviews. Bait Monkey might get me soon.
Burke reply :
Same here --- Monkey Bait might get me on this one
So far, I'm winning ..
wet_dream reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 12:23 AM, Burke said:
So far, I'm winning ..
HAHA! I don't know though, from everything I've read it seems to be a win/win situation.
(Get out of my head Bait Monkey)
Angry John reply :
Have 2 and like the 6.3 waaay better. Would like to pick up another.
xxRambo_21xx reply :
whats good about these reels?
kickerfish1 reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 2:43 AM, Angry John said:Have 2 and like the 6.3 waaay better. Would like to pick up another.
Where does the different lie in your opinion? Thought about picking a second reel up but I have so many 6:? gear ratio reels.
david in va reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 3:51 AM, xxRambo_21xx said:whats good about these reels?
If there is a backlash proof reel, this is it. I have only been using a bait caster ford 6 months or so
And I can fish these reels all day without having to pick out a birds nest. I started out with a Kastking , then another Kastking, then a Curado 200L and a 70, a KVD Tour Quantum , Then bought my first Tatula SV TW 103 Reel is great, bought 2 Tatula CTs also great reels. Then bought 2 more 103s
I know I am a novice at this But I am a Daiwa guy now , More time fishing less time messing with the reel
And you can change lure weights with no problems Leave a little end play in the spool and set the break at about 10 and back up on the brake until you like the distance you are getting without backlashing
bigturtle reply :
Had one, sold it for another zillion sv tw
freelancer27 reply :
Is the SV103 safe to be used for inshore fishing?
Big-Bass reply :
Yes it is! But as with all saltwater safe reels, it should be thoroughly rinsed after each use in salt or brackish water.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 6:37 AM, david in va said:If there is a backlash proof reel, this is it. I have only been using a bait caster ford 6 months or so
And I can fish these reels all day without having to pick out a birds nest. I started out with a Kastking , then another Kastking, then a Curado 200L and a 70, a KVD Tour Quantum , Then bought my first Tatula SV TW 103 Reel is great, bought 2 Tatula CTs also great reels. Then bought 2 more 103s
I know I am a novice at this But I am a Daiwa guy now , More time fishing less time messing with the reel
And you can change lure weights with no problems Leave a little end play in the spool and set the break at about 10 and back up on the brake until you like the distance you are getting without backlashing
You bought a Curado L? We barely have the K model out.
Columbia Craw reply :
I have one. It is such a fine reel, like the OG Zillion, that it baffles me why it never received more praise. I love mine.
Big-Bass reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 1:54 PM, Columbia Craw said:I have one. It is such a fine reel, like the OG Zillion, that it baffles me why it never received more praise. I love mine.
I have one of my SV103XS reels with 10lb. test line on my Tatula Elite Ehrler 7' AGS rod and it is a joy to cast. And it matches up with the rod nicely. I plan on using it for lighter plastics/jigs and some finesse applications that I don't use my spinning gear for. I may put an SV103H on my 7' Tatula Medium regular taper and throw spinnerbaits, cranks, swim jigs, etc. I know there are lighter and more refined reels out there but for some reason, the SV103 has been standing out since I saw it in the 2015 Daiwa catalog in late 2014/early 2015 at a place called Dunkelbergers in the Poconos.
fishwizzard reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 6:43 AM, bigturtle said:Had one, sold it for another zillion sv tw
You are like the bizarro me, I have a zillion sv tw that I would love to trade for a second SV103. The Zillion SV feels so plasticy and loose compared to the SV103. It is a lot lighter, which is mostly why I have not gotten rid of mine, the rod I have it on feels really unbalanced with the SV103 on it.
kickerfish1 reply :
My only gripe about the stock SV spool is it is too tame. Might have try a spool asap in it.
kschultz76 reply :
I want to own an sv103, I really really want to. But I just hate how it fits in my hand, it actually made my hand sore. I had to return it. But I still want one, maybe I'll try it again....
freelancer27 reply :
new owner of a SV103XS 
Angry John reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 5:49 AM, kickerfish1 said:
Where does the different lie in your opinion? Thought about picking a second reel up but I have so many 6:? gear ratio reels.
I don't do a lot of pitching or techniques that take advantage of a very high raito. The 7.9 is the fastest reel I have and imo it's more specific in application than a good all around speed. If frogs and pitching is on a dedicated setup the I would be all for it.
Big-Bass reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 2:01 PM, freelancer27 said:new owner of a SV103XS
Congratulations! I think you'll really like the reel!
HookRz reply :
None. Not yet. But when after reading this I'll try one out given the chance!
This is why I joined the forum!
Big-Bass reply :
Now that is awesome! I hope you get and SV103 soon! Enjoy the weekend!
NathanDLTH reply :
How would this reel do with tubes in a river? I have a Ehler AGS rod MMH and trying to find a reel that cast lighter baits without loosing distance. Don't mean to hijack the thread.
Big-Bass reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 12:27 PM, NathanDLTH said:How would this reel do with tubes in a river? I have a Ehler AGS rod MMH and trying to find a reel that cast lighter baits without loosing distance. Don't mean to hijack the thread.
That is the exact rod my one SV103XS is on!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 9:15 PM, Big-Bass said:
I have one of my SV103XS reels with 10lb. test line on my Tatula Elite Ehrler 7' AGS rod and it is a joy to cast. And it matches up with the rod nicely. I plan on using it for lighter plastics/jigs and some finesse applications that I don't use my spinning gear for. I may put an SV103H on my 7' Tatula Medium regular taper and throw spinnerbaits, cranks, swim jigs, etc. I know there are lighter and more refined reels out there but for some reason, the SV103 has been standing out since I saw it in the 2015 Daiwa catalog in late 2014/early 2015 at a place called Dunkelbergers in the Poconos.
Were you visiting the area or do you live nearby? I am about 40 minutes south.
Big-Bass reply :
I am a little over an hour from your area more towards the northeast section of the state.
NathanDLTH reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 7:33 PM, Big-Bass said:
That is the exact rod my one SV103XS is on!
Think that set-up would be good for tubes and small jigs?
Big-Bass reply :
On 8/21/2017 at 6:05 AM, NathanDLTH said:
Think that set-up would be good for tubes and small jigs?
Yes I do...those are some of my intended uses for the rod and reel as well!
NathanDLTH reply :
Cool, thanks Big-Bass.
Burke reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 12:23 AM, Burke said:Same here --- Monkey Bait might get me on this one
So far, I'm winning ..
Nope ---- I just got my first SV103H the other day
Had to post this thread out of the dead since Monkey bait WON !
Big-Bass reply :
The SV103 reels might be one of the best and most versatile (spool wise) that Daiwa has offered for durability, castability, and overall performance.
Big-Bass reply :
Any updates?
Sam reply :
Advertising campaign with Randy Howell, Ish Monroe, Takahiro Omori, Andy Montgomery, and Brent Ehrler as their pro staff back in 2014-2015. And they are also known for their saltwater rods and reels.
The company started to give fantastic support for their products with a lot of positive reviews.
Good products and good support equal sales.
I think Brandon Palaniuk is part of their pro staff today.
KP Duty reply :
I'm buying a couple more zillion sv tw's. Looks like they are on their way out as well
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/9/2019 at 11:26 AM, Big-Bass said:Any updates?
Bought one on sale. Set on shelf for awhile. Went thru some reels sitting in a box a few months ago. Guess what. I had a second SV103 I didn't remember buying. 
I've used the one a little, but don't remember any specifics. Haven't been out fishing since my vacation trip a few months ago.
Junger reply :
When the SV103/105 went on sale at TW in 2017, I had just gotten into bass fishing and they were out of my budget. Eventually the tackle monkey made his home in my house and I've acquired 2 SV103's (H/XS), as well as 2 SV105's (P/HS).
Big-Bass reply :
It seems like they are never listed on those auction sites...rather just on a few forum classifieds. Part of the reason why I love these reels are the spool options. I have a variety of spools in that 34mm and they all interchange nicely. But that classic TD-Z/OG Zillion profile is what I really think keeps these reels as classic!
FryDog62 reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 12:29 PM, kschultz76 said:I want to own an sv103, I really really want to. But I just hate how it fits in my hand, it actually made my hand sore. I had to return it. But I still want one, maybe I'll try it again....
I guess I had always heard how palmable/comfortable the SV103 was... tell me how/why you didn’t like it. Anyone else have an opinion on this aspect?
I'm looking for something as compact and palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. Want to spend $150-250 and preferably with an SV spool. Was thinking of looking on the used market for an SV103 but would like to hear more about the size/comfort as I will be using this for finesse fishing. Thx
Junger reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 9:42 PM, FryDog62 said:I guess I had always heard how palmable/comfortable the SV103 was... tell me how/why you didn’t like it. Anyone else have an opinion on this aspect?
I'm looking for something as compact and palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. Want to spend $150-250 and preferably with an SV spool. Was thinking of looking on the used market for an SV103 but would like to hear more about the size/comfort as I will be using this for finesse fishing. Thx
I think the SV105 is more palmable than the SV103. The new Alphas CT is probably more compact and palmable, and can be had on eBay from JDM stores for $250ish.
fishwizzard reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 9:42 PM, FryDog62 said:I guess I had always heard how palmable/comfortable the SV103 was... tell me how/why you didn’t like it. Anyone else have an opinion on this aspect?
It’s a large reel for sure. The sv105 is noticeably smaller, mostly in width.
While I would not say the sv103 is “uncomfortable”, I find it does fit my hand on a much smaller range of reel seats/grips then the sv105/Alphas reels, which have almost universally been comfortable for me.
Big-Bass reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 10:55 PM, fishwizzard said:It’s a large reel for sure. The sv105 is noticeably smaller, mostly in width.
While I would not say the sv103 is “uncomfortable”, I find it does fit my hand on a much smaller range of reel seats/grips then the sv105/Alphas reels, which have almost universally been comfortable for me.
I have both (SV103 and SV105) in many versions and will agree that the SV105 is going to fit smaller hands for sure on a wider variety of reel seats. To me, both of these platforms are my favorites which is why I own so many of them. If you are looking at something lighter and more compact than the SV103, find an Alphas SV105 and I think you'd be set. The Alphas CT SV105 is just a narrower spool with spool spacers but the frame is the same. The SV103 is the same frame as the older TD-Z or the OG Zillion.
On 7/10/2019 at 9:42 PM, FryDog62 said:I guess I had always heard how palmable/comfortable the SV103 was... tell me how/why you didn’t like it. Anyone else have an opinion on this aspect?
I'm looking for something as compact and palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. Want to spend $150-250 and preferably with an SV spool. Was thinking of looking on the used market for an SV103 but would like to hear more about the size/comfort as I will be using this for finesse fishing. Thx
If you can find a used Alphas SV105HS, I think you'd like it a lot. Or look for a used, good condition TD-Z 105H and you're finesse fishing would be set.
fishwizzard reply :
Plat has some of the Alphas CT models for like $210. They only have the slower one in stock in RH, which has saved me from buying one.
kschultz76 reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 9:42 PM, FryDog62 said:I guess I had always heard how palmable/comfortable the SV103 was... tell me how/why you didn’t like it. Anyone else have an opinion on this aspect?
I'm looking for something as compact and palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. Want to spend $150-250 and preferably with an SV spool. Was thinking of looking on the used market for an SV103 but would like to hear more about the size/comfort as I will be using this for finesse fishing. Thx
SV103 is definitely not as compact or palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. For me I think a large part of the problem was the height at which the reel sat up off the seat, more then the shape. Oddly I find the Zillion SV TW comfortable to palm for both pitching and casting on reel seats the SV103 was not. I’ve never used one but sounds like Alphas platform might be the way to go in a Daiwa.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 7/10/2019 at 9:42 PM, FryDog62 said:I'm looking for something as compact and palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. Want to spend $150-250 and preferably with an SV spool. Was thinking of looking on the used market for an SV103 but would like to hear more about the size/comfort as I will be using this for finesse fishing. Thx
Daiwa alphas SV105 should fit your bill, to me it is not as comfortable as 70 but close. The body of alphas just a tad wider than 70. The new Tatula 100, I’ve heard base all old Steez flame and will take SV spool from tatula SV (I don’t own this but owned Steez in the past)
DogBone_384 reply :
I own one.
FryDog62 reply :
On 7/12/2019 at 1:51 PM, JustJames said:Daiwa alphas SV105 should fit your bill, to me it is not as comfortable as 70 but close. The body of alphas just a tad wider than 70. The new Tatula 100, I’ve heard base all old Steez flame and will take SV spool from tatula SV (I don’t own this but owned Steez in the past)
Thanks, good side by side comparison... just ordered SV105HS ????
Junger reply :
On 7/12/2019 at 6:56 PM, FryDog62 said:Thanks, good side by side comparison... just ordered SV105HS ????
Just FYI, the braking profile of the SV105 is very different from the SV103. @fishwizzard educated me on that when I first got my first SV105. The SV105 spool is very free, I pretty much keep it set 3/4 of max brake dial (no numbers on it), and the tension 1/4 turn tighter after removing side to side.
Boomstick reply :
I have 3 SV103s. They aren't the smallest or most compact, but the braking is phenomenal and I have no issues pitching with them, which may be because I have slightly larger hands than most people.
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