I tossed up between the 300 and the Zillion from Daiwa, the Zillion is sensational for casting, pretty good capacity too. I have used a 400 for a while( hard to cast all day but good for trolling) then switched to a millionaire z which is still my favourite reel as it is great to cast with, but still has good capacity. I love the zillion as I like the low profile for twitching and for Jack fishing where you use soft plastics and prawn imitations. I have had 30lb on both but I changed back to 20lb as it casts way better, For trolling 30lb is fine. The drag on the zillion is great compared to the Z. If had to pick one I would pick the Zillion, beautiful reel, casts everything really well, and has more drag than the Z. For casting I would definitely only use 20lb. Only issue I have with the Curado is that I have killed two of the 200's jack fishing. The spring in the cast bar that disengages the spool tends to fail. NOt sure if this has been beefed up on the 300 or later models. The millionaire is bullet proof, and well built, but it is older tech and not low profile, but when you are on long trip and with a tackle shop nowhere to be found I would back it over either of the newer style. BUt you already have a calcutta for backup so you may as well splurge on either the 300 or Zillion.

Gday Wrassehole

Thanks for the advice. How much 20lb braid does the Zillionn hold? I too was considering the Zillion, and keeping the calcutta 400 in the bag in case I need the extra capacity. Also, how light are those lures you are chucking with the Zillion? As you probably know, the big calcutta really struggles with light, wind resistant lures like the Flatz Ratz.

Cheers Ian

Oh, and what rod have you got the zillion on?

If your really keen to throw light lures for barra and the like id go with the calcutta TE200 or the DC250. Awsome magnetic cast controls on them and you can cast a feather on the right rod, teamed up with a 6 to 8kg impounment barra raider or the T-curve barra medium are great in this area. GLS loomis are nice as well if you have alittle more to spend. Just my opinion of what i was using during my barra chasing days.

PS: I cant understand why your using 30lb braid as well? I never fished over 20lb and more like 10 to 14lb is enough as long as a decent leader of around 40lb (60lb max) is used. The lighter the better your casts will be and Lighter is more fun as we all know big barra get buggered quickly and some others run and run. Try around a rod length of 40lb with a albright special knot and a loop knot to the lure so it casts sweetly through the guides and you wont have a problem with the distance casting. I always had another outfit loaded with 16lb stren gold mono for trolling as i found they liked to jump out of the water more on hook up and that little extra stretch allowed for stopping the bust offs when landing back down hard. But braid is fine for trolling just set the drag alittle lighter. You proberly already know this but if not i hope it helped. Cheers Chris.

Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!

Thanks Spess

I guess I just use 30lb braid as my default line for most things. Not sure why, since I know that 20lb braid is also extremely hard to break in a straight pull. I'll probably give the 20lb braid a go as you and wrassehole suggest. For ages I used a short double, then tied directly to a a little snap swivel, then 30cm of wire. Yeah, I know...it's a bit weird, but I used to like the snap for quick lure changes. I only recently saw the light and switched to a short double (bimini or surgeon's), then an albright to one metre of penn 10x leader, loop knot to lure.

Re: the te200 or 250dc; I'd probably love either of them. But they are a bit more expensive than the zillion or the curado aren't they?

Ian 

Yeah mate they a little costly but will also last you for a life time if looked after right. But i used a calcutta 200B for 2 years and it is also a great reel with plently of line capacity and retails for around the $250 mark i think. Well worth the look. Would love to heap up your way soon as i keen to get into some barra again as its been a while since i heard that big boofing sound that we all love! heading to broome at the end of this year to catch up with some mates and some old fav fishing spots that produce some thumper barra. Cheers mate and good luck, post up some pics when u get into them.

Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!