I was looking to upgrade my reel. I was going to go with the omega but I need help deciding between the different versions. I'm still a novice I fish for mainly bluegill
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I was looking to upgrade my reel. I was going to go with the omega but I need help deciding between the different versions. I'm still a novice I fish for mainly bluegill
I don't see anything special about those reels....I used the most expensive of the two and didn't really care for it....I actually liked the typical, basic 33 better.....I use spinning reels exclusively....
Think you will be pleased with either one of the three.
I have 33 right now. I had read that the models I'm looking at cast a little better and retrieve quicker. But if you don't think its noticeable then maybe I'll stick with what I got. I'm not very goodwith spinning reels I tend to end up making a mess with them.
I didn't notice anything spectacular about the casting....but the actual handles on the reel have like rubber grips I think....and they seem to be far too bulky when winding the handle.....
I am going to chime in, I use the regular omega models in both the z02 and z03 size. I use the z03 when going after bigger fish and have put slightly bigger line on it. The z02 is my go to rig for panfish, either bluegill or crappie or something else. I have used a zebco platinum 11 and platinum 33 in the past, and while there is a huge cost difference, there is, in my opinion no comparison in the reels. The omega will cast a lot further, it has the level wind, which lets it handle bigger fishing without loading the line on the "top" end of the spool and causing all the problems that come with that. If you are going spincast, spend the money, you will not regret it in my opinion. I will also say that my seven year old nephew can tell a difference in the casting ability between the two...
Ditto!
I have 4 of the z02 omegas. They are hands down the best I have ever owned. The oldest 2 are 6 yrs old and are still going strong. I tried the 11t and the 33 in authentic, gold and platinum. They all wore out within a year. The Omegas are a pro grade Zebco. I just wish they would make an omega in triggerspin.
My experience was very similar to yours BlackWidow. I had a few years off from fishing and when I got back into it, I worked up through all the models of the 11 and 33 finding them all lacking. I hated to spend the money on an Omega, but when I did I wish I had went there to begin with without all the steps in between.
Been using Zebco's for 53 years. No exaggeration. Omega Z02 best ever for panfish. :twocents
Thanks guys I like the feedback it's been helpful. I think I'm going to hand my 33 down to my son.
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I have had a Z02 and Z03 for about 3 years. I like both reels but prefer the Z03. I wish I would have bought 2 of the Z03 reels now but the Z02 is a good reel. Both get used for bluegill when I use a slip bobber. I use Trilene 4lb. XL on both. Reel speed on the retrieve does not seem any faster than the old 33's but that could be me. It has been a few years since I cranked a 33. They are both quality reels.
I agree about a triggerspin with better quality. Even sent Zebco an e-mail, pleading for a high end triggerspin. Wore out 2 gold triggerspins in 2 years, and have switched to a Browning ultra lite spinning reel due to this.
I love the Zebco Omega Z02 and Z03 reels so much I ponied up for an Omega 2 Pro this week. I haven't got a chance to try it out yet, but I have high hopes for it.
Be sure and let us know how the Pro works out. As I have been thinking about getting one or two of those to see if there was that much difference (the Omega Pro's) or not. Not much difference on the price though, so maybe worth it anyway?
Will do!Quote:
Originally Posted by rcornish
Any news on how it didQuote:
Originally Posted by Black Lion
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I haven't had much chance to get out fishing to compare the two reels. The weather has alternated between extreme heat, and downpour rain.
What little I have noticed is that the Pro Zo2 appears to be slightly smoother and a little longer casting. I can't tell yet if that is true or my imagination.
Ditto on a higher quality triggerspin. The Pinnacle undrspins seem to be a better quality than the Zebcos, but it is not up to the standards of good spinning reels or the high end spincast reels.
One of the best triggerspins I ever used was years ago I bought a used Zebco 44 which was the triggerspin version of the 33 and it was made back in the 60s and was much better quality than todays stuff. It had brass gears and almost no plastic in it.
Lost it somehow and have not seen another one like it.
SeaRay
I just ordered a Zebco Omega Pro Zo3 reel online, so in a few days I will be able compare it to the plain Zebco Omega Zo3.
I still haven't noticed much, if any difference in the Pro Zo2s vs the plain Zo2s. Both are smooth well built and dependable.
I went out yesterday and test drove my Zebco Omega ZO3 Pro. Smooth casting and retrieving little sucker. I caught over 30 bluegills with it in a couple of hours fishing and gave it a good workout.
But there was really no big difference between the Pro and the regular ZO3 in my honest opinion. Both are fantastic little closed face reels.
Thanks for the feedback I still haven't got around to getting one but this helps in my choice
Guess i will pick one up
If you want to see the differences in a lot of these kinds of reels. Take that front plate off and look at the line pickups. In the upper end ones the pick ups are metal and in the best one it will have three. Most of the others only have two. Gear ratio is another big thing with these and the higher end ones usually have the fastest gear ratio. Normally this wouldnt matter that much but some of them are incredibly slow.