Excellent video. Great editing, right to the point and no time wasted. This is the choice I am trying to make. I hate bait casters and have found that casting distance is much farther with these spincasters. Thank You
I recently bought a Zebco 33 and absolutely love it. It cast’s nice, it reels nice, it not heavy. I just wish the drag was a bit better. But over all I give it a 7 out of 10 . For $25 you can’t go wrong.
The older style Zebcos with a low ratio are great for worm fishing for bass or bait fishing. The low ratio gives you a lot of power to fight big fish, but it is horrible for spinner baits, baitcasting and other high speed fishing. I've caught more fish on a Zebco than anything else, but a lot of that reason is because I fished all the time as a child. I still use a Zeboc today to soak a bait while I'm casting a spinning rod. It still catches 1/3 of my fish.
Got the delta around the Fourth of July. Already caught plenty:) I use heavy lures and a 7ft ugly stick GX2 Medium. Fish for larger fish like pike and trout The retrieve is great for jigging or husky crankbaits. With a longer pole yah can finesse it better. I mostly use the delta for larger fish. I also will take either an ultra light and medium light 4.1-1 setup for smaller fish. Love the delta for what it is👌
First I'm hearing about it, a higher ratio all stainless version of the 33? Sounds good to me! I'll want to pick one up this summer and do a comparison vs the tactical 33.
What about the old zebco 2020 that was a good reel loved that thing as a child and can't find them anywhere. When I was a teenager I caught a eight pound bass on that reel . I live in florida.
I'm a fan of the pro staff line as well. They've been discontinued. ebay seems the only reliable source for those though the prices seem to be climbing as they become more scarce.
Never used the Delta but have used the Omega Pro. It also has a slow retrieve speed which wore me out trying to enjoy fishing, but it casts better than any reel I've ever used, baitcasting or spinning. I did however "upgrade" to the new Zebco 33 Platinum that has a retrieve ratio of 4.7:1 and a speed of about 26ipt. Nearly as fast as most of my big boy reels! Plus with a 4+1 bearing system reel is like butter. I really like using the reel but when someone is approaching I quickly put it down and pick up my baitcaster. You know how it is, right? I'll always have my 33 with me. So easy to fish with. Never a tangle. Fast and accurate. With 10 pound fluorocarbon you can just about throw anything, except into heavy weedy or mossy cover. But I've even done that and pulled in some PBs. On the boat I only take my 33. More time fishing rather than undoing knots and tangles. And it's easier on the arms and wrists!
4.7:1 would be a perfect ratio and if the Delta had that I would have enjoyed it much more! I know exactly what you mean about how it wore you out, that's how I felt after testing it for an evening, I couldn't imagine fishing with it long-term. As other comments mentioned there is definitely a place for that retrieve speed but for an all-around reel, it's not for me!
Im really liking my delta, idk i guess im a sucker for spincast reels. That reel is great for swimbaits because of the slow return(I noticed too), but its super smooth and whisper quiet when casting. Its become part of my collection for sure.
I have the Zebco Delta 30 reel that has a 3.6 gear ratio and cost about 65 dollars. It's a quality reel and although not as fast as the Bullet, fast enough for me. I also think it's Zebco's best looking spincaster.
In 2018 my wife caught her PB Largemouth that was 12lbs and she took it with a Zebco 33 Pink Ladies special spooled with 10lbs line and a Texas rigged plastic worm, I had her fish mounted and its hanging on the wall in our garage today, so for anyone who may have concerns about the use of Zebco 33 reels, trust me they catch fish!!!
was the Delta a ZD2 or ZD3? 2 is 3.4:1 and the three is 2.9:1 - these ratios are accommodating to winching heavier feisty fish, not a fast retrieve - but you already knew that right? for those looking to step up from the 33 or Delta there's also the Omega Pro series, which is another step up which has an enhanced ratio and winching ability - and costs more, but is better. if you want a fast retrieve in a spin cast, ante up for a Zebco Bullet, just don't expect it to winch big or heavy fish like a lower ratio reel and use the drag appropriately. so, does the Delta do it's job for it's anticipated use? is it reliable and durable after 1,000 casts while being used by kids and anyone you hand it to with minimal maintenance? I have an entire fleet of 'good' Zeb's on quality rods, so I'll let you know... LOL
It was the ZD3 -- I can definitely see the use for such a slow retrieve but didn't work out for an all-around reel. I would love to try an Omega or Bullet though, the Deltas quality really impressed me.
I saltwater fish but after a long time I got back into freshwater and got the zebco spincast delta zd3 and withing the first weeks I've caught large crappie and 3lb 5lb bass and love the reel , it's been a full winter season and beginning of spring and have had 0 problems with the reel so anyone on the fence about a spincast you can't go wrong with the delta and my brother got the zebco bullet around the same time and it's also a really great reel , go cathem guys 🐟
It would depend more on the line you're using. A carp is pretty strong but I think the rod/reel itself could handle it provided the line is rated correctly.
I found most of the zebco 33 reels to be a good deal and decently made. The biggest issue is that the bearing/bushings are plastic and are the first part to fail, however for about $3 per reel you can replace them with steel ball bearing. A quick google search can point you to the correct parts. (Not Zebco parts)
So far I'm getting the same results with my Delta ZD3, casting distance is almost half of what I got with my old 808. I was looking for something with a better build quality but not as bulky, looks like this one is a return for me.
Great review. The Delta looks great, but that sloooow retrieve... Nah. I own a 33 Platinum that works well. The Zebco 33 came out in 1954 and has sold over 40 million units.
I don't think cajun line is braided because I have bought it and never found anything but mono. Its good line overall. The Delta is the slowest in the Zebco lineup, The bullet would be ideal for fast retrieve. The Omega Pro is between. Both are great but a little pricey. Hate baitcaster and spinning reals. Love my Zebco's and old johnson close faced. I have many other reels that are closed faced, but the newer ones aren't great, even the kastking. Daiwa gold is good but also expensive, my old abumatic 3 bearing is perfect but is heavy AF. The Fluegar President is a decent reel mid price point, but after 2 years I have had major issue with mine, while my dads is still working well. Many of the close faced reels are now smooth as silk, don't tangle, but are slower. If you are use to them you don't notice it. I even find the bullet to be too fast at 5. But it depends on what I am fishing. On a river reeling toward upstream that Delta is a godsend and I caught my biggest smally on it last year.
ok my opinion of the delta is it is very heavy slow to reel the 5 ball bearing make run smoother but bearing does not always make a reel good my reason for saying that I was always used a zebco 33 since I was 5 years old and never had a problem with the zebco 33
Excellent video. Great editing, right to the point and no time wasted. This is the choice I am trying to make. I hate bait casters and have found that casting distance is much farther with these spincasters. Thank You
I recently bought a Zebco 33 and absolutely love it. It cast’s nice, it reels nice, it not heavy. I just wish the drag was a bit better.
But over all I give it a 7 out of 10 . For $25 you can’t go wrong.
The older style Zebcos with a low ratio are great for worm fishing for bass or bait fishing. The low ratio gives you a lot of power to fight big fish, but it is horrible for spinner baits, baitcasting and other high speed fishing. I've caught more fish on a Zebco than anything else, but a lot of that reason is because I fished all the time as a child. I still use a Zeboc today to soak a bait while I'm casting a spinning rod. It still catches 1/3 of my fish.
I can definitely see the low gear speed working well for dragging a worm and slow-speed fishing. Great insight, thanks for sharing!
My delta came with Monofilament line not braided and it cast very smooth!
Great review I just bought the zebco 33 outfit looking forward to trying it here out on the Chesapeake bay here in Maryland.
I have the bullet, but it's retrieve speed is too fast, I am thinking about the delta for finesse uses
Got the delta around the Fourth of July. Already caught plenty:) I use heavy lures and a 7ft ugly stick GX2 Medium. Fish for larger fish like pike and trout The retrieve is great for jigging or husky crankbaits. With a longer pole yah can finesse it better. I mostly use the delta for larger fish. I also will take either an ultra light and medium light 4.1-1 setup for smaller fish. Love the delta for what it is👌
That's great to hear, I knew there was going to be a place for that retrieve speed. The delta felt like a premium and quality reel!
I run a zebco 33 on a 7 foot medium light throwing 1/2 Oz rigs it hits 75yds near every cast if not further
Love my 33!! Thanks for sharing this Comparison!!
A tried and true classic for sure
New Platinum is where it’s at. Haven’t tried the new MG Bulllet though.
First I'm hearing about it, a higher ratio all stainless version of the 33? Sounds good to me! I'll want to pick one up this summer and do a comparison vs the tactical 33.
They have all metal bodies with a SS cover- They add 4 stainless bearings + 1 clutch & take it up to 4.7:1 ratio. They should be fast & smooth.
What about the old zebco 2020 that was a good reel loved that thing as a child and can't find them anywhere. When I was a teenager I caught a eight pound bass on that reel . I live in florida.
I'm a fan of the pro staff line as well. They've been discontinued. ebay seems the only reliable source for those though the prices seem to be climbing as they become more scarce.
Never used the Delta but have used the Omega Pro. It also has a slow retrieve speed which wore me out trying to enjoy fishing, but it casts better than any reel I've ever used, baitcasting or spinning. I did however "upgrade" to the new Zebco 33 Platinum that has a retrieve ratio of 4.7:1 and a speed of about 26ipt. Nearly as fast as most of my big boy reels! Plus with a 4+1 bearing system reel is like butter. I really like using the reel but when someone is approaching I quickly put it down and pick up my baitcaster. You know how it is, right? I'll always have my 33 with me. So easy to fish with. Never a tangle. Fast and accurate. With 10 pound fluorocarbon you can just about throw anything, except into heavy weedy or mossy cover. But I've even done that and pulled in some PBs. On the boat I only take my 33. More time fishing rather than undoing knots and tangles. And it's easier on the arms and wrists!
4.7:1 would be a perfect ratio and if the Delta had that I would have enjoyed it much more! I know exactly what you mean about how it wore you out, that's how I felt after testing it for an evening, I couldn't imagine fishing with it long-term. As other comments mentioned there is definitely a place for that retrieve speed but for an all-around reel, it's not for me!
I wonder if the Zebco "Rhino" series is still around?
Im really liking my delta, idk i guess im a sucker for spincast reels.
That reel is great for swimbaits because of the slow return(I noticed too), but its super smooth and whisper quiet when casting.
Its become part of my collection for sure.
I have the Zebco Delta 30 reel that has a 3.6 gear ratio and cost about 65 dollars. It's a quality reel and although not as fast as the Bullet, fast enough for me. I also think it's Zebco's best looking spincaster.
In 2018 my wife caught her PB Largemouth that was 12lbs and she took it with a Zebco 33 Pink Ladies special spooled with 10lbs line and a Texas rigged plastic worm, I had her fish mounted and its hanging on the wall in our garage today, so for anyone who may have concerns about the use of Zebco 33 reels, trust me they catch fish!!!
was the Delta a ZD2 or ZD3? 2 is 3.4:1 and the three is 2.9:1 - these ratios are accommodating to winching heavier feisty fish, not a fast retrieve - but you already knew that right?
for those looking to step up from the 33 or Delta there's also the Omega Pro series, which is another step up which has an enhanced ratio and winching ability - and costs more, but is better.
if you want a fast retrieve in a spin cast, ante up for a Zebco Bullet, just don't expect it to winch big or heavy fish like a lower ratio reel and use the drag appropriately.
so, does the Delta do it's job for it's anticipated use? is it reliable and durable after 1,000 casts while being used by kids and anyone you hand it to with minimal maintenance?
I have an entire fleet of 'good' Zeb's on quality rods, so I'll let you know... LOL
It was the ZD3 -- I can definitely see the use for such a slow retrieve but didn't work out for an all-around reel.
I would love to try an Omega or Bullet though, the Deltas quality really impressed me.
I saltwater fish but after a long time I got back into freshwater and got the zebco spincast delta zd3 and withing the first weeks I've caught large crappie and 3lb 5lb bass and love the reel , it's been a full winter season and beginning of spring and have had 0 problems with the reel so anyone on the fence about a spincast you can't go wrong with the delta and my brother got the zebco bullet around the same time and it's also a really great reel , go cathem guys 🐟
Hell yeah, good to see people find it useful. I'm really interested in trying the bullet.
I’m a ponder fisherman! The place I fish is full brush low trees, got an omega pro and 2 deltas! I’m plastic 100% worm and love the deltas too!
The omega pro looks really nice, I'll have to try that
How would the tactical hold up against carp? I got a free one from a work buddy after some of my gear got stolen
It would depend more on the line you're using. A carp is pretty strong but I think the rod/reel itself could handle it provided the line is rated correctly.
I found most of the zebco 33 reels to be a good deal and decently made. The biggest issue is that the bearing/bushings are plastic and are the first part to fail, however for about $3 per reel you can replace them with steel ball bearing. A quick google search can point you to the correct parts. (Not Zebco parts)
That would be a perfect upgrade for them, great idea. I'll have to look into that and give it a try.
I have the silver 33 and i love that reel
So far I'm getting the same results with my Delta ZD3, casting distance is almost half of what I got with my old 808. I was looking for something with a better build quality but not as bulky, looks like this one is a return for me.
I really wanted to like it, it just wasn't enjoyable to use!
Love all my 33
Great reels!
Great review. The Delta looks great, but that sloooow retrieve... Nah. I own a 33 Platinum that works well. The Zebco 33 came out in 1954 and has sold over 40 million units.
I'm eager to try out that platinum, I've heard great things!
I have the 2021 zebco Delta , Its heavy and very slow ( 2.9-1 ) . The 33 platinum is far better (4.7-1 ) and very lite.
I really didn't enjoy the Delta. I'm sure it has it's place but it was definitely not for me.
Try the zebco bite alert hawg seeker
I would love to! If I get the chance to I'll be sure to update.
Zebco 33 Platinum Quick Look & Review
-- th-cam.com/video/YEu6SK3KK5Y/w-d-xo.html
I don't think cajun line is braided because I have bought it and never found anything but mono. Its good line overall. The Delta is the slowest in the Zebco lineup, The bullet would be ideal for fast retrieve. The Omega Pro is between. Both are great but a little pricey.
Hate baitcaster and spinning reals. Love my Zebco's and old johnson close faced. I have many other reels that are closed faced, but the newer ones aren't great, even the kastking. Daiwa gold is good but also expensive, my old abumatic 3 bearing is perfect but is heavy AF. The Fluegar President is a decent reel mid price point, but after 2 years I have had major issue with mine, while my dads is still working well. Many of the close faced reels are now smooth as silk, don't tangle, but are slower. If you are use to them you don't notice it. I even find the bullet to be too fast at 5. But it depends on what I am fishing. On a river reeling toward upstream that Delta is a godsend and I caught my biggest smally on it last year.
It has to be able to backreel, or I wont buy it. Why are there less options on a more expensive reel? I backreel everything.
Has anybody ever had trouble with using spider wire 20 pound braid line on a zebco roam 3
If its a spincaster/closed face they don't recommend braid. It cuts into the retrieve pin too much.
ok my opinion of the delta is it is very heavy slow to reel the 5 ball bearing make run smoother but bearing does not always make a reel good my reason for saying that I was always used a zebco 33 since I was 5 years old and never had a problem with the zebco 33
Very true! I recently picked up a 33 Platinum which I plan to review here soon.
@@mvboutdoors cool deal Platinum 33 Nice
Can't beat a Old push button
I use to have two things omegas i did not like the drag system . Plathum 33 had better drag and half the price which made no sense.
The delta sounds like it would be a good cat fish reel
Agreed, would make good use of it's speed and durability!
I fish delta as my wacky rig, for bass
I would go with the Diawa .
Diawa makes some great reels!
Zen or 33 is the best
try zebco bullet
I would love to! I am not currently in need of a Spincaster but if I was it would be the one I'd want to try.
it is tried -and-true the zebco 33 that is
BULLET
Gonna have to try this one next! I recently tried the Platinum.