The Zebco Delta Spin Cast reel - $65?

[@Boswd]

Was in Bass Pro today and checked out that Delta, man it feels so incredibly well built... Very impressed on how it looked and feel. Like if was machine lasers crafted.. LOL.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

It seems to be a well made reel.. I definitely like the bullet better and even the older Delta ZD2.. But if you get it on sale like I did, it’s “definitely worth the sale price”.. 🤠😉

[@morrislane9917]

Willy you made my day. Yes I am listening and watching . I look forward to fishing with you down the road.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Howdy Skip!! Glad you’re there Buddy!! It was a pleasure meeting you! You let me know when your next trip to the campground comes around and I’ll do my very best to get there and then it’s a day of fishing THEN hamburgers!! lol

[@harryhoward3064]

Hey Willie, enjoyed this episode, especially because I have and enjoy a Zebco Delta 20, although it is an older version (the one with the round holes all around the nose cone.) I have had my reel for a while now and usually fish it with a bobber. Mine does not have that growl! All in all, another great episode.... you just keep putting them on the channel and we'll keep watching them.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Howdy Harry🤠, The Delta is a good functioning reel. Both the Bullet and the Delta have their goods and bads but for the most part, they both do the job but I’m starting to lean towards the bullet… but… I’m not done just yet.. The Delta being braid ready is interesting and the more expensive reel not is confusing.. but I’m not a braid person so it’s not a deal breaker.. more to come 😉.. thanks for watching Harry, tell Sophia hello!! Willie

[@christinerogers5331]

Nice video, Willie, the Delta seemed to be a nice reel with that lower gear ratio that seemed more akin to slower baits. It will be interesting to see how well it functions with braided line, awaiting that video. Take care and be safe!

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Hey CJ! It seems to be an “ok” reel… my mind still isn’t made up yet. The braided line issue isn’t a deal breaker. I don’t use it all that much so more tests are in their futures..

[@jimbob4859]

With the higher end reels, Zebco uses their "Cajun line" mono. Zebco owns Cajun Line now, not sure when they bought it, but Cajun and Stren are just about all I use now.

[@skyedancer3106]

Hi Willie, I liked this video. The Delta seemed to work just fine. Except those knotted tangles. Now, I see how you fix them. 😊 I guess my dad didn't know that trick. He had 4 kids who were yelling at him for something. 😅 He did fish though, he just threw out a line for catfish. If he was helping one of us, we got to look after his pole. He only caught small ones, but he enjoyed helping us more. I never seen him grin and laugh so much. Yes, mom fished too, unless she spotted a snake. I never seen her run to the car so fast. Dad had to take care of those for her. She was terrified of them. On her behalf, they were copperheads and water moccasins. She'd be right back out fishing again. Tell All Hi and meow. Take care and stay safe till next time. ❤️ ❤❤❤❤

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Howdy Skye, My mom grew up in the mountains of Virginia, fishing and snakes were part of her everyday life😂. Dad was a terrible fisherman. He made me do all the fishing, he did the cleaning, mom did the cooking and we all did the eating.. lol 😂 Everyone says Hi Skye and meow🐈‍⬛

[@ddselvig]

You right about those growly gears, Willie. A new reel shouldn't do that . Maybe a shim on the drive gear might quiet it down a little.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

The growl was only during a retrieve with the weight of a fish. Maybe it just needs to break in?? Or a shim… still leaning more towards the bullet but still more testing to do..

[@RonJones-fi7en]

They do come with a fancy price. I do own a bullet, yes it does have a little better ratio retrive using a tiny Arkansas shad minnow spinner 1/16oz. Death grip micro hook. The wire size is good if only the hook had little more hook gap exposed. All the wonderful grass blooms always a challenge etc. I watched a video some years back of a review where the person took the reel apart clean & lubed like wise maintenance. I will agree with him the bullet is not perfect, but it’s a good step up reel. The reel handle is to wide, but like the flat nobs. As was mentioned in the beginning of the video yes a small bass or perch can feel like a dead load on retrieve. The line pick up pins are obviously big part of the ratio. And as some have noticed you will hold the thumb button in to remove the spool cover. When I care not to play against the wind with finesse baits this is a back to the basics with an up beat reel for the simple times..

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Hey there! Being a guy that finds himself on the casting end of a vintage reel most of the time, I can feel the slightest difference in a really nice reel, lol. 😂 The Delta appears to be a fairly decent made reel as well as the Bullet, which also appears to be slightly more refined.. I believe if they would’ve made the Bullet with the gear ratio of the Delta I would enjoy using that reel.. I’m not the guy that spends a lot of time with newer equipment but I’m actually looking forward to taking both of these out together and see the differences..

[@paulbohn1971]

goodmorning willy that is a beautiful combo best wishes with it your collection of reels and rods must be amazing mine over time has grown a bit to love to you and yours frome paul in p.a

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

G’mornin Paul, I’ve definitely got a few reels lying around. If you shop around as much as I do, yours will grow as well. Thanks for watching Buddy!! Willie

[@oldmanoldtruck]

Good video! Nice little fishing hole you got there. Boo should come help you fish!

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

I’ve caught many fish in that little pond, maybe even the same one a couple times, lol. It’s a catch and release pond, pretty sure Boo wouldn’t see it that way,😂

[@lennyboy57]

What rod are you using and what length? Great video just got my wife the combo comes with a 5.6 rod.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@lennyboy57 Hey there🤠, I have found that the Berkley Lightening Rods 6’6” 8-14lb medium, work very well with most all the spin cast models. They’re fairly inexpensive (use to be even more affordable but you know how that goes) I’ve only broken one and that was my fault 😞. I have several and work pretty well..

[@GhettoCabbage]

always glad to see you upload friend! quick question if I may.. on the Johnson 100b reel, does the button sort of "double click" or catch twice, when you reel in after a cast? happens some times, some times it does not. Not sure if this makes sense, but yeah!

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Hey there! I have had a couple that did that. One I replaced the pinion shaft housing that screws into the body, the old one was warm out pretty well. They can be brass or aluminum.. I prefer the brass but anything that isn’t warn out is good. The other, I changed the pickup pin and it fixed it.. but let me tell you, these old reels all have their little quirks. I don’t have a single one that acts the same as the other.. you could end up rebuilding an entire reel chasing an issue.. but those are two possibilities.. Hope that helps a bit..

[@GhettoCabbage]

@TheGraytOutdoors thank you for the reply! Glad to hear it isn't just me, you're the fella who got me into these old spincasts I love so much! The most fun I've had fishing is with these, and nothing beats fixing one up

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@GhettoCabbage They can be a blast. And.. they can make you very frustrated at times, lol. I love finding the old things and getting them back out there doing what they were meant to do. Today’s technology may be more advanced but it’s less memorable and doesn’t have the personality the old ones have.. Using vintage equipment is an acquired taste that most “modern fisherman” never acquire.. I just find it extremely satisfying and more fun than going in Bass Pro, spending a ton of money, and going fishing. But, that’s just me😃. Thanks for watching and I’m glad you’re enjoying it all!! Thanks, Willie

[@mden2490]

I just stumbled on your videos...thank you for all your hard work! I was wondering if you have ever tried the Zebco Omega Pro Spincast reel? I was looking at that instead of the new Bullet. Its seems to be the best bang for your buck (and accepts Braided line) and is right below the bullet line.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@mden2490 Hey there!! That’s how most people find me.. I’m kinda like the “Harbor Freight” of KZbin .. you came looking for one thing and discovered something you didn’t need but got anyway..😂 I haven’t tried an Omega “yet”.. I bought the Bullet and the Delta because they were accessible at the time.. I had heard so much about the Bullet that I had to give it a try.. I did find out from the zebco’s website that the bullet does except braided line, it’s just very strange that it wasn’t one the box anywhere.. seems like that’s something you’d want people to know right away.. I do like the Bullet, I’ve even recently put braided line on it (80 yards) but I can completely cast it out of line with a 90 size whopper plopper.. so those long casts are limited.. I’ve heard good things about the Omega but I’ve just gotta get myself to spend the money.. thanks for watching!! Glad you found me!! I’m non-refundable though!! lol 😂 Willie

[@andreasvu9540]

Do you have access to a Omega Pro size 20 ? I liked the Delta alot, did not like the price of the Bullet in my area @ $100+ Was wondering if the Omega can pring some other features to the table.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@andreasvu9540 Sadly, I do have an Omega.. I buy all these different reels myself and it gets a bit costly so I get them when they present themselves and they’re on sale or extremely cheap.. Eventually I’ll come across an affordable Omega that I can take out and do a bit of a “compare and contrast” episode on the Delta, Bullet, and Omega..

[@jtownsend220]

I don’t remember your Bullet snagging internally like that. I’ve not ever had that problem out of the bullet.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

👍😃 I agree, the bullet never did it once.. they both have there goods and bads.. I’m still trying them out and trying to determine which one I’d buy if I was being forced to get one.. 🤔

[@farhenheit628of1200]

Bullet all day! I have the original, mg, and the size 20. Love em all.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Hey there, I have to agree, I’ve used the Bullet several more times and it’s a very nice, comfortable reel. I put the “80 yards” of braided line on there and can completely cast it out to an empty spool, gotta be careful there but other than that, it’s a very nice, comfortable reel thus far.. 👍🤠

[@farhenheit628of1200]

@@TheGraytOutdoors I have used the original and mg for catfishing also. 10 to 15lb cats all day no problem. I also run braided line, #25 or #30 depending on what I have.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@farhenheit628of1200 I really want to get into some top water fish with it.. the gear ration is great for whopper ploppers, torpedoes, and buzz baits..

[@farhenheit628of1200]

@@TheGraytOutdoorsjust ordered a daiwa goldcast III and silvercast. You should do a review on those!

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@farhenheit628of1200 My latest video has the small silver cast in it, I actually fixed it but then I gave the entire combo to Andy, the fella that was with me.. who also has the gold series.. so I’d have to borrow them from him.. but I’m sure he’d let me..

[@Boswd]

The Bullet model ZB 20 is rated for Braided line according to the website. It's grear ratio is 5.8:1

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@Boswd 🤠 yes, you are correct. I found it rather amusing that on the box and the inside packaging that there was no mention of braided line on the bullet. However, since then, I went to the website and found out that it was capable of braided line. I have a later episode where I mentioned that and also use the bullet with braided line. I found that I could cast, a 90 sized whopper whopper the 80 yards out of line with 20 pound braid. However, again, it is a nicereel. And I intend to use it again very soon for Topwater action.

[@Boswd]

@@TheGraytOutdoors yeah you would think they would put it on the box so you can see it if you're shopping at Dicks or Bass PS, it's a selling point.

[@markk709]

Brother I don’t think there is anything different between Zebco 33. Other than Zebco 33 comes with 10lb.. I’m about to just buy an Omega pro and call it a day. Thanks for the review I can’t handle the gear sound. The 33 is heartbreaking to me now. As a kid it was my favorite growing up on a lake! Now get a lil lake grass in them and they are junk! Took the time to take it apart and the spring yeeted itself lost in the garage!🙄 I have my bait casters but the transition right now to winter a can’t sling it like I want.. Thanks again!!

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@markk709 Hey there🤠, I know what you’re sayin’. I bought a new 33 gold and it broke before I got out of the house with it.. However, the Bullet so far seems to be a pretty nice reel. Not sure how I feel about the rubber cover on the button jest yet but we’ll see.. seems like it would produce a hole fairly quick if used a lot. This new Delta did not impress me at all.. it was noisy, had uncomfortable crank knobs, and was sharp and rigid to hold. Not worth $65 in my opinion.. I love the old Zebcos and still have quite a few. They’ve proven themselves on numerous occasions.. Thanks for watching!! Willie

[@markk709]

@@TheGraytOutdoors I know it’s ridiculously priced, but I’m just gonna go with Zebco Omega Pro aka original Zebco 33… I have 3baitcasters but I have MS and no patience sometimes 🤪

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@markk709 I think at some point, I’ll drop the money on an Omega just to know what it’s like but I enjoy using the old reels so much that it’s hard for me to make myself do it. When I think of all the other places that $100+ could go, spending it on a spin cast reel isn’t easy.. Me and bait casters have a history.. I’ve been known to take them right off a rod and launch them into whatever body of water I was fishing at the time..😂.. That’s back when money didn’t mean much.. Different story now.. I’ve calmed down slightly.. very slightly.. I’m 55 and not 15 so every penny counts. When I began to spend more time untangling a birds nest then fishing, I put them away..

[@markk709]

@@TheGraytOutdoors I feel that as a MS patient.🤣 Lost my favorite bait caster in the lake in July. I got my new Omega pro in and love it. Also there is a Kastking Brutus I got off Amazon for 32 dollars for just the real that is awesome too

[@oldhippie7538]

Tighten up the handle screw and it will remove the slack you are experiencing 😊 It also sounds like something loose in your gear box, mine are ultra smooth and quite ❤ I have both the 20 and 30.

[@oldhippie7538]

New sub by the way

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

🤠Hey there and thank you so much for supporting the channel!! The more I used that reel, the smoother it began to be. Gonna look into the looseness of that crank arm. I have to say that it did get better the longer I used it.. At this point, the “only” thing I didn’t care for was the line that came on it.. I could even live with the foam grips.. more testing to come!! 🤠 thanks again, Willie

[@oldhippie7538]

@@TheGraytOutdoors the line that came on both of mine was really poor quality, I stripped all of it off of both of them and respool them with Stren clear monofilament. Don't waste your money on braids, it was not a pleasant experience 😒

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@oldhippie7538 I believe I’m going to put some new line on them both but for testing purposes I have to at least try braided line on the Delta since it “claims” to work on it.. but thanks for the warning!! 🫣

[@mikecarr1378]

I have the 2019 bullet very nice reel but it has wore a groove in the spinner head right next to the pickup roller. I have fished with spincast reels for over 30 years and they all do it, It's a shame they can't fix that .

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@mikecarr1378 Hey there🤠 I fish a lot but I’ve acquired so many vintage reels through the years that I’m not sure I can wear a reel out😂. I like the Bullet quite a bit. I’ve used the new Delta as you’ve seen but it’s not up to the same standard as the Bullet.. I’ve used the Bullet for a little bit of everything (except salt water) and as long as I remember the super fast gear ratio and slow down on certain things like Texas rigged worms or ned rigs, it’s a really great reel.. Smooth, long casting, able to use braid.. what more could you ask for from a spin cast reel..? Well, hopefully you’ll get a new rotor for yours and get back out there, maybe order two as much as you use it. 😉 Thanks for watching and commenting!! Willie

[@TheCATFISH1949]

I just found one on facebook marketplace for fifteen dollars comma hopefully I can pick it up this afternoon period I might even know a little video

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@TheCATFISH1949 Definitely a good price!! A lot better than $65. I would definitely say it’s worth that.. Personally I think that reel new should be in the $40 range. Let me know what you think!! Willie

[@TheCATFISH1949]

@@TheGraytOutdoors just got it , in the box , brand new, with a Zebco Z cast rod .. all together $25 ! Man this is Grayt ! LiveAction

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@ Grayt!! 😂 That’s a good score there!! Congratulations!! 👍

[@nicholaswatts-eb2kf]

I recently lost my two fishing reels, so I'm be out till next year before I can get a new setup.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Man, I’m truly sorry to hear that☹️.. maybe you can hit a flea market or yard sale and pick up something cheap to get by with until you can get something else..

[@davew4247]

Will it handle a 40 inch Pike😅

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

😂Funny that you say that.. I was fishing later that evening, casting a junbug and chartreuse 2 1/8” minnow and hooked into a toothy 16 inch chain pickerel. I got him on the dock a he cut the line, I grabbed him with both hands and my wife had to get my Leatherman off my hip because I couldn’t let him go. I got the lure out of his mouth and let him go.. So I would have to so say, a 40 inch Pike, probably not.. but 16 inch? Sure 👍 lol 😂.

[@davew4247]

@@TheGraytOutdoors Nice!👍

[@mikegegg30]

Just reel slow. Not sure what you mean. There is good old school push button reels.

[@mikegegg30]

Thanks for sharing

[@ericmarks6322]

Tip: Never buy a Zebco if you are serious about fishing, they are too unreliable. Everyone that I have owned broke and couldn't handle the stress of a good sized fish.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Hey there! Compared to what I use on a normal basis the Delta is a pretty fancy😂. Some of My old Zebcos have been great. Not all, but some. I’m still fishing the Delta, we’ll see how it all pans out.. next will be both the Delta and the Bullet at the same time.. 🤔

[@davew4247]

I have a zebco Quantum smoke x baitcaster...flawless, never had a problem with it and caught plenty of big Pike!

[@oldhippie7538]

I've caught 5lb cats on my 20 size and 8lb stripers on my 30 size😊

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

@@oldhippie7538 There you Go!! There’s no doubt in my mind that these reels aren’t well-made. I think the biggest question on everyone’s mind is are they worth what you pay. Everything I use is old is dirt, and I don’t mind flinging it out there and trying to catch anything I can with it.because I can find the parts to fix it. Lol.

[@joevan9973]

you talk like a fish. ive used zebcos my whole life n never had any problems.