I don't know how many of you have seen the ZYZ reels listed on eBay , quite nice looking I thought. Well I went over to Clark's board and found several Topics dating back to 2007 about these reels, made in China by an Engineer named Zhu. Apparently he and his brother had an on again off again on again relationship, the second Zhu apparently had a better sense of quality control and precision manufacturing as well. Some of the early comments were that round head screws were used, the side-plate set back in too far for the crank to be handled well, etc. However even in 2007 the hand writing could be seen on the wall for precision work being outsourced overseas. Something Hardy for one has done with great success and quality control taking their line of reels to Korea for manufacture.
Anyway in looking at the 2009 online photos of the reels being offered by ZYZ I could see quite a bit of improvement so decided on bidding on one listed for auction at a reduced price, about 20% below their buy it now price. By the way right now I want to list a disclaimer, I'm in no way connected to ZYZ or its business except as a current happy customer and prospective future customer, expect no special treatment from them other than that they have already given me in so far as courtesy and assistance in having several reels made to order.
Anyway I won the auction at minimum bid, paid for the item, and in doing so asked if a change could be made, the original reel was listed in a natural aluminum anodized collar with black anodized side plates, the crank side being perforated. I asked that sense it was listed as a no cost option, that the reel be finished in their gold (close to 22-24K in color very dark buttery and rich gold) and black. No problem the USA rep for ZYZ Mr Yin relayed to the factory what I wanted and several weeks later I received my 3in raised pillar reel in the mail.
Now this reel is listed as a 3 inch diameter (spool) and has the same outside look and feel as my 3 1/4 inch Hardy Bougle, and I was soon to learn the same line capacity. Good for most DT3-4-5wt and even a WF6wt. The reel arrived has a simple bidirectional clicker drag, and is quite pleasant in both directions, about what I set my clicker at on the above mentioned bougle and point in fact just a slightly louder report.
Quality wise its a very very nice reel, looks like the other Zhu brother really cleaned up their act sense the 2007 topics over on Clarks, these reels as compared to the other current imports are very high quality. Have quite a good guarantee as well. At least as long as the plant stays in business.
Anyway over the weeks waiting I exchanged several messages with the American Rep Mr Yin and after receiving this first reel decide on bidding on a second one on eBay . The discount auction price if at or near the entry level helped offset the shipping from China Direct which is by Express Mail International and quite costly when only one reel is purchased. Upon winning the second reel I asked my Yin what colors for anodization were available and what options on the pillared model. Frankly they will build it your way. Attached are some of the colors and options as well as some really custom options for my next two reels. As this second reel process went along I ended up buying another direct and finally a third before this order was finished. Its nice to be able to get what you want for a reasonable price, and combining the shipping on three reels made it far less costly per reel. Anyway here are the current models that the factory made up for me. Color combinations are specific to wrap colors on a few rods in the process now.
This first one is another 3 inch raised pillar, but this time the frame is Anodized in Royal Blue and the rest of the reel is in 22-24k gold anodization, and both side plates are perforated like the current crop of lightweight Bougles.
About this time Id already decided on yet another, this time in British
Racing Green and lighter pale gold, 10K similar and matching my English
made 3 inch 1 of 500 Bougle
This green 3 inch raised pillar reel will be a second one for a bamboo
rod I'm having made
Altogether a fun process, which leads to the third reel I had them produce
this time, a little different model and this time a 2 1/2 inch for a 3-4wt glass
rod Ive nearly finished, matching the wrap and reel seat colors. This time
the spool and side-plates are in Old Copper and the frame and foot in
10K gold, the off side plate is not perforated.
It really was nice getting what you really wanted and working though this companies USA rep has made it a lot easier. I'm looking forward already to at least two more reels, this time a bit of engraving and color changes again for two more rods in the works, one another 2 1/2 inch and one of the bigger 3 1/2 inch models suitable for line weights 6-7-8. Here's some color samples and a few custom samples as well.
As you can see its quite habit forming, sort of like going into a men's jewelery store full of fitted shotguns, custom rifles and such, and to get it your way is a
real treat these days, and at a price you can afford.
Anyway I'm not in any way connected to these people, however if you want to message me here I will be glad to give you the contact information they seem quite willing to discount the savings of doing business via their American rep and not dealing with PayPal and eBay fees, and you get it made your way to boot.
Richard