Although this reel may no longer be with me, I believe it is one that many will know. A highly sought after reel for its low price and durability, it was the definition of the perfect entry level baitcaster. Unfortunately out of production for many years now, it was available for less than $200 brand new and was owned by many. Modified with a star drag from SLP and cork knobs from RCS, this was also the first reel I installed a drag clicker in. After finally buying this reel sometime in the 2nd year of my JC, I felt that the drag clicker which could not be removed upon installation has simply reduced the max drag far too much to suit my fishing conditions. Selling off this reel shortly after completing my A level examinations, I sometimes still regret not keeping what took me so long to finally own. However, I was fortunate enough to use this reel a few times and land a few good fish on it before selling it.

A reel that will forever hold a special place in my heart, the reel that has been with me for the longest time, one word to describe the memories I've had with this reel - priceless. The first brand new baitcaster I owned, I recall myself receiving this as an early Christmas present from my parents in late 2019.  Ever since then, I proceeded to land my first big temensis on this reel. Although only weighing in at 6 pounds, it was a still a milestone in my fishing  journey. Over the years, this reel continued to be my go-to reel up till my pre-enlistment days in early 2023. From my post O-level fishing spree, to my best trip at ORTO a day after my JC1 end-of-year exams, to a period of less than healthy obsession with arowanas, countless memories were made with this reel. Featuring SLP and RCS dress up parts, the reel was also spray painted silver and a drag clicker was also installed. Finishing off the red and silver colour scheme with a clutch bar 3D printed in red filament, this reel is now no more than a display piece. With my Chinese name sealed onto the side plate, the most iconic piece in my fishing journey, this is a reel which I know I will never sell.

With the TD series of zillions being popular for their durability and casting performance, as soon as my friend told me he was letting go of his, I immediately took the offer and bought it. The first reel on which I used waterslide decals and gloss coats, this reel was a real learning curve for me as it helped me better understand drying times of the paints I worked with. A Singaporean parody of the limited edition and highly sought after J-dream zillion, the paintwork took multiple tries to get right. Besides the paint and decal work, this piece was upgraded with a carbon fibre handle and foam knobs for better grip. After spending over a year sourcing for a replacement magnetic brake, the last picture shows the solid peacock I landed on my first trip with this piece. Although it wasn't the biggest for sure, it definitely put up a strong fight for its size, requiring me to wade into the water to retrieve her from the thick weeds.

The reel which I landed my personal best temensis on, this was certainly one of the best deals I have gotten. Spending a total of less than $100 including the missing parts, this reel was one of the highlights of my 1st year of national service. The first reel I airbrushed, the process went by relatively smoothly. Without many other external modifications besides the 3D printed clutch bar and upgraded knobs, the decal used is referenced from Liberty Walk's "Imagine all the people living life in peace" decal which can often be found on GTRs fitted with their body kits. However, behind a seemingly comedic design lies a deeper meaning - the collective desire for Singaporean anglers to one day finally be able to fish wherever they want in peace, a dream that may only remain as a dream for years to come......

Last but not least, the latest addition to the collection, the zillion restoration project. Initially bought in late 2024 for a low price of $60, it came with a broken side plate that had cracked at the screw threading. With a total of $220 spent on this piece including the Gomexus carbon knobs and handle, this is the reel that I am currently using for my typical freshwater luring trips. A reel that would typically cost at least $300 second hand, this was definitely amongst the best deals I have had in the hobby. With a decal of a temensis on the side plate and the carbon wrapped top plate, this reel is the one I intend to land my next personal best on and the one I hope will make me as many memories as it's HLC predecessor. The reel I intend to take with me to university, this will be the one I enter the next phase of my life with.