Daiwa Tatula Review On Tt

[chubaka]

Thoughts? 

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatatula.html

[Hogsticker]

I think it's gonna be a work horse reel for sure. It should have impressive casting distance due to the new TWS design. It should sell like crazy unless there is some type of flaw in the design or mechanical issues. From TT it seems pretty solid. I as dead set on getting one until I discovered the frame is even wider than the Lexa. I got rid of my HSTA because it was too wide for my small hands. I will have to hold one 1st for sure, maybe mount it on a rod. The weight of 8 ounces is kind of a yeah or meh thing. I'm more interested in the type R. I'll wait till people get some time on the water with them before I pull the trigger.

[Jrob78]

I prefer Daiwa reels and I'm pretty excited about this one. The Lexa didn't really do it for me but I think the Tatula will be better. I don't mind that it's 8oz and I never minded the HSTA's width. I see a couple of Type R's in my future.

[Quitlimpin]

I love me some Daiwa's, but so far I'm kinda meh on this one. I'll most likely be looking at the new Chronarch before this one.

BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?

[bassinbrian]

BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?

Is there ever enough?

[Hogsticker]

I love me some Daiwa's, but so far I'm kinda meh on this one. I'll most likely be looking at the new Chronarch before this one.

BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?

YES

[jeb2]

Looks like it is at least an interesting reel in that price range. But given the problems Daiwa had with some of their t-wing reels and the unkowns about if the new system will be reliable, I'd be surprised if it was a huge seller. I think many folks that read the forums much will be waiting on the sidelines to see how the user level reviews come in over time.

[0119]

Put it next to the new plastic Chronarch and I couldn't tell them apart.

[sarcazmo]

Looks like a fantastic value.

 

I still would like concrete details regarding the differences between this and the type r version before I make a purchase though.

[Fishwhittler]

Looks like it is at least an interesting reel in that price range. But given the problems Daiwa had with some of their t-wing reels and the unkowns about if the new system will be reliable, I'd be surprised if it was a huge seller. I think many folks that read the forums much will be waiting on the sidelines to see how the user level reviews come in over time.

 

I'm not sure I agree.  This is a new $150 reel from Daiwa, something they haven't had in years, and they've hyped it very effectively with the sneak peaks and the videos flying around.  They've made it clear that this reel is a purpose-built mainstream contender, not a watered-down version of one of their more expensive offerings.  I think the Tatula will do just fine.

 

Put it next to the new plastic Chronarch and I couldn't tell them apart.

 

Really?  The Tatula is much wider, much darker, and has a more open front.  The Chronarch Ci4+ is also more angular than the Tatula.

 

  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Daiwa makes good reels and I'm sure this is one of them. I wouldn't jump all over it just for the T wing thing. It's unique but not magic. IMO the level-wind design gets too much credit for a good casting reel.

[flippin and pitchin]

Diawa has made quite a commitment and statement that they want a piece of the market share in the 125 to 200 dollar price spread. I wonder ?  Did they shoot themselves in the foot by introducing this series right after pushing the Lexa, which is doing well ?  I'm no marketing expert but it seems Diawa is willing to risk potential Zillion buyer drop to the Tatula pr type R and hopefully get multiple sales. Regardless, the competition between companies only benefits the consumer.

[sarcazmo]

They just redesigned the exceler as well.  I'm not sure if its just cosmetic though.

[Fishwhittler]

They just redesigned the exceler as well.  I'm not sure if its just cosmetic though.

 

It's not.  The new Exceler platform is the same as that used for the Lexa 100, which has a much different internal design than the Aggrest/Exceler I.

[MSPbass]

I actually think the T-wing thing is magic.  I have never flipped and pitched as easily and effortlessly.  I don't think I have ever had a backlash either.  I also love that I can engage the spool with my thumb, by pressing the top down, while never changing hands after a cast.  I seem to be one of the few who likes that design; I know.  This new T-Wing is intriguing.  I'm excited to actually hold one and feel it for myself.    

[Got1Fishing]

I just pulled the trigger on one of these bad boys. I'll hopefully have it early next week, and I'll let you guys know the initial impression.

[smalljaw67]

I wanted to try one but then I held it, to big and too heavy, TT really beat up Ardent for making a reel of 8 ounces that had a normal width yet this reel is awkward to palm, at least for me it is, and the weight is very noticeable. I liked the old Advantage and the TD-X and Z but after years of the Revo Premier, Quantum Smoke, and Lews TP I can no longer use a reel that is that heavy, once it gets over 7.5 ounces they feel like bricks. To be fair, I've paired rods to that balance with my reels and the Tatula will throw that out of whack but it kills me, they are great engineers but why can't they seem to make a light weight aluminum reel for under $300 ? Every other manufacturer can do this but Daiwa, under 8 ounces and it is made from zaion or magnesium and retails for $400+, I wanted to go back to Daiwa but they out priced me with their products and the $120 - $250 range in which I operate, they just don't have it anymore, they used to but ever since the Steez it seems like anything under is kind of sub par compared to others. I apologize for the rant, they do make great reels but they kind of ignored the mid tier segment and I so wanted to get a Tatula but it is just to big and heavy for my taste, hopefully they make something without the T-wing that weighs a little less, maybe around $200 that isn't a brick.

[tbone1993]

Bought two of these reels simply because I wanted to try them out and because I got them for a good price. Honestly they are a bit big and a bit heavy if you are used to lighter reels. They do cast a country mile when you have them properly adjusted. TW only has the 6:3 ratio and in my honest opinion this gear ratio is awful for crankbaits on these reels. I have no idea what it is but this reel just doesnt seem powerful enough for a medium diving bait. Besides that I do love these for throwing spinnerbaits.  I am not 100% sure if I regret buying these reels but for the price I do not think that they are a bad reel. Honestly I was sick of my abu reels falling apart on me and wanted a different manufacturer. With Diawa it might be better to spend more money than buying a value reel. 

[Cgrinder]

I'm waiting on the type R. It's only $50 more, which puts it at the reasonable price point of $200. Then we can have a fair shoot-out.

[MO_LMB]

I ordered one on Amazon for $109.00. The next day the seller changed his price to $154, hopefully my order isn't cancelled.

I'll let everyone know what I think *if* I get it.

[WRB]

You pay for high strength light weight materials however $200 more for 1/2 oz is $$$. The Tatula weighs 8 oz or close to 9 to 9.5 oz filled with line. The difference between FC and mono is about 1/2 oz per 100 yards, FC being heavier.

The weight of an 8 oz reel shouldn't be a big issue, it's weight to durability is outstanding. This issue I have is the width of the newer reels including the this Tatula series, they take some getting use to.

I plan to check this reel out at the local tackle shop. I am very interested in the smooth retrieve and longer casting this reel may offer at this price point.

Tom

[Bruce424]

It seems like really cool and unique reel.

[tbone1993]

You pay for high strength light weight materials however $200 more for 1/2 oz is $$$. The Tatula weighs 8 oz or close to 9 to 9.5 oz filled with line. The difference between FC and mono is about 1/2 oz per 100 yards, FC being heavier.

The weight of an 8 oz reel shouldn't be a big issue, it's weight to durability is outstanding. This issue I have is the width of the newer reels including the this Tatula series, they take some getting use to.

I plan to check this reel out at the local tackle shop. I am very interested in the smooth retrieve and longer casting this reel may offer at this price point.

Tom

If you have big hands they fit perfectly oddly enough. On smaller reels I struggle to find where I should place my hand. On a side note the drag does work perfectly on these reels. Caught a 5.5lb + bass yesterday on it. 

[WRB]

I don't palm a reel, instead hold the rod in front of the reel and balance the side of the reel against my hand. I do this because it's comfortable and allows me to run the line under my thumb one over the index finger tip.

It's important to me to feel the line and this rod grip gives me more leverage to control bass and make controlled hook sets. My rods have a small foregrip.

The size of this reel is a concern and I haven't picked one up yet to feel. I like the Zillion, type R, don't like the price!

Tom

PS, I like round reels for crankbaits and swimbaits; Calcutta.

[tbone1993]

I don't palm a reel, instead hold the rod in front of the reel and balance the side of the reel against my hand. I do this because it's comfortable and allows me to run the line under my thumb one over the index finger tip.

It's important to me to feel the line and this rod grip gives me more leverage to control bass and make controlled hook sets. My rods have a small foregrip.

The size of this reel is a concern and I haven't picked one up yet to feel. I like the Zillion, type R, don't like the price!

Tom

PS, I like round reels for crankbaits and swimbaits; Calcutta.

It depends on which rod I am using. If I am throwing moving baits I don't like having my finger in front because the worm guide gets annoying and pinches my finger. If I am throwing a jig, t rig etc I will keep my finger in front.