Daiwa T3 Ballistic

[BassAssassins14]

Would the Daiwa ballistic ever be worth buying?

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

I personally love mine. However with the introduction of the tatula some people make find the ballistic obsolete. My biggest concern with the tatula is the guts that operate the twing. To my understanding there are multiple moving pieces and they are plastic. As with the ballistic the thumb bar and pop up hood/ twing are built on one platform if I recall correctly. And it's just awesome when you use it, you can absolutely bomb baits for miles.

[Hogsticker]

The Ballistic is not worth retail prices IMO. They can be had for much lower prices. With a few upgrades this reel gets pretty good and still costs less than retail. I really enjoy using the T3 platform, however not all share these feelings.

[webertime]

I love mine.  the XS model (8:1) has a different handle (bearing supported/upgradable) from the H and HS model.  They are out there for ~150-180 regularly.  I never paid over $150 for mine. 

 

Like mentioned above, the Hood/thumbar is one piece and not likely to fail unless there is some catestrophic user error.  Tatula has a couple pieces that are used to rotate the levelwind.  FOR ME... I do not like the idea of a levelwind not only moving left and right (like the all do) but also rotating forward and backward.  Seems like a lot of movement and places to wear out.

 

You can upgrade Ballistics to make them REALLY nice for a couple bucks.

Lexa Handle (100mm removable knobs and bearing supported) $14 (plus a couple bucks for 2 more bearings in it)

Worm Gear/Levelwind bearing (5x8x2.5) ~$9

Bearing below the Driveshaft (5x9x3)  ~$9

 

If you wanted to save more weight and want a REALLY REALLY nice reel then you can upgrade the brass Driveshaft on the Ballistic to an Aluminum one and the spool from the higher end T3 model.  People have even figured out how to use other spools (Steez, etc) in them. 

[bass1980]

I tried and tried to defend the reel from internet complaints. I just didn't like it and sold mine for $150 although I didn't buy it at full retail price. I did not have issues with braid like on TT said about grooves. In fact I had suffix mono on it and it made weird rubbing noise and you can feel a little of it. Couldn't figure out what it was. Switched to braids and made it my pitching jig setup and was a lot better. However reel just wasn't smooth enough. Feels like it had some grinding when retrieving. Cast good, but I didn't notices anything different with the Twing. In fact I used a 1/4oz shaky head with craw and tested it against my Lexa. The Lexa was right on par with my T3B. I had the XS version. Just not satisfy I almost sent it in for bocas and supertune or whatever tricks was needed to make me satisfy. Then I sold it and got a Chronarch 50 series and it was a big difference. I'm not a Shimano loyalist and still trying out different brands to see what I like more and I can honestly say without being bias that the CH50 absolutely blows the Daiwa T3 Ballistic out of the water. Not even in the same league. To be honest, I think the T3B should cost only $150 retail at the most. I found myself liking the Lexa more but the features on the T3B is nice like the 3D braking system. IMO just get the Tatula and see if you like it. The T3B will be a forgotten reel within a few years.

[webertime]

I actually bought bass1980's T-3 and took it apart and cleaned it and reassembled it and it's been smooth as can be (almost "Zillion-esque"). 

It casts better than my tuned Zillion with ABEC 7 ceramics (Zillion using 16lb Sniper, T-3 using 60lb FX2, both using a 4.8" Keitech Fat Impact with a 1/4 swimbait hook).

 

No strange noises (it is a bit noisier than some reels), BUT considering the material it's made from...  The composite will make internal noises a bit louder or more pronounced if you will, hollow composite structures will do this, so it's to be expected.  I have huge hands and when I palm the reel it pretty much mutes any noises.

 

This is a great example of internet opinion questions.  2 users with the SAME reel having pretty different opinions.  I had 2 Curado 51E's, which are functionally the same as the Chronarch E and don't feel they are any better than the T-3, and their drag can't hold a candle to the T-3's in terms of power and smoothness.  Try one if you get a good price, if not they are easy to unload for what it cost you.

[bass1980]

Lol did you buy my reel? I can't remember who I sold my reel to for the life of me haha. I remember sending it to Virginia. Can't find our pm's so thinking its a different forum. Anyways glad it is working out for you. I haven't gotten deep into reels and haven't opened up any. My opinions are based right out of the box. Well you got a almost new reel btw for a great deal. I have always wanted to believe in that reel, maybe I just didn't give it a fair shake.