T3 Versus T3 Ballistic Versus Tatula

[new2BC4bass]

Just finished reading TT's reviews of these 3 reels.  Was hoping to get feedback from those of you who have used all 3.  How much real world difference is there?  Comparing advertising on TW and the TT articules I see different drag amounts (more is better, but a minor deal for me), different bearing count and different types of bearings, different weights (very unimportant to me tho lighter never hurts), T3 is listed as having Precision Spool, Pinion & Drive Gear, Aluminum Worm Shaft, Micro Click Drag Star, and Infinite Anti-Reverse.  Tatula has a different method for the T-wing.

 

Obviously the more expensive T3 is a more refined reel, but should be given its price.  I want a Tatula after all the good reviews I've read about them.  However, a T3 at 50% off is calling my name.  What would the extra money be getting me?  Admittedly it is hard to quantify how much using a quality reel gives to a person's fishing experience.  A Trion might accomplish the same thing as a Zillion, but the Zillion brings a smile to my face. 

[Crankinstein]

I would also recommend looking at them in person to do a side by side comparison. Holding a Tatula vs the T3 ballistic is what helped me decide. The function of the TWS on the Tatula is a lot different than the open hood design of the T3 and I thought the handle and the knobs were a little different as well. The Tatula has a more rubberized style knob. For me personally I liked the Tatula because I Thought it had a more natural feel overall but I've heard other anglers prefer the T3 because they enjoyed the unique open hood design of its TWS. It just comes down to what you prefer in a reel.

[Trey Harpel]

Ive had all 3 and still have my T3...

It makes one killer pitching reel as you can make the pitch and engage the reel from the hood without using both hands..Quicker when the fish takes the bait on the fall.

Its also a great casting reel and lighter then the other 2..

I think Ill be buying atleast 1 or 2 more just to have backups of..

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive had all 3 and still have my T3...

It makes one killer pitching reel as you can make the pitch and engage the reel from the hood without using both hands..Quicker when the fish takes the bait on the fall.

Its also a great casting reel and lighter then the other 2..

I think Ill be buying atleast 1 or 2 more just to have backups of..

 

Thats along the lines of what I was going to replie.

IDK about Daiwas part supply for reels down the road. The T3 really didnt take-off so to speak might parts be hard/more difficult to get in future??? Whereas the Tatula seems to be a hit so far and could stay for a while meaning better/greater support parts easier to come by later on.

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks, guys.  Wouldn't you know it.....have to replace my radiator, and my TV's sound bar quit working.  arrrrh.    Radiator was going to cost over $460, but shop is going to cover it under warranty (was up last month, but has been leaking for several) so I lucked out there.   If you consider having to replace a year old radiator good luck.  Sound bar was bought for Christmas last year, and may also be covered under warranty....if I only remembered where Online I bought it, and where I might have kept the receipt...if I kept it at all.  my mistake.

 

Looks like my yearning for a couple new reels is going to be put off for awhile.  Hopefully the T3 will still be available at its current price.  Think I will opt for that reel first while I can still get a new one.

[WRB]

Spent some time visiting the Daiwa display at this years BAT and they had both right or left hand Tatula R to cast with. When you first pick up a Tatula reel it looks wider than other reels in the 100 size group. The reason is a wider spool designed to prevent line digging down into spooled line. The Tatula level wind has a higher travel speed with narrower line guide to spread out the line more, preventing line digging in. The wider spool on a traditional level wind creates line whip exiting the reel on a cast, the T wing eliminates that problem.

I was impressed with the Tatula R smooth retrieve and casting. The reel balances perfectly with rods on the 3.8 to 4.2 oz weight range when loaded with line.

I bought a Tatula R 100HS and so far impressed with the performance. The high speed 8.2 - 1 was a concern I had and only fishing the reel will tell in time. I am using this reel jig fishing this winter with 10 lb Sunline Super Sniper green FC. The fact I make long cast over 100 feet on aversge and fish deep clear water rocky structure, the higher retrieve ratio may help with hook sets.

If this reel fishes as good as it performs, I will buy 2 more.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

Tom, thanks for the insight.  Look forward to hearing how it works out for you.

[bass1980]

I just don't see how you could pass up on the higher end T3 at the sale price if you're looking at the three. No need to upgrade the T3B and spend extra money on bearings and handles when after everything it'll cost about the same as the T3 that's on sale. All the owners of the T3 claims it's a phenomenal caster. Has 14 pounds of drag, weighs 6.5oz, and has a small profile for easy palming. Even some die hard T3 users think it was over price at $429 but I guess Daiwa was charging for the R&D, name, and hype. Still at $215 it's a steal. Just because they are discontinuing it doesn't mean it was a bad reel. If you look at Daiwas history they have discontinued some great reels like the Alpha, Sol, and Fuego. The premium Daiwa charges the sales are sure to stall. The Tatula will be a good seller considering its in the ball park of $150-$200.

If I would have gotten into baitcasting just a tad bit earlier it would have unloaded my wallet on those clearances Curado 50 Es. Once TW is out of stock on those T3's it'll be hard to find price like that, even used.

[GaterB]

Ive had all 3 and still have my T3...

It makes one killer pitching reel as you can make the pitch and engage the reel from the hood without using both hands..Quicker when the fish takes the bait on the fall.

Its also a great casting reel and lighter then the other 2..

I think Ill be buying atleast 1 or 2 more just to have backups of..

 

Would you say the Tatula casts as well as the T3 with the new style TWS system?

[Trey Harpel]

No, because of the heavier spools used in the Tatulas...The T3 spool is a casting machine especially dropped into a TDZ..

[GaterB]

@Trey Harpel,

 

Thanks! Probably going to make a T3 my go to reel for the majority of my fishing this year

[Grantman83]

The original t3 palms much better IMO than the tatula. Lighter as well

[Trey Harpel]

@Trey Harpel,

 

Thanks! Probably going to make a T3 my go to reel for the majority of my fishing this year

It makes a GREAT pitching reel as you can pitch and engage with one hand on the fly with the Hood..