Super User OkobojiEagle Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 I guess it must be my age creeping up on me... I've been researching all winter for a new reel, but here it's time to purchase and I still can't pick THE one! My choices fall (in this order) to the Chronarch 51e, Tatula_R and BB1 Pro. I fish smallmouth and will use this reel throwing Wiggle Warts, Bandits, Pointers, Spooks, 1/2oz lip-less cranks and spinnerbaits <= 1/2 oz. It will be spooled with 20lb braid. I'm looking for good spool control with these baits as it's pretty breezy through June on my lakes. I'm hoping for a "set it once and be done with it" brake system. I'm not looking for sexy, but rather functional... I want to be satisfied with this reel a decade or more from now because I will still be using it. Thanks to all who are willing to offer me their opinions. oe Quote
bassdisaster Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 The chronarchs are known to last forever and are tough but I have personal experience with lews and they are amazing reels, the smoothest I've ever felt. The bb1 pro has dual brakes,.centrifugal and magnetic, so for in the wind it would be the best.for that. I would go with the shimano or the lews, you should go somewhere that sells them both and see which one feels the best and get that one, but that's just my opinion. Quote
WdyCrankbait Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Yeah, I know there is a lot of support for all three on here. It seems you're heading in the right direction. I'm a Shimano-head so.........but, I have friends that swear by both others. Have you taken the rod to the store and put all three on thee rod to see how they balance? Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted April 12, 2014 Author Super User Posted April 12, 2014 I believe the BB1 is centrifugal braking only... oe 1 Quote
Super User Tywithay Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 I believe the BB1 is centrifugal braking only... oe It is. The BB1 Pro isn't really a light weight caster either, it's made for bombing heavier stuff like 1/2oz-3/4oz cranks out there a mile. 1 Quote
5dollarsplash Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 I have a 50e curado and a Tatula R. Of course all of my practicing and playing with them has been in the yard due to snow/ice/winte/hellonearth. If I was going to use one for the applications you listed with the line listed I'd choose the 50e. It fits the hand well,lightweight, and I know it handles light line nicely. I set my brakes when I first got me 50e and haven't touched them since, and you don't run the risk of accidentaly changing them. I'm planning on using my Tatula more for jig fishing, I've been getting nice distance flipping and pitching with it, and call me crazy, but my accuracy seems better as well. I'm sure there are guys that will use this reel for cranks/etc. but I think it's going to shine in the role I'm placing it. Quote
bass1980 Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Of the three for light Smallie lures like wiggle warts or 1/4 oz range go with the 51e. I have a 51e and that was my Smallie reel until recently when I switched to a T3 1016. The 51e is an excellent caster for 1/4 oz range. Noticibly better than my 201e. Shimanos centrifugal brakes are the easiest to work with. Usually set to 2 brakes and you're done. Only need to adjust spool tension. If you're an expert with thumbing you can try 1 brake. You rarely need to open the cover up to switch brakes unless you are switching lures that are far apart from each other in weights. I have not had a chance to use the Tat R or Bb1 pro. I have used a standard Tatula. I cannot see how those two reels can cast light lures better than the 51e. My current Smallie reel the T3 cast a bit better than my 51e with 1/4oz but it is harder to dial down vs shimanos centrifugal braking. Quote
Super User WRB Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 It appears your budget is about $200 with the reels you listed. The Shimano 51E would be the smallest, light weight reel of those listed and a good choice. I would contact Ron at Valley Tackle for a price. I have the Tatula R-100XS and like this reel, however it is wider, slightly heavier and higher speed. Tom Quote
Super User Darren. Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 I just picked up a second Chronarch 50e with my Bass Pro points, plus a $20 off coupon. Absolutely love the reels. For me it is more about reel quality and total weight of my setups now. The 7.1 oz of the 50e pairs great with my carbonlite. So very light, can be used for hours w/o fatigue. The new reel is on an older 6' M/F Field & Stream rod, also pretty light, to be used for cranks and other rigs. Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 51e for light stuff + heavy stuff Tatula for mid weight + Never used the bb1 pro. Tatula can cast baits like a 1/4oz swim jig + trailer just fine but has a hard time throwing the 1/4 bandit 100 size baits as well and effortlessly as the 51e. the 51e excels at that. before anybody comes in here and says "but i can throw a kvd 1.0 on my tatula just fine", it is possible and it can do it but it cannot do it as easily and effortlessly as a 51e. The 51e is obviously smaller and more compact. The tatula isn't any wider than a 200 size shimano. It's taller off the reel seat though which can feel odd to some. I really like the tatula but i have large hands. I've never encountered any mid range priced reel that can't bomb a 1/2oz lipless crank if it's properly cleaned. The tatula has a longer handle than the 51e. i prefer longer handles for spinnerbaits. a full spool of 20# braid may not even fill the spool on the tatula. it has a very deep spool. 20# braid is better suited on a 51E. get /w the 51e.. Quote
bass1980 Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 My only one knock I have with the 51e or all Shimano is the anti reverse paw. It makes a clicking noise that for some reason bothers me. However I removed mine and it's really easy to so. So I would recommend doing that. Every now and then you can find brand new 50 series for $160ish. Btw the BB1 pro is lighter but the small profile of the 50 series is just so sweet. Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted April 12, 2014 Super User Posted April 12, 2014 They all have their pros and cons. The chronarch would be the best reel for the job out of those 3. I just don't like the short handle but that's easily fixed with a 94mm hawgtech handle for $79. Other good candidates would be a Lews tournament pro or Daiwa t3b. 2 Quote
mjseverson24 Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 I would probabily go with the shimano on this one, that being said the tatula R might be a little more balanced or versitile as compared to the 50e, the breaking system is pretty easy on both, casting distance should be better with the tatula, with the t-wing and the dynamic breaking system as compared to the linear cintrifugal on the chronarch... the other nice thing is you can get the type r new for <140... the lews in the 200 dollar range would also be a good option, maybe even the curado I... Mitch Quote
bass1980 Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Just my opinion but I don't think the Tatula will out cast the 50 series even with the Twing on the lighter wiggle warts and I've bad a T3B and a T3 right now. I used a Tatula from a friend for an outing and it bombs 1/2oz or heavier but when I went down to 3/8 KVD 1.5 it was good but not as good as my 51e. I don't remember what wiggle warts weigh but they seem to be lighter than 3/8. Also on a Smallie setup the usual rod is a medium action so the 50 series will balance just fine. It's only when you reach a rod that's 7'3 MH or bigger you can really tell the 50 doesn't balance well. I paired my 51 with a 7'1 M *** and it balances fine. The BB1 pro is 6.5 oz so it's lighter than the 7.1oz 50 series. Quote
bootytrain Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 My curado 50 smokes my Tatula r with 3/8ths and under and they are neck and neck with weights above that. But the ergonomics of the 50 are a lot better in my hands. Quote
CJV Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Chronarch 51E .... Especially if you want something setup once and forget it! You don't get that with anything other than Shimano! Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted April 13, 2014 Author Super User Posted April 13, 2014 Thank you to everyone who posted their opinion or personal experience in this thread. I found each post helpful in my decision process. May each of you land (and release) your personal best this Spring. oe 1 Quote
WdyCrankbait Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 Thank you to everyone who posted their opinion or personal experience in this thread. I found each post helpful in my decision process. May each of you land (and release) your personal best this Spring. Thanks, I appreciate it! Post back with what you end of getting and how you like it. If you do get the 51, at least get the bearings polished by Mike at DVT. I have the orange Boca bearings in my Curado 50e, and I am noticing a gain in distance. Good Luck!!! Quote
bassdisaster Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 It is. The BB1 Pro isn't really a light weight caster either, it's made for bombing heavier stuff like 1/2oz-3/4oz cranks out there a mile. oh that's my mistake I hadn't researched it much I was thinking that's what the upgrade from the regular was and.I saw the dial on the sideplate. My mistake Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted April 13, 2014 Super User Posted April 13, 2014 Another vote for the 51e Yep X2.... Quote
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