Comparing The Tatula To Other Reels

[jtesch]

For the price I think it's a great reel.  I just got my 2nd Type R and have a standard Tatula as well, all in the fastest ratios offered.  I own a fuego that I can compare to and I really think mine has some things wrong with it because aside from the reel being the most comfortable to hold that I own, it is the worst performing. 

I guess I will just list what I find to be the strong points of the reel.  When I speak about the tatula and the type r they are basically one in the same to me as the differences (to me) can't really be felt. 

Tatula/Tatula Type R - Best features for me:  Extremely strong (won't slip at all locked down) smooth drag, great powerful handle, retrieve is smooth, good caster.  Really the only thing I could list as a concern would be making sure it fits in your hand well.  For me I palm the reel in a way that the wide front doesn't effect me after long days of fishing.  The reel isn't as perfectly comfortable as my Curado or Citica E, but it performs awesome.  Long casts are great with the reel and I feel it really shines when making backhand or roll type casts, might be ENTIRELY mental and I admit that but the reel seems to cast with lest effort on these types of casts. The drag is probably my personal favorite part of the rod, which is great because that's about the only place my Curado E were lacking.  The reel really excels for what I intended to use it for which is heavier cover or heavier work... stuff like frogs, large buzzbaits, heavy flipping, punching.  With that being said it still casts light baits with ease as other members have mentioned.  Basically overall, I love the reel and there is a reason I have 3 now. 

I have limited experience with the Curado G and to me I just wasn't overly impressed.  I guess I just expected Curado E or even Citica E performance and I just didn't feel I received that.  I don't have too much to say on it as I didn't spend a long amount of time with the reel but I don't think it compares to the Tatula even at the discounted prices now. 

I have a Fuego which I am not very happy with overall.  The drag was extremely weak which could work for some techniques but others it wouldn't get anywhere near cutting it.  I even replaced with a carbontex drag and it still has some slip to it.  The reel is incredibly comfortable in my hand but overall it is just lacking.  It casts great about 5 casts then the brakes will run wild, then the next cast will be back to normal.  One day I hope I can get it nice and smooth because I really feel it'd be an awesome reel. 

The zillion is about the only reel I would say is "better" in some ways than the Tatula... it is a solid reel and slightly more comfortable overall... However the price is an obvious large diference. 

I hope this has helped a little.  If there's anything I'm not clear on please let me know.  Hope you enjoy your new purchase whatever it is!

Thanks, very helpful. Funny about your Fuego, I put boca bearings and the 100z spool on mine along with carbon tec drag and a bent Zillion handle and drag star and it is my favorite reel. The drag still is a little weak but it will outcast my Zillions with the same modifications and it's very consistent with the casts. I can back the tension knob almost completely off with mags set in the middle and be just fine casting hard. Try the 100 z Gigas spool in yours it makes a huge difference. Tackle trap has them and it's well worth the $80

[rippin-lips]

It sounds like he should send it off to DVT for a professional deep cleaning first. Something's up with it from the way you explain it.

[DTack]

Thanks, very helpful. Funny about your Fuego, I put boca bearings and the 100z spool on mine along with carbon tec drag and a bent Zillion handle and drag star and it is my favorite reel. The drag still is a little weak but it will outcast my Zillions with the same modifications and it's very consistent with the casts. I can back the tension knob almost completely off with mags set in the middle and be just fine casting hard. Try the 100 z Gigas spool in yours it makes a huge difference. Tackle trap has them and it's well worth the $80

 

Thank you very much for the recommendation.  Honestly I love the way the reel feels and it sounds like it does have something up with it, I've been planning to get it sent off, just haven't gotten around to it yet.  Thank you for the recommendation on spool, I am thinking I will send it out to DVT for some help and get it tuned up!  Thanks again and hope you enjoy your new purchase.

It sounds like he should send it off to DVT for a professional deep cleaning first. Something's up with it from the way you explain it.

 

Just wanted to acknowledge your post and tell you thank you, gonna send it out soon hopefully!

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Tatula is alright reel. I would rank it over the zillion but definitely under the shimano 200e. Under the 50e as well. It just isn't smooth enough or ergonomic enough to compete with the e series IMO.

[rippin-lips]

Somebody had a few drinks. Just kidding.

[aavery2]

Tatula is alright reel. I would rank it over the zillion but definitely under the shimano 200e. Under the 50e as well. It just isn't smooth enough or ergonomic enough to compete with the e series IMO.

Are you using the same Zillion as everyone else?

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Are you using the same Zillion as everyone else?

Yes the type R to be exact.. Didn't like it. Casted pretty wildly and I couldn't get much distance out of it compared to a standard tat, same rod and line. It did casts smoothly though.

Then again, I don't get along too well with mag brake reels. I'm not a hardcore shimano fan either. 200e just performs better.

[aavery2]

That's interesting, my stock Zillion cast very good, and when upgraded with a 100M spool it is a casting machine.  Do you think that the inductor may have had a problem on your Type-R?

[iceintheveins]

How does the Lexa perform? Meaning the smaller model with the light spool. I've heard both good and bad, but i like the 4.9:1 gear ratio for deep cranks.

[FrogFreak]

I own and use a Lexa iand I'm in love with the reel. I use it for top water poppers and walking baits. I have a Revo Premier and a BPS PQ but that Lexa is my baby for sure. It's as smooth as anything I've owned and throws light lures very well. Thank you for all the Tatula information. I think I'll grab one at the end of the season.