Daiwa Tatula Or Lew's Speed Spools (Bb1/tournament Pro)

[Fishin Jeeper]

I know its been discussed multiple times but im looking at getting a new baitcaster and i'm stuck between either a Tatula (whether it be original,HD or Type R) and a Lew's Speed Spool series (BB1 or Tournament Pro). Who's had any experiences with any of these reels, whats your input and which would you choose. 

Base Tatula ~ $98
Type R Tatula ~ $119
HD Tatula ~ $127

Lew BB1 ~ $122

Tournament Pro ~$137
 

[smalljaw67]

I'm not sure how much experience you have with casting reels but here are my thoughts on this. They are all good, however the Lews are a lot lighter and more ergonomic making them comfortable to hold, the Tatulas, for as much as I really wanted to like them, are heavy and they are clumsy to hold compared to other reels. Now, if you don't have much experience with other reels or any light weight reels, then the Tatula reels will be fine and you'll probably like them.

[stkbassn]

I'm not sure how much experience you have with casting reels but here are my thoughts on this. They are all good, however the Lews are a lot lighter and more ergonomic making them comfortable to hold, the Tatulas, for as much as I really wanted to like them, are heavy and they are clumsy to hold compared to other reels. Now, if you don't have much experience with other reels or any light weight reels, then the Tatula reels will be fine and you'll probably like them.

 

For the Tatula's , I think heavy and clumsy is a bit of an over-dramatized description unless you have miniature hands similar to the T-Rex.  I had 5 at one time and didn't find this to be the case and I have average sized hands I'd say.  Between Lew's(which I've also had) and the Tatula's I'd go Tatula every single time and that's any model. I really loved my Type R though. I will have another Tatula or 2 come Spring time. I liked the Lew's BB2 that I had the most of any Lew's so far because of the braking system. It was a smooth reel too. So I won't knock Lew's but I will say I prefer the Tatula's. Good luck with your purchase and enjoy whatever you get!

[Fishin Jeeper]

I'm not sure how much experience you have with casting reels but here are my thoughts on this. They are all good, however the Lews are a lot lighter and more ergonomic making them comfortable to hold, the Tatulas, for as much as I really wanted to like them, are heavy and they are clumsy to hold compared to other reels. Now, if you don't have much experience with other reels or any light weight reels, then the Tatula reels will be fine and you'll probably like them.

I have a few years (3 or 4) with casting reels including Okuma's, Pinnacle, Outdoor Angler's,Quantum, Shimano and 1 Diawa but no experience with Lew's. The weight of reels doesnt really bother me much at all. I had used an Abu Garcia Black Max which was fairly light and small to me and just didnt feel right.

[Fishin Jeeper]

For the Tatula's , I think heavy and clumsy is a bit of an over-dramatized description unless you have miniature hands similar to the T-Rex.  I had 5 at one time and didn't find this to be the case and I have average sized hands I'd say.  Between Lew's(which I've also had) and the Tatula's I'd go Tatula every single time and that's any model. I really loved my Type R though. I will have another Tatula or 2 come Spring time. I liked the Lew's BB2 that I had the most of any Lew's so far because of the braking system. It was a smooth reel too. So I won't knock Lew's but I will say I prefer the Tatula's. Good luck with your purchase and enjoy whatever you get!

Thank you for your input. What gearing did you have on your Type R? Im looking at 7.3:1 in the base Tatula for worm, i think 8.1:1 in the Type R would be a little overkill.

[stkbassn]

Thank you for your input. What gearing did you have on your Type R? Im looking at 7.3:1 in the base Tatula for worm, i think 8.1:1 in the Type R would be a little overkill.

 

Sure thing! I had 6.3 in all of the Tatula's except for the one power version which is the 5.4:1. It's really IPT that's going to vary within the same ratio across brands. I'm sure the 7.3:1 will do the trick for you on your worming and jigs. I don't know the IPT right off but I know my 6.3 ratios cranked it in pretty quickly. I love those Tatula's. The Type R is pretty sweet too. I like the standard and Type R and at the 100 price point the standard Tatula is hard to beat in my opinion.

[Fishin Jeeper]

Sure thing! I had 6.3 in all of the Tatula's except for the one power version which is the 5.4:1. It's really IPT that's going to vary within the same ratio across brands. I'm sure the 7.3:1 will do the trick for you on your worming and jigs. I don't know the IPT right off but I know my 6.3 ratios cranked it in pretty quickly. I love those Tatula's. The Type R is pretty sweet too. I like the standard and Type R and at the 100 price point the standard Tatula is hard to beat in my opinion.

IPT of 6.3:1 base is 26" and 7.3:1 at 30"

HD at 6.3:1 and 28" 7.3:1 at 32"

Type R is 6.3:1 at 26" and 8.1:1 33"

Would the extra inch between the HD and Type R at 32"/33" make much of difference?

 

[smalljaw67]

For the Tatula's , I think heavy and clumsy is a bit of an over-dramatized description unless you have miniature hands similar to the T-Rex.  I had 5 at one time and didn't find this to be the case and I have average sized hands I'd say.  Between Lew's(which I've also had) and the Tatula's I'd go Tatula every single time and that's any model. I really loved my Type R though. I will have another Tatula or 2 come Spring time. I liked the Lew's BB2 that I had the most of any Lew's so far because of the braking system. It was a smooth reel too. So I won't knock Lew's but I will say I prefer the Tatula's. Good luck with your purchase and enjoy whatever you get!

 

I actually have very large hands, but I'm use to using an Abu Garcia Revo Premier, Quantum Smoke, Lews Tournament Pro, and a Pflueger Supreme XT. The 2 common properties of all these reels are they are light, sub 7oz, and they both sit low making them comfortable to palm. Using good reels that are sub 7oz for more than 3 years and then picking up a Tatula will make you say that it feels clumsy and heavy and to me that is an understatement, I really wanted to like the reel and I'm glad you like it, I just wanted to let the OP know that if he was use to using light weight reels that the Tatula is going to feel different and heavy is the first thing that comes to mind. I also have a hard time palming it and as I said, my hands are pretty large, but the way they made the frame to accommodate the T-wing system doesn't allow me to position my hand the way that feels good to me, just like the guys who can't stand the bulge on the side of the Quantum reels.

[desmobob]

I have two Tatulas and four Lews Tournament Pros.

 

They are both great reels, but the Lews TP is my favorite, by far.   You really have to get both, so you can decide which YOU prefer!  

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[new2BC4bass]

I have two Tatulas and four Lews Tournament Pros.

 

They are both great reels, but the Lews TP is my favorite, by far.   You really have to get both, so you can decide which YOU prefer!  

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

 

This, of course, is the correct answer. 

 

I have a Tournament Pro, Tatula and Tatula Type R.  As stated, the Lews is a little smaller and lighter and a bit easier to palm.  Guess there is something wrong with me because the Tat's extra size, weight and how it sits on the reel seat doesn't bother me.  But then I will palm my Black Max 1600C round reels, and my Pflueger Trion and Daiwa Procaster......not exactly small reels by today's standards.  I guess I have large hands, but they aren't extra large.  Nor have I fished for several years with nothing but sub 7 oz. reels like Dan.  I try to rotate my equipment so it all sees some use.

 

Personally the finish on the Type R is enough for me to be willing to pay the extra bucks.  I also like the 8.1:1 gear ratio.  Both brands are good casting reels, but the Tats are a little easier for me.  Probably for 2 reasons.  1) I learned on a Daiwa reel, and 2) a grandson considers the TP his reel so I haven't used it nearly as much as the others.

 

Where are you finding those prices?  Not that I am going to run out and buy one right now.  I've got at least 2 other reels I want first.

 

Undoubtedly this is another case of "Pick the reel that interests you the most because you can't go wrong with any of them."

[Fishin Jeeper]

Where are you finding those prices?  Not that I am going to run out and buy one right now.  I've got at least 2 other reels I want first.

 

 

Haha, actually "new" off of eBay. Being on a tight budget, certified stores are tough to come by good deals.

[Fishin Jeeper]

I have two Tatulas and four Lews Tournament Pros.

 

They are both great reels, but the Lews TP is my favorite, by far.   You really have to get both, so you can decide which YOU prefer!  

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

I might just have to 

[new2BC4bass]

Haha, actually "new" off of eBay. Being on a tight budget, certified stores are tough to come by good deals.

 

I thought I got a great deal on my Type R at $131 a couple years ago.  $119 is a smokin' deal.  Haven't checked the price of a TP lately, but bet that is another great deal.  Got my 'like new' one for a little less than that 2-3 years ago, and figured I had made out like a bandit.

[Fishin Jeeper]

I thought I got a great deal on my Type R at $131 a couple years ago.  $119 is a smokin' deal.  Haven't checked the price of a TP lately, but bet that is another great deal.  Got my 'like new' one for a little less than that 2-3 years ago, and figured I had made out like a bandit.

Is the Type R really worth the extra money over the standard Tatula?

[desmobob]

Is the Type R really worth the extra money over the standard Tatula?

 

TackleTour's reviewers say "no," but it seems that a lot of folks here say "yes."  I bought the standard versions and are very happy with them.  The Type R's slightly lighter spool could give you a tiny advantage when casting lighter baits.  It's also available in a higher gear ratio, IIRC.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Fishin Jeeper]

TackleTour's reviewers say "no," but it seems that a lot of folks here say "yes."  I bought the standard versions and are very happy with them.  The Type R's slightly lighter spool could give you a tiny advantage when casting lighter baits.  It's also available in a higher gear ratio, IIRC.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

Alright, thank you for your input   Most likely going with the standard Tatula paired with a Lews TP1 Speed Stick first off since its a cheaper alternative with very good reviews, then down the road a few months pick up a Tournament Pro for topwater usage.

[new2BC4bass]

Is the Type R really worth the extra money over the standard Tatula?

 

Only you can answer that, and it appears you already have.  I am not good enough to notice a difference in their casting ability.  As stated, only the Type R has the 8.1:1 ratio.  Handles appear to be the same.  The Type R star drag has holes in it.  The Type R has a red spool and red spool tension cap.  The brake adjustment dial of the Type R has a red face.  Color of the standard is kind of blah IMO while the Type R has a beautiful deep gloss black.  So although performance is the same for both (in my hands) the higher ratio and finish were worth the extra money....to me.  Actually the finish alone is worth the extra money to me.  In the long run $21 is nothing.  I plan on willing them to my daughter and/or grandsons.

[Fishin Jeeper]

Only you can answer that, and it appears you already have.  I am not good enough to notice a difference in their casting ability.  As stated, only the Type R has the 8.1:1 ratio.  Handles appear to be the same.  The Type R star drag has holes in it.  The Type R has a red spool and red spool tension cap.  The brake adjustment dial of the Type R has a red face.  Color of the standard is kind of blah IMO while the Type R has a beautiful deep gloss black.  So although performance is the same for both (in my hands) the higher ratio and finish were worth the extra money....to me.  Actually the finish alone is worth the extra money to me.  In the long run $21 is nothing.  I plan on willing them to my daughter and/or grandson

I prefer the finish on the standard to go with the white Speed Stick, would the 8.1:1 33" IPT be that much better than the 30" IPT 7.3:1?

[stkbassn]

I actually have very large hands, but I'm use to using an Abu Garcia Revo Premier, Quantum Smoke, Lews Tournament Pro, and a Pflueger Supreme XT. The 2 common properties of all these reels are they are light, sub 7oz, and they both sit low making them comfortable to palm. Using good reels that are sub 7oz for more than 3 years and then picking up a Tatula will make you say that it feels clumsy and heavy and to me that is an understatement, I really wanted to like the reel and I'm glad you like it, I just wanted to let the OP know that if he was use to using light weight reels that the Tatula is going to feel different and heavy is the first thing that comes to mind. I also have a hard time palming it and as I said, my hands are pretty large, but the way they made the frame to accommodate the T-wing system doesn't allow me to position my hand the way that feels good to me, just like the guys who can't stand the bulge on the side of the Quantum reels.

Yeah, I understand. I think everyone has their own preferences about feel and what they're used to. For me the Tatula didn't seem like much of a transition from my Curado's or Chronarchs but someone else might feel that it's a stretch and something they just aren't comfortable with. I think the trend toward lightest and smallest is a little overboard these days but again, that's only my opinion. Everyone has to fish with what's most comfortable to them so there's no wrong or right. Balance is more important than weight to me anyway. A very balanced combo with more total weight might actually feel lighter or as light as a featherlight combo that isn't as balanced. I've ran into this many times.

[stkbassn]

IPT of 6.3:1 base is 26" and 7.3:1 at 30"

HD at 6.3:1 and 28" 7.3:1 at 32"

Type R is 6.3:1 at 26" and 8.1:1 33"

Would the extra inch between the HD and Type R at 32"/33" make much of difference?

 

Sorry Jeeper, I missed your question here. I don't really care about the extra gear ratios myself. I've used 6.3 for pretty much everything over the years including worms and jigs. If you want more I'd go with the 8.1:1 though. Can't hurt! The HD by the way is a reel with a bit more line capacity and it's been tagged as a big bait reel by some. I am curious about it and might pick one up for my smaller swimbaits.

[Fishin Jeeper]

Sorry Jeeper, I missed your question here. I don't really care about the extra gear ratios myself. I've used 6.3 for pretty much everything over the years including worms and jigs. If you want more I'd go with the 8.1:1 though. Can't hurt! The HD by the way is a reel with a bit more line capacity and it's been tagged as a big bait reel by some. I am curious about it and might pick one up for my smaller swimbaits.

Thank you for all your help, I think I've narrowed it down to go with the standard Tatula in 7.3:1 on a Lews TP1 Speed Stick and depending on the money, possibly picking up a Tournament Pro... Or I recently found a Lews LFS for $81 I could try out(if anyone has any experience with them chime in) as a jig reel

[stkbassn]

Thank you for all your help, I think I've narrowed it down to go with the standard Tatula in 7.3:1 on a Lews TP1 Speed Stick and depending on the money, possibly picking up a Tournament Pro... Or I recently found a Lews LFS for $81 I could try out(if anyone has any experience with them chime in) as a jig reel

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide on. The combo sounds good! A lot of folks here like Lew's reels as well and there must be a reason. They just haven't been for me. If you pick one up be sure to review it on here. Same with the Tatula. Let us know how it turns out for you.

[Fishin Jeeper]

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide on. The combo sounds good! A lot of folks here like Lew's reels as well and there must be a reason. They just haven't been for me. If you pick one up be sure to review it on here. Same with the Tatula. Let us know how it turns out for you.

Will do ☺ Yeah I've seen alof of guys recommending Lews products just as much as Daiwa. Only way to find out which is my preference is to try both. Some say they're really light and palm better than others that weigh significantly more than others reels but weight doesn't bother me much, its the overall balance of the combo. we'll see how it turns out

[Robert Riley]

I've used the tatula and it's a good reel, but I'm a Lew's guy, I love 'em. TP is a great reel and the BB1 casts a country mile and a half. Honestly, I'd buy what you can get the better deal on. And heads up, Black-Friday is just around the corner, might find something good.

[MPM IV]

The only two reels I own are a standard Tatula and a Tournament pro. I'm happy using either one, but I prefer the TP. You won't go wrong either way.