Rod War: Daiwa Zillion V. Tatula

[conorsixtakc]

For all you Daiwa guys -

 

Is there really $80 worth of performance upgrade when stepping up to the Zillion from the Tatula? I'm in a tug of war between the two and duh money's a factor.

 

Looking at the 7'2" H F Tatula and the 7' H F Zillion. Plan on mainly throwing heavier jigs and big worms, but also want something that can handle a swimbait.

 

Both rods are rated for throwing 3/8 - 1 1/2 oz, so I'm most concerned with the difference in sensitivity between the two. If the Tatula is still plenty sensitive with a 1/2 oz jig in close quarters, I'd rather put that extra $80 toward a reel and go with the Tatula. But if the Tatula is just dead compared to the Zillion, I'd probably bite the bullet and step it up.

 

Cheers!  

[Montanaro]

Daiwa has standardized and industrialized their product.

Basicallylly same rod. A couple differences like an extra blank feature and upgraded components.

If money wasnt a factor id say go with the Z, but the extra money would be better off in the reel so go with the T.

[buzzed bait]

i can't compare them to the zillion, but the tatula is far from a dead stick.  i have had a few and they're great rods, very light and very well balanced.  my 6'10"MHF is my most versatile rod i own.  I too would pocket that $80 and snag the tatula.  look around online for a bit and you may find a really good deal.

[WPCfishing]

Buy the rod you want.. If you settle you'll regret it.

Keep in mind The higher priced rod isn't the end all.. If the Tat gets you what

you're looking for and its comfortable go for it and put

the extra cash into a great reel.

I've see as much quality in $150.00 rods as I have in

$200.00 rods, even more.

I got a couple of Team Daiwa rods. Both were under

$100.00. They're extremely light and comfortable. They

both cast great and set a hook well. Plenty of guides to.

I bought a couple of good rods not a price.

I had been looking for a frog/toad rod. There were a couple

I considered at $250.00 that I fished with and a few others

in the $150.00 price range. The rod I liked best was

$150.00. I bought it and haven't looked back.

[bholtzinger14]

I'm excited to get my Tatulas. Just picked up 2 including the one you want when Cabelas had them for $79 each and free shipping.

[conorsixtakc]

I'm excited to get my Tatulas. Just picked up 2 including the one you want when Cabelas had them for $79 each and free shipping.

 

Found one in stock!!!!!! Thanks for the heads up!!!! That $70 discount, on top of choosing the Tatula over the Zillion, just paid for the majority of the new reel itself!

[21farms]

mark perry confirmed that the tatula and zillion blanks may share the way they are built and materials used but they are not the same blank. so, in addition to the blank, the extra $80 gets you a lifetime warranty instead of a 5-year warranty and K-frame SiC guides vs. alconites and the "carbon air handle design".

 

i have owned multiples of each. the tatulas are great rods and quite lively, sensitive and light. i'd have zero reservations about fishing tats instead of my zillions.

[bholtzinger14]

Found one in stock!!!!!! Thanks for the heads up!!!! That $70 discount, on top of choosing the Tatula over the Zillion, just paid for the majority of the new reel itself!

 

Thats awesome!! 

[conorsixtakc]

Thanks for the feedback guys! That's why this website is so awesome. Here I am a few hours later with a brand new stick in my hand, after a freaking $90 discount at that. Too stoked.

 

Thanks again and tight lines.

[Silas]

Bought a Tatula couple of months ago because it was Great price. About $75 shipped. I also have 2 Zillions.

The Tatula, in MY opinion is an OK rod. It will accomplish the job. But it left me "cold!"

I felt no connection with the rod and it was just "meh" as they say. I never looked forward to using it. ( I let my brother use it)

The 2 Zillions , on the other hand were a JOY to use and brought a smile to my face as I cast it. felt part of me.

I know that doesn't mean squat to a lot of people. But to me, at my advanced age, I will not settle for "OK!"

I have to love to use them. ( by the way, I feel about the same for the Tatula reels)

To each his own. If that's what you can afford , then that's what it has to be.

But, for me, Life is too short to drink the "House Wine!"

[bholtzinger14]

I just started fishing not too long ago. The last couple of months I have bought a St Croix Triumph, 2 13 black omens, a TFO Gary Lumis tactical series, and now 2 of these tatulas. Nothing too high end, but I have bought them all at about 40-60% off retail. Im really getting a feel for what I like and what I dont. Maybe one day I will find a good deal on a Zillion.

[conorsixtakc]

Bought a Tatula couple of months ago because it was Great price. About $75 shipped. I also have 2 Zillions.

The Tatula, in MY opinion is an OK rod. It will accomplish the job. But it left me "cold!"

I felt no connection with the rod and it was just "meh" as they say. I never looked forward to using it. ( I let my brother use it)

The 2 Zillions , on the other hand were a JOY to use and brought a smile to my face as I cast it. felt part of me.

I know that doesn't mean squat to a lot of people. But to me, at my advanced age, I will not settle for "OK!"

I have to love to use them. ( by the way, I feel about the same for the Tatula reels)

To each his own. If that's what you can afford , then that's what it has to be.

But, for me, Life is too short to drink the "House Wine!"

Fine by me. I can already tell I'll be fishing it every day and twice on sundays, for $80, with a big grin on my face.

And putting just as many fish in the boat with the house wine.

[Silas]

If it puts a smile on your face, then I agree, enjoy!