Revo Rocket & Tatula Type-R ver 2

[WdyCrankbait]

Good Afternoon everyone,

     I am looking for some advice.  I currently have a Revo Rocket for flipping, but to me that thing is just too fast!  So, I am debating about selling it off and buying a Diawa Tatula Type-R and upgrading the bearings (and worm shaft worms, if I remember correctly, the original Type-R had a plastic sleeve on the worm shaft). 

    I have used the old, generation one Tat at my local tackle store with a casting weight on it, just flipping for practice and it made flipping very easy.  So, people how have the Rocket, do you also have a Tatula Type- R, and pros and cons of each.  Also, the Diawa fanboy club, what would be the best upgrades to enhance the reels performance? 

Thanks for your time in reading and responding to my post,

Wdy

[rippin-lips]

The original tatula could be upgraded fairly easily with the purchase of four 4x7x2.5 bearings. You can add 1 to each knob and 2 to the worm gear. I will add that I did this upgrade to 1 reel and left the other reel stock. If I was blindfolded I couldn't ever tell them apart. However, the 4 bearings ran me about $8 and that alone was worth it to me over a plastic bushing. Plus I enjoy tinkering with stuff. I also added boca OS7 bearings to the one reel. It requires 3 in all. No real benefit, but again I like to tinker. 

[Further North]

I have both Revo Rockets and a first generation Tatulas.

 

For flipping, I prefer the Rocket...but not by much, and I like it because of the speed that you don't like.

 

Not sure that helps much.

[fishnkamp]

Instead of looking at the older original Tatulas and doing upgrades, just look at a Tatula CT. I think you may be happier in the long run. Now I have 4 Tatula Rs and 2 CTs.  I like them all, but I think most users of other brands will like the smaller size of the CT.  As for the bearings let's face it 4 bearings in the knobs is silly it does not feel any different. As for buying a new reel and start modifying it you are crazy.  The reel works great out of the box. If anything take it to a good reel guy, and have it professionally cleaned and lubed.  All of the factories over grease and lube these days.

[rippin-lips]

11 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

 As for buying a new reel and start modifying it you are crazy. 

I'm crazy then. 

[iabass8]

19 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

I'm crazy then. 

I'm with ya.

[Jrob78]

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

As for buying a new reel and start modifying it you are crazy.  

Fishing stock, factory gear is crazy.

[Jeff H]

15 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

Fishing stock, factory gear is crazy.

In this case, I disagree.  I have "tinkered" my fair share of reels and all I did to my Tatula's was flush out the spool bearings and oiled them.  Tatula's work great right out of the box, as is, in factory trim!

 

ANY reel works good for flipping.  In that technique all the reel does is hold line.  Pitching is a different deal though...

[Jrob78]

25 minutes ago, Jeff H said:

In this case, I disagree.  I have "tinkered" my fair share of reels and all I did to my Tatula's was flush out the spool bearings and oiled them.  Tatula's work great right out of the box, as is, in factory trim!

 

ANY reel works good for flipping.  In that technique all the reel does is hold line.  Pitching is a different deal though...

Between custom rods and tweaked, upgraded reels, I have a lot of "custom" stuff.  That said, I agree that it isn't necessary to enjoy the sport.  I mainly said that as a response to the other guy's ignorant statement that "modifying new reels is crazy."  Some of my reels are bone stock too.

[WdyCrankbait]

Thanks for the responses everyone.  I will probably pick up a Tat CT Type-R to increase my allotment.

 

I do like the 9 to 1 gear ratio, but maybe it is me however I think it is so fast that when I use it for a senko or fluke fishing it just seems too fast for me. 

[Jrob78]

23 minutes ago, WdyCrankbait said:

I do like the 9 to 1 gear ratio, but maybe it is me however I think it is so fast that when I use it for a senko or fluke fishing it just seems too fast for me. 

 

My general rule of thumb is if it's a bait that you work with the rod, I use a fast reel.  If it's a bait you work with the reel, I use a slower reel.  I feel like I crank too fast with moving baits to use a fast reel.  I work jigs and plastics with the rod so the reel is only for getting the bait back in to make another cast and a faster reel is beneficial.  It works for me anyway.

[Jeff H]

1 hour ago, Jrob78 said:

Between custom rods and tweaked, upgraded reels, I have a lot of "custom" stuff.  That said, I agree that it isn't necessary to enjoy the sport.  I mainly said that as a response to the other guy's ignorant statement that "modifying new reels is crazy."  Some of my reels are bone stock too.

I knew where you were coming from, and I agree with you.  Every reel in my herd is tweaked and tuned to some degree except my Tatula's.  My T3's never made it to a reel seat without modification, it happens and sometimes IS necessary.