Diehard Shimano user....heading to the darkside?

[BigGame0892]

Alright everyone, I'm really close to finally giving up the ghost and heading over to Daiwa after all these years.  Currently, I'm still fishing my good 'ol Curado E7s and an E5.  Reliable, easy to use, 'nuff said.  So, I just feel like Daiwa is offering so much more in technology these days.  With the T-wing system and now the SV coming to the Tatula.  It just seems like Daiwa has really stepped up their game in the workhorse reel category and not just the exotics.

 

So, can someone give me that last little push?  I haven't used a Daiwa since the old Zillions and so never experienced using the T-wing system or some of the other newer technology from Daiwa.

 

Alternatively, can someone convince me I should just stick with what I know with Shimano?

 

I know we debate this topic all the time, but I just was hoping for a little bit of fresh insight.  I've been diehard Shimano for so long now... 

[NathanDLTH]

I'll be picking one of the new Tatulas up when they become available, I own a a variety of reels from *** to Garcia, and Shamino along with a couple Diawa. 

[Darren.]

Honestly, I don't think you can do wrong with either

brand, they're the best, IMO. I just happen to prefer

Shimano, though I've not actually used higher-end

Daiwas. I've owned Lexa casting and spinning and 

found the offerings excellent for the price range.

 

So I won't push you in either direction except instead

of going one side or the other, use the best of both?!  

[SFL BassHunter]

I am absolutely loving my Tatula line. Tat CT, Tat Type R and Tat Tactical! I preordered the Tat SV as well. I haven't really found any limitations on these reels, and I went and got me a DIY spool for my CT for my more finesse stuff.

Can't wait for the SV to come out!!! It is a real joy using these reels.

 

To me one of the most important factors is the Daiwas all come with 90 to 100mm handles. I love a bigger handle, and Shimano insists on putting smaller 80-85mm handles on their reels.

[UFpwrLifter]

Imo, Daiwa and Shimano are pretty equal when it comes to similarly priced reels, from low end to mid range, but where Daiwa/specifically megabass has the edge is with the upper end. Shimano seems to tap out with their Antares DC, where megabass keeps going. Didn't mean to get off topic by throwing MB into the mix, but to me, MB is just an extension of Daiwa (Toyota/Lexus)...

[J Francho]

Shimano to Daiwa is more like visiting the crater next door. 

[lmbfisherman]

Why not just have both in your arsenal. 

[hoosierbass07]

Shimano spinning reels are the best.  But now after buying my second Lews baitcaster I've given up on ever buying a Shimano baitcaster again.  My two Lews work 100% better than my old Chronarch.  

[BigGame0892]

6 minutes ago, lmbfisherman said:

Why not just have both in your arsenal. 

I've just always preferred to stick with one brand or line of reel.  I tend to make wholesale changes when I do - though, that hasn't happened very often.  The one other time I shifted from Shimano I went to Quantum - all the KVD hype I think - big mistake on my part.  I went right back to Shimano.

[lmbfisherman]

Just now, BigGame0892 said:

I've just always preferred to stick with one brand or line of reel.  I tend to make wholesale changes when I do - though, that has happened very often.  The one other time I shifted from Shimano I went to Quantum - all the KVD hype I think - big mistake on my part.  I went right back to Shimano.

I see, well good luck!  It sounds more just like preference and that is everyone's perogative.  If that is what you want, you should just do it!   I don't think you'll regret this conversion this time. 

 

I'm assuming you are referring to Daiwa's Tatula for work horse reels?  I beg to differ though on Daiwa is leaps in bounds better in this area.  In my opinion the Citica/Curado I and 70 are still great work horse reels, with the new Chronarch MGL coming out not sure why anyone would think Daiwa is pulling far ahead in the every day fisherman range.  You can regularly get the I's for cheaper than retail too. 

[BigGame0892]

Just now, lmbfisherman said:

I see, well good luck!  It sounds more just like preference and that is everyone's perogative.  If that is what you want, you should just do it!   I don't think you'll regret this conversion this time. 

 

I'm assuming you are referring to Daiwa's Tatula for work horse reels?  I beg to differ though on Daiwa is leaps in bounds better in this area.  In my opinion the Citica/Curado I and 70 are still great work horse reels, with the new Chronarch MGL coming out not sure why anyone would think Daiwa is pulling far ahead in the every day fisherman range.  You can regularly get the I's for cheaper than retail too. 

I wouldn't disagree with you necessarily.  But, I'm just wondering if the T-wing system and/or SV spool offer any distinct advantages that I need to consider.

[WRB]

I own and use both Shimano and Daiwa bait casting reels. 20 years ago my choice would be Shimano and Abu Ambassaseur reels made in Sweden, couldn't give me Abu reels today. I would use caution with Lews reels today, the company was sold, who knows what their future is?

Tom

[lmbfisherman]

I'm no Daiwa expert, maybe our resident master will come out to explain (rippin).  What I hear the major advantage on the SV spool is that you can cast lighter weights and easier to skip with.  But I don't have first hand experience, the only Daiwas I handled were Lexas (lower end). 

 

Shimano just works for me, I love the form factors in general and in love with the size 50-100 size reels they offer the most (to cast lighter weights and skip).  That is why I just stick with them and now I'm loving my Conquest and Metaniums.  Again though I'm not trying to convince you to stay with Shimano because in the end it is your choice, if that is what you want to do, do it?  Maybe use Tacklewarehouse's reel test offer to make a decision?  In the end it is your own personal preference that is important no matter what people say on the internets because they can only give you their personal experience/preferences.

[BigGame0892]

1 minute ago, lmbfisherman said:

What I hear the major advantage on the SV spool is that you can cast lighter weights and easier to skip with.

That's what I hear too.  In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip?  Seems like that's more of a braking issue.

[lmbfisherman]

1 minute ago, BigGame0892 said:

That's what I hear too.  In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip?  Seems like that's more of a braking issue.

I believe there was a recent thread on the forum regarding this and your statement is in general true.  They just said to provide a summary, although it helps you still need an educated thumb.  That is what I got out of it.

[Fishinthefish]

Let's be honest, the only darkside is the fly fishermen.

[J Francho]

2 minutes ago, Fishinthefish said:

Let's be honest, the only darkside is the fly fishermen.

 

There's a darker side....centrepinning.  Look it up.  Even the spin fishers look down on us, lol.

[Hulkster]

my reason for never stepping over to daiwa for baitcasters is the T Wing grooving issue. there is a thead over on TT right now about it. was it ever fixed? I know there are lots of photos around of people having their T wings getting grooved up over time.

[GreenGhostMan]

I'm all Lew's...

[Hogsticker]

All I can say is the performance and versatility an SV spool and T Wing provides is incredible. Very hard to beat. Especially at the price point the Tatula will be offered at. One of two things will happen. Most likely, you'll be adding more to your arsenal. Less likely, you will sell it no problem. 

[Bluebasser86]

I used to be all Shimano. I got frustrated with all the changes and constantly changing prices and designs. Then the spinning reels really went downhill imo. I made the decision to make the switch and now fish mostly Pflueger and Okuma with no plans of going back.

[d-camarena]

Still trying to figure out when shimano went downhill? My stradic fk is probably the best spinning reel ever created. Ever.

My curado has probably made around a million casts with no signs of it giving up soon. I also have 2 saharas that get punished every season and have had 0 problems

[WdyCrankbait]

Yeah, I still have my 200 E5, 50E, and will use them every once in awhile.  I just passed an engineering test and see that Diawa Zillion SV TWS calling my name, she purtttyyy!!!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The T wing grooving issue has been addressed. That said, the T wing is kinda cool but not a game changer imo. The good casting of those reels can be attributed to basic Daiwa quality and unique brake design. There's a lot of competition between quality reels at each price point especially north of $100. I don't see any one brand having a lock on every level. I fish mostly Shimano and Daiwa but have Revos, pq, Pfluegers, Ambassaduers and others that I like as well. 

[JustJames]

They both are good reels you cant go wrong with either one. I compare shimano more like classic car and daiwa more like sport with a splash of color.

I start getting daiwa reel when looking for swimbait end up with daiwa luna 253 (cant find 300 GTE at good price). I then started to like easy adjustable of mag brake system on Daiwa. Then go on looking reel for skipping end up with daiwa tatula ct type r for that tws system and 20 dial on mag brake and 8.2 gear ratio. It does help but still, I can skip with my 50e with no problem as well. Another reel I end up with is Daiwa Alphas SV105 just becuz I like red on black reel and was looking for something to replace my 70HG. The only reel I wont get rid of is my chronarch 50e. I also love my calcutta 50 but too bad I traded that for swimbait lure.

In near future I plan to buy a reel for small swimbait in 5 or 6 something ratio and Im aiming on either 200i or Chronarch ci4+.