Tatula CT Type R vs Tatula SV (I Know, I know...)

[Jay Dubs]

I've read around a lot in this forum, and another, but haven't found anything comparing the two from people that own and use both.  Background is that I am limited in funds and all my gear is dying after 20+ years of service (I have a BB1NG from 1993!).  I'm getting 1 spinning combo, 1 casting, and will be using them for bank fishing in Florida and Georgia.  I purchased a Dobyn's Fury 703C and am looking for a "do all" reel for it.  

 

I use a lot of lighter baits so like the concept of the SV, but all reports say the CT Type R works well for them too.  I've trying to figure out the differences between the Tat SV and the CT Type R.  With a price difference of less than $20, am I crazy to not get a SV?  If this is my ONLY reel, and I want something for maximum longevity and versatility, would a CT Type R be better?

 

I've fished Lew's, Quantum and BPS branded reels, along with really old Daiwa and Pfluegers, but never had a Shimano.  I'm open to other brands but am looking to keep the price under $150.  I've seen Curados, both Tats and a Lew's Super Duty Speed Spool in that range, on sale.  I'm just looking for a great "do all" that will last me a long time, as I won't have the money to replace it.

[RichF]

I've only used the regular CT but also have an SS SV (which obviously has the SV spool).  100% go with the Tat SV for the extra $20.  I've actually tried to backlash with the SV spool and just can't.  It's pretty awesome.

[fishwizzard]

I have four reels with SV spools and while I have backlashed every single one of them, they are all far far more forgiving then the non-SV spools I have used. You definitely still need to use your thumb but a mistake usually only costs you a few loose coils rather then a huge snarl.

 

I cannot commeny on how the Tat SV fishes lighter lures, but I believe every Diawa reel "family" has an Ray's Studio finesse spool that will fit it, so if you need/want to go lighter in the future you have an option cheaper then an entire new reel.  

[Bun!t]

I have both reels and I can assure you the Tat SV is worth the extra $. The SV's have become my "workhorse" reels. The main difference I have found between the SV and the CT is the SV feels more solid to me. It's a lot more smooth on both the cast and retrieve, and it's more forgiving when casting with minimal active braking. As stated, if you do backlash the result isn't as severe as on the CT. At least that's what I have found in my experience. Both reels will throw lighter baits with ease. 

 

The one downfall I have noticed with the SV's is the paint seems to chip fairly easily. It's nothing that a reel cover won't take care of while the reel isn't in use. YMMV

 

 

[Deplorable Fisherman]

I have a Tatula CT Type R and a regular Tatula CT as well as Tatula TW SV.

The Tatula CT Type R is really not worth the extra cash over a regular CT (unless you are fishing saltwater I guess) and the TW SV is leaps above them both. I'm not the most agile person so I always seemed to have a problem skipping jigs around and under docks and cover, but that SV spool sure made a difference. I feel like a pro when I use that reel. It's really helped me fish better in the right situations. Plus I can launch a lure a mile with little to no thumbing of the spool and it just doesn't backlash once it's dialed in.

[Jay Dubs]

Safe to say, I bought a Tat SV.  Thanks for the advice, and I'll be putting it to test next weeked!