Daiwa Fuego CT

[ww2farmer]

How many of you guys are using these? Since I switched to Daiwa from Shimano after Shimano quit making affordable aluminum framed reels, I haven't had to buy any new reels. But Daiwa no longer makes my beloved Exceler and Lexa casting reels, and I am in need of a few new reels to add to the lineup, I am curios about the Fuego CT. I am thinking of bumping my well used, but still going strong Excelers and Lexa's to back-up duty, getting rid of all the Abu Max series reels that are on back up/non primary use duty now, and fielding a fleet of new Fuego CT's for my high use/primary reels.

[david in va]

Tatula CT you cant beat it for $85.00 shipped

and the Tatula SV tw only $135 shipped I have 3 od the SVs and 2 of the CTs I am thinking of selling 2 Kastkings and a Quantum all in mint condition, may even sell the 200i and the 70 Shimanos

[Finnz922]

The Fuego CT is every bit as nice as the Tatula CT. Just no t-wing. Worth every penny even at full retail. 

[fishnkamp]

I love fishing my Exceler also, but you have to understand where the Fuego CT and Fuego reels comes from. Daiwa had the Exceler and the high end reels before the original Tatula came out.  That means they had a bunch of different bodies.  Once the decision was made to bring out the CT (compact body) they standardized on the Mag Force Z brakes across a lot of lines.  It made no sense to continue to build the Exceler without mag force Z brakes and a different reel body. The Fuego CT is the replacement for our Exceler.

It has the same number of bearings (5 + 1 roller bearing) as the Exceler except the Exceler had 1 corrosion resistant bearing. Changing 1 bearing from cr to regular won't make much difference.  However, the addition of Mag Force Z instead of Mag Force is an improvement in braking operation.  All in all that makes a Fuego CT very similar to Tatula CT except it does not have the T Wing system or the extra two bearings.

If I had to guess I bet it is the two bearings in the knobs that are replaced with bushings, it's just a guess.

 

 

Here is the problem for me. If you look on the internet there are places to get a Fuego CT for around $90. You can get a Tatula CT from those same places for about $10 more.  It boils down to getting a reel with T wing and 2 more bearings or save $10.   If you do not want the T Wing system you can find the Fuego (11 bearing +1 roller bearing) reel for around $110.  All of these reels will perform equally well and which one is best is a matter of opinion.  I just wanted to sort of help you understand how they differ and why the Exceler was dropped.  The Exceler originally sold for around $100 and went on sale for around $60 when they cleared them out. So the Fuego CT is priced about the same as the Exceler was.  My Exceler casts just about as well as my Tat Type Rs and my Tat CTs do. I do prefer the Mad Force Z brakes over the Mag Force brakes. They handle changes in lure weights better without any readjustment.  It is a refinement rather than a redesign. 

 

Good luck choosing but know there is no wrong choice here.

[Montanaro]

You can find fuego ct for less than $80.

 

Fuego passes leader knots much easier than twing which is the twings major flaw.

[fishnkamp]

The leader knot passing through a T Wing is only an issue if you tie larger knots and does not come in to play unless you fish with leaders longer than your rod.  The advantage to the T Wing is longer casts due to less resistance. It really shines when pitching a bait. I myself fish with braid and a leader often but I only use a 5 or 6 foot leader so it never gets near my reel.  I hav0e fished some of the clearest water in places like Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake and this setup has worked well. Maybe if you fish one of those super clear California lakes you might benefit with a massively long leader but I doubt it.  If that were the case I think I would go straight fluoro then.

[DenhamBruce]

Yeah if you're in love with those old Daiwas then order a couple Fuegos and try a Tatula CT. You'll be more than pleased with the results!

[david in va]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Daiwa-Tatula-CT-Baitcast-Reel-Right-Hand-Select-Models-TACT100XS-100HS-100H-/152651571359?var=&epid=8003306986&hash=item238abe209f:m:m-lfibCCQ_O9bN9c-bAgcZQ

[JustinJ]

Fuego ct is hands down best $99 reel on the market. I have two and plan on purchasing more. Tatula ct is nice but I don't like the twing system

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The tatula casting advantage comes from being a Daiwa not from the T wing. If you're a diy maintenance type the t wing is more complicated. 

[webertime]

Fuego for 75, is awesome!!!!!  Solid feeling and a great caster.

[new2BC4bass]

I am betting you already read TT's review of the Fuego CT. 

[NathanDLTH]

Local shop here in Minnesota. 

https://www.joessportinggoods.com/daiwa/daiwa-exceler-baitcast-reel-17844

[fishnkamp]

There is no reason to purchase an Exceler for more than a Fuego CT or a Tatula CT can be purchased for.  I own and fish the Tatula Type r and Tatula CT reels as well as an Exceler.  The Exceler does not have the Mag Force Z brakes and yes there is a difference in how effective the brakes are between Mag Force and Mag Force Z.

[n3cw4rr10r]

I just picked up the CT100H for 75 bucks. Waiting on my braid (30lb power pro) to get here, so I can play with it this weekend. I am going to put it on a 7' MH Fenwick HMG.

[sarge1967 ok]

On 8/15/2017 at 10:33 PM, n3cw4rr10r said:

I just picked up the CT100H for 75 bucks. Waiting on my braid (30lb power pro) to get here, so I can play with it this weekend. I am going to put it on a 7' MH Fenwick HMG.

Where are you finding one for $75.00

[webertime]

Amazon and eBay

[Caliyak]

I know this is an old post. The Exceler is still available. The Daiwa website still promotes them. Is there a date as to when it was discontinued?