Anyone try a ballistic LT yet?

[kroberts9]

I  was wondering if anyone has a.    Ballistic LT 2500xh series. I have a 2017 shimano ci4+ on my drop shot road and I love that thing, but I just picked up a tatula AGS fieder neko rig rod and I'm on the fence what to pair on her. 

 

So if anyone can compare the important parts I would appreciate the help

How is the drag?

Balance and smoothness of retrive 

Casting?

Durability?

 

 

[NathanDLTH]

I’m dying to get my hands on a Tatula LT, buuuut still need a topwater rod. 

[kschultz76]

I’m intrigued by them too but very happy with my Shimano spinning reels. I find Shimanos line management features really work. At one point Daiwa moved to a bushing instead of a bearing under the line roller which also kept me trying them.  Hoping they’ve gone back to a bearing. 

[punch]

I got the ballistic LT in the mail today and BOY is it nice! I can't wait to use it this year. I'm pairing it with a 7' M steez and the combo is just sexy. 

 

This is the video that convinced me to dive into this LT reel line.. the gearing looks fantastic. Daiwa is really stepping up their game with this LT series. 

 

 

[Tywithay]

I went through the same debate, but ended up going with a Luvias instead, and couldn't be happier. Price on ebay is similar, so it almost became a no-brainer.

[punch]

1 hour ago, Tywithay said:

I went through the same debate, but ended up going with a Luvias instead, and couldn't be happier. Price on ebay is similar, so it almost became a no-brainer.

What's the difference between the Luvias and the ballistic LT?! They seem pretty darn simliar, spec's wise. I was able to snag the ballistic off eBay for like 160 bucks w/ the coupons. 

 

The ballstic has a bigger 3000 size spool version (i opted for the 2500) and has the zaion body w/ magseal. I get Luvias is a JDM reel... but seems like the Ballstic seems to match it feature wise. Unless i'm missing something. 

[Tywithay]

1 hour ago, punch said:

What's the difference between the Luvias and the ballistic LT?! They seem pretty darn simliar, spec's wise. I was able to snag the ballistic off eBay for like 160 bucks w/ the coupons. 

 

The ballstic has a bigger 3000 size spool version (i opted for the 2500) and has the zaion body w/ magseal. I get Luvias is a JDM reel... but seems like the Ballstic seems to match it feature wise. Unless i'm missing something. 

The Luvias has an aluminum body cover, to make it a little more rigid. It has 5 crbb (only 1 in the Ballistic) and 2 more bearings total. A duralumin gear with digigear II, compared to the aluminum digigear in the ballistic. Tight silent oscillation. It also has the new automatic tournament drag (ATD) feature that was on the 2015 Exist. I bought my 2000H for $165 on ebay and see that and the 2500 go for around that price often. It's no longer a JDM reel either. It's offered by US retailers now, though there is a JDM version that has the ABS air shallow spools.

[PatrickKnight]

I also recently got a Luvias 2500H and I can say it is the finest reel I have ever used (budget doesn't allow me to try any of the 400+ dollar spinners).

 

I owned a Sustain FG 2500 and fished an FI 3000 and the Luvias is simply a better reel. If you can find a Luvias for around 250 I see no reason what so ever to try any of the LT reels. I did fish a Tatula which I thought was a great reel at its price point but for 70 bucks more the Luvias isn't even in the same ballpark as the LT line. I will say the Tatula was more free spinning (no seals) than my Luvias when I first got it but now that it has about 30 hours of fishing on it the Luvias has really started to come into its own when it comes to free spinning. Almost like the main and pinon gears are starting to match up better with a small amount of wear.

 

I will say mine is the USDM version with the aluminum spool on it so I can not speak to the JDM versions or the air spool models.

[punch]

Dang it, you guys are going to end up costing me a lot of money this year. Now I have to try one of these things. 

[Stephen B]

Given the weight of the Luvius, I would much prefer the Tatula LT, Ballistic LT, and the Stradic CI4 for freshwater finesse applications. However, I do recommend trying a couple of reels on it to determine which size/weight reel you prefer for balance and overall feel.

[punch]

57 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

Given the weight of the Luvius, I would much prefer the Tatula LT, Ballistic LT, and the Stradic CI4 for freshwater finesse applications. However, I do recommend trying a couple of reels on it to determine which size/weight reel you prefer for balance and overall feel.

I actually was smitten by weight of the ballistic LT when I saw it at the Daiwa booth at a local sports show. 

[PatrickKnight]

9 hours ago, Stephen B said:

Given the weight of the Luvius, I would much prefer the Tatula LT, Ballistic LT, and the Stradic CI4 for freshwater finesse applications. However, I do recommend trying a couple of reels on it to determine which size/weight reel you prefer for balance and overall feel.

That is like saying you would take them over a Stella because it weighs more.

 

The Luvias is simply a better reel than the ones listed. I have fished a Tatula owned mutiple Ci4s and they dont compare. All the Ballistic has over the Tatula is seals. If you cant swing the cost of the Luvias I would go with the Tatula unless you need the seals in the Ballistic.

[Stephen B]

45 minutes ago, PatrickKnight said:

That is like saying you would take them over a Stella because it weighs more.

 

The Luvias is simply a better reel than the ones listed. I have fished a Tatula owned mutiple Ci4s and they dont compare. All the Ballistic has over the Tatula is seals. If you cant swing the cost of the Luvias I would go with the Tatula unless you need the seals in the Ballistic.

I am simply referring to the fact the weigh is more inline with balancing a finesse spinning rod such as a NRX 852S, MB Addermine, etc. The 3000 size Luvias weighs 9.0 oz whereas a Stella 3000 weighs 7.4 oz. I find 6-7 oz reels balance better with popular finesse rods such as the NRX, GLX, etc. IMO the Luvias is a touch too heavy that is just my personal preference.

 

[Stephen B]

[PatrickKnight]

35 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

I am simply referring to the fact the weigh is more inline with balancing a finesse spinning rod such as a NRX 852S, MB Addermine, etc. The 3000 size Luvias weighs 9.0 oz whereas a Stella 3000 weighs 7.4 oz. I find 6-7 oz reels balance better with popular finesse rods such as the NRX, GLX, etc. IMO the Luvias is a touch too heavy that is just my personal preference.

 

The 2500 Daiwa is comparable to the 3000 Shimano. Mine weighs 7.6 oz and its a 2500 Luvias. I agree at 9oz that the 3000 Luvias is a bit heavy for most rods (I had to put a 9 oz BG on my Dobyns because it was so tip heavy).

 

You are spot on about personal preference, we are darn lucky to have so many options.

[Stephen B]

How do you think the Luvias would do as a redfish/inshore reel?

[Tywithay]

37 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

I am simply referring to the fact the weigh is more inline with balancing a finesse spinning rod such as a NRX 852S, MB Addermine, etc. The 3000 size Luvias weighs 9.0 oz whereas a Stella 3000 weighs 7.4 oz. I find 6-7 oz reels balance better with popular finesse rods such as the NRX, GLX, etc. IMO the Luvias is a touch too heavy that is just my personal preference.

 

A 3000 size is not really much of a finesse reel. A lot of guys use that size for light inshore duty. A 2000 size is more than plenty for most bass applications. 

[Stephen B]

I agree! However, Shimano spinnng reel in the 2500 and 3000 share the same frame size only the depth of the spool changes and handle style.

 

I agree a 2000 size Daiwa Tatula LT can handle most all finesse applications. But the 2500 and 3000 Tatulas are great choices as well especially given how light they are. I typically let balance dictate which size reel I get especially since the Stradic CI4, Tatula LT, and Ballistic LY are so light.

[PatrickKnight]

7 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

How do you think the Luvias would do as a redfish/inshore reel?

Ask me again after the first week in June. Im gonna use it on a visit to see family in Tampa. I can tell you both my 2500 BG and 3000 Stradic FK work wonderfully.

I have no doubt it will do great.

2 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

I agree! However, Shimano spinnng reel in the 2500 and 3000 share the same frame size only the depth of the spool  changes. Shimano does not make a 2000 size spinning reel to my knowledge.

Daiwa 2500 and 3000 are different size frames unlike Shimano.

 

2500 Daiwa = 3000 Shimano

3000 Daiwa = 4000 Shimano

 

The Daiwa LTs are slightly different 

[bassguytom]

I have a Ballistic LT in the 2000 size for drop shot a 2500 for tubes and TRigs and a 3000 for snook while on Sanibel island. They all perform very well and are really smooth. They are great reels for the money. I got all of mine off of eBay. 

[Darren.]

I'm curious for those who have the LT and have or have 

used a Stradic or above with direct drive handles...

 

Do the LT reels, which don't have direct drive handles,

have any play when reeling? I have experienced play

with my son's Lexa 2000, and other Daiwa reels I've 

played with.

 

Again, just curious. My Stradics have zero play.

[Stephen B]

1 hour ago, PatrickKnight said:

The 2500 Daiwa is comparable to the 3000 Shimano. Mine weighs 7.6 oz and its a 2500 Luvias. I agree at 9oz that the 3000 Luvias is a bit heavy for most rods (I had to put a 9 oz BG on my Dobyns because it was so tip heavy).

 

You are spot on about personal preference, we are darn lucky to have so many options.

Agreed! Spot on.

[kroberts9]

Hmmm I have a LT tatula and a ci4 2500 and I haven't noticed a thing with the direct drive handles. I will keep you posted when I have more time to use them 

[PatrickKnight]

 My BG, FK, and Luvias all have zero play. Also the Tatulas I have fished did not have play in the handles. I will say of those reels only the Luvias does not have play in the handle knob.

 

I would have to double check but I think all the LT reels are one piece direct drive handles.