Daiwa Tatula Elite vs Shimano Zodias

[Joshua van Wyk]

 These looks pretty sweet and I'm considering getting one later on,  which one would you guys rather have? I'll probaly pair it with a Tat ct-r, and use it for 1/4-5/8 jigs and t rigs. 

[PAbasser927]

My OCD would not allow me to put a  Daiwa reel on Shimano rod (or the other way around).  For that reason alone, I’d go Tatula lol

 

I have never handled a Zodias but I have owned 2 Tatula rod’s.  One of the original gold and black ones and one Elite.  They are both fantastic for the price point.

[LonnieP]

I agree. I'd get the Elite for a Daiwa reel and the Zodias if I was going to put a shimano on it. 

[The Bassman]

I guess I'm not the only crazy person here.  Could care less what I wear but wouldn't dare mix up my rods and reels.

[Joshua van Wyk]

Lol shimano and Daiwa are my favorite brands so why not combine them?

1 hour ago, PAbasser927 said:

My OCD would not allow me to put a  Daiwa reel on Shimano rod (or the other way around).  For that reason alone, I’d go Tatula lol

 

I have never handled a Zodias but I have owned 2 Tatula rod’s.  One of the original gold and black ones and one Elite.  They are both fantastic for the price point.

Is the Elite considerably better than the Tatula? Because the Elite is gonna cost me a good $40-50 more.  Money isn't a big concern, but the difference must be justified imo.

[PAbasser927]

Now that I have spent at least a full season with each, if I was in need of a rod that was offered in both lineups, I would pass on the elite.  That is not a slight against the elite because the elites are awesome rods, I just feel the original Tatula is that good.  

[Stephen B]

2 hours ago, PAbasser927 said:

My OCD would not allow me to put a  Daiwa reel on Shimano rod (or the other way around).  For that reason alone, I’d go Tatula lol

 

I have never handled a Zodias but I have owned 2 Tatula rod’s.  One of the original gold and black ones and one Elite.  They are both fantastic for the price point.

 

1 hour ago, LonnieP said:

I agree. I'd get the Elite for a Daiwa reel and the Zodias if I was going to put a shimano on it. 

 

1 hour ago, The Bassman said:

I guess I'm not the only crazy person here.  Could care less what I wear but wouldn't dare mix up my rods and reels.

Yall are crazy lol. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Put whatever reel from either company you want on it and just fish. If the reel balances well and fits the rods application, it wont change the outcome.

[Fishingmickey]

I did take the plunge and combined.....a Diawa Tatula rod and a Shimano Curado K reel. Lighting has not struck me dead yet. it has only been a month or so since. 

FM

[Joshua van Wyk]

1 hour ago, Fishingmickey said:

I did take the plunge and combined.....a Diawa Tatula rod and a Shimano Curado K reel. Lighting has not struck me dead yet. it has only been a month or so since. 

FM

I'm guessing you haven't caught a single fish over a pound in that month? Because apparently that's what happens when you combine two great brands!

[Joshua van Wyk]

31 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

I've got an old Tatula Type R on a Zodias 172M.  The colors match well and so should the CT Type R.  The two play nice together.  I've never had a Tatula Elite stick but the Zodias and regular Tatula rods seem very similar.  I think the regular black/gold Tatula rods are great for the money.

Honestly I'm definetly leaning towards the normal Tatula,  I can get it for $90 and it seems the best option.

[Vincent_Diesel]

For what it's worth I have a Tatula SV TW on an original Tatula rod. It truly is a perfect pairing, killer looks and so well balanced. Both the SV and Type R reels weigh in at 7.2 ounces, my 6' 10 rod is very well matched, so lightweight feeling. In my opinion these rods at under 100 bucks is a deal you shouldn't pass up.

[Joshua van Wyk]

1 hour ago, Vincent_Diesel said:

For what it's worth I have a Tatula SV TW on an original Tatula rod. It truly is a perfect pairing, killer looks and so well balanced. Both the SV and Type R reels weigh in at 7.2 ounces, my 6' 10 rod is very well matched, so lightweight feeling. In my opinion these rods at under 100 bucks is a deal you shouldn't pass up.

Now to convince my mother I need to buy yet another rod lol

[JustJames]

14 hours ago, Joshua van Wyk said:

I'm guessing you haven't caught a single fish over a pound in that month? Because apparently that's what happens when you combine two great brands!

Just like that, huh?

[Joshua van Wyk]

5 hours ago, JustJames said:

Just like that, huh?

That fish looks like it can eat my pb!

[Fishingmickey]

7 hours ago, JustJames said:

Just like that, huh?

Are we on to something JustJames? Is that a Metanium paired with a Tatula? Hummmmm.....

[Preytorien]

Oh the humanity!!! Hahaha

 

I have a Zodias

 

Never had a Diawa rod

 

The Zodias is good enough I've sold off everything except one rod (sentimental reasons) and went to all Zodias rods....they're that good

 

That said, I'm not sure I'd ever pair a Shimano with Diawa -- I'm too brand loyal and it just ain't right!!

[Big Rick]

Most reel companies that also build rods build those rods with their reel in mind. So, you get the best balanced combo possible, especially on the higher end of the spectrum, or at least that's how they're marketed. The cheap combos are just that... cheap so anyone can buy them. However, you get up in the Tatula Elite range and higher the rods are really built to run the same brand reel...

 

That said, I have several Diawa's, Lews, and a couple of *** and NONE of the same brand rods....go figure..

[Dirtyeggroll]

I don’t have any Zodias to compare, but I like my Tatula Elite Rods. The only thing that might steer you away is that on at least some of the models the reel seat does not expose the blank.

 

I’m not sure it matters though as my Elite is one of the most sensitive (to my feel) Rods I have.

[NathanDLTH]

If you’re looking at a Tatula Elite, take a hard look at the 7’3 Ehler Multi-Purpose rod. Have it and love it. Transmits bites well, can walk topwater and handles spinnerbaits okay. I think there will be a new Randy Howell rod this year too, which is designed to be a multi-purpose rod too. Both would fit what you’re looking for.