Need a New Baitcaster Reel - Help

[Bill Jackson]

I need to buy a new baitcast reel and would like some wisdom from the group. I want a higher speed general purpose bass reel. I haven't bought myself a nice reel in years, and I'm hitting the lake a lot more these days, so I want an upgrade to something smooth, solid and reliable.

I don't want to spend more than $200. Open to suggestions, but this is what i'm considering. Thank.

 

SHIMANO CURADO CU-200XGK

SHIMANO SLX150XG

Lew's Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS

DAIWA  TATULA SV TW  TASV 103XS

[FishinBuck07]

I have the SLX and the Lew's I like them both but like the Lew's the best.  Don't have any experience with the other two, other than just messing with them in the store.

[The Bassman]

Just close your eyes and point. They're all fine. SLX will save you some $ over the others. Several guys have mentioned the Daiwa as being a trouble free caster.

[Bill Jackson]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys, I trust and appreciate ya.

1 hour ago, FishinBuck07 said:

I have the SLX and the Lew's I like them both but like the Lew's the best.  Don't have any experience with the other two, other than just messing with them in the store.

 

[RichF]

I have both the Curado and the Tatula (both models you listed).  They're both fantastic.  I will say that the tatula is definitely easier to dial in.  It's pretty fool proof and quite difficult to backlash.  The Curado is solid too.  Both are smooth and tough.  Can't go wrong with either.

[jimmyjoe]

1 hour ago, The Bassman said:

Several guys have mentioned the Daiwa as being a trouble free caster.

   Correct. I believe the OP's choice will boil down to whether he needs that Magforce-Z system or not.    jj

 

[Bill Jackson]

So from what i can gather is that both are excellent reel choices between the Curado and Tatula. Maybe the Tatula is better for spool control,specially on skipping baits and casting into the wind etc., and the Curado might be a little better for cast distance? I've been using a baitcaster for 30 years and have many cheaper and older reels under control, so backlash doesnt concern me much. I'll probably being running 30-40lb Power Pro Slick on it for my main line, and be mostly casting 1/4-3/4oz baits. I don't fish tournaments, but i take my fishing fairly seriously. Not sure if any these factors help in suggestions or not. Thanks again for the the knowledge guys.

[928JLH]

Tatula SV. If you are patient really good deals pop up on eBay. I got a new Zillion SV TWS on eBay for $220. I've seen Tatula SV for as long as $130. The SV spool Daiwa stuff is awesome.

[Boomstick]

To me, I would narrow it down to the Tatula SV vs the Curado K (and might want to include the 70 in there as well). The Tatula SV has better braking and casts lighter lures better, and the Curado K will cast further. If you skip regularly, you can't beat the Tatula SV. Otherwise, choose what you prefer.

2 minutes ago, 928JLH said:

Tatula SV. If you are patient really good deals pop up on eBay. I got a new Zillion SV TWS on eBay for $220. I've seen Tatula SV for as long as $130. The SV spool Daiwa stuff is awesome.

My first Tatula SV cost $131 or $135 or something like that. It seems to depend on the time of year you buy it. They seem to discount reels less now than at other times during the year, I guess they figure anyone who is going to buy it now will be more likely to go out and buy it regardless of price.

[new2BC4bass]

Given your experience with baitcast reels I highly doubt you need an SV spool, but the Tat SV is a nice looking reel and a pleasure to use.  Ebay has a new Shimano 16 Scorpion 70HG for $191.70 with free shipping...another great looking reel.  I just mounted mine on a rod last night.  No chance to use it yet.  Looks very nice with its red highlights on the Fantasista Regista which also has red highlights.

[swhit140]

I have Daiwa & Shimano reels, I like both of them. I have more Diawa reels than Shimano. I like the ease of adjustment on Daiwa's. But that is not a big determining factor for me. Most of my equipment isn't new but I take care of my equipment and service them myself. I'd say compare each one in hand and see which one you like/prefer.

[Shimano_1]

I've owned or still own all 4 of these reels. I'm a lews fan but the tournament pro lfs was my least favorite lews I've ever used. Was noisy and just felt cheap compared to the older tournament pros. The tatula sv was also my least favorite daiwa.  I love the tatula ct reels and they're cheaper. Of the options listed I'd go slx. Phenomenal reels and cant be beat for the money. Lews tournament mb reels are also great for the money and the curado k is a good workhorse reel. These are just my opinions tho I'm sure any of the 4 would be sufficient.  I'm just partial to bang for buck deals. Daiwa fuego ct are also awesome for the price they can be had for

[gilkeybr]

How about a used Bantam MGL?  I'd be hard pressed to find a better all purpose reel than my Bantam.  And there are a couple on eBay right now to less than or around $200.

[FishTank]

I have the Curado K and I love it so far.  I also have the Curado DC and it has, for me, lived up to the hype and then some.  I have fished but do not own a Daiwa Tatula SV.  

 

You can't go wrong with K or the Tatula.  I think the Tatual, like most Daiwa reels, feels more machined and palms better.  The Curado feels smoother and slightly more powerful.  As far as casting goes.... The DC is the best to me, then the Tatula, followed by the K. 

[LongJohn87]

tatula 100

[new2BC4bass]

On 6/21/2019 at 11:48 PM, swhit140 said:

I have Daiwa & Shimano reels, I like both of them. I have more Diawa reels than Shimano. I like the ease of adjustment on Daiwa's. But that is not a big determining factor for me. Most of my equipment isn't new but I take care of my equipment and service them myself. I'd say compare each one in hand and see which one you like/prefer.

Same here.  Add my TDZ and Alphas reels up and they total more than all my Shimanos.