Daiwa Tatula 100/Shimano Bantam 200B

[5/0]

I own 4 of the old Bantam 200B Curados and will definitely be keeping them! But I’m starting to think about getting a new reel or two, since I haven’t purchased a new reel in almost 20 years! And would like to try a different brand. No knock on Shimano, just want to try something else. Researching past posts I see that several of you carry both Daiwa and Shimano.

I’m looking at the Tatula 100, but I’ve never had a reel with a magnetic brake system. Would there be a significant difference between that and a centrifugal brake?

Also, all my current reels are 6.2:1. Being a backseat it can be difficult carrying ratios that are application specific. Would the 6.2:1 be a good all around ratio or should I step up to something higher?

Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

Joe

[FishTank]

Having owned a 201B and a 201 BSF, it will be weird to go to some of the new reels on the market.  I would probably guess that even a new Curado will feel strange in hand.  I was lucky over the summer to test out a Tatula SV TWS (a little different but similar to the 100) for two months and I can say it is a fine reel with a few oddities.  It does cast well and is pretty smooth.  It will feel more machined than the old Curados and will have a lot less (if any) back play in the handle.  The things that bothered me were and only a little>

1. The handles - they're just different.

2. Breaking -  too many adjustments, I was always fine tuning the cast.  Once I thought I got it set, the wind would change or I would want to do a shorter cast and I was adjusting it again.  But after a day of it, I got use to it and it was not such a big deal. But if you are use to setting the breaks and forgetting it with your Curados, this will definitely be different.

3. It took me awhile to get use to palming it.  The design of the T-Wing, which is actually genius, would cause me to put my fingers on top of it.  This really was just me getting use to it.  

 

I will say this about the reel..  I own the Steeze SV TWS and this reel made me question my purchase because it's just that good.  The awesome SV spool and the drag on this reel make it a no brainer at $200.  I hated to give it back to it's owner, who had several of them.

 

And with all that said....  I would, in the end, pick the Curado K over the Tatula just because I liked fishing over the course of the day better, just a personal preference.  Both great reels though. 

[Hammer 4]

I agree with Tank to a degree re: the Tatula's..In the past I owned all Shimano reels, from a Chronarch to the 301E. I used very little braking on them, and had the spool tension set to a minimum for distance. When I got back into fishing again about 6 months ago, I looked at the Shimano reels, cuz I was familiar with them, at least when they were made in Japan. I wasn't all that thrilled with the new ones, but kept an open mind. I then looked at the Diawa reels at a local shop, right off the bat it felt way smoother than the other reels, so I bought a Fuego CT..I found a Shimano Citica new for a great price and bought a 201b..Not nearly as smooth as the lesser costing Fuego reel. Anyway, I cleaned and lubed the 201 and it's much better. I own the 100, and 200 tatula's. IMHO, they are different,in the way they set up, I don't rely on the brakes all that much, my thumb does most of the braking. 

 

If you rely on braking, you may prefer the Shimano type brakes. Both are good reels in their own right. As for gearing, I'd go with a 7:3..being that you already have 6:2's. If possible, try the 100.

[5/0]

Thanks for the input! I really like my ol’ dinosaur Curados. It’s just that I’ve been away from new reels for so long it makes it difficult to pick a new one! I’ll look into it some more, maybe get one of each?!

[new2BC4bass]

I think a lot of it is what you are used to.  Love the looks of my Scorpion 71, but the SVS Infinity Braking system wasn't as easy to set up as my older Shimanos.

 

Majority of my reels are Daiwas.  Learned on an original Fuego.  I like Magforce Z brakes.  Most of the time the only adjustment I have to make is to add or subtract a little braking.  Seldom touch the cast control.  My 50th Anniversary Zillion is pretty much a set and forget reel.

 

With my Shimanos I leave the brakes at 3 and make cast control adjustments if needed.  Kind of like '6 of one and a half dozen of the other.'  I've tried 2 brakes on, but have to be more careful with my casting.  If I would just leave 2 brakes on and keep at it, I'd probably get use to it enough to leave them there. My Curado 201E7 and Chronarch 100B are also pretty much set and forget reels.

 

I wish that I was more cognizant of things.  I use reels having several different types of brakes.  I am not aware if I make changes in my casting.  I will say that I'd rather grab a Pixy or TD-Z 105H for light lures than one of my Curado 51Es.  If I were more aware of the little things, then maybe I could use the 51Es for light lures and not feel I was giving up anything.  Again...I think it is what you are used to.  Others might prefer the 51E.  I also like my gold colored Carbonlites for 3/16 oz. Shad Raps.  It is a dual brake reel.

 

I feel the 6.2 is still a good all around ratio.  Many are gravitating to 7s.  Got my Scorpion 4 x 4 from a guy going to all 7 or better ratio reels.  His loss...my gain. 

 

I think after 20 years you more than deserve a few new reels.  Why not try something different while you are at it?  If trying to keep it on the down low, then buy an SLX and Fuego CT and let us know what you think of the two.

 

[5/0]

Does the Tatula 100 have the Magforce-Z brake system, didn’t see it mentioned in the product description.

[PhishLI]

47 minutes ago, 5/0 said:

Does the Tatula 100 have the Magforce-Z brake system, didn’t see it mentioned in the product description.

Yes. Just a suggestion: If you're looking to dip your toe into Daiwa, pick up a Fuego CT. The real world difference in performance is marginal when compared to the Tat 100. While a spool bearing flush and oil really improves it's performace, you can simply add a few drops of oil to them without disassembly. Shimano Bantam oil didn't clash with the stock grease in one of my Fuegos. Very easy to do. Just gotta be careful reinstalling the cast control cap after oiling the bearing under it. It's slightly tricky but very doable with the handle installed.

[Bluebasser86]

I was also a fan of the old 200Bs and fished them a lot up until earlier this year. They were still going good, but the issue is that parts aren't going to be around forever for them, so I decided to make the switch before mine started to break down. The 100 Tatula is one of the reels I've picked up, but the 150 Tatula is much closer in size to the 200B Curados and I like that about it a lot. Both are much smoother casting, but I'm still kind of undecided about the  zero adjuster on the 100. You can get either for right around $100 if you look around, or really treat yourself and step up to the Tatula SV TWS. There's been a lot of them gently used for around $120 popping up lately. I'd be lying if I said I didn't snag a couple for myself recently.

[Hammer 4]

2 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Yes. Just a suggestion: If you're looking to dip your toe into Daiwa, pick up a Fuego CT. The real world difference in performance is marginal when compared to the Tat 100. While a spool bearing flush and oil really improves it's performace, you can simply add a few drops of oil to them without disassembly. Shimano Bantam oil didn't clash with the stock grease in one of my Fuegos. Very easy to do. Just gotta be careful reinstalling the cast control cap after oiling the bearing under it. It's slightly tricky but very doable with the handle installed.

 

I did the very same thing to my Fuego baitcaster, great little reel. Mine came buttery smooth from the factory. 

[5/0]

10 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I was also a fan of the old 200Bs and fished them a lot up until earlier this year. They were still going good, but the issue is that parts aren't going to be around forever for them, so I decided to make the switch before mine started to break down. The 100 Tatula is one of the reels I've picked up, but the 150 Tatula is much closer in size to the 200B Curados and I like that about it a lot. Both are much smoother casting, but I'm still kind of undecided about the  zero adjuster on the 100. You can get either for right around $100 if you look around, or really treat yourself and step up to the Tatula SV TWS. There's been a lot of them gently used for around $120 popping up lately. I'd be lying if I said I didn't snag a couple for myself recently.

 

9 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

 

I did the very same thing to my Fuego baitcaster, great little reel. Mine came buttery smooth from the factory. 

 

11 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Yes. Just a suggestion: If you're looking to dip your toe into Daiwa, pick up a Fuego CT. The real world difference in performance is marginal when compared to the Tat 100. While a spool bearing flush and oil really improves it's performace, you can simply add a few drops of oil to them without disassembly. Shimano Bantam oil didn't clash with the stock grease in one of my Fuegos. Very easy to do. Just gotta be careful reinstalling the cast control cap after oiling the bearing under it. It's slightly tricky but very doable with the handle installed.

Thanks again! Since a Daiwa would be my first reel of that make the Fuego seems to be the ticket!

Will keep the 100 and 150 in mind, as well as a new Curado for my next purchase as I modernize my reel inventory!

I have the same concern about parts for my 200Bs. Luckily they are still running good after setting for a long while until just recently when I got back into fishing.

I had sent them out to Dan Issac at ReelEx for service and tune. He does a real good job and his turn around is very fast! He specializes in Shimano, but will service Daiwa. Don’t think he repairs Daiwa though.

[5/0]

Just realized the sponsor for this forum. I did not mean to step on any toes with my reel service comments. I live out west and the one I mentioned is closer.

Sorry for the gaff?!

[new2BC4bass]

Hopefully Mike has a thick skin.  Your comment was originally an unknowing one.  Quite a few on here that should know better have mentioned other tuners/repairmen.  I have used a couple others as well.  Not because I was dissatisfied with Mike's work, but for the same reason I try different brands of rods, reels and line.  Mike has worked on several of my reels and I was always a satisfied customer.  I try not to mention anyone else out of respect for Mike.