Mini review - Tatula Elite reel

[FryDog62]

I picked up a new Tatula Elite b/c reel this Spring, mostly to add distance to my buzz bait rod.  Yes, it definitely seems to get an extra 10-20% distance and/or to get the typical distance with only 80% effort. 
 

I decided to give it a tougher test and throw a really light lure.  My set up was a 7’1” Phenix Feather Medium-Light Fast, with 7 lb Sunline Sniper.  The lure was a 1/8 oz Chatterbait “Micro.” 

With a little adjustment, mostly loosening the brakes, it really flew.  I’d say easily 20% farther as lighter lures can be a challenge to throw on a typical b/c.  Best of all, I didn’t feel like I was on the ragged edge of near backlash to get the extra distance.  Had to make sure the cast was strong and smooth and thumb-ready.  
 

Overall, pretty impressed - - 

[Tywithay]

I found the same thing. I took it crappie fishing in the lake behind the house, solely because I had new reel fever. I was throwing a 1/16oz jig with a little unweighted foam bobber (probably 1/8ish total weight) and getting respectable distance with very little effort. I still haven't had a chance to use it much, but I was impressed enough that I ordered a second while I was still at the lake.

[new2BC4bass]

I've been considering one because of the extra casting distance they are supposed to provide.  Waiting for a good sale.  Capability of casting light lures is good, but not really what I am looking for.  I've got Pixys for that.  Please don't anyone tell me the Elite casts light lures as well as a Pixy. 

 

I've also been looking at the Smoke S3 and Tour S3 for long casts as well after reading the recent thread on here.  Seems they do very well for distance.  Also the Daiwa Catalina, but that is a bit rich for my blood.

[FryDog62]

3 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I've been considering one because of the extra casting distance they are supposed to provide.  Waiting for a good sale.  Capability of casting light lures is good, but not really what I am looking for.  I've got Pixys for that.  Please don't anyone tell me the Elite casts light lures as well as a Pixy. 

 

I've also been looking at the Smoke S3 and Tour S3 for long casts as well after reading the recent thread on here.  Seems they do very well for distance.  Also the Daiwa Catalina, but that is a bit rich for my blood.

I can’t comment on the Pixy, but I will say the Elite gets extra distance over my Alphas SV.  If I need to skip something I’ll still opt for the Alphas, but the Elite does throw lighter lures as well as heavy ones farther than any reel I’ve had previously ?

[new2BC4bass]

Not what I was wanting to hear.  I chased reels for lighter baits a few years ago.  Couldn't afford a Pixy.  First attempt was a Presso spool in a Sol.  Wasn't that great for me, but I was just getting into casting lighter lures so my casting ability wasn't all that great with light lures either....and still isn't.    So not really a fair test.  I do need to spool some lighter line on it and give it another shot.  I made the mistake of spooling some 10# Super Natural on it that I wanted to try out.  Too heavy a line for the spool AFAIC.

 

I have purchased a few Pixys now that the price on them has come way down.  I also have an SV105HSL.  Was a disappointment at first.  Overran and backlashed more than any other reel I had up to that time.  And, yes, I set up per videos and recommendations from people on here.  A trip to a pro tuner cured those problems.  However, I haven't tried to see how light it will go.

 

I am waiting for the Elites to go on sale for around $170.    Definitely will buy one then.

[Tywithay]

20 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Not what I was wanting to hear.  I chased reels for lighter baits a few years ago.  Couldn't afford a Pixy.  First attempt was a Presso spool in a Sol.  Wasn't that great for me, but I was just getting into casting lighter lures so my casting ability wasn't all that great with light lures either....and still isn't.    So not really a fair test.  I do need to spool some lighter line on it and give it another shot.  I made the mistake of spooling some 10# Super Natural on it that I wanted to try out.  Too heavy a line for the spool AFAIC.

 

I have purchased a few Pixys now that the price on them has come way down.  I also have an SV105HSL.  Was a disappointment at first.  Overran and backlashed more than any other reel I had up to that time.  And, yes, I set up per videos and recommendations from people on here.  A trip to a pro tuner cured those problems.  However, I haven't tried to see how light it will go.

 

I am waiting for the Elites to go on sale for around $170.    Definitely will buy one then.

I got my second one for $180. Did the ebay "make an offer." Surprisingly, he took my lowball instead of countering. 

[TBAG]

I want to try the flip and pitch model but waiting to find it somewhere a little cheaper than $249

[PhishLI]

24 minutes ago, TBAG said:

I want to try the flip and pitch model but waiting to find it somewhere a little cheaper than $249

I found this today during an unrelated search. No affiliation whatsoever.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-TATULA-ELITE-P-F100XSL-High-Speed-Left-Handed-Pitch-Flip-Reel/223986072313?epid=14034169102&hash=item34269c3af9:g:Yg8AAOSwHgdeoIsW

[fishballer06]

Great review. I found my Elite to perform the same way. It bombs lures at 70-80% power. Any more than that and it can blow up on me. I posted my review back in the fall, if you'd like to take a look. 

 

 

 

[FryDog62]

As someone recovering from tennis elbow, I think the best part of the Elite might be for me to cast easier and get the same distance.  
 

...But I don’t think I’ll be able to resist the urge to bomb one every once in awhile..

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