$150-$190 Baitcaster

[Tywithay]

22 minutes ago, Tadas Sereiva said:

So in the past couple days I have done a lot of research regarding some of the reels recommended in this thread and I have narrowed my choices down to three. Below I have ranked these three along with my thoughts on each. Before I make my final decision, I would appreciate any insight on my points below. Thanks in advance. 

 

#1 Daiwa Coastal SV TW

Pros:

• Aluminium Side-plate unlike the SV TW 103 (Good for durability)
• SV Spool
• Handles light baits pretty well
• 150 size spool
• Relatively light
• Forgiving braking system

Neutral:

• Not the furthest caster
• Unknown gearing type (not micro-module)
• Unknown durability

Cons:

• Color

#2 Daiwa Tatula Elite

Pros:

• Great distance caster
• 150 size spool
• Relatively light
• Good color and looks
• Forgiving braking system
• Aluminium Side-plate unlike the SV TW 103 (Good for durability)

Neutral:

• Not as good with lighter baits
• Unknown gearing type (not micro-module)
• Unknown durability
• Tuned for distance

Cons

• Most expensive

#3 Shimano Curado K

Pros:

• Micro-module gearing
• Familiar braking system
• Great caster with heavier baits
• Cheapest
• Good color and looks
• Good durability

Neutral:

• 200 size spool
• Struggles somewhat with light baits

Cons:

• Wide profile

Only things I would question are the spool sizes. The Coastal, though a 150 size, has the highest line capacity. The 200 size Shimano is actually the lowest capacity of the 3. The Elite is a 100 sized spool. In my testing the Elite casts light baits the best out of the 3 you mentioned. The spool only weighs 14 grams, which is quite light. As a comparison, the Tatula SV103 spool weighs 12.75g. Lastly, the "wide profile of the Curado. I attached a picture as close to straight overhead as I could get, Curado is in the center. By my measurements, just eyeballing a scale over the reel frames, the Curado is actually 5mm less total width than the Tatula frame. However, the Curado has a wider spool and larger gearbox. All 3 reels literally feel identical size in my palm though.

[Steve S]

5 hours ago, Tywithay said:

Only things I would question are the spool sizes. The Coastal, though a 150 size, has the highest line capacity. The 200 size Shimano is actually the lowest capacity of the 3. The Elite is a 100 sized spool. In my testing the Elite casts light baits the best out of the 3 you mentioned. The spool only weighs 14 grams, which is quite light. As a comparison, the Tatula SV103 spool weighs 12.75g. Lastly, the "wide profile of the Curado. I attached a picture as close to straight overhead as I could get, Curado is in the center. By my measurements, just eyeballing a scale over the reel frames, the Curado is actually 5mm less total width than the Tatula frame. However, the Curado has a wider spool and larger gearbox. All 3 reels literally feel identical size in my palm though.

What’s the weight of the Coastal SV spool. I’m surprised that the elite would cast light lures better than a SV spool

[king fisher]

Sorry I'm off topic, but does any one know how well the Curado K holds up with salt water use? 

[Tywithay]

3 hours ago, Steve S said:

What’s the weight of the Coastal SV spool. I’m surprised that the elite would cast light lures better than a SV spool

I'll try to weigh it when I get back to town this evening. One thing to keep in mind though, the Coastal is not your typical Steez SV spool that holds 90 meters of 14lb line. It's a very deep spool that holds 100 yards of 20lb line. If you were using it for lighter baits and used 10lb fluoro, it'd hold nearly 250 yards of line. More line = more overall weight. 

[Steve S]

 Coastal SV looks great on my champion XP. Wasn’t sure I would like such a bright blue reel but it looks really slick. The reel feels really nice casting a plug around the yard. Definitely pitches nicer than the 2020 SV from my couple yard casts I did

[Steve S]

Took the Coastal SV out today and was blown away with how smooth it is and how great it casts. So far I would say it is better than my 2020 SV in every way. If anyone is in the fence I would definitely recommend the Coastal SV 

[AmmoGuy]

2 hours ago, Steve S said:

So far I would say it is better than my 2020 SV in every way. 

I’ve been waiting for someone who owns both to give their thoughts. 

[Tywithay]

3 minutes ago, AmmoGuy said:

I’ve been waiting for someone who owns both to give their thoughts. 

I have both, but haven't used them side by side, or with similar applications. I've been far more impressed with the Elite over the SV though, even with lighter baits.

[DomQ]

On 5/26/2020 at 9:49 AM, frogflogger said:

I use both and am satisfied with both.

That’s what she said

I second the Scorpion MGL. Ive got two and love the heck out of them. Cast just as far if not further as my Curado k reels and it can cast lighter lures better. It’s a no brainer!!!!!

[PhishLI]

38 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Is the Coastal smoother, more solid or quieter when reeling than the SV?

Yes

[PhishLI]

3 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

This must be either the aluminum handle side plate or the SV you have has no grease or an inferior cut on the gears.

Second set of gears, recently, in my SV and I clean and lube my stuff multiple times during the season. It's the aluminum sideplate, IMO.

 

6 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Some say their Elite/Coastal are smoother than their SV and others say they are the same. 

Everyone has a different set of tastebuds. Who knows what a claim of smoothness or lack thereof actually means or how that translates to what you or I think? Hard to say when there can be differences from reel to reel from the same run.

[Tizi]

I have to agree, my new Coastal SV TW casts better than my pre-2020 SV TW.  Man, I love that reel.  It has become my favorite.  I might get another...don't tell the monkey!!

[Tywithay]

3 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Is the Coastal smoother, more solid or quieter when reeling than the SV?

 

When I was sitting in the house, it felt quieter than the SV. Out on the water when there's actually resistance on the line, I can't tell much difference. 

[Steve S]

16 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Is the Coastal smoother, more solid or quieter when reeling than the SV?

 

So far much smoother and quieter. I haven’t fully broken it in though