Daiwa Tatula vs Daiwa Ballistic vs Abu Garcia Revo - Charleston SC pondsSX

[BSOD]

Hi All,

 

Kind of a unique question that really hasn't been answered in regards to the these reels.  I'm considering buying one of these 3 spinning reels.  I mainly fish neighborhood ponds, as well as golf course ponds in Charleston SC.  One of the major problems here, is that some of these ponds take in salt water from the the surrounding marshes.  Ponds you wouldn't think had salinity, end up having it.  Mullet are jumping in some which are the dead giveaway.  But others are sneaky until you pull a limb with barnacles.

 

I have a Diawa BG, which I use for ponds, but also for the inner coastal waterways and tidal creeks.  

 

This would be for bass, and some panfish fishing.  This would become my main drop shot, crank bait, spinner bait fishing reel.  I wanted something light, that rips casts well to get in precise areas, lays line well, and has outstanding feel.  The two Daiwas fit the bill.  I have fished a Revo X, and loved the way it casts.  Retrieve isn't quite as smooth as a Daiwa, but I enjoyed the powerful feel of the reel.  Was thinking SX as an upgrade in smoothing retrieve?

 

So here is the question.  This would be my most expensive reel, and one I wanted to last.  Would I ultimately be in trouble with a Revo SX or Tatula, as they aren't saltwater suggested?  I want to point out that I had a President XT from Pflueger, and it crapped out in 45 days of daily fishing (was NOT rinsing with a hose after fishing each time - maybe every 5th - wasn't even thinking about minor salt content).  If I hosed each day, would the Tatula or Revo SX be fine?  Or should I really pony up for the Ballistic?

 

Thanks!  This will be my priciest reel purchase, and don't want to ultimately kill the reel early due to minor salt in the ponds (some not so minor due to proximity to Wando River - although there are bass and pan fish).  Anyone with Charleston-like conditions able to weigh in here?  Overkill for Ballistic?  Just rinse daily and fine?

 

Also would love to hear out of these 3 if you would consider the Revo SX on par here.

 

 

[mrpao]

I would go with the ballistic just to be safe since it is more sealed. 

Or try the stradic FL if you don't mind a little extra weight.

I think you'll be happy with either of these reels.

Or you could just rinse your reels and rods off each time you use them to keep them salt free. If you go this route then any reel should work fine.

[JustJames]

check this out Magseal on Fuego. I do think that all reels using in saltwater environment need to be maintained every use no matter how much the seal it get. I’m not really a fan of Magseal itself since it would be harder to maintain the reel by ourself without that special magnetic oil. Don’t get me wrong I love Daiwa LT series, have a few myself but if I’m gonna buy one for saltwater I’d rather put my money on shimano Stradic ci4+ or Stradic FL and rinse every use, clean inside every month or quarter. The more seal the reel get the more saltwater/moisture can trap inside. The anti reverse switch is also a weak spot that water can get in.

[BSOD]

Thanks All.  I am completely fine with rinsing each time.  Also, I would label this as weak brackish mostly.  For the heavier salt pond, I've been using my BG (great reel by the way).

 

Might go with the Revo SX.  Does anyone feel that there is a significant dropoff to a Daiwa Tatula or Ballistic?

 

 

[Tywithay]

Only Revo spinning reel I've used was the Premier, but I returned it to the store because it felt like junk. I don't know if I got a bad one or what, but none of the Abu stuff has impressed me much lately. My Tatula 2000 has become one of my favorite reels. Especially at that price point. The Ballistic would offer a little more salt protection, but the zaion body on the Tatula isn't going to corrode, so you'd just have to rinse the gears. I don't know if it's important or not, but the 2500 Tatula has a much more powerful drag than the Revo too. Have to step up to the 4000 size (40) revo just to get 17lb. 

[Boomstick]

I got my girlfriend a Ballistic off of ebay last year for her birthday (since she is casting reel challenged). It was brand new and cheaper than what I could find a Tatula LT for, even used. So if you are so lucky, maybe you can find a deal on the Ballistic and in that case, I think the Ballistic is a win-win. It's a smooth reel and very lightweight!

[BSOD]

On 7/3/2020 at 6:02 PM, BSOD said:

Hi All,

 

Kind of a unique question that really hasn't been answered in regards to the these reels.  I'm considering buying one of these 3 spinning reels.  I mainly fish neighborhood ponds, as well as golf course ponds in Charleston SC.  One of the major problems here, is that some of these ponds take in salt water from the the surrounding marshes.  Ponds you wouldn't think had salinity, end up having it.  Mullet are jumping in some which are the dead giveaway.  But others are sneaky until you pull a limb with barnacles.

 

I have a Diawa BG, which I use for ponds, but also for the inner coastal waterways and tidal creeks.  

 

This would be for bass, and some panfish fishing.  This would become my main drop shot, crank bait, spinner bait fishing reel.  I wanted something light, that rips casts well to get in precise areas, lays line well, and has outstanding feel.  The two Daiwas fit the bill.  I have fished a Revo X, and loved the way it casts.  Retrieve isn't quite as smooth as a Daiwa, but I enjoyed the powerful feel of the reel.  Was thinking SX as an upgrade in smoothing retrieve?

 

So here is the question.  This would be my most expensive reel, and one I wanted to last.  Would I ultimately be in trouble with a Revo SX or Tatula, as they aren't saltwater suggested?  I want to point out that I had a President XT from Pflueger, and it crapped out in 45 days of daily fishing (was NOT rinsing with a hose after fishing each time - maybe every 5th - wasn't even thinking about minor salt content).  If I hosed each day, would the Tatula or Revo SX be fine?  Or should I really pony up for the Ballistic?

 

Thanks!  This will be my priciest reel purchase, and don't want to ultimately kill the reel early due to minor salt in the ponds (some not so minor due to proximity to Wando River - although there are bass and pan fish).  Anyone with Charleston-like conditions able to weigh in here?  Overkill for Ballistic?  Just rinse daily and fine?

 

Also would love to hear out of these 3 if you would consider the Revo SX on par here.

 

 

Thanks everyone.  I think I’m going to go with the Revo SX.  I have a Fuego LT coming for another rod, so this might be a good change of pace. Head says the Daiwa’s are likely better, but casting with my old Revo X was just so good. Even light lures went a mile.

 

Any other feedback on these reels would be appreciated 

[walleyecrazy]

I have both a Revo SX spinning reel, and a number of the Tatula LT's. The only area where I feel the Abu is close or equal to the Daiwa's is in the smoothness of the drag. Other than that I much prefer the Tatula. It is just a much smoother, and more refined reel. The Revo SX is a good reel, it just isn't on the level of the Daiwas in my opinion. If it were me personally in your situation I would probably go with the Ballistic.

[BSOD]

Well, maybe the Ballistic is the way to go.  Thanks for the feedback.