Daiwa Tatula 100 versus Daiwa Tatula Elite?

[ABrugs]

I’m putting together two new setups for this year and have narrowed the reels down to the Daiwa Tatula 100 and the Daiwa Tatula Elite. The first setup is going to be exclusively for tube jigs and the second setup is going to be exclusively for jerkbaits. I’m thinking an 8.1:1 gear ratio for the tube jig setup as I fish Lake St. Clair and need a fast reel to take up line to set the hook on smallies from long distances. I’m leaning towards a 7.1:1 for my jerkbait setup.

 

In addition, I’ve read several topics about spending more on rod > reel for bottom contact techniques and reel > rod for moving baits. I’ll be putting the tube jig reel on a new 6th Sense ESP 7’2 MH/MF. I used a MH/F last season and honestly wanted something w/ a little more give in the tip. I’ll be throwing jerkbaits on a 6th Sense Lux 6’9 M/MF.

 

^ Will I be missing out if I get two Tatula 100s instead of the Elites? Should I get a Tatula 100 for the tube jig setup and an Elite for the jerkbait setup? I’d love to hear from you Daiwa guys who have knowledge of both as these will be my first nice reel purchases and I plan on riding w/ Daiwa!

[Emiliano]

I own a Tatula 100 and for the price I think it's just an amazing small reel, I have 6.3 ratio that I use in one of my crankbait rods and it works fine for me.

I love the TWS system I think it's a great upgrade from Daiwa.

I suppose the Elite series should be a more refined machine than the 100 but I don't own that model so I can't help.

[kayaking_kev]

I would get two Elites, or at least the Tatula 100 for the Tube and the Elite for Jerkbaits.

My thinking is that you want as much distance as you can get on the cast for jerkbaits and the Elite is the farther caster from what I hear. But, I don't know how the Elite compares to the 100 in size, I wouldn't really want a big reel for jerkbaits.

 

I have the Tatula 100, but never tried the Elite, both of the 100's I've had seem a little finicky compared to my Shimano's or Tatula SV. 

[mrpao]

The 100 and the elite share the same frame.

I have an elite and it does cast good. It would be a good jerkbait reel.

I don't have the regular tatula 100 to compare it too.

[waymont]

You should consider the SV TW reels too. Excellent reels.

[ABrugs]

I appreciate all of the responses. Thanks!

 

@kayaking_kev + @waymont - I’ve done a lot of research into the Tatula SV as well and it sounds awesome. My thinking was to put those on setups like Texas rigs, wacky rigs, swim jigs, etc. Basically, techniques that are more about target casting and pitching/skipping.

 

^ Should I be considering those for longer casting as well? I could use some clarity on the SV applications because it sounds like an awesome reel.

 

I was originally leaning towards two Tatula 100s, but that Elite is just so beautiful. Plus, I know it’s built specifically for long casting.

[Russ E]

1 hour ago, ABrugs said:

I appreciate all of the responses. Thanks!

 

@kayaking_kev + @waymont - I’ve done a lot of research into the Tatula SV as well and it sounds awesome. My thinking was to put those on setups like Texas rigs, wacky rigs, swim jigs, etc. Basically, techniques that are more about target casting and pitching/skipping.

 

^ Should I be considering those for longer casting as well? I could use some clarity on the SV applications because it sounds like an awesome reel.

 

I was originally leaning towards two Tatula 100s, but that Elite is just so beautiful. Plus, I know it’s built specifically for long casting.

I have 4 tatula sv's and 4 of the newer model tatula 100's.  I use them for different purposes. The SV reel is great for pitching, skipping, and casting weightless flukes and senkos. It is a great reel for short to mid range applications.

 When using crankbaits, jerkbaits, or anything I want to cast a long way,  the 100 wins everytime. 

The newer version of the tatula 100, is an amazing reel for the price. Shop around for sales. I have never paid over  $115.00 for one.

 

 

[Dens228]

I was a diehard Lew's guy, then I bought a Tatula SV TW, loved it.....The Elite is a touch above it and now have a few of those. I can cast them further than I'd really ever need to. 

[ABrugs]

@Russ E - I appreciate that breakdown! That’s exactly what I was thinking. I am definitely going to get some SV TW 103s when I build my wacky rig and swim jig setups.

 

I still have time to decide as I won’t be fishing until April. I’ll check back in to update what I went w/.

 

I appreciate all of the help!

[Boomstick]

It's just a matter of how much you're willing to spend. The elite will cast slightly further and feel a little smoother. They both have the same frame and solid brakes.

5 hours ago, waymont said:

You should consider the SV TW reels too. Excellent reels.

I wouldn't buy a SV and an Elite for the same thing. For chucking crankbaits or even any moving bait in clear water, the Elite is really the way to go but the 100 is fine if you're on a budget. For skipping, or pitching or even making shorter targeted casts, the SV is the way to go.

[ABrugs]

Thanks, @Boomstick.
 

I’m leaning towards the 100 in 8.1:1 ratio for my tube jig setup and the Elite in 7.1:1 for my jerkbait setup. I’m not worried about the smoothness as much when I’m slowly dragging a tube across the bottom as I’ll just be reeling in the slack, lifting the rod, etc. I know you’re not using the reel as much for a jerkbait either, but I would think it’s a little more than when dragging a tube. This would also give me the opportunity to own both.

 

^ This will be my first time using the Daiwa Magforce braking system. I’ve heard great things and based on some research I’ve done, I would think it should be safe to start around 10 w/ 1/4 + 3/8 oz tube jigs and 1/2 oz jerkbaits. Any thoughts or advice here?

[Boomstick]

@ABrugs I might get two 100s for both of those presentations and save a little money to be honest. My reeling itself is jerky when I'm fishing a bait like a jerkbait and it's not a lure like a deep diving crankbait where I need that little bit of extra distance.

 

My youngest son has a Tatula 100, uses it for treble hooked baits. Paired with a St Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" M/M rod, it casts very well - I wouldn't be surprised if it outcasted the Tatula SV and CT. I believe he had 10lb Sufix Siege on it last year (which runs a little thicker than some 10lb line).

[GReb]

The 8.1 100 feels very underpowered. The Elite and Coastal SV are really nice reels that I enjoy using. The 100 and CT are definitely great for the money but I prefer the 7 ratio

[ABrugs]

3 minutes ago, GReb said:

The 8.1 100 feels very underpowered. The Elite and Coastal SV are really nice reels. The 100 and CT are definitely great for the money but I prefer the 7 ratio

That’s really good to know. Do you think a 7.1:1 for the tube jig setup would be fast enough from long distances?

 

@Boomstick - You’re making this more complicated for me, LOL. I’m just kidding. I appreciate that advice and do think that would be a smart move to make. Maybe I just need to stop looking at photos of the Elite. It’s such a great looking reel!

[Boomstick]

13 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

That’s really good to know. Do you think a 7.1:1 for the tube jig setup would be fast enough from long distances?

 

@Boomstick - You’re making this more complicated for me, LOL. I’m just kidding. I appreciate that advice and do think that would be a smart move to make. Maybe I just need to stop looking at photos of the Elite. It’s such a great looking reel!

I use 6.3:1 reels for moving baits and 7.x:1 for everything else. 8.1:1 would have been nice to have and I tried to buy one once, but I got the Tatula CT in 7.1:1 for $70 and 8.1:1 would have been full price. It would have been nice to have, but it's not that big of a deal. 29-30" IPT is pretty decent for reeling up slack - and even burning things like spinnerbaits. Eventually you reel so fast that your bait flies right out of the water anyway.

[waymont]

For me the SV TW reels are a big upgrade from the 100. Worth the extra money.

You can usually find them on eBay for around $170

[GReb]

1 hour ago, ABrugs said:

That’s really good to know. Do you think a 7.1:1 for the tube jig setup would be fast enough from long distances?

 

@Boomstick - You’re making this more complicated for me, LOL. I’m just kidding. I appreciate that advice and do think that would be a smart move to make. Maybe I just need to stop looking at photos of the Elite. It’s such a great looking reel!

Im not a mathematician but at the end of a long cast all reels will have a reduced IPT. I’m not sure how much reel world difference there would be

[waymont]

2 hours ago, Boomstick said:

It's just a matter of how much you're willing to spend. The elite will cast slightly further and feel a little smoother. They both have the same frame and solid brakes.

I wouldn't buy a SV and an Elite for the same thing. For chucking crankbaits or even any moving bait in clear water, the Elite is really the way to go but the 100 is fine if you're on a budget. For skipping, or pitching or even making shorter targeted casts, the SV is the way to go.

For me the SV is a much better reel that can do everything better and smoother than a 100. Plus it can cast light baits so much better. 

[Boomstick]

12 minutes ago, waymont said:

For me the SV is a much better reel that can do everything better and smoother than a 100. Plus it can cast light baits so much better. 

It does well with light baits for sure, but also remember light is relative to the rod. For some things I just don't have any benefit casting on a SV.

 

As far as being smoother, I have three SVs. One is now the second smoothest reel I own behind a Steez SV, the other is as smooth as the Tatula 100 and the other isn't nearly as smooth as any of the above. It seems hit or miss.

[ABrugs]

Regarding the SVs, what weight lures do they start to shine w/ versus something like an Elite or 100? Is it under 3/8 oz for example?

 

^ I’m planning on mostly throwing 1/4 oz tube jigs + the tube for a total weight of about a 1/2 oz. I would think any casting reel should throw that pretty well. However, if a SV would provide some real advantages, I might take a closer look.

[PhishLI]

8 minutes ago, ABrugs said:

I’m planning on mostly throwing 1/4 oz tube jigs + the tube for a total weight of about a 1/2 oz. I would think any casting reel should throw that pretty well. However, if a SV would provide some real advantages, I might take a closer look.

A 1/2 oz compact bait on the right stick will chuck a mile using most 100-150 sized reels. No real advantage using a SV here unless you're throwing directly into the wind, and even then not really with that bait. I'd go for the Elite simply for the metal handle sideplate. It's a different feel. If you're concerned about gear ratio, then for $30 you can buy a complete gear set with a different ratio and swap it out. Easy stuff and you can go back and forth for different uses.

[ABrugs]

Alright, so I would say I’m 90% decided on some combination of the Tatula 100 and the Elite. However, the one thing holding me back is my intrigue of the Shimano Curado/SLX DC reels. I’ve done a lot of research on these as well and the reason I’ve been heavily leaning towards the Daiwa Tatula line is because of how compact they are w/ the 100 frame, the simple Magforce braking system, the aesthetics, and the fact that they are lighter than the DC models listed.

 

^ The hype that comes w/ DC reels in addition to that unique ‘whine’ it makes and the simplicity of the I-DC4 system continues to intrigue me. Although, I’m not sure yet if I love or hate that ‘whine’ and if it would get annoying after some time. I should also mention that I’m a brand guy and I would either like to go all Daiwa or Shimano here for consistency w/ the feel and braking profile.

 

I realize this is a different angle compared to the conversation about different Tatula models, but would love some objective perspectives here. Thanks!

[Mizzoumn]

I can’t add any insight into the tatula elite or 100, but I saw Midway is having really good deals on blemished elite models. $100 off the 7.1.1 rh model. 

https://www.midwayusa.com/ltd/product?pid=595767

 

[FryDog62]

I switched my jerk bait set up from a Tatula SV TW to an Elite this past year. It is so much easier to get distance on lighter, high profile lures with the Elite.  Big difference. I like a higher speed reel to pick up line when I'm jerk baiting - I think 7.1 or 8.1 would be fine, I have the 8.1.

[Boomstick]

14 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I switched my jerk bait set up from a Tatula SV TW to an Elite this past year. It is so much easier to get distance on lighter, high profile lures with the Elite.  Big difference. I like a higher speed reel to pick up line when I'm jerk baiting - I think 7.1 or 8.1 would be fine, I have the 8.1.

I am thinking of doing the same. A Tatula 100 should also be an improvement in casting distance, but I'll likely go with the Elite as this is my crankbait reel, but one of two I'll throw jerkbaits on.