Help! SLX 151, Tatula 100HSL, or Curado 201K

[thewhitelotus]

Pretty new to baitcasters, but have some specials available that I think i should take advantage of.  I currently just have a Abu Garcia black max but ive expanded my rod selection (I have both a 7' MH and 6'10M) so why not get a new reel as well!  Theres lots of smallmouth here and I will be tossing smaller cranks, spinnerbaits, topwaters, etc. Here are the prices for the 3 options

SLX 151 - $74.99 + 10.99 shipping  (Theres also the SLX151 combo for 139.99 + tax and shipping)

Tatula 100HSL - $125 Shipped

Curado 201K - $150 Shipped.

 

Should a beginner pull the trigger on any of these?  Will they be difficult for me to use?  Appreciate the help!  

 

 

[softwateronly]

I have both a curado 201k and a tatula 200HSL and really like both of them.  I've heard good things about the SLX.  I really don't think you can go wrong.  For me, I've pretty much adopted braid to leader for all my setups and tend to like shimano better because the TWS doesn't play nice with my fg knot until the 300 size.

 

scott

[r83srock]

I own the Curado K 200, and have owned the other two reels also , in right hand. Not sure if you can get your hands on an SLX mgl but that thing is awesome for smaller baits, and works equally as well for larger baits. It’s my favorite reel. The SLX and tatula 100 are both very nice, very small reels. But in my opinion the Tatula 100 has a better breaking system that just performs well with smaller lures commonly used on smallmouth. The Curado is a near perfect reel, especially for heavier lures. I love it for frogs, it’s just a beast and very smooth. It has its place in a smallmouth Arsenal but it’s a bit dicey to cast with small lures.

[swhit140]

I'd say either Tatula or Curado just because I've used both reels. I have Daiwa reels in my lineup currently and I like the feel of them in hand. The SLX is a popular reel and I'm sure you would be happy with it I just don't have experience with it. But if you have the money to spend a little more I would step up to the Tatula or Curado.

[thewhitelotus]

1 hour ago, r83srock said:

I own the Curado K 200, and have owned the other two reels also , in right hand. Not sure if you can get your hands on an SLX mgl but that thing is awesome for smaller baits, and works equally as well for larger baits. It’s my favorite reel. The SLX and tatula 100 are both very nice, very small reels. But in my opinion the Tatula 100 has a better breaking system that just performs well with smaller lures commonly used on smallmouth. The Curado is a near perfect reel, especially for heavier lures. I love it for frogs, it’s just a beast and very smooth. It has its place in a smallmouth Arsenal but it’s a bit dicey to cast with small lures.

Ive found a SLX MGL combo for 169.99 that may be a solid option.  Im going to keep reading reviews!

[PhishLI]

I have the reels you've listed. If you wish to go with Shimano then grab the SLX MGL. It's just quite a bit better than the standard SLX for lighter baits, and way better than the Curado K 200 in that regard. If you think you'll be using braid-to-leader and wish to go with Daiwa then get a Fuego CT. If you don't use leaders the Tat CT is fine. Personally I'd go for the Fuego or the Tat. Far less hassle when throwing light cranks and flatsides into the wind.

[thewhitelotus]

10 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

I have the reels you've listed. If you wish to go with Shimano then grab the SLX MGL. It's just quite a bit better than the standard SLX for lighter baits, and way better than the Curado K 200 in that regard. If you think you'll be using braid-to-leader and wish to go with Daiwa then get a Fuego CT. If you don't use leaders the Tat CT is fine. Personally I'd go for the Fuego or the Tat. Far less hassle when throwing light cranks and flatsides into the wind.

Yeah, its mostly going to be lighter baits (1/2oz max).  Havent even got to the part where i need to decide on which line to use haha!  

[T2DM]

I have the Curado 200k and the Curado 70k MGL. I'll bump it up a notch, think of the bigger picture and get the new Curado 150 MGL, I don't have one yet but planning on getting one soon. It should cover all three reels that you've mentioned above. Versatility is very good thing when starting out Bass fishing, you will run into a situation where you want to do a little experiment, mix and match fishing gear etc. You better off buying something that you can use regardless of rod specs, to certain extent of course. I've been there and done this and that. It'll save you money in a long run, but that just me.

 

Good Luck.

[Eric 26]

I do not own a curado but have both the Shimano SLX and several Tatulas including the Tatula 100 HSL. The shimano IMO is very comfortable as long as you don’t mind adjusting the centrifugal brakes for different weight/situations with different lures. IMO it’s not that bad with the beetle wing side plate. The Daiwa Tatulas have IMO the easiest braking system to use for any and all situations. If possible handle both in store and choose whichever feels more comfortable for you.

[LCG]

I highly recommend the Shimano SLX MGL. It's small, comfortable, cast 3/16-1/2oz lures amazingly well, super controlled with good distance. Solid feel overall. I have a loose spool tension, 2 brakes on 2 off, outside dial at 4 and I can cast all day and change lures and never think about it. Paired with a medium power rod and your good to go.

[Phil77]

Curado all the way. I have three that are dedicated kayak duty for their reliability. I have abused them over the last two years and only clean them once a year. I only throw three baits out of the yak, senko, square bill, and T rig/Jig and the K does all of them effortlessly. Haven't liked any daiwa with a t wing so no help there. The SLX is a cheap capable reel you couldn't go wrong with either.