Stradic FL, Vanford or Tatula LT. Talk me into it.

[aaatkr]

Got to handle all three at BPS.  Vanford was the least smooth,  Stradic FL was like butter, but had noticeable wobble and Tatula LT was great, but didn't feel as sturdy as the Stradic.  Thoughts and opinions please.   All in 2500 or 3000 size.  Thanks.

[Last_Cast]

Stradic for sure!

[Jig Man]

Of those all I have are Stradics.  If I were buying more it would be Stradics.

[Bluebasser86]

I've got 2 Tatula LT's and really like them. The no AR switch on the Stradic is a deal breaker for me. Not sure how "sturdy", a spinning reel should feel, I'm reeling in bass, not driving nails with it. I caught my biggest of the year last year on my 3000 CXH though. 

[LCG]

I chose the Stradic FL about 2 years ago. Super smooth, excellent drag, solid reel. No wobble on mine, could have been the drag was loose and the spool wasn't seated fully. Zero complaints with mine.

 

I didn't like the feel of super light weight reels when mounted on the rod, didn't feel balanced to me.

[JustJames]

For 2500/3000 for me either Vanford or Tatula LT. I like solid feel of aluminum frame but not really crucial for regular bass fishing.

Just like you, I think Vanford is not as smooth as Tatula and not as lower inertia. I think because Vanford come with more protection while Tatula have none(more parts). The Tatula though is about 70 cheaper and might due for new upgrade version soon. 

[aaatkr]

Thanks everybody.  Any one better or worse with line management?  (mono)

[mrpao]

All three are great reels. Can't go wrong with any of them.

For moving baits, i would go with the Stradic FL. The aluminum frame makes it smoother.

For bottom contact, either Vanford or Tatula LT. Lighter weight will help with sensitivity.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Quality wise they’re all good. I t comes down to features that appeal to you. Light weight: Tatula or Vanford, sturdy bail wire: Tatula, self contained sturdy AR: Stradic or Vanford. Then of course is price. 

[warefisher]

Does the Daiwa BG MQ belong in this discussion?  Has an aluminum body and the 2500 size is a decent weight at 8.3 oz with 22 lb drag.  I’ve been watching this reel for inshore saltwater fishing.  It’s usually listed at $199.99 and I just ordered one for $134.99.  I have and like several Tatula LT spinning reels and am looking forward to the comparison.  I think I’ll like!

[thunderblack]

Have all but the vanford. Also have kage, Ci4 2500. I like them all for different reasons. Can't go wrong. The Shimano is nice because they can handle inshore duty as well. The LT is light and comfortable. Just bought a my first stella and wow!

[waymont]

Tatula LT for me. Feels more solid.

[MickD]

Like at least one other poster, I won't buy a reel without an anti reverse switch.  I have two Tatula LT's and one Fuego LT and all three work perfectly.  I just don't know what more I could ask of a reel.  I'm beginning to fall in love with really light reels.  Put them onto a 3.6-4 oz rod, and it's a great system.

[Fat Ika]

16 hours ago, aaatkr said:

Thanks everybody.  Any one better or worse with line management?  (mono)

Just experience with Tatulas and Vanfords. No experience with FL. No spinning reel will eliminate nylon line issues, but I have don't use Tatulas with straight nylon line anymore. IME, less issues with line management with Vanford. 

[webertime]

If you're not stuck having to shop BPS then a local shop that can get Daiwa can get the Kage LT for less than 200.  Think of it as stunningly smooth Tatula LT with an extra bearing and cork knob.  I prefer it over my Stradics and ci4s

[JS8588]

15 hours ago, webertime said:

If you're not stuck having to shop BPS then a local shop that can get Daiwa can get the Kage LT for less than 200.  Think of it as stunningly smooth Tatula LT with an extra bearing and cork knob.  I prefer it over my Stradics and ci4s

Came here to say this. I fished a Kage LT (not the Kage MQ LT, which I also own but in a 4000 size) for the 2nd half of last season & absolutely loved it. Don't know if they have any in, but I ordered mine from Tackle Trap out of Alabama. Might want to give them a call.

[WRB]

I have fished with Shimano Stradic spinning reels since they were introduced, bullet proof reels with excellent drags.

Last year decided to give the Vanford a try do to light weight 6.3 oz vs 7.9 oz and long cast spool. The weight is the reason to consider the Vanford vs Stradic If combined with light weight rod in the low 3 oz like ST Croix Victory rod.

Both Vanford and Stradic are 6.1 ratio reels and whisper quite smooth retrieve. Can’t go wrong with either reel.

Tom

[lunkerboss923]

The Stradic really excites me. I held one at Academy and it's noticeably different than my Sahara as far as weight is concerned. No reverse option. I don't really use it. I noticed there was a slight weight difference between the Vanford and the Stradic with the Stradic being slightly heavier. I think from the Sedona up to the Vanford, you can't go wrong. If it were up to me, I get the Stradic in 2500 it's the best for the money. I don't use lots of line, so the 2500 is my go to size. If you're going to go straight finesse Neds, Nekos, and Dropshots the 2500 is the deal. Also if you don't have to buy at BPS, ALF is offering more for trades, so you can get a great deal. 

[walleyecrazy]

I have both the Tatula LT, and the Stradic FL. I personally prefer the Tatula LT to the Stradic FL, but it isn’t by any wide margin. They are both butter smooth, and built very well. I just like the overall handling and lighter build of the Tatula LT for my every day bass fishing. My Stradic FL has now found a home on my inshore rod, and is mainly reserved for my trips to the shore on vacations. I think I will give it a go during the striper run this year however as I think it will do very well with the schoolie  size stripers that come up the river at the beginning of the run.  

[aaatkr]

The reel will be put on a 7'3" Ark Reinforcer that weighs 4.1 ounces,  if that is any help.  Need a new light reel for a 6 foot GL3 too,  Thanks again.

[soflabasser]

I agree with everyone that is recommending the Shimano Stradic FL, it is a great reel.

[Gera]

Did you come up with a decision?? I'm on the same train.. I love Stradics but the Vanford's lighter weight is always a plus. and given that the price does not play at all its a tough choice.

[Cigarguy]

I was debating over the same 3 reels last year.  Ended up with....all 3.  The Vanford though was only 3 weeks ago as last year Vanfords were pretty scarce around my area.

 

I like all 3 but like the Stradic slightly better than the others.  However my favourite reel over the past year and one in which I have the most of is the new Ultegra.  IMO, the Ultegra is very much in the same league. 

[bulldog1935]

Posted this on another thread - I added Twin Power in a round-about way.  My buddy bought from Asian Portal - accidentally bought two.  They oddly wouldn't pay for return shipping, and he offered me such a deal. 

This is the Stradic forged aluminum body with added forged aluminum rotor, a braid size 1215 spool in C3000MHG size, a better drag than my big-frame Stradic, and bench-finished in Japan for superb smoothness.  Added my favorite counter-balanced handle. 

[aaatkr]

Ordering the Ark this week.  I think I'll bring it with on my next trip to the store to see which of the three reels feels the best.   I wish the 2500 and 3000 size Tatula had a shallower spool.  Not into filling with backing.   Thanks again.