Spinning Reel - Shimano Ultegra, Diawa Tatula or ??

[The Baron]

I just picked up one of the new Lew's KVD 7'4" M/XF "Smallmouth Special" spinning rods.  I'm planning to use this for 3-4"(-ish) swimbaits, thinking the extra length will help with long casts and an XF action might help get fish stuck harder on mid-weight single hooks.  I might also put it to work with larger tubes.  Planning to setup a reel with 15-20# braid and 8-10# fluoro leader.

 

I was considering the new Shimano Ultegra, or maybe a Diawa Tatula.  If you had max. $150 USD to spend, what 2500 size reel would you pair with this rod for my intended use?

 

Edit:  I'll add that I'm planning to try my first order to Digitaka in Japan for this reel, so there are a bunch of other reel models to choose from that I'm not familiar with.  Not sure if I should stick with models that are available in Canada/USA?

[mrpao]

Any shimano or daiwa spinning reel would be good. They are all pretty good. Its just a matter of how much want to spend.

The JDM tatula and the Vanford would match that particular rod.

[roadwarrior]

$155

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363040138

[LCG]

I just purchased a Daiwa Tatula LT 2000. Winter up here so no experience with it yet. Initial impressions are very positive though.

 

I had a Shimano Stradic FL 2500 for 3 years and it was rock solid and smooth. Only sold it because it was more reel than I needed for finesse techniques. A 2000S would be a better fit.

 

Shimano and Daiwa both make good reels. I would look at the finer details of each and weigh what is important to you.

 

 

[Revival]

For $150 I’m going with the JDM Stradic FL or JDM Tatula LT.  All depends on if you prefer a lighter reel or not.

[NorthernBasser]

I'd go with a 3000 size reel for better casting distance on those swimbaits. 

[msgf91]

Yeah I just got a tatula 2500S and it might be a little small for a 7'4 rod. I couldn't find anything larger than a 2500 for the tatulas though 

[Hulkster]

I think the Ultegra is the best bang for the buck in Shimano's entire line. 

[PhishLI]

This one. Shallow spool version.

 

[Lucky6]

Between the two reels you have mentioned here is what I would do and why.

 

I would order the Shimano ultegra 21 in 3000 size for around $103 google it and you will find this deal shipped from overseas. The ultegra is in my opinion smoother, but is a little heavier than the tatula... this extra ounce will help balance your 7'4 rod better than the tatula.

 

This will give you a more balanced setup while saving you some $. 

[MN Fisher]

27 minutes ago, Lucky6 said:

I would order the Shimano ultegra 21 in 3000 size for around $103 google it and you will find this deal shipped from overseas.

Asian Portal - ya, but add shipping and it'll be more expensive than Digitaka...$120, but free shipping.

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363043320

[Lucky6]

6 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Asian Portal - ya, but add shipping and it'll be more expensive than Digitaka...$120, but free shipping.

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363043320

This. 

I didn't want to post any links as I am not certain of all those rules.

Certainly the free shipping is the way to go.

[MickD]

Keep in mind that not all reels these days have anti reverse switches.  If that feature is imiportant, make sure you get it.  I don't think any Shimanos have it any more, and some Daiwas don't.  Tatulas do, last I looked.  I love my Tatulas, very light, solid, smooth.  

 

This might be a good time to ask those of you familiar with buying Japanese versions of reels from Digitaka, do the products come with similar warranties to the US reels?  

[bulldog1935]

A warning about Asian Portal.  The $ price listed on their website was based on the exchange rate when the item (batch) was added to their website.  They bill their fixed JPY inventory cost, which fluctuates against the dollar, and the current trend is the dollar dropping against JPY (JY 131 to the US$). 

I've received bills from AP that came in 10% lower than their listed dollar price, and 5% above their listed dollar price.