Casting Reel recommendations wanted!

[LionHeart]

5 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

 

What's the difference? The Fuego shares like 95% of parts with the Tat and I doubt either are tuned to any degree beyond slapping some shims on them here and there. Gear sets and brake system are identical.

I dunno man.  Maybe everything you said is absolutely true.   I own both and got the Fuego based on all the hype.   As soon as I used it,  my first impression was how cheap and plastic it felt.   

 

The braking is good for sure,  never claimed otherwise.   Just feels like a reel that comes in a blister pack at Walmart.  

 

Guessing you own one, maybe both.  You can honestly tell me the Fuego feels like a quality reel when compared to the Tatula?

[Pogues2300]

I’d personally either look for sales, or find a local tackle store and see what discount they can give you on a tatula sv. I own four of them but I also own two zillion sv, and a metanium mgl b…. Bang for the Buck standout is the tatula sv

[garroyo130]

51 minutes ago, LionHeart said:

I dunno man.  Maybe everything you said is absolutely true.   I own both and got the Fuego based on all the hype.   As soon as I used it,  my first impression was how cheap and plastic it felt.   

 

The braking is good for sure,  never claimed otherwise.   Just feels like a reel that comes in a blister pack at Walmart.  

 

Guessing you own one, maybe both.  You can honestly tell me the Fuego feels like a quality reel when compared to the Tatula?

 

Have both and even a Fuego with the 5 speed Tat gears, they all feel the same to me. 

[LionHeart]

11 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Have both and even a Fuego with the 5 speed Tat gears, they all feel the same to me. 

I envy you then.  

[PhishLI]

9 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Tatula 100 over Fuego.  The Fuego gets the job done for sure, but feels super super cheap.

 

I am not by any means a user of high end gear.  All my reels are $100-$150 range, but I die a little inside every time I grab the Fuego.

This might make you feel a little better. As stated earlier, the Tatula CT and Fuego CT share identical frames, side-plates, gearing, spool, brakes, and clutch mechanicals. The Tat CT has a few more parts to actuate the T-Wing and a different paint job, and that's it. For the record, I've brutalized my Fuegos in super choked out waters loaded with lily pads and milfoil for 5 years. Lots of good fish too. Neither went geary, and they're 8 speeds, and not so much as a hiccup even once. No sticking thumbars, or antireverse bearings going out, nothing. Fish it hard and don't worry about it.  Grease it occasionally and it'll remain rock solid.

[Happybeerbuzz]

Lews Speed Spool LFS - $100 reel for $75.  
 

IMO, there is no appreciable difference between the Daiwa Fiego and Tatula CT.  I have and use both. 

[zell_pop1]

I've owned Fuego CT's and Tat CT's too no differences in quality, T Wing seems to pitch better but not cast.

I do think the original Tatula 100 which is similar to a current 150 was a better feeling reel and could be bought for $100.

[MediumMouthBass]

To me they are both great reels of high quality, but the only thing i could think of that would make the Fuego CT feel cheaper is the paint. The Tatula CT definetly has a nicer finish on it, and since i have so many Aird X rods the Tatula matches the same color on some parts of the rod.

[JackstrawIII]

I'd go with the Speed Spool LFS. A great reel that can be found for the lower end of your budget. 

If you want to step up, go with a Tatula SV on sale. They're great.