Would like your opinion.

[dsw1204]

It’s been a while since I last posted.  I’m not the most experienced fisherman.  I’m just finishing up my fifth fishing season and I want to add a third spinning reel to my collection.

 

 I have been looking at a Diawa Tatula MQ LT, a Lews Hypermag, and an Abu Garcia Revo SX. 
 

I would be very interested in hearing what you fellow (and more experienced) fishermen have say about these three spinning reels.  
 

I am sticking with spinning reels because I haven’t picked up the knack of casting well with baitcasters and I really don’t like the feel of the reel being above the rod.

 

 I appreciate your input in advance.

[Boomstick]

I would look at a discounted older generation Tatula Lt if it was me. They’re cheaper due to being discounted, lighter than the MQ (my 2000 is crazy light) and have an anti-reverse switch.

 

When I got mine, it was so light I thought they sent me a box with just a manual.

[FrnkNsteen]

9 hours ago, Boomstick said:

I would look at a discounted older generation Tatula Lt if it was me. They’re cheaper due to being discounted, lighter than the MQ (my 2000 is crazy light) and have an anti-reverse switch.

 

When I got mine, it was so light I thought they sent me a box with just a manual.

Agreed,,.. I think Tackle Warehouse has them discounted for $169 right now.

Just looked, and they still have them on clearance, but only have the 2000, 3000, and 4000 series left.

 

3000 series seems to work well with a 6'6" - 7' rod

[Boomstick]

52 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Agreed,,.. I think Tackle Warehouse has them discounted for $169 right now.

Just looked, and they still have them on clearance, but only have the 2000, 3000, and 4000 series left.

 

3000 series seems to work well with a 6'6" - 7' rod

The rod length doesn't really matter so much, it's about the line. Daiwa's spools run big. If you run 10-15# braid or 6-8# mono/flurocarbon, the 2000 is all you need.

 

If you're running 10# flurocarbon, perhaps the 3000 would be a better fit.

[Alex from GA]

I have the Tatula LT also and love it.  I've been using it several times a week for a year and it's the same as new.

[FrnkNsteen]

11 hours ago, Boomstick said:

The rod length doesn't really matter so much, it's about the line. Daiwa's spools run big. If you run 10-15# braid or 6-8# mono/flurocarbon, the 2000 is all you need.

 

If you're running 10# flurocarbon, perhaps the 3000 would be a better fit.

I think the rod length does matter because of balance. Ive got 2000s, 2500s, and 3000 and I believe there are slight differences in weight and some balance better on some rods than others.

[LCG]

I also have a Tatula LT 2000. Really nice reel, light weight, smooth drag. Holds way more line than I would ever need. Paired with a lightweight 6'8" ML-F spinning rod for finesse applications. Total package comes in at 9.3oz and super balanced. Joy to fish with.

[PaulVE64]

I prefer the bigger reel myself.

I like the line pickup for everything I do on the river. 

Edited October 28, 2023 by PaulVE64

[Columbia Craw]

Daiwa Caldia 2500 for 137.00 at Digitaka.

[Boomstick]

2 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I think the rod length does matter because of balance. Ive got 2000s, 2500s, and 3000 and I believe there are slight differences in weight and some balance better on some rods than others.

A lot of that depends on the rod’s make and model more than length. For example l have a 6’9” rod that is very light and as a result tip heavy - my 8oz Daiwa BG balances that rod out well. Then I have a 7’1” that is a little heavier and much better balanced and balances with my 5.8oz Tatula LT reel just fine.

[MickD]

I have a few Tatula LT's in size 3000 and love them.  Sad to see it, but looks like Daiwa is eliminating the anti reverse switch on the new models.  If I needed another reel I'd buy the Tatula LT for $169.  I have a Fuego LT, too, and really don't know without looking whether I'm using it or the Tats.  It' s a very good reel too.

[FrnkNsteen]

10 hours ago, Boomstick said:

A lot of that depends on the rod’s make and model more than length. For example l have a 6’9” rod that is very light and as a result tip heavy - my 8oz Daiwa BG balances that rod out well. Then I have a 7’1” that is a little heavier and much better balanced and balances with my 5.8oz Tatula LT reel just fine.

Just my opinion, but if you have a 6'9" rod that needs an 8oz reel to balance it, something is wrong with that rod and I wouldn't have bought it in the first place. The 7'1" rod you mentioned is obviously better balanced if it is heavier and still balances with the lighter reel. I just choose to purchase lighter more balanced rods that work well with a lighter reel

 

Not going to argue on some else's post. I am just of the opinion that, on a well balanced rod, smaller reels (2000 - 2500) typically balance better on a shorter rod, while my 3000's are typically on my longer rods. I like all my spinning rods to balance on my middle finger while holding them as I typically have three fingers in front of the stem.

[FrnkNsteen]

12 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

I prefer the bigger reel myself.

I like the line pickup for everything I do on the river. 

I agree. I run as big of a reel as will balance the rod I am using it on.

 

For instance, my favorite spinning rod I have right now is a 6'9" Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rod that balances perfectly with a Vanford 3000. I LOVE that setup for wacky rigged 4" and 5" senkos! I have that same rod in a 6'3" that I use for tubes and the 3000 didn't sit quite as nice so I dropped down to a 2500 to balance that one. Both are perfectly balanced in my hand.

 

In my smaller panfish rods I run lighter 2000 series reels.

[webertime]

Tatula LT (or Kage LT)

Caldia mentioned above

Stradic FK?

 

You simply can't go wrong with any of these 

[MickD]

1 hour ago, webertime said:

You simply can't go wrong with any of these 

Unless you prefer having an anti reverse switch.  

[Bigassbass]

Buy yourself a Shimano Stradic in whatever size you prefer, fantastic reel and the best over the three you have listed.  Dig-ataki  has them at a good price.

[Boomstick]

On 10/28/2023 at 9:08 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

Just my opinion, but if you have a 6'9" rod that needs an 8oz reel to balance it, something is wrong with that rod and I wouldn't have bought it in the first place

Welcome to St Croix. G Loomis and other brands also commonly run tip heavy. It works for me. I got a deal on BG when I bought it ($40) and I knew it was tip heavy so it worked out

[FrnkNsteen]

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

Welcome to St Croix. G Loomis and other brands also commonly run tip heavy. It works for me. I got a deal on BG when I bought it ($40) and I knew it was tip heavy so it worked out

Wow! That IS a deal on the BG! Nice!

 

I've always noticed that about St.Croix and Loomis too! I have a few St Croix and Loomis in casting models. None in Spinning rods. 

 

Now that I think about it, I got a couple Phenix Feather in spinning on a good deal. The handle seats are so light on them they felt tip heavy. I moved a couple Stradic FLs to them to balance them out, so I guess I'm in the same boat!

[Boomstick]

1 hour ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Wow! That IS a deal on the BG! Nice!

 

I've always noticed that about St.Croix and Loomis too! I have a few St Croix and Loomis in casting models. None in Spinning rods. 

 

Now that I think about it, I got a couple Phenix Feather in spinning on a good deal. The handle seats are so light on them they felt tip heavy. I moved a couple Stradic FLs to them to balance them out, so I guess I'm in the same boat!

Yeah, at the end of the day it works if you know what reel to pair it to.

[newapti5]

I like Tatula LT as well, but the new 23 Stradic is out for just 148 at digitaka. With all the new techs trickled down, it is a better value IMO.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Although I'm not a huge fan of the lower $ MQs, I would take the Tatula MQ over the other 2 mentioned.  Their benefit is the amount of torque they provide in comparison with the size of the reel, which comes at the cost of added weight.  The LTs had oversized main gears and had plenty of power. An LT 2500 main gear is a hair smaller then many 4000 size mains.  My biggest issue with the newer MQs is that the main gears are all cast zinc until you get to Certate in the USDM.  

[dsw1204]

Well, I purchased a spinning reel and it is not what I thought I was going to get.  I splurged a little bit and purchased a Diawa Ballistic MQ LT 2500D - XH.  This is probably overkill for my bank fishing activities for bass (largemouth and smallmouth), but I have fished with it a couple of times and it is unbelievably smooth.  I like it!!!  And, I like how light it is.  I have heard that some Diawa reels have an issue with the handle getting loose and making some noise.  I’m betting this will not happen to this reel.  We shall see.  

[PhishLI]

21 minutes ago, dsw1204 said:

I have heard that some Diawa reels have an issue with the handle getting loose

I've never had a Daiwa handle get loose that screws directly into the main gear. Don't worry about it.

[dsw1204]

Thanks, that’s very reassuring.