Seeking Your Expertise for Reel Recommendations and Others

[new2BC4bass]

I can't add anything to what has already been said about new reels.  However, if you don't mind used, look for some Daiwa T3 1016 or T3 MX reels.  The Magforce 3D braking system is even better than the SV spools at controlling backlash.  I've also read that a finesse spool in one of these reels works great should you want to try the BFS game with a baitcast reel.

[Hulkster]

I  have the tranx 400A (the 300 is just a little more narrow) and its dead easy to cast. 

mind you I've been using a baitcasting reel for decades now lol

 

Is this your first baitcasting reel? 

[EarnestDignity]

On 11/30/2024 at 4:36 PM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Daiwa Zillion SV TW is the easy button.......right in your price range.   I'd get the Tat 300 for big swimbaits. 

On 11/30/2024 at 5:37 PM, GreenPig said:

On the swimbait reels, my Tatula 300 has much better cast control than my Tranx 400.

On 11/30/2024 at 7:26 PM, PBBrandon said:

Daiwa Zillion SV from Japan, slam dunk pick. Might be the best bait caster on the market overall, it’s every bit as good as my Steez SV. For spinning reels the Stradic is probably the best for the money. I think the Tatula MQ LT is a good reel, but I prefer the previous model. Best bet might be a Vanford or Stradic from Japan. For a cranking rod I normally would recommend a Dobyns 705cb or a St Croix Victory/LTB 7’2” MHM graphite rod (personally not a fan of glass rods). But being that you don’t like cork, I’d go with a Zodias or a Tatula Elite. Or if you like your Levante, you could get a Flatside Special.

On 11/30/2024 at 7:59 PM, PBBrandon said:

The most backlash resistant reels on the market are Daiwa reels with SV spools. Shimano DC reels do help a lot with backlash as well but they aren’t really worth the cost IMO. The Zillion is a pretty tame reel but the Tatula and Alphas SV reels are even more backlash resistant if you want maximum backlash control. They just aren’t as good of reels as the Zillion. The Alphas is pretty close though in terms of quality.

On 11/30/2024 at 8:30 PM, Sota said:

On 11/30/2024 at 11:15 PM, softwateronly said:

I have a tat 300 on my swimbait rod that's good up to 8oz, and a zillion hd and tat 200 on my other swimbait rods rated up to 4oz.  Very happy with all of them.  I prefer having the smaller, lighter reels when not tossing the heaviest of stuff and the zillion hd is a dream. -

On 12/1/2024 at 12:14 AM, PBBrandon said:

Alphas SV > Tatula SV. Both are the same in terms of backlash control but the Alphas is a higher quality reel. Both are great but the Alphas is built a little better. 
Rod 1: 2500 size Vanford (finesse)

Rod 2: 8:1 speed Alphas SV (bottom contact)

Rod 3: 7:1 speed Alphas SV (moving baits)

Rod 4: 6:1 speed Tatula 300 (swimbaits)

Rod 5: 6:1 speed Tatula SV (crankbaits)

The Alphas only comes in a 7 and 8 speed so if you want a slower ratio for cranks, a Tatula would be your best bet. Also neither reel is built for baits that heavy. So they wouldn’t handle 2+oz baits very well. I would consider maybe the Tatula 150 SV if you are mostly just throwing A-Rigs and small swimbaits. 

On 12/1/2024 at 1:14 PM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 12/1/2024 at 2:30 PM, SkippinJimmy said:

As far as rods, I’m in agreement with @AlabamaSpothunter.  I’m a big fan of Alpha Angler rods for moving applications.

Since you didn't mention anything about bladed jigs, I'd just go with the Rebound.   

 

 

 

 

Really with baits that large, aggressive brakes and an SV spool aren’t gonna do too much as there is so much force pulling line off of the spool. As long as you maintain good casting mechanics with swimbait rods, and have correct spool tension, you shouldn’t backlash with a swimbait.

scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 12/1/2024 at 3:20 PM, SkippinJimmy said:

It’s easy to get hung up on the little things in fishing and go broke buying stuff that has a negligible if any impact on catching fish.

With 4 (soon to be 5) setups including baitcasting and spinning, I believe you should still be focused on versatility in your setups. The AA Rebound is a very versatile rod that you can use with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, traps, etc.  Is the ChatterBound better for a few of those…probably but that doesn’t mean the Rebound doesn’t work very well.  I have several of both and will tie on any of those baits on either rod.

As far as gear ratio, anything in the 6’s or low 7’s will work fine.  My advice is to not overthink things.  A Rebound with a Tatula SV reel would be a killer moving bait setup without breaking the bank.

Hi everyone,

I want to deeply thank all those who have contributed so far and shared your valuable insights. I’ll continue to monitor this thread for any new ideas or contributions from members who haven’t chimed in yet.

After researching the reels recommended for minimizing backlashes as I improve my casting, I’m now leaning towards the Tatula SV reels. I’ve spent a lot of time today reading up on the Alphas SV, Zillion SV, and SLX, and after learning more about Magforce-Z brakes, I’m more convinced that these brakes are the right choice for me at this point in my bass fishing journey. At this stage of my life, where stress-free relaxation is more important than reel smoothness, durability, maximum casting distance, or catching fish, the Tatula SV reels with Magforce-Z seems to be a good fit for me.

From my research, it appears that the Zillion SV with Magforce-Z is only available in the 10-speed version, and none of the Alphas nor the SLX have this braking system. This is why I’m now leaning towards the Tatula SV for minimizing the backlash issues that I will inevitably encounter while I continue to improve my casting skills.

As for the spinning reel to upgrade Rod 1, I’m strongly considering the Shimano Vanford 2500 from Japan, which a number of you recommended. Thanks for that suggestion. It seems like a solid choice for lighter duty… much more so than the Stradic.

For my crankbait rod, which is still missing in my lineup, I’m leaning towards the Alpha Angler Rebound, though I may hold off on purchasing it this month. Before pulling the trigger on my fifth rod, I’d love to hear more from anglers who prefer graphite over glass rods and why they reject the glass. If not, I will search the forum before buying that fifth rod for more insight as to keep this thread on its main topic, backlash resistant reels for my lineup. Ulitimately, I may go with one of the graphite rods recommended by Brandon or Tom.

I’m also waiting and hoping to hear from some of the forum members I’ve been following over the past few months who haven’t yet commented on my thread or who may not have been around the last couple of days. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

For rod 4, I’m strongly leaning towards the Tatula 300, but I already have a cheaper reel on that rod. So, I’ll be waiting for more feedback on why this might be a better choice than the Tranx 300 that was recommended to me by my fishin’ buddy. I now understand that minimizing backlashes isn’t as crucial with heavier baits on this rod (my MHmf). Scott, I don’t plan on throwing anything much heavier than 4 ounces on this rod. Since you have both reels, do you think I should be leaning towards the tat 200 for it instead?

Additionally, for reels on rod 2 (MHf) and rod 3 (MHmf), I’m hoping to get some feedback on which one would be better served by the Tatula SV 100 and which one by the Tatula SV 150. Also, do you think I should jump on the newer 2024 model of the Tatula SV 150?

I’d also like to get more feedback on if rod 2 should have an 8-speed, rod 3 a 7-speed, and that rod 4 and rod 5 would both be served by 6-speed reels before pulling the trigger.

Lastly, should I buy the Tatula SVs from Japan and search the forum for ideas of where to look or should I get them here?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and advice!

Thanks again for all your help. I’m very grateful~

Well, in my most recent post above, I quoted most of the contributors to this thread. The system is only showing the first few... So, if you don't see yourself there, I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to leave you out... I'm brand new to forums.

 

 

-----  And now it merged that last post with the long one and I still can't edit... {smh] I'm goin' to bed, fellas... will it merge it again?