Which Tatula SV Braking System is Best at Mitigating Bird’s Nests?

[EarnestDignity]

On 12/4/2024 at 8:24 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

On 12/5/2024 at 4:12 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

Since you didn't mention the techniques you will be using, I can only guess by the rod descriptions that you may be looking at a jig/worm rod for #1, maybe a Chatterbait/Spinnerbait rod for #2, and maybe a crankbait rod for #3?

 

If you have your mind set on a Tatula and are focusing on cast control and backlash mitigation, it seems you are limited to the 2017 Tatula SV 103 TW with the larger CT frame or the smaller 2020 Tatula SV TW. Hard to tell you which to choose between the two because in my opinion it really boils down to how they fit your hand and what you like. You should be able to find the 2020 type framed reel (Tatula 100 or Tatula SV) at pretty much any tackle shop near you. The larger CT framed 2017 model may be more difficult as I believe it is only on the 2017 Tat SV and the Tatula CT.

 

If my assessment of possible techniques above is accurate, maybe choose an 8 speed for rod #1, a 7 speed for rod #2, and a 6 speed for Rod 3. If rod #3 is for lighter stuff and you like smaller framed reels,... Maybe consider the smaller Tatula SV 70 for rod #3. It is smaller, lighter, and very good cast control.

In the end though, as others have stated above.... Avoiding backlashes is something you learn to control with thumb control, but there's no denying that a good braking system helps, and those Tatula SV reels are known for being braked heavily enough to help minimize issues.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

On 12/5/2024 at 7:50 PM, FrnkNsteen said:

I was thinking the same thing, but if the goal is to minimize backlash issues, I was thinking the SV Boost of the Zillion is more free and would allow more chances for backlash than the Tatula SV.

 

I think if I were to look in a different direction and thinking JDM, I would consider the Alphas SV 800. Great cast control, smoother than any Tatula, and cheaper too!!

I wanted to follow up on your advice regarding which reels might best help with backlash mitigation as I continue to refine my casting skills.

 

To clarify: I do not have my mind set on the Tatula SV reels, but as you have kindly emphasized in a post above, I am focusing exclusively on improving my technique and on purchasing the right reels for me… Casting distance and reel smoothness aren’t my priorities for now. My priorities are working on my technique and mitigating the severity of those inevitable backlashes.

 

My main fishing goal these coming years is only to make the inevitable backlashing less severe and stressful… and easier to manage as I learn and gain experience. That’s it. Once I’ve accomplished that, I may move on to reels that provide smoothness and greater distance.

 

These are the reels you’ve suggested (correct me if I’m off here):

• 2020 Tatula SV TW (smaller frame) — I saw this listed as a "bait reel." Should that be a red flag?
• 2020 Tatula 100 (smaller frame)
• 2017 Tatula SV 103 TW (larger frame)
• 2017 Tatula CT (larger frame)

Now here’s the other part of my question. Have you had the opportunity to try these 2024 models yet?

• 2024 Tatula SV 100
• 2024 Tatula SV TW 150

Would you be willing to share your thoughts or initial impressions on these newer models? I’m guessing they’re of the smaller frame variety, but I could be wrong.

 

For others here, I’m still seeking specific year and model recommendations on reels that would make the inevitable bird's nests less severe as I continue to improve my casting and thumbing skills. So, if anyone has direct experience with the models that are forgiving in terms of backlash, I’d greatly appreciate your input!

 

Any thoughts on specifically which year and models might fit the bill for each rod would be fantastic in helping me to place an order for three reels. There are so many options out there, and my brain just isn’t working like it used to and I’m finding it quite overwhelming.

 

Thank you so much in advance for your help and guidance. I really appreciate any input you can provide!

 

@FrnkNsteen Here’s  the information you requested regarding my intended baits. I’ve updated the year and model recommendation requests to include the specific baits I plan on using with each of the three rods in order to add the context you requested.

 

Rod 1:  7’5”  MHf  Megabass Levante Braillist (3/8 to 1 oz. lures). Typical Baits: Bottom-contact jig, Texas rig, Carolina rig, wacky rig, spinnerbait, bladed jig, swim jig, flashy swimmer

 Year and model of the reel you recommend I purchase for Rod 1 is:__________________________________ 

 

Rod 2:  7’2”  MHmf  Evergreen Combat Stick (3/8 to 1-1/4 oz. lures). Typical Baits: Topwater plugs, small swimbaits, 10-20 ft. crankbaits, 110-size and larger jerkbaits 

 Year and model of the reel you recommend I purchase for Rod 2 is:__________________________________ 

 

Rod 3:  7’ MHmf Alpha Angler Rebound. (1/4 to 1 oz lures). Typical Baits: Crankbaits up to 10 ft.

 Year and model of the reel you recommend I purchase for Rod 3 is:__________________________________

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

 

 

[FishTank]

@EarnestDignity  I have not fished the new 2024 Tatulas. I have heard both good and bad on those. My experience stems from the non SV spool Tatulas. The other thing is that I have seen the new 2025 Tatula SV 100 and it has an SV Boost spool. I was told this might be a replacement for the 2024's already but I can not confirm this. 

 

Also, I don't think the Zillion is more free than the Tatulas, actually the opposite. The Tatulas seem to loosen up after prolonged use. The JDM Alphas, I have no experience with the new ones but it is always spoken of highly on this forum. 

[EarnestDignity]

On 12/4/2024 at 6:13 AM, bulldog1935 said:

you'll find links here that give the physics of backlash and casting brakes, shows the difference between MagForceZ and SV brake inductors, and describes the dual inductor return springs in Boost.  

The changes between MagForce/V/Z/SV and SSAir relate initially to the strength of the magnets, improving with magnet technology, and evolution to lower-mass inductors, with SSAir having the lowest-mass inductor yet, 25% lighter than SV.  

The reasonable assumption is MagForceZ is tuned to heavy line and casting weights, and SSAir is tuned to the BFS end.  

 

In these photos, note the Z inductor is thicker and heavier than the SV inductor, etc.  

With good cast habits, you can adjust either to be close-enough to backlash-proof, by setting to the lightest thing you plan to throw.  

 

On 12/5/2024 at 5:37 AM, bulldog1935 said:

Difference between JDM and USM?  You can get JDM Zillion SV TW for the same price as USM Tatula SV TW 103, and less than USM Tatula Elite.  

 

On 12/6/2024 at 5:30 AM, bulldog1935 said:

The smaller diameter spool of Alphas (and Steez CT) does reduce inertia.  

But it's also a trade-off that the larger diameter Zillion spool doesn't have to spin as fast to achieve the same cast distance.  

Alphas and Zillion both have free-floating spool design.  The full-width-spindle mass of Tatula spool also increases inertia, so the SV brake on Alphas or Zillion doesn't have to apply as much force to eliminate backlash, giving a distance edge.  

 

On 12/7/2024 at 6:25 PM, FishTank said:

@EarnestDignity  I have not fished the new 2024 Tatulas. I have heard both good and bad on those. My experience stems from the non SV spool Tatulas. The other thing is that I have seen the new 2025 Tatula SV 100 and it has an SV Boost spool. I was told this might be a replacement for the 2024's already but I can not confirm this. 

 

Also, I don't think the Zillion is more free than the Tatulas, actually the opposite. The Tatulas seem to loosen up after prolonged use. The JDM Alphas, I have no experience with the new ones but it is always spoke of highly on this forum. 

Would you be willing to recommend specifically which year and model I should pair with each of the three rods I'm pairing, please?

[FrnkNsteen]

I have not tried the new Tatula SV models.

 

Given the technique informations you added,... My recommendations stand as stated above

[ABU is overpriced]

The best spool that i have tried that is ultra against birds nests is the original SS SV spool. It has a tall inductor that overbrakes, but messing up line on that thing is close to impossible.

[EarnestDignity]

Thank you all very much for your time.

 

[A-Jay]

Sorry.

My bad.

A-Jay