Thoughts?
http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatatula.html
I think it's gonna be a work horse reel for sure. It should have impressive casting distance due to the new TWS design. It should sell like crazy unless there is some type of flaw in the design or mechanical issues. From TT it seems pretty solid. I as dead set on getting one until I discovered the frame is even wider than the Lexa. I got rid of my HSTA because it was too wide for my small hands. I will have to hold one 1st for sure, maybe mount it on a rod. The weight of 8 ounces is kind of a yeah or meh thing. I'm more interested in the type R. I'll wait till people get some time on the water with them before I pull the trigger.
I prefer Daiwa reels and I'm pretty excited about this one. The Lexa didn't really do it for me but I think the Tatula will be better. I don't mind that it's 8oz and I never minded the HSTA's width. I see a couple of Type R's in my future.
I love me some Daiwa's, but so far I'm kinda meh on this one. I'll most likely be looking at the new Chronarch before this one.
BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?
On 7/7/2013 at 4:01 AM, Quitlimpin said:BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?
Is there ever enough?
On 7/7/2013 at 4:01 AM, Quitlimpin said:I love me some Daiwa's, but so far I'm kinda meh on this one. I'll most likely be looking at the new Chronarch before this one.
BTW, is anyone else sick of red & black reels?
YES
Looks like it is at least an interesting reel in that price range. But given the problems Daiwa had with some of their t-wing reels and the unkowns about if the new system will be reliable, I'd be surprised if it was a huge seller. I think many folks that read the forums much will be waiting on the sidelines to see how the user level reviews come in over time.
Put it next to the new plastic Chronarch and I couldn't tell them apart.
Looks like a fantastic value.
I still would like concrete details regarding the differences between this and the type r version before I make a purchase though.
On 7/7/2013 at 8:09 PM, jeb2 said:Looks like it is at least an interesting reel in that price range. But given the problems Daiwa had with some of their t-wing reels and the unkowns about if the new system will be reliable, I'd be surprised if it was a huge seller. I think many folks that read the forums much will be waiting on the sidelines to see how the user level reviews come in over time.
I'm not sure I agree. This is a new $150 reel from Daiwa, something they haven't had in years, and they've hyped it very effectively with the sneak peaks and the videos flying around. They've made it clear that this reel is a purpose-built mainstream contender, not a watered-down version of one of their more expensive offerings. I think the Tatula will do just fine.
On 7/7/2013 at 8:50 PM, 119 said:Put it next to the new plastic Chronarch and I couldn't tell them apart.
Really? The Tatula is much wider, much darker, and has a more open front. The Chronarch Ci4+ is also more angular than the Tatula.
Daiwa makes good reels and I'm sure this is one of them. I wouldn't jump all over it just for the T wing thing. It's unique but not magic. IMO the level-wind design gets too much credit for a good casting reel.
Diawa has made quite a commitment and statement that they want a piece of the market share in the 125 to 200 dollar price spread. I wonder ? Did they shoot themselves in the foot by introducing this series right after pushing the Lexa, which is doing well ? I'm no marketing expert but it seems Diawa is willing to risk potential Zillion buyer drop to the Tatula pr type R and hopefully get multiple sales. Regardless, the competition between companies only benefits the consumer.
They just redesigned the exceler as well. I'm not sure if its just cosmetic though.
On 7/8/2013 at 9:07 AM, sarcazmo said:They just redesigned the exceler as well. I'm not sure if its just cosmetic though.
It's not. The new Exceler platform is the same as that used for the Lexa 100, which has a much different internal design than the Aggrest/Exceler I.
I actually think the T-wing thing is magic. I have never flipped and pitched as easily and effortlessly. I don't think I have ever had a backlash either. I also love that I can engage the spool with my thumb, by pressing the top down, while never changing hands after a cast. I seem to be one of the few who likes that design; I know. This new T-Wing is intriguing. I'm excited to actually hold one and feel it for myself.
I just pulled the trigger on one of these bad boys. I'll hopefully have it early next week, and I'll let you guys know the initial impression.
I wanted to try one but then I held it, to big and too heavy, TT really beat up Ardent for making a reel of 8 ounces that had a normal width yet this reel is awkward to palm, at least for me it is, and the weight is very noticeable. I liked the old Advantage and the TD-X and Z but after years of the Revo Premier, Quantum Smoke, and Lews TP I can no longer use a reel that is that heavy, once it gets over 7.5 ounces they feel like bricks. To be fair, I've paired rods to that balance with my reels and the Tatula will throw that out of whack but it kills me, they are great engineers but why can't they seem to make a light weight aluminum reel for under $300 ? Every other manufacturer can do this but Daiwa, under 8 ounces and it is made from zaion or magnesium and retails for $400+, I wanted to go back to Daiwa but they out priced me with their products and the $120 - $250 range in which I operate, they just don't have it anymore, they used to but ever since the Steez it seems like anything under is kind of sub par compared to others. I apologize for the rant, they do make great reels but they kind of ignored the mid tier segment and I so wanted to get a Tatula but it is just to big and heavy for my taste, hopefully they make something without the T-wing that weighs a little less, maybe around $200 that isn't a brick.
Bought two of these reels simply because I wanted to try them out and because I got them for a good price. Honestly they are a bit big and a bit heavy if you are used to lighter reels. They do cast a country mile when you have them properly adjusted. TW only has the 6:3 ratio and in my honest opinion this gear ratio is awful for crankbaits on these reels. I have no idea what it is but this reel just doesnt seem powerful enough for a medium diving bait. Besides that I do love these for throwing spinnerbaits. I am not 100% sure if I regret buying these reels but for the price I do not think that they are a bad reel. Honestly I was sick of my abu reels falling apart on me and wanted a different manufacturer. With Diawa it might be better to spend more money than buying a value reel.
I'm waiting on the type R. It's only $50 more, which puts it at the reasonable price point of $200. Then we can have a fair shoot-out.
I ordered one on Amazon for $109.00. The next day the seller changed his price to $154, hopefully my order isn't cancelled.
I'll let everyone know what I think *if* I get it.
You pay for high strength light weight materials however $200 more for 1/2 oz is $$$. The Tatula weighs 8 oz or close to 9 to 9.5 oz filled with line. The difference between FC and mono is about 1/2 oz per 100 yards, FC being heavier.
The weight of an 8 oz reel shouldn't be a big issue, it's weight to durability is outstanding. This issue I have is the width of the newer reels including the this Tatula series, they take some getting use to.
I plan to check this reel out at the local tackle shop. I am very interested in the smooth retrieve and longer casting this reel may offer at this price point.
Tom
It seems like really cool and unique reel.
On 10/3/2013 at 6:52 AM, WRB said:You pay for high strength light weight materials however $200 more for 1/2 oz is $$$. The Tatula weighs 8 oz or close to 9 to 9.5 oz filled with line. The difference between FC and mono is about 1/2 oz per 100 yards, FC being heavier.
The weight of an 8 oz reel shouldn't be a big issue, it's weight to durability is outstanding. This issue I have is the width of the newer reels including the this Tatula series, they take some getting use to.
I plan to check this reel out at the local tackle shop. I am very interested in the smooth retrieve and longer casting this reel may offer at this price point.
Tom
If you have big hands they fit perfectly oddly enough. On smaller reels I struggle to find where I should place my hand. On a side note the drag does work perfectly on these reels. Caught a 5.5lb + bass yesterday on it.
I don't palm a reel, instead hold the rod in front of the reel and balance the side of the reel against my hand. I do this because it's comfortable and allows me to run the line under my thumb one over the index finger tip.
It's important to me to feel the line and this rod grip gives me more leverage to control bass and make controlled hook sets. My rods have a small foregrip.
The size of this reel is a concern and I haven't picked one up yet to feel. I like the Zillion, type R, don't like the price!
Tom
PS, I like round reels for crankbaits and swimbaits; Calcutta.
On 10/5/2013 at 12:58 AM, WRB said:I don't palm a reel, instead hold the rod in front of the reel and balance the side of the reel against my hand. I do this because it's comfortable and allows me to run the line under my thumb one over the index finger tip.
It's important to me to feel the line and this rod grip gives me more leverage to control bass and make controlled hook sets. My rods have a small foregrip.
The size of this reel is a concern and I haven't picked one up yet to feel. I like the Zillion, type R, don't like the price!
Tom
PS, I like round reels for crankbaits and swimbaits; Calcutta.
It depends on which rod I am using. If I am throwing moving baits I don't like having my finger in front because the worm guide gets annoying and pinches my finger. If I am throwing a jig, t rig etc I will keep my finger in front.
I got mine in the mail yesterday. My first impressions... is that the reeling in, is SUPER smooth... smoother than my Chronarch, and I'm in love with the new I-Shape handle knobs . The drag star is made of plastic, and It seems like it could break easily, but I tried to snap it and I couldn't. I have the reel paired with a new 7'1" Mh *** and it balances out pretty well. I also palm, my reels, and this reels is a little wide, but not so distracting that I'll sit here and complain about it. I'm new to the MagForce-Z cast control, so I'm not certain how well it performs compared to my Chronarch and my Abu Revo SX. I have 30lb 832 spooled on there for now, and plain to go Flourocarbon soon. I went outside to pitch it a couple of times in the yard... feels great! It doesn't outperform my other reels in pitching, but I also haven't casted it with the same lure on all three reels. So as for pitching... it feels the same, casting... I'll get back to you guys. I will be going fishing this Friday, so I'll keep you guys posted. I would say the things I'm most impressed with is the air rotation (smooth as butter) and the I-Shape handle knobs (they feel great).
PS: sorry if there are typos I'm in class haha.
Three months later... what say you?
oe
I picked up a Tatula type R a couple weeks ago. I haven't fished it yet but I did take it to a pond and cast around to get used to it and see how it feels. My initial thoughts on the reel are very favorable. It casts very far and adjusting the brakes did not take long at all. The T wing does seem to make flipping and pitching easier in my opinion and I was able to flip a jig backlash free very well. The slightly wider spool and size of the reel didn't bother me and I am an angler that generally prefers smaller reels. To me the weight was more noticeable than the size and the reel is just a little bit heavier than most of the ones I use. I don't think its huge issue though because having an aluminum frame would be my choice over graphite or some type of plastic that could be offered in that price range. I plan on using that T wing system for flipping and pitching so the choice of aluminum works as a compliment to that feature in my opinion. I think the bottom line is that you need to assess what features you value most. If your looking for strength, casting range, and technique specific innovations like the TWS then the Tatula is a good choice. If you looking for light weight, easy to palm shape, then it is not.
I've been using Tatula for about a month and half. The reel feels very tight and smooth. It casts well and break works great. However I didn't go 'wow' like some other reviews I've read. TWS seems to work.
However I can do everything I want to do with Curado G.
Right now I am inclining towards Curado G, which everybody loves to hate. I'm not selling Tatula yet thou. I feel Curado accomplishes things with a simple design, while Tatula is 'working hard at it' to accomplish the same.
Yeah, I'm with Crankinstein, the weight is more noticeable than size. (I have big hands, BTW.)
On 1/22/2014 at 1:05 PM, Loop_Dad said:I've been using Tatula for about a month and half. The reel feels very tight and smooth. It casts well and break works great. However I didn't go 'wow' like some other reviews I've read. TWS seems to work.
However I can do everything I want to do with Curado G.
Right now I am inclining towards Curado G, which everybody loves to hate. I'm not selling Tatula yet thou. I feel Curado accomplishes things with a simple design, while Tatula is 'working hard at it' to accomplish the same.
Yeah, I'm with Crankinstein, the weight is more noticeable than size. (I have big hands, BTW.)
Which one casts farther between your Curado and Tatula?
On 1/22/2014 at 2:09 PM, bootytrain said:Which one casts farther between your Curado and Tatula?
I actually have two identical rods that I put them on. They both cast about the same. The reels have flushed bearings btw.
Just ordered 2 of these from a member here, looking forward to trying them out on 2 Omens. For the price Im paying I figured why not. Shimanos Chronarch line has been my go to reel for the past year for all my confidence baits, gonna be hard to beat.