Diehard Shimano user....heading to the darkside? 2024
BigGame0892 reply :
Alright everyone, I'm really close to finally giving up the ghost and heading over to Daiwa after all these years. Currently, I'm still fishing my good 'ol Curado E7s and an E5. Reliable, easy to use, 'nuff said. So, I just feel like Daiwa is offering so much more in technology these days. With the T-wing system and now the SV coming to the Tatula. It just seems like Daiwa has really stepped up their game in the workhorse reel category and not just the exotics.
So, can someone give me that last little push? I haven't used a Daiwa since the old Zillions and so never experienced using the T-wing system or some of the other newer technology from Daiwa.
Alternatively, can someone convince me I should just stick with what I know with Shimano?
I know we debate this topic all the time, but I just was hoping for a little bit of fresh insight. I've been diehard Shimano for so long now...
NathanDLTH reply :
I'll be picking one of the new Tatulas up when they become available, I own a a variety of reels from *** to Garcia, and Shamino along with a couple Diawa.
Darren. reply :
Honestly, I don't think you can do wrong with either
brand, they're the best, IMO. I just happen to prefer
Shimano, though I've not actually used higher-end
Daiwas. I've owned Lexa casting and spinning and
found the offerings excellent for the price range.
So I won't push you in either direction except instead
of going one side or the other, use the best of both?! 
SFL BassHunter reply :
I am absolutely loving my Tatula line. Tat CT, Tat Type R and Tat Tactical! I preordered the Tat SV as well. I haven't really found any limitations on these reels, and I went and got me a DIY spool for my CT for my more finesse stuff.
Can't wait for the SV to come out!!! It is a real joy using these reels.
To me one of the most important factors is the Daiwas all come with 90 to 100mm handles. I love a bigger handle, and Shimano insists on putting smaller 80-85mm handles on their reels.
UFpwrLifter reply :
Imo, Daiwa and Shimano are pretty equal when it comes to similarly priced reels, from low end to mid range, but where Daiwa/specifically megabass has the edge is with the upper end. Shimano seems to tap out with their Antares DC, where megabass keeps going. Didn't mean to get off topic by throwing MB into the mix, but to me, MB is just an extension of Daiwa (Toyota/Lexus)...
J Francho reply :
Shimano to Daiwa is more like visiting the crater next door.
lmbfisherman reply :
Why not just have both in your arsenal. 
hoosierbass07 reply :
Shimano spinning reels are the best. But now after buying my second Lews baitcaster I've given up on ever buying a Shimano baitcaster again. My two Lews work 100% better than my old Chronarch.
BigGame0892 reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:21 AM, lmbfisherman said:Why not just have both in your arsenal.
I've just always preferred to stick with one brand or line of reel. I tend to make wholesale changes when I do - though, that hasn't happened very often. The one other time I shifted from Shimano I went to Quantum - all the KVD hype I think - big mistake on my part. I went right back to Shimano.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:26 AM, BigGame0892 said:I've just always preferred to stick with one brand or line of reel. I tend to make wholesale changes when I do - though, that has happened very often. The one other time I shifted from Shimano I went to Quantum - all the KVD hype I think - big mistake on my part. I went right back to Shimano.
I see, well good luck! It sounds more just like preference and that is everyone's perogative. If that is what you want, you should just do it! I don't think you'll regret this conversion this time.
I'm assuming you are referring to Daiwa's Tatula for work horse reels? I beg to differ though on Daiwa is leaps in bounds better in this area. In my opinion the Citica/Curado I and 70 are still great work horse reels, with the new Chronarch MGL coming out not sure why anyone would think Daiwa is pulling far ahead in the every day fisherman range. You can regularly get the I's for cheaper than retail too.
BigGame0892 reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:32 AM, lmbfisherman said:I see, well good luck! It sounds more just like preference and that is everyone's perogative. If that is what you want, you should just do it! I don't think you'll regret this conversion this time.
I'm assuming you are referring to Daiwa's Tatula for work horse reels? I beg to differ though on Daiwa is leaps in bounds better in this area. In my opinion the Citica/Curado I and 70 are still great work horse reels, with the new Chronarch MGL coming out not sure why anyone would think Daiwa is pulling far ahead in the every day fisherman range. You can regularly get the I's for cheaper than retail too.
I wouldn't disagree with you necessarily. But, I'm just wondering if the T-wing system and/or SV spool offer any distinct advantages that I need to consider.
WRB reply :
I own and use both Shimano and Daiwa bait casting reels. 20 years ago my choice would be Shimano and Abu Ambassaseur reels made in Sweden, couldn't give me Abu reels today. I would use caution with Lews reels today, the company was sold, who knows what their future is?
Tom
lmbfisherman reply :
I'm no Daiwa expert, maybe our resident master will come out to explain (rippin). What I hear the major advantage on the SV spool is that you can cast lighter weights and easier to skip with. But I don't have first hand experience, the only Daiwas I handled were Lexas (lower end).
Shimano just works for me, I love the form factors in general and in love with the size 50-100 size reels they offer the most (to cast lighter weights and skip). That is why I just stick with them and now I'm loving my Conquest and Metaniums. Again though I'm not trying to convince you to stay with Shimano because in the end it is your choice, if that is what you want to do, do it? Maybe use Tacklewarehouse's reel test offer to make a decision? In the end it is your own personal preference that is important no matter what people say on the internets because they can only give you their personal experience/preferences.
BigGame0892 reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:42 AM, lmbfisherman said:What I hear the major advantage on the SV spool is that you can cast lighter weights and easier to skip with.
That's what I hear too. In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip? Seems like that's more of a braking issue.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:44 AM, BigGame0892 said:That's what I hear too. In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip? Seems like that's more of a braking issue.
I believe there was a recent thread on the forum regarding this and your statement is in general true. They just said to provide a summary, although it helps you still need an educated thumb. That is what I got out of it.
Fishinthefish reply :
Let's be honest, the only darkside is the fly fishermen.
J Francho reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 4:03 AM, Fishinthefish said:Let's be honest, the only darkside is the fly fishermen.
There's a darker side....centrepinning. Look it up. Even the spin fishers look down on us, lol.
Hulkster reply :
my reason for never stepping over to daiwa for baitcasters is the T Wing grooving issue. there is a thead over on TT right now about it. was it ever fixed? I know there are lots of photos around of people having their T wings getting grooved up over time.
GreenGhostMan reply :
I'm all Lew's...
Hogsticker reply :
All I can say is the performance and versatility an SV spool and T Wing provides is incredible. Very hard to beat. Especially at the price point the Tatula will be offered at. One of two things will happen. Most likely, you'll be adding more to your arsenal. Less likely, you will sell it no problem.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I used to be all Shimano. I got frustrated with all the changes and constantly changing prices and designs. Then the spinning reels really went downhill imo. I made the decision to make the switch and now fish mostly Pflueger and Okuma with no plans of going back.
d-camarena reply :
Still trying to figure out when shimano went downhill? My stradic fk is probably the best spinning reel ever created. Ever.
My curado has probably made around a million casts with no signs of it giving up soon. I also have 2 saharas that get punished every season and have had 0 problems
WdyCrankbait reply :
Yeah, I still have my 200 E5, 50E, and will use them every once in awhile. I just passed an engineering test and see that Diawa Zillion SV TWS calling my name, she purtttyyy!!!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The T wing grooving issue has been addressed. That said, the T wing is kinda cool but not a game changer imo. The good casting of those reels can be attributed to basic Daiwa quality and unique brake design. There's a lot of competition between quality reels at each price point especially north of $100. I don't see any one brand having a lock on every level. I fish mostly Shimano and Daiwa but have Revos, pq, Pfluegers, Ambassaduers and others that I like as well.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
They both are good reels you cant go wrong with either one. I compare shimano more like classic car and daiwa more like sport with a splash of color.
I start getting daiwa reel when looking for swimbait end up with daiwa luna 253 (cant find 300 GTE at good price). I then started to like easy adjustable of mag brake system on Daiwa. Then go on looking reel for skipping end up with daiwa tatula ct type r for that tws system and 20 dial on mag brake and 8.2 gear ratio. It does help but still, I can skip with my 50e with no problem as well. Another reel I end up with is Daiwa Alphas SV105 just becuz I like red on black reel and was looking for something to replace my 70HG. The only reel I wont get rid of is my chronarch 50e. I also love my calcutta 50 but too bad I traded that for swimbait lure.
In near future I plan to buy a reel for small swimbait in 5 or 6 something ratio and Im aiming on either 200i or Chronarch ci4+.
Jrob78 reply :
My advice is to buy a Tatula CT on Ebay for $100 and see what you think. You can probably recoup most of your money if you don't like it.
After using all different brands of reels for years, I finally decided that I liked Daiwa and Shimano and didn't need any of the others. I now only fish Daiwa and Shimano reels. If I could only pick one it would be Daiwa but I really enjoy Shimano reels too.
fishnkamp reply :
Yes the T wing does work, and yes the T wing grooving has been addressed in both the Tatula 100 series ( both regular and Type Rs) and in the smaller sized CT reels ( again in all versions) The difference in actual body size is not that much. I fish 1 Daiwa Exceler, 4 Tatula Type Rs and 2 Tat CTs. I have bigger hands so I like the size of the regular 100 reel as well as the CT sized reels. If you like the size of a Shimano Chronarch 200 series reels, and the Curados, then I think you would like the CT reels best.
The Type Rs have 1 more cr bearing than a regular series reel, a bit lighter spool and weigh just a little less. I could not tell you much difference in real life. If you are a tinkerer with reels, I am told that you can soup them up to throw lighter baits by replacing the spool bearings with ZR bearings and changing out the line guide bushings with bearings. I am told that by adding 2 more handle knobs bearings instead of the two bushings helps make it feel sweeter. Me I just pull the reel from the box and go fish. I purchased my first Tatula and then sold off my Curados and Chronarchs.
Take a look at this video and it will explain a lot about the Magforce Z system which is the "magic" in these reels. The SV is expected to be able to handle lighter weight baits and sip better.
Hulkster reply :
QuoteStill trying to figure out when shimano went downhill? My stradic fk is probably the best spinning reel ever created. Ever.
and it is one of the best ever. I am a die hard shimano fan, but I think a lot of people are turned off by the fact that currently, the stradic FK is the FIRST reel in the shimano lineup of spinning reels to have an alumninum frame. and its $200 US.
They are turning everything to composite material in the name of (likely) profit with the spin they put on it being durability and light weight.
that being said, I felt the new Ultegra and Nasci reels at the local fishing show the other day and was really impressed. Butter smooth. But at the price point, the Ultegra should have had a tapered bail wire like the Saros that it is replacing does. They are giving their customers less and charging the same or more.
Im on the fence myself. They are going forward in some ways ( butter smoothness even at the nasci level, so the Hagane gearing is actually a thing and not just a marketing gimick) but going backwards in others (no more aluminum frame until you get to the Stradic FK, no more oil ports anymore- which was a unique shimano feature that no one else had)
DaveT63 reply :
I'd agree with those above who said use both. I have mostly Shimano 50 size reels and LOVE them. But I also have a Daiwa Pixy and several in the Alphas family. Sweet reels that I really enjoy using. I considered getting a Tatula or Zillion, but the don't like the bigger frames.
Raul reply :
What, purchasing your first Daiwa ? 
It gets even darker pal, when you purchase your first Megabass. 
I purchased my first Daiwa many many moons ago.
BaitFinesse reply :
A tat sv should make a fine 1st daiwa. Sv spools are very well controlled and allow the user to do seemingly impossible things like run the reel with litle to no spool tension while skipping with little to no thumb. They can be guilty of being so well controlled that casting distance can suffer but some spools are bigger offenders than others. Reports are that the tat sv casts for distance well too.
BigGame0892 reply :
Thanks for all your opinions guys. Guess I won't know until I get that first one. If you all see a bunch of Shimano Curado Es posted on the flea market soon, you'll know what happened! ?
DogBone_384 reply :
Jump in the Diawa pool already!
I own both, including a couple JDM models of each. My T1016 is the farthest, most effortless, casting reel I own. My Cores are the smoothest in my collection.
I really enjoy the luxury of being able to choose between the two based on my mood.
Buy the Diawa and enjoy yourself!
Davidhorowitzski reply :
After years of my Saharas, Curado, and Spirex reels I decided to buy a Tatula, Fuego, Revros, and Legelis. It was a good decision. Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano. But you know what, using new reels of a bit different of design and function feels fresh and new. It's a nice change sometimes. I even throw in some pfluegers and quantums when I'm feeling swirly. Fishing is fun. Fresh equipment is fun too.
Sammies77 reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 8:27 AM, Hulkster said:They are going forward in some ways ( butter smoothness even at the nasci level, so the Hagane gearing is actually a thing and not just a marketing gimick)
Actually "hagane" gearing just replaced the name "paladin" gearing, so it's nothing new.
webertime reply :
I have fished and owned all the major brands. I still have an Abu on my swimbait set-up, otherwise I just sold my last non Daiwa. For me it was throwing a 10+ year old TDZ and blowing a E Series and Speedspool out of the water with it's performance. A reel with ten years of use, available for the same or less than most reels we talk about, just flat out smoking them. "Maybe there's something to this Daiwa thing..." So in the interest in uniformity for me I sold my Shimanos, Quantum and Lews and run OG Fuegos, Zillions, TDZ's, T3's and Aggrest/Exceler models.
kadas reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 12:17 PM, Davidhorowitzski said:After years of my Saharas, Curado, and Spirex reels I decided to buy a Tatula, Fuego, Revros, and Legelis. It was a good decision. Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano. But you know what, using new reels of a bit different of design and function feels fresh and new. It's a nice change sometimes. I even throw in some pfluegers and quantums when I'm feeling swirly. Fishing is fun. Fresh equipment is fun too.
Was wondering what your opinion was on the Fuego--saw where you said you purchased one and I now see Daiwa is putting out a Fuego CT which looks interesting. Trying to get some reviews on the Fuego and Fuego CT Thanks
smr913 reply :
I don't have the budget for either's high end stuff, but I love both the Curado and Tatula. The thing that I like more with Shimano is that I can understand all their models. I feel like a need a Rosetta Stone to tell the difference between on the models and spool types.
dam0007 reply :
I switched from all Shimano to all Daiwa last year. Miss a couple of the reels like the Chronarch Es and the Scorpions but other than that I have some new reels I love. There's nothing wrong with owning a couple from both brands either. However in tourney situations I don't need but prefer uniformity going from rod to rod through out the day. Enthusiast aside, when all the reels on the deck behave exactly the same and all have virtually the same settings it makes things simpler.
wdp reply :
I'm about to do the same. I love my Shimano reels - got so many Curados & Citicas that I've lost count.
But I'm about to pull the trigger on a Tatula CT. Handled one at Bass Pro other day & it felt great. Just wanna try something different.
With the reel trade in & the 2 gift cards I got for Christmas, I should be able to get the Tatula & a few baits without spending any cash. ?
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 3:44 AM, BigGame0892 said:That's what I hear too. In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip? Seems like that's more of a braking issue.
This video sold me on the SV, and since I like the Tatulas I am going with the Tat SV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZ0ghlhMrk
BaitFinesse reply :
The ease in skipping with sv spools is that the spool rotates eaily when set with litle to no spool tension yet is very well controlled by the magnetic braking and the low weight reduces angular momentum. The spool rotates easily as long as the bait is pulling out line with the rate of line dispensing being wery well controlled and shortly after the bait stops taking line the spool comes to a hault.
Heres an Alphas SV skipping. This is the vid that sold me on the SV spools.
LEWITH reply :
The SV tat will definitely be interesting I just don't like how wide Tatulas are compared to other reels. I think Diawa makes a great reel I just like the ergonomics of others better. You can't go wrong with either brand imo if it feels good in hand to you go with it!
runt4561 reply :
keep on moving until you find lews. Shimano and lews are the only two reels I will buy now. I had a daiwa tatula and it is a good reel but it did not last like the lews or shimanos I have. Lews BB1 and super duty and Shimano Citica, Curado or Chronarch.
d-camarena reply :
Honestly i cant tell a difference in quality between diawa and shimano.
I suspect some people jump to the diawa bandwagon because of the flashy paint jobs and performance themed names on the reel. Im old school, i like green or gray reels and brown rods. I guess shimano fits my bill better
MittenMouth reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 4:06 AM, J Francho said:
There's a darker side....centrepinning. Look it up. Even the spin fishers look down on us, lol.
Power Lining for salmon is the absolute worst thing I've ever seen in fishing to this day. If someone can beat that I would be shocked/sad.
Davidhorowitzski reply :
On 2/22/2017 at 11:13 PM, kadas said:Was wondering what your opinion was on the Fuego--saw where you said you purchased one and I now see Daiwa is putting out a Fuego CT which looks interesting. Trying to get some reviews on the Fuego and Fuego CT Thanks
So far I really like the Fuego bait casters. I got one with a pretty quick gear ratio that I use for mostly plastic some plastic swim baits on the lighter side. I have it spelled up with 10 pound florou and casting distance and smoothness are impeccable. Don't get me wrong you won't mistake this for a Steez Quality reel but for the price I think it's a good purchase. Feels nice in my palm. Mines the normal sized one, which is as small as I'd prefer. I don't really see any advantage in making this any smaller than it already is. But that's just a personal comfort issue and nothing against the Reels. If you ask me if I would buy it again I would tell you yes I would.
BrianSnat reply :
I have a Shimano Curado and a Diawa Tatula with the T wing. The T wing doesn't impress me. In fact for some reason it likes to catch my leader knot if I'm running a long leader. I never had that problem with the Curado. It is also very noisy when casting. It's a good reel, don't get me wrong, but I'll take the Curado over it any day.
offsidewing reply :
Every time I think of buying a Daiwa reel, I buy another Shimano Metanium. I think both brands are well made. I'm in love with the new Shimano Metanium MGL.
NHBull reply :
Last year, I tried more med and high end reals than I can remember, and kept coming back to the Ci4. There is just something about it that works for me.
Jason Penn reply :
i don't think there's a bad rod or reel nowdays. it comes down more to ergonomics than performance anymore. if it's comfortable for you to fish with, then it's good. the internet has changed so much with these companies because they know if they put out junk, the whole world will know about it in about 10 minutes.
J Francho reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 8:57 AM, MittenMouth said:Power Lining for salmon is the absolute worst thing I've ever seen in fishing to this day. If someone can beat that I would be shocked/sad.
Never heard of it? Do you mean snagging?
BigGame0892 reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 12:02 PM, offsidewing said:Every time I think of buying a Daiwa reel, I buy another Shimano Metanium. I think both brands are well made. I'm in love with the new Shimano Metanium MGL.
This interests me. Should I just save my money and hold out for a Metanium to use for my pitching and skipping duties? I've heard so many people say they're incredible.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 12:02 PM, offsidewing said:Every time I think of buying a Daiwa reel, I buy another Shimano Metanium. I think both brands are well made. I'm in love with the new Shimano Metanium MGL.
After buying my first Metanium MGL just recently and toying around with it on open water, well partial open water due to the mild weather the last week (still too cold up here to catch anything though). Now I understand what people were raving about. I have 2 Met 13s' that I bought last year and loved them, but this MGL to me feels a ton better and smoother! The Met 13s though will still be in my arsenal, they are still smooth reels...but I'm definitely in line to get another Met MGL in the future.
On 2/23/2017 at 10:23 PM, BigGame0892 said:This interests me. Should I just save my money and hold out for a Metanium to use for my pitching and skipping duties? I've heard so many people say they're incredible.
I just bought my first MGL and it is the 2nd smoothest reel I've ever used (Conquest 100 beats it by a little). I used my Met 13 XG for pitching duties before and it is super smooth. I can't see why the MGL would be worse at it. Having said that, I've been using my Curado 70 XG as my primary pitching and skipping reel, this reel is great at it. I'm not a pro at skipping, so I still backlash so I can't say how good it really is as i consider myself beginner-intermediate level, but if I can do it I'm sure all the experts can do it better than I.
MittenMouth reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 9:34 PM, J Francho said:
Never heard of it? Do you mean snagging?
Google power lining Chicago- that will give you a good choice of videos. Instead of casting they shoot their line with an old compressed air tank.
J Francho reply :
Ughhh. That's lame.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 2/24/2017 at 3:25 AM, J Francho said:Ughhh. That's lame.
That's putting it politely.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 5:50 AM, LEWITH said:The SV tat will definitely be interesting I just don't like how wide Tatulas are compared to other reels. I think Diawa makes a great reel I just like the ergonomics of others better. You can't go wrong with either brand imo if it feels good in hand to you go with it!
It is a Tatula CT size not the Tatula 100 size. The CT is small.
BrianSnat reply :
On 2/23/2017 at 6:00 AM, runt4561 said:keep on moving until you find lews. Shimano and lews are the only two reels I will buy now. I had a daiwa tatula and it is a good reel but it did not last like the lews or shimanos I have. Lews BB1 and super duty and Shimano Citica, Curado or Chronarch.
I love my Lew's Tournament MB. Great reel for the money. I still prefer the Curado out of all my baitcasting reels. Every once in a while I get sloppy with my cast and the Curado is the least likely of all of my reels to get a birdsnest when I get a little sloppy. But the Curado is usually about 50 bucks more than the Lews MB
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I use to be very brand loyal myself. I was a die-hard Abu fan since the age of about 15. Last year i had some really disappointing customer service issues with them. I couldn't believe how i was treated and I'll never invest another penny in them! I slowly sold all 30 of my Revos and now am slowly rebuilding my arsenal. I have a bunch of concepts and a couple Tatula HDs that i love so far. I'm not going to worry about being brand loyal anymore and just go with what works. Heck i might even try a Shimano, maybe . . . . . .nah probably not lol!
GoCougs14 reply :
I dont see any reason to stay loyal to any manufacture. Im still pretty new to this (this will be my 3rd season), and to be honest since my first Megabass rod I honestly dont think Ill go to any other rod manufacture. I love my new Daiwa Sv103, and plan on getting a Shimano Stradic for my new spinning set up.
BigGame0892 reply :
So, the transition is complete. Time will tell, but the initial return has been nice! A new PB smallie for me - 5.82 lbs! Daiwa Tatula CT!
WRB reply :
Congratulations!
jbw252 reply :
Congrats. Nice looking catches.
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