The Daiwa Tatula was introduced into the marketplace in 2013 under a very creative marketing campaign called “Project T,” with it came three models.
The three models share many of the same attributes, with the flagstone being the T-Wing Levelwind System or TWS, as Daiwa refers to it, and the main differences being gearing ratios, bearings, and spool size.
In this review of the Daiwa Tatula 100, Daiwa Tatula Type-R, and Tatula Type-HD, I will show you the differences between these models and why you will want to choose one over the other based on your particular style of fishing.
Here is the short answer to which model makes the most sense.
Tatula 100
The standard Tatual is the entry-level to the Tatula series and is a very durable reel with great features, including the T-Wing levelwind. If you are doing more freshwater than saltwater fishing and looking to save a few dollars, this is probably the reel for you.
Tatula Type-R
The Type-R is going to give you these additional features:
- Eight bearing system includes two corrosion-resistant bearings (2CRBB + 5BB + 1RB)
- Super lightweight aluminum spool
- Zaion drag star
- 10 grams lighter
- Available in super fast 8.1:1 gear ratio
This is the model you will want to go with for the angler fishing inshore and needs a super-fast retrieve option.
Tatula Type-HD
The Type-HD is going to give you the same features as the Tatula and then the following:
- Eight bearing system includes two corrosion-resistant bearings (2CRBB + 5BB + 1RB)
- Super lightweight aluminum spool
- Zaion drag star
- Extra long 100mm handle for more leverage
- 30% more line capacity
Saltwater anglers targeting larger species up to, say, 10 lbs will want to choose the Type-HD for its extra cranking power, more oversized handle, and extra line capacity.
Features
T-Wing System (TWS)
Daiwa’s T-Wing System is unique and solves one of the common problems with baitcasting reels, which is friction, which is usually caused by the level wind system. With the distinctive design of TWS, the line can flow through the wide part of the top section when casting.
Once you start to retrieve the line, it slips into the lower groove and is then evenly distributed onto the reel.
Rugged, lightweight aluminum frame and side plate (gear side)
The Tatula has a very clean and precisely designed frame and sideplates that are both made of lightweight aluminum, which leads to the overall reel weights of between 7.6 oz and 8.1 oz, depending on the model.
Air Rotor
The air rotor weighs about 15% less than a traditional rotor. It is designed to distribute the stress across the Zaion carbonite composite material evenly and thus accomplishes two goals: strength and reduced weight.
Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag UTD
All three Tatula models use what Daiwa refers to as the Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag system. The UTD comprises oversized carbon fiber drag washers placed on either side of the spool, allowing for an even distribution of the force on the spool.
This design results in a smooth drag, and during our testing, we had no experience with the drag catching or binding.
Magforce-Z cast control
Magforce-Z makes the castability of the Daiwa Tatula series of reels great. Daiwa’s unique magnetic braking system allows the spool to spin freely early on in the cast, and then at just the right time, it applies the magnets to start slowing the rotation of the spool to prevent back spoiling.
Backspooling is a common issue for many anglers, especially when just starting to use a baitcaster. There is a dial adjustment on the sideplate that allows the user to dial in just the right amount of pressure depending on his or her personal preference, lure weight, and experience.
8 Bearing System
The Tatula reels use CRBB or Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings. These are specially treated stainless ball bearings designed to provide up to 12 times the average life expectancy of steel ball bearings under harsh saltwater conditions. (Not on the Tatula Standard.)
Swept Power Handle
The Large, 90mm swept power handle with cutouts for reduced weight places the paddles closer to the center of the reel and rod, which means that more energy from each crank of the handle is transferred directly to the reel and is not wasted unnecessarily, this results in more power when you retrieve.
The Tatula Type-HD offers a 100mm handle for even more cranking power.
Features at a Glance
- T-Wing System (TWS)
- Rugged, lightweight aluminum frame
- Air Rotation
- Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag UTD
- Magforce-Z cast control
- 5.4:1, 6.3:1, 7.3:1 & 8.1:1 gear ratios
- 8 Bearing System
- Infinite Anti-reverse
- Corrosion-resistant clutch mechanism
- Large, 90mm swept power handle
- I-Shape handle knob
At the heart of the Tatula series of reels is the T-Wing or TWS system, as Daiwa refers to it. So, what is this T-Wing System? With most baitcasting reels, there is a common problem: how do you evenly get your line back onto the spool?
Different manufacturers have come up with other solutions, the most common being the level wind system.
Most level wind systems incorporate a winding mechanism that moves horizontally back and forth across the spool to distribute the line evenly. The line typically passes through a small guide hole, which can cause friction when you cast the reel.
Daiwa has developed a very ingenious method called the T-Wing that allows the line to move side to side at the top of the T part of the guide. This allows the line to play off the reel smoothly with almost no friction.
Once the clutch is engaged, the line drops down into the lower part of the T guide and is directed back and forth across the spool to wind evenly.
Ergonomically, the reel fits very nicely in the palm of your hand and should deliver a stress-free experience after many hours of fishing. If you choose the HD model, you must consider that it will be slightly heavier than comparable models, such as the Abu Garcia Revo SX, the Shimano Curado 70, or the Shimano Curado I. Still, it will give you more line capacity for fighting those larger fish.
Regarding retrieval rates, the Tatula gives you many choices with gear ratios between 5.4:1 and 8.1:1, so you are covered for many other fishing scenarios. The oversized 90mm handle on the Tatula and Tatula Type-R and the 100mm handle on the Tatula Type-HD give you extra cranking power to muscle in those larger fish.
Daiwa changed out the knobs on the Tatula to a flatter paddle style that you might be familiar with if you have ever fished Shimano baitcasters. Personally, I like the new knobs quite a bit.
Pros
- Smooth
- Corrosion resistant
- T-Wing
- Magnetic braking
Cons
- Weight
Alternatives
There are two reels that I think you should take a look at. The first is the Shimano Curado 70 if you target smaller species such as spotted seatrout. The reel is lightweight and has a slightly greater retrieve rate than the Shimano Curado I.
If you target slightly larger species, such as Snook and Redfish, the Curado I with the extra drag and spool size might be a better choice.
In Conclusion
With seven different configurations (not counting left vs correct retrieve), the Tatula series of Daiwa reels can cover a wide range of angling applications. These reels are priced and compete in the main segment of the baitcasting market and offer you a good solution for almost any fishing situation you might find yourself in.
The reels are very solid when it comes to quality and durability. In our tests, we were pleased with the performance of the three configurations we took into the field and had nothing negative to say about them other than they were slightly heavier than we would traditionally expect from Daiwa.
The bottom line is that all three models offer something to be desired, which you must decipher based on the style of fishing you intend to use the reel for. We are confident that everything will hold up over time, which has been our experience with other Daiwa products.
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