The Daiwa Tatula was introduced into the marketplace in 2013 under a very creative marketing campaign called “Project T” and with it came three models.
The three different 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 for you.
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 are looking to save a few dollars then this is probably the reel for you.
Tatula Type-R
The Type-R is going to give you these additional features:
- 8 bearing system includes 2 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
For the angler that is going to be fishing inshore and or has a need for a super fast retrieve option then this is the model you will want to go with.
Tatula Type-HD
The Type-HD is going to give you the same features of the Tatula and then the following:
- 8 bearing system includes 2 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 that are targeting larger species up to say 10 lbs will want to choose the Type-HD for its extra cranking power, larger 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 the friction that is usually caused by the level wind system. With the unique design of TWS, the line is free to 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 not only weighs about 15% less than a traditional rotor but its design to also evenly distribute the stress across the Zaion carbonite composite material and thus accomplishes two goals, one is strength and the other is reduced weight.
Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag UTD – All three of the Tatula models use what Daiwa refers to as the Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag system. The UTD is comprised of oversized carbon fiber drag washers that are placed on either side of the spool and allow for even distribution of the force on the spool.
This design results in a smooth drag and during our testing, we did not have any experience with the drag catching or binding.
Magforce-Z cast control – Magforce-Z is what makes the castability of the Daiwa Tatula series of reels so 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 what are called CRBB or Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings, these are specially treated stainless ball bearings that are designed to provide up to 12 times the normal 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 just what is this T-Wing System? With most baitcasting reels there is a common problem which is how do you get your line back onto the spool evenly.
Different manufacturers have come up with different solutions with the most common one being what is referred to as 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 passed through a small guide hole and this can cause friction on the line when you cast the reel.
Daiwa has come up with a very ingenious method called the T-Wing that allows the line to move side to side in 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. (See Diagram Above)
Specifications
There are three models of the Daiwa Tatula here are the specifications.
DAIWA TATULA 100 SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Action FW / SW | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Retrieve Rate (in) | Wt. (oz.) | Line Cap Mono (lb/yds) | Line Cap Braid (lb/yds) | Drag | Retrieve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100P | M / L | 7BB, 1RB | 5.4:1 | 22.9" | 7.9 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| 100H | M / L | 7BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 26.3" | 7.9 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| 100HL | M / L | 7BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 26.3" | 7.9 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | LEFT |
| 100HS | M / L | 7BB, 1RB | 7.3:1 | 30.5" | 7.9 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| 100HSL | M / L | 7BB, 1RB | 7.3:1 | 30.5" | 7.9 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | LEFT |
DAIWA TATULA TYPE-R SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Action FW / SW | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Retrieve Rate (in) | Wt. (oz.) | Line Cap Mono (lb/yds) | Line Cap Braid (lb/yds) | Drag | Retrieve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R100H | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 26.3" | 7.6 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| R100HL | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 26.3" | 7.6 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | LEFT |
| R100XS | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 8.1:1 | 33.9" | 7.6 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| R100XSL | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 8.1:1 | 33.9 | 7.6 | 14/120 16/100 | 40/140 55/105 | 13.2 | LEFT |
DAIWA TATULA TYPE-HD SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Action FW / SW | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Retrieve Rate (in) | Wt. (oz.) | Line Cap Mono (lb/yds) | Line Cap Braid (lb/yds) | Drag | Retrieve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD200H | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 28.1" | 8.1 | 14/165, 17/125, 20/100 | 40/190 55/145 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| HD200HL | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 6.3:1 | 28.1" | 8.1 | 14/165 17/125 20/100 | 40/190 55/145 | 13.2 | LEFT |
| HD200HS | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 7.3:1 | 32.2" | 8.1 | 14/165 17/125 20/100 | 40/190 55/145 | 13.2 | RIGHT |
| HD200HSL | M / L | 2CRBB, 5BB, 1RB | 7.3:1 | 32.2" | 8.1 | 14/165 17/125 20/100 | 40/190 55/145 | 13.2 | LEFT |
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 then you will have to take into account that it is going to be slightly heavier than comparable models such as the Abu Garcia Revo SX or the Shimano Curado 70 or Shimano Curado I but it is going to give you more line capacity for fighting those larger fish.
When it comes to retrieval rates, the Tatula gives you many different choices with gear ratios between 5.4:1 and 8.1:1, so you are covered for many different 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 are gong to be targeting smaller species such as spotted seatrout. The reel is lightweight and has a slightly greater retrieve rate than the Shimano Curado I. Read the full Shimano Curado 70 review HERE.
If you are targeting slightly larger species such as Snook and Redfish then the Curado I with the extra drag and spool size might be a better choice for you. Read the full Shimano Curado I review HERE.
In Conclusion
With a total of 7 different configurations (not counting left vs right retrieve), the Tatula series of reels for Daiwa can cover a very 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 type of 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 really 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 of the models offer something to be desired, which you will have to decipher based on the style of fishing you intend to use the reel for. We are confident that all will hold up over time which has been our experience with other Daiwa products.
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