Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reels Review

Daiwa released its first spinning reel in 1955. Since then, the company has focused on developing and improving its tackle line. Based in California, the company now sells everything from rods and reels to lines and lures.

The Tatula Series from Daiwa is a top-of-the-line model. According to the company’s website, the Tatula line is “designed to meet the durability and performance requirements of a pro angler.” As you may expect, Tatula baitcasting reels are expensive but could be a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve the gear they use while on the water.

First, let’s take a brief look at the specs of the Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reels Baitcast Fishing Reel:

• Multiple gear ratios available, ranging from 6:3:1 to 8:1:1
• Features a maximum drag of 13.2 pounds
• Seven ball bearings plus one roller bearing
• Available to both right and left-handed anglers
• I-shape handle knob
• 90mm swept power handle
• Mono Line capacity ranges from 14/120 to 14/165
• Line per handle turn ranges from 22.9” to 33.9”
• Measures 5.4” x 4.2” x 2.8”
• Weighs approximately 7.5 ounces

What we like

There’s a lot to like about the Tatula Baitcasting Reel Series from Daiwa. One of the things that stood out the most was the full range of gear ratios. Customers can choose from gear ratios ranging from 6:3:1 to 8:1:1, allowing them to select the proper reel for their needs on the water. Furthermore, the “Line per Handle Turn” range is quite drastic as well, varying from 22.9” to 33.9.”

This reel truly shines when you place it in the water. It features an Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag design, providing 13.2 pounds of maximum drag. 

We found that this produced an exceptionally smooth performance. Similarly, we found that the product operated efficiently thanks to the eight ball-bearing design. The reels feature seven ball bearings in addition to a single roller bearing. 

Customers should also benefit from the infinite anti-reverse braking systems and the clutch mechanism. This should minimize strain and stress when trying to reel in a massive fish. The Magforce-Z cast control also allowed for optimal performance. We found that we could cast a line with pinpoint accuracy when using this feature.

The reel features a hyper-speed design, which was everything you’d imagine. Because of this, we don’t feel as though this product is best for beginner anglers. The hyper-speed design is powerful and is best for fishers with years of experience handling aggressive fish.

It’s also clear that Daiwa stressed a sleek, lightweight design when creating this product. Although the aluminum frame on this product was rugged and durable, it did not come at the expense of weight. The fact that this product weighed a mere 7.5 ounces stood out to us.

Another reason why this was the case was the cutouts in the handle, which helped reduce the overall weight of the product.

Lastly, we were impressed by how much Daiwa put into their quality control. The company stated that it tests each product for durability and quality. If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality reel, it’s nice knowing that the reel will work. The company also has warranty centers around the country should your product falter.

What we wish was different

There’s not much about this product that we would change. The product is intended for pro anglers, and it shows. We’d perhaps like to see options designed more for the amateur fisher who is looking for a high-performance design without breaking the bank. Similarly, the cost of this product is a detriment, as amateur anglers could find high-quality reels for far less.

Additionally, we’d like the company to ensure that this product works well in saltwater. As we note below, some customers mentioned salt buildup on their line. If this is indeed a trend, we’d like for Daiwa to confirm that it designed these reels explicitly for freshwater use.

We’d then like to see the company add anti-corrosive materials that allow saltwater performance.

Finally, some customers may find the handle on this reel a bit awkward. The swept power handle measures 90 mm. Those used to conventional reels may find its design challenging to use. However, we found that it was easy to adjust to its design and that the handle ended up providing maximum control of the reel. In our mind, the handle is not necessarily a game changer.

What other customers say

Shawn C raved about his Tatula Baitcasting Reel, saying that it was lightweight, smooth, and fast. He also said that he was able to adjust the equipment quickly and easily. Shawn did note that the handle on this reel extends a bit further than other modern reels but that adjusting was easy. Lastly, the reviewer said that he saved his money so that he could buy multiple variations of this reel.

Gary U described the Tatula Baitcasting Reel as perfection. He noted that this reel stood up to its reputation and that everything about it was “top notch.” Gary was notably impressed with the drag offered by the spool, saying that he found it easy to use and operate. He said that of all the reels he tried, this was the first one that left him truly satisfied and that he would no longer stray from Daiwa.

Yammo was a bit more bearish on the product. The reviewer said that the product performed well for about half a year but that casts then became notably shorter. Upon deconstruction, the reviewer found salt buildup and corrosion on the bearings. This review appeared to be an anomaly, as the product had a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, with more than 85 percent of reviews being five stars.

Wrapping up

If you are an angler looking for a top-of-the-line reel, you’ll want to consider the Tatula Baitcasting Reels from Tatula. With multiple options available, we believe you can find one that best suits your needs. Although these reels could cost anywhere from $150 to $300, the product’s durability, smoothness, and performance make it a worthwhile investment that could yield success on the water.