I've been fishing with Daiwa reels for a long time and have a ton of them in my rod locker right now. This is an unsponsored review, so you’re getting my honest thoughts. I was looking for a higher-end reel with a deeper spool, which led me to buy the Daiwa Tatula Elite. After using it for 3-4 months, here are my impressions.
Gear Ratios and Specifications
The Tatula Elite comes in three gear ratios: 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1. I’ve been using the 7.1:1 gear ratio, which strikes a great balance for various fishing techniques. The reel weighs 6.7 ounces and has a line capacity of 150 yards for 12lb test and 125 yards for 14lb test line.
Build and Design
This reel features an aluminum frame with a max drag of 11 pounds. Despite its compact 100-size frame, it boasts a deeper spool compared to other reels of the same size. This design is perfect for heavier applications, and allows for long casts without worry of running out of line.
Castability and Performance
The Daiwa Tatula Elite excels in castability. Making long casts is easy and I've had minimal backlashes. Adjusting the reel is straightforward with the dial on the side. The 11 pounds of drag is sufficient for most fishing situations.
Personal Experience
I’ve used this reel for heavier setups like Carolina rigs, heavier jigs, and swing head jigs, with typically 15lb test line. The deeper spool is crucial for handling heavier weights and longer casts. Paired with a light, sensitive rod, the reel's low weight maintains maximum sensitivity to feel subtle bites, and bottom composition.
Price and Recommendation
Priced at $249.99, the Daiwa Tatula Elite is worth the investment. Since buying my first, I’ve asked for one as a gift and purchased a third. I prefer its compact size and deeper spool over the Daiwa Tatula SV thats in the 200 size. While the Daiwa Tatula Elite is more expensive, the benefits in line capacity and weight make it a top choice for me.
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Get the Daiwa Tatula Elite Reel here - https://omnia.direct/wZWWxZ
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