Daiwa "Tatula 100 Type R" Hot

This reel is one of the TWS (T wing casting system) reels that Daiwa has put out. The T wing system is a new casting system that Daiwa came out with. The T wing basically opens up and allows the line to pass through a much larger opening than on conventional reels. When you reengage the reel, it flows through a much smaller (normal) opening. Daiwa says this system is supposed to increase your casting distance...comparing it to my supertuned Zillions, I do notice a little bit of distance difference, but not enough to say "it's better." It was also competing against a supertuned reel which makes it an unfair competition in my opinion.

On the water, this reel fishes like most of the Daiwa reels I own. It has a "connected" feeling that is kind of hard to explain, but it is certainly detectable to me.

I have the 8:1 gear ratio Type R, and the speed to get lures back to the yak to get back into more productive waters is a benefit to me.

I have used this reel in both fresh and salt water, and it has handled everything I have thrown at it. From 6 pound bass to 20 pound redfish, this reel has not stuttered one bit. A freshwater rinse after use is about all this reel gets. This reel has turned into my experiment reel...I plan on fishing it all year long with only rinses and wipe offs and see how it looks at the end of the year. We shall see how it goes.

If I have one complaint, it is with the finish of this reel...it seems to get scratched fairly easily.

And although the retail price on this reel is 199.99, it can be found much MUCH cheaper if you look around.