Smoke Vs Tatula

Mr.Vexilar · March 24, 2019, 01:56:02 PM

Hello all. New guy here. I'm looking for some help deciding between two reels. I'm stuck between a Quantum Smoke PT 7.3:1 and a Daiwa Tatula CT 8.1:1. Has anyone used both and compared them? I'm leaning more towards the Tatula but dont want to overlook the Smoke. Any help? Thanks

LgMouthGambler · March 24, 2019, 02:06:01 PM

Tatula is a more quality reel. Smoke and others like the Vapor are a $50 reel at best. If you dont care for the T Wing, go ahead and grab a Fuego CT. Same reel as the Tatula CT, and can be had for some good deals.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Oldfart9999 · March 24, 2019, 02:17:25 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on March 24, 2019, 02:06:01 PM
Tatula is a more quality reel. Smoke and others like the Vapor are a $50 reel at best. If you dont care for the T Wing, go ahead and grab a Fuego CT. Same reel as the Tatula CT, and can be had for some good deals.

Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk

Then let Matt work his magic on it and you'll never look back!!!
Rodney

Mike Cork · March 25, 2019, 11:57:12 AM

I haven't personally fished a smoke but I have worked on a lot of them and the folks here in NW Louisiana and NE Texas won't use them anymore. When the first came out years ago everyone jumped at them. Now you can't give one away in my area.

Between those two I personally would go with the Daiwa.

Just cause, have you considered a Shimano?

LgMouthGambler · March 25, 2019, 01:43:24 PM

Quote from: Mike Cork on March 25, 2019, 11:57:12 AM
Just cause, have you considered a Shimano?

This is great question. Since Shimano has finally stepped up in the $100 category with the SLX, you could give that a shot as well if you are more into a centrifugal style brake system. I will tell you from personal experience, that thing is a wold in sheeps clothing. When you open it up with added bearings, and upgraded spool bearings, its quite amazing.

Mr.Vexilar · March 25, 2019, 06:11:17 PM

Quote from: Mike Cork on March 25, 2019, 11:57:12 AM
I haven't personally fished a smoke but I have worked on a lot of them and the folks here in NW Louisiana and NE Texas won't use them anymore. When the first came out years ago everyone jumped at them. Now you can't give one away in my area.

Between those two I personally would go with the Daiwa.

Just cause, have you considered a Shimano?

I haven't considered shimano just due to the fact that I've heard so many great reviews on the tatula and its typically a cheaper price point tha shimano. I do use Shimano Stradics for my spinning reels so I know that make a quality reel.

Mike Cork · March 26, 2019, 10:35:14 AM

As LgMouthGambler said the biggest difference is going to be the style of braking system that you prefer. Daiwa has a dial that moves a magnet in and out, and Shimano has brakes on pins that you click on or off.

Both styles have their separate benefits but it's common that an angler likes one over the other.

The Daiwa is a great reel and you'll enjoy it. It's a magnetic braking system.

Mr.Vexilar · March 26, 2019, 08:17:05 PM

Thanks guys! I appreciate it. I decided to go with the Daiwa. Now for these Iowa lakes to thaw so I can put it to work!