By Tim Carini
Special to BassFan
Daiwa introduced the Tatula reel at ICAST in 2013, one of the models that incorporates the T-Wing System (TWS). For those unfamiliar with the T-Wing System, it’s a new system Daiwa developed to replace the standard level-wind.
In theory, it seemed reasonable that this system would reduce friction and increase casting distance. After spending a few days on the water this winter using the Tatula, that theory proved to be correct.
Conventional reels have a level-wind that moves right to left on a worm gear to keep the line even on the spool. When the reel is disengaged for a cast, the level-wind is then fixed in that position. In the event the reel is disengaged while the level-wind is at the far side of the spool, it creates a hard angle when the line leaves the spool and thus causes friction. At times, that angle is so great that an angler can actually hear the line “ripping” off the spool as it fights its way across the spool to the level-wind.
It brings to mind a basic principle I learned back in high school science: An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a greater or equal force. In other words, friction is the greater force that slows down motion – the motion of the spool spinning on a cast.
When engaged, the TWS is in the up position and the line is fed into the narrow (bottom of the “T”) part as it moves back and forth on the worm gear to evenly distribute line onto the spool. Once the reel is disengaged on the cast, the TWS moves to the down position, allowing line to freely flow off the spool and through a much larger opening, the top of the “T”. This allows the line much more freedom, and much less friction, as it comes off the spool right to left and left to right.
On the very first cast with the Tatula it was easy to feel how much less friction is on the line compared to standard level-winds. The casts were very smooth, easy and effortless. Less friction on the cast results in longer casts and the ability to cast lighter lures. While it wasn’t the right time of year to be casting a weightless Senko with highs in the 30s, the Tatula did it with ease. To further test this friction theory, I took two identical jigging spoons, one tied to the Tatula and one on a reel with a standard level-wind, and dropped them to the bottom. The spoon on the Tatula made it to the bottom in less time. This can be critical when targeting deep bass with a vertical technique.
The other technique where the TWS excels is skipping docks. Less friction results in smoother skips that go several feet longer than conventional reels, reaching places other anglers may not be able to reach as easily. Also, with less friction acting upon the line while skipping, backlashes were not as common as the line moved at a more constant velocity and slowed more naturally. For someone looking to learn skipping docks with a baitcaster, this reel is perfect.
One unintended benefit of the TWS, which I found out one cold morning on the lake, was its resistance to icing. Conventional level-winds have a hole not much larger than the line diameter and can ice up quickly on a cold morning and impede casting. The T-Wing has a much larger opening in which the line passes so any icing does not interfere with casting. Now, if only a rod manufacturer could figure out how to stop guides from icing.
Aside from the T-Wing System, which was very impressive, the Tatula features many nice qualities such as an extended handle with oversized grips and is the perfect size for palming the reel. The cast control is sensitive and cranking the reel is smooth and quiet. One of the best features of the Tatula outside of the TWS is the price. It’s nice to see Daiwa get back into the working man’s market like they did in the late 1990s with some classic reels that were real workhorses at a reasonable price.
Product Specs
> Model: TATULA100HSL
> Gear Ratio: 7.3:1
> Weight: 7.9 ounces
> Retail Price: $149.99
> Looking to buy? Click hereto find it in the BassFan Store.
Check out the gallery below for a closer look at the Tatula.
