Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcaster Review

Hey guys, welcome back to Beach and Fishing and my Daiwa Tatula SV TW baitcaster reel review. Now, as you are probably aware, fishing is one of those past times that holds two essential truths:

1. There are a great number of variations of every piece of equipment, tackle and accessory that you could be looking for.
2. Everybody has an opinion on which of these variations is best at any given time – which is generally due to the fact that that particular item has helped them catch fish.

So with that in mind, one thing I have tried to do on this site is review the products I use, as well as the ones that are popular at the moment to give you an idea of what may work for you as you head out to the water and chase the big ones.

Hence, for this review, I will run you through:

• What the product is
• How it works
• What I bought if for
• Pros and Cons
• Cost
• My recommendations

Baitcaster reels are the upside-down models where the reel sits on top of, rather than underneath, the rod. Functionality can vary from the simple beginner models where the cover or closed face keeps all of the essential parts of the reel protected to the more complicated ones where casting speed and brake settings etc. can be adjusted dependent upon the environment.

There are some definite advantages to them as well including:

1. More accurate when casting.
2. Longer casting capabilities.
3. Can handle heavier line and lure/sinker weight.
4. Can handle much bigger fish for their size than spinners.

The problem with them however is that they tend to take some getting used to in terms of brake setting etc. to enhance casting distance and reduce the risk of backlash.

Brakes

As above, one of the main issues that many have with baitcaster reels is that they tangle much easier when the line is being cast. This is due to a phenomenon called ‘backlash’. Put simply, this is when the spool turns faster than the lure/sinker can pull the line out during casting causing the line to continue spooling when the weight hits the water and tangle – a.k.a birds nest.

There are a number of variations here including:

• Centrifugal Brakes: Centrifugal brakes use gravity to adjust the spool speed to ensure it spins at the same rate as the cast. In this case, the brakes extend from the center of the spool running along a shelf in the center of the reel to slow it down. These can be adjusted but in most reels, this is not a simple task.
• Magnetic Brakes: Magnetic brakes are another way of controlling spool speed with easier adjustment via a small dial on the side of the unit. As the dial is turned, magnets move closer or further away from the side of the spool – the closer they are, the more they can slow the spool. These work the same as the centrifugal brakes in that they are mainly designed to work during that first ‘whip’ of the cast and release once the spool slows over the casting duration.
• Spool Tension Adjustment: This is designed for use at the end of the cast when the lure or sinker hits the water (as opposed to centrifugal and magnetic brakes which operate in the first part of the cast). In simple terms, the tension adjustment stops the spool shaft at the same time that the tackle hits the water meaning an excess line is not released.

The Daiwa Tatula SV TW baitcaster works with Magforce magnetic brakes that are adjusted by a knob on the side of the reel.

Check out my: Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Fishing Reel Review

Now, for those of you who are familiar with my posts will know that I am more of a spinning reel type of guy with a penchant for Penn reels. I do have a Daiwa Tierra for the surf and really like it but the only baitcaster I own is my Shimano Caius which I am slowly getting the hang of.

As is the usual with many of my reviews, I have a friend with a Daiwa Tatula so when we were out together recently I asked him for a go. I really really liked it. It is easy to cast and after setting the tension for my lure I avoided any birds nests as well which is always a plus for me.

I will elaborate on all of this below but for now, lets check out the specs etc. below…

• Product Name: Daiwa Tatula SV TW baitcaster reel
• Spool Size: 14/100, 16/90 on SV spool
• Bearings:7(2CRBB) 5BB + 1
• Ratio: 6.3:1, 7.1:1 and 8.1:1 dependent upon version chose
• Composition: Aluminum
• Drag: 5kg/11lb Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag
• Brakes: Magforce Magnetic Braking System

• Super light weight
• Easy to manage and clean
• Super strong drag
• TWS T-shaped line guide that is larger, wider and less restrictive to reduce backlash

• Brake knob not in a great spot
• TWS can catch larger knots

I have seen these on the marketing for around $USD199

So, as above I do not own one of these but to be honest, after using this one if I do choose to go back to the store for another baitcaster, I would be hard-pressed not to get a hold of one of these. I actually played around with the tension knob a bit and to be honest, I found it almost impossible to birds nest.

It is smooth and easy to use and on the smaller fish I did catch on it, the drag was definitely adequate. My friend who owns the reel (and is a baitcaster tragic) raves about it which is why I wanted to try it in the first place and to be honest, I was not disappointed.

All in all, for general use chasing fresh and saltwater species alike, you could definitely do a lot worse than this one – especially if you are new to baitcasters in general.

So there you have it, my honest review and appraisal of the Daiwa Tatula SV TW baitcaster reel. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below.

Are there any other products you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul