jtesch

I’ve done the Z 103 Gigas spool in my T3 1016 and felt it wasn’t an upgrade at all. I think the stock spools in the T3’s are pretty good. I actually put the MX spool in an SS SV and it was a big improvement over the SS SV spool.

Your probably fine with straight braid. Dark green would be my choice

They still make some really good reels in my opinion. The Premier and MGX are both solid reels, same with the winch and the rocket. I just don’t think you can compete with Daiwa right now when you can buy a Tatula SV for $140 or the CT for $100. Never a huge fan of their rods but I’ll take the Villain 2.0 over just about any rod at the $200 price point. Daiwa obviously made a huge effort to dominate the $100-$200 price range for rods and reels and they’re doing it. Even Shimano’s mid range rod lineup kinda sucks right now. One thing is certain. In 2 years everything will change again. Wasn’t very long ago I thought the world would end because the OG Zillion was discontinued.

Tatula is also a great heavy jig rod. Cant go wrong with it. Local shop has the Tatula elite frog rod, oh baby...what a sweet rod

My Tatula SV’s are crazy long casting reels but still are very controlling for skipping and light lures. The SV 105 is a little to controlled for my taste and I actually swapped out the SV spool in my SS SV because it was waaaay to controlled. If you kinda follow the progression of the SV spools you’ll notice it took a few years but Daiwa has them really dialed in now. The Tatula SV is really a remarkable reel considering it’s not a free floating spool. It’s a great choice for your first SV.

I have 2 of the 7’1” Tatula rods and a Cronos with the same specs. I fish Texas rigs with them all the time. Tip is extremely sensitive but the rod has a lot of backbone. I like to think it fishes a lot lighter then it really is. I’ve owned most of the Tatula line up and the 7’1 is my second favorite behind the 7’4 frog rod. You’ll be very happy with it.

1016 is a great spool and very versatile

All of them!!

I agree, great reel. Liked it so much I bought another. Can't believe how well it casts. I was expecting the pinion spool to slow it down a little but it may be the best cast reel (out of the box) that I've ever owned. Just bombs heavier lures

Another vote for the Tatula, I'm not sure if it's the same blank as the Zillion but the actions are identical. Another rod that is right at your upper end is the Abu Villain 2.0. It's really close to a JDM rod and pretty special to fish with. Blows away a Croix legend tourney in my opinion

If it's in the budget the SV is head and shoulders above the type R, honestly no comparison. I was totally amazed at the casting ability of the SV

What he said

SS SV is most definitely more "breaky" then the other SV's. I think you have to accept it for what it is, a mid range caster that is very accurate and controlled. The Tatula SV can waaaaay outcast it and doesn't even have a free floating spool. Remember the SS SV is one of the first SV's and I'm sure a lot of fine tuning has happened since

I have both and the MHR is pretty much a fast action. I use it for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, topwater and bigger lipless cranks. You can use it for jigs etc. without an issue as well. The 7'1" xf is just an awsome rod. I have 2 and got a Cronos in the same action. Kind of at the lower end of medium heavy I think with the light tip but plenty of backbone. I really love the original Tatula rods, great bang for the buck. When the local BPS was dumping Daiwa I grabbed 6 assorted for less than $100 each including another 7'4" frog rod which is also a great rod.

I've had problems with a big hook set With any slack in the line. Fluoro does not react well to the sudden shock of a big slack line hook set. I've snapped fresh 18# leaders in half because I was to aggressive and didn't reel up slack. Just a thought

I think Daiwa Samurai might be the best casting braid, it's diameter is smaller than equal weight lines but so is its actual break point. I use it a lot but I'll take Maxquatro or FX2 for frogging Maxquatro does give you that awsome Major league fishing sound though!!

My thought is-- if you can cast it with some accuracy, why not. If had a couple flipping rods that where just to stiff to really cast effectively.

You can loosen up the Tat SV quite a bit. I can bomb with mine. Keep in mind your gonna want to readjust for skipping. Remember the SV's are designed to not backlash. This will effect distance.

Agree, the Elite is probably the better rod. Rumor is that it's a Steez blank (heard that from local shop owner) Cronos is a really nice rod, sort of an upgraded Standard Tatula which are also nice rods

Also look at the Premier, it's going for $230ish right now and is a much better reel then the STX. Same brake system as the MGX, light and a great all purpose reel

The Tatula 7'1" MH--XF. Is a great soft plastic rod. Light, sensitive and can load up pretty well when you need some power

The regular Tatula line does have quite a few fast and extra fast actions which are great bottom contact rods. The regular action rods are designed for moving baits. That said the Elites are next on the list for me.

How about a special SV type R+ spool.

Looking at the Ray's spool my guess is it would be a good pitching spool and terrible for longer casting. It's a Megabass honey comb copy I believe, also won't hold much line either

Let me say this, the Tatula SV is the longest casting Daiwa I've ever owned. That includes tuned Z's, Zillions and several other SV's. I've only had it a month so I'm still putting it through its paces but I'm in awe of its casting so far