The first two that I have held felt terrible. They were some of the most rough feeling reels I have felt. The third was extremely smooth and felt amazing. I know they are display models so will get used a lot from people picking them up and what not, but other reels at the stores did not feel so bad for just being displays. I am wondering how durable the Tatulas are? I would like to pick up a 6.3:1 for my spinnerbait rod as well as my topwater/jerkbait rod, but Im not sure from seeing two that felt so bad. 

 

Also I usually fish Abu Garcia Orra Sx's. Would you recommend the Tatula over them?

 

One final question, is there enough difference between the Type R and the Tatula to warrent the extra money? I read the difference is their weight, is that the only thing? If so I dont see paying the extra for .3oz, but if there are other differences I would reconsider. Thanks guys!

I had a Tatula R and it was very smooth and nice! As soon as I sold it I wanted it back!

Only the R has the 8.1 that alone is worth the extra money to me

I own a regular and a type r. They're both smooth as can be. I'll be honest I can't tell a difference between the 2. The R is .03 lighter,has red accents,painted black vs dark grey,has a better spool.

I think you should examine new in box reels.. Eg.. Pick 3 boxes check all 3 over.. Select one. I have read and heard too many positive comments on the reel to believe its a bad reel, a bad copy? Yep.. Happens with all reels! Type R I like the gloss black and red... 8.1 is very fast.

I never judge a reel by the display model. Always test one out of the box. You never know what has maybe happened to the display reel.

If you are wanting a 6.3:1 reel then the regular Tatula will be fine. I have both and can't really tell a difference.

OK thanks guys! Have any of y'all used that and the Orra sx and can compare them?

I got on here to ask the same thing and found this thread. I bought a brand new Tatula type r 8:1:1 and I pulled it out when it came in the mail today and can feel a slight growl in it. Does anyone know if this is common or if it wears in? Are the bearings ceramic??

I got on here to ask the same thing and found this thread. I bought a brand new Tatula type r 8:1:1 and I pulled it out when it came in the mail today and can feel a slight growl in it. Does anyone know if this is common or if it wears in? Are the bearings ceramic??

There's a bearing under the handle on top of the AR-bearing that was really rough when I got mine. I believe that bearing is what gives it "air rotation." I flushed it and oiled it good, no more issues.

There is no comparison between the Orra SX and the Tatula. The Tatula is even better than the Revo STX, don't stone me ABU guys...

There is no comparison between the Orra SX and the Tatula. The Tatula is even better than the Revo STX, don't stone me ABU guys...

I would agree with that. I am admittedly not an Abu guy though. Tried pretty much all of them and the only one I could really stand was the Gen2 Premier, even though you could scratch the paint by looking at it too hard.