I'm looking into buying another tatula because I love my 7.3 I have now and I'm wondering if its really worth upgrading to the 8.1 they have for the type R (not for the faster gear ratio).

They only benefits I see are a lighter spool, 2 corrosive resistant bearing, and a new paint job for those who care...

I'm not gonna be using the new reel for anything light but I can cast 1/8 lures on my normal tatula so would a lighter spool really help you get any lower than that?

And how helpful are those 2 improved bearings?

Probably gonna be using this reel for heavy cover fishing like frogs, punching, pitching, jigs etc...

So do you guys think its really worth dishing out the extra 50?

The drag star on the Type R is also different, it is made of Zaion and is a single piece design.  The regular Tatula uses some other material and the drag star is designed like that of a Shimano, with a nut on the main crank shaft that it tightens to apply pressure on the drag washers and disks.   Aside from the obvious cosmetic differences, spool, and spool tension cap, ported frame, I think you have the rest covered.

 

Only you can decide if any of these things are important to you and make the Type R worth it.  I will say that if you do any looking around the difference in price is much less than 50 dollars.

 

I went with the Type R and for me and my use I felt like it was an easy choice.

The drag star on the Type R is also different, it is made of Zaion and is a single piece design. The regular Tatula uses some other material and the drag star is designed like that of a Shimano, with a nut on the main crank shaft that it tightens to apply pressure on the drag washers and disks. Aside from the obvious cosmetic differences, spool, and spool tension cap, ported frame, I think you have the rest covered.

Only you can decide if any of these things are important to you and make the Type R worth it. I will say that if you do any looking around the difference in price is much less than 50 dollars.

I went with the Type R and for me and my use I felt like it was an easy choice.

Hmm didn't notice anything about the drag star thanks for that little bit of info!

Contact Valley Sports, site sponsor, Ron has good prices for the Tatula's.

Tom

That's where I got my first one from

Great prices and good service.

I'm upgrading my tat7:1 to type r 8:1.

I power fish and being able to bring back my jig without it skipping across the water too much is a benefit

I like the Type R over the regular. If you upgrade the bearings, you can get even more performance out of the lighter spool. The extra speed of the 8.1 is useful for frogs and jigs.

I'd say no. I personally don't mind the plastic star drag. I don't see much of advantage with the 1.5 gram lighter spool of the type R.

I would much rather spend the extra $50 elsewhere. You could buy upgraded bearings, and bearings for the knobs and level wind.

I own both and the only reason I have a type R is because I wanted the ipt of the 8:1:1 The type R has boca os7 bearings added to it plus 2 bearings added to the level wind. The other is 100% stock, except a good cleaning. I CAN'T tell a difference between the two reels. The regular tatula has no problem casting lighter stuff. Weightless fluke or senko for example.

I'd say no. I personally don't mind the plastic star drag. I don't see much of advantage with the 1.5 gram lighter spool of the type R.

I would much rather spend the extra $50 elsewhere. You could buy upgraded bearings, and bearings for the knobs and level wind.

If you're paying an extra $50 for the Type R, you're getting ripped off.

Considering DSG has the regular version for $75, so I would say no.

If you're paying an extra $50 for the Type R, you're getting ripped off.

I agree but I was going by the OP's topic question.

Considering DSG has the regular version for $75, so I would say no.

Diawa tatulas for 75$? What is this madness...

If you spread that $50 over the lifetime of the reel, I think you'll find that the price difference really is negligible...  At least that's how I rationalize all my silly gear expenditures anyways.     

tackle tour review couldn't find much difference in performance between the two.

I picked up my type r for around $140 including shipping. Theres deals to be had so dont think its a huge $50 increase for a lighter spool. Reel is awesome as is the regular Tatula.

I think I'm just gonna stick to the normal tatula, the faster ratio is the only big difference and I don't care for it that much.

7.3 is plenty fast for me