I'm a Shimano guy but looking for a reel to throw big swimbaits. I can get a Tatula Type HD for around $150 and a Shimano Curado 300E for around $200 on the bay. Just wanting to know you guys' thoughts that have used these reels. Is the Curado worth the $50 over the Tatula? Thanks for all the responses!

I have a 300E and love it but have never fished the Tatula. I'm sure that you would be just fine with the Tatula and you could also consider a Cardiff 300 if you're not against having a round reel. They're very solid reels and you could probably find one for under $100 if you look around a little. 

I recently sold my 300e, but it's a sweet reel for throwing the bigger baits.  it fits surprisingly well in hand and is not as bulky as one might think.  My opinion is that it is worth the $50 extra.

300E is a strong, tough, smooth, big gear reel. 29 ipt, gear side aluminum plate, it's easily the winner IMO,

The E series reels are popular for good reason. I did however recently have the chance to test cast a Tatula and found myself really enjoying it. Granted it was just testing, but I spent a fair amount of time with it and will probably pick one up for myself at some point.

I'm a Shimano guy but looking for a reel to throw big swimbaits. I can get a Tatula Type HD for around $150 and a Shimano Curado 300E for around $200 on the bay. Just wanting to know you guys' thoughts that have used these reels. Is the Curado worth the $50 over the Tatula? Thanks for all the responses!

How large of baits are you looking at?  The Tatula HD is still a nice size but I just don't know how I feel about throwing the big big baits on it.  As I think out loud I did throw a 9" slammer on my Tatula Type R last year with no problems on braid. 

Lexa 300

While I've never fished a Tatula I have owned several Daiwa's in the past and they were great reels so I'm sure the Tat HD would be the same. I do however own a 301E and absolutely love it! It is so solid and powerful I love throwing umbrella rigs with mine, makes easy work of fishing them for long periods. I've not had any trouble fishing "regular" sized bass lures with it either. I think the lightest I've gone so far is a 3/8 oz swimjig and trailer but it handled it with ease.  

 

Either reel will get the job done for you but I'd definitely go with the Curado.

Like everyone else, you'll probably be fine with both. The Daiwa would get my money, if that's what you want to know.

Like everyone else, you'll probably be fine with both. The Daiwa would get my money, if that's what you want to know.

 

So you have used both and prefer the Tatula HD, why?

I got a lot of miles throwing big baits on my 300e. Everything from hudds to big glide baits.

I just bought a 300E, thanks for all the comments guys!

"Lexa 300"  I wouldn't compare the HD with the curado 300 - with the Lew's Super Duty, maybe The Lexa 300 would be more in the class of the Curado 300, although the Curado is made in Japan

_____________________________________________

 

Right on!

I just bought a 300E, thanks for all the comments guys!

 

you won't regret it