Having never used either reel I'm looking for your opinions on which you would choose based on your experience with them 

thanks

The CT is a far more refined reel.  My God-son fished the Lexa (3)  and he just picked up two CT's to upgrade. The standard CT can be found for just over a hundred bucks and that's a really good value. 

I can't speak for the Tatulas other than the excellent
reputation they've gotten from a number of members
here.

As for the Lexa, I do like it, I gave mine to one of my
sons and he's doing very well with it. I think Daiwa
makes a great reel in this price range, FWIW.

It's a matter of T-wing or not.  I'd want T-wing.

I have been fishing with a lot of Tatula, Tatula Type Rs and one Exceller for several years now. The CT is as good as any of the Tatulas, it is just in a slightly smaller frame. This I believe was done specifically to compete with some of the smaller Shimano and Lews reels. personally I like the larger frame on the Tatulas, however my next reel is going on a super light rod, so a CT is going to be my next one. I am sure you will be happy with the CT, and yes I really like the T wing.

thanks for the feedback. i bought s ct and an exceller to try out.