I’m looking at getting a new reel in the $200 range I’m mainly looking at the SLX DC and Tatula sv Tw any advice ?

 

I already have a curado and like it but just wanna try something new

Do you want cool technology and reel that is virtually backlash proof? Or do want a reel that is pretty versatile with with a shallow spool. 

 

I like a DC for moving bait and a SV TW for bottom contact lures. 

What are you planning on using it for?

 

I have no experience with the SLX DC, but the SLX MGL 70 is amazing for throwing light lures, it absolutely bombs them. The Tatula SV is quite good for light lures too, but I would give the SLX MGL 70 is better for casting them. The SV is pretty solid with light lures as well, but imo really excels at skipping, pitching and making targeted casts. So if you are using it for T-Rigs and jigs, the SV is amazing.

I had an epic back-lash on my SLX DC the other week.  If I mess up bad, the DC won’t save me.  Having said that; it casts like I have some added insurance.  
 

I can’t get it set up like the YouTube guys that cast sans thumb.  I still use my thumb. 

17 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I had an epic back-lash on my SLX DC the other week.  If I mess up bad, the DC won’t save me.  Having said that; it casts like I have some added insurance.  
 

I can’t get it set up like the YouTube guys that cast sans thumb.  I still use my thumb. 

I’m of the opinion that to go completely thumb free you have to tighten the spool tension way too much. I tighten mine just enough to remove side to side play. Only thumbing needed is when the lure hits the water and if you’re fishing something that sinks I feather it it a little bit as it’s dropping or it’ll over run. 

6 minutes ago, BigTimeBassin said:

I’m of the opinion that to go completely thumb free you have to tighten the spool tension way too much. I tighten mine just enough to remove side to side play. Only thumbing needed is when the lure hits the water and if you’re fishing something that sinks I feather it it a little bit as it’s dropping or it’ll over run. 

I do the same thing, but I leave a little play in the spool so the bait will fall like its on slack line.

 

Can't help as I don't have both reels.  Just wanted to say 'Welcome' to the forum.  Lots of knowledgeable people here.  There is also a ton of good reading.  Be sure to check out some of the articles and gear reviews.  You can spend a lot of time just going through some of them.

 

I have both reels. I love them both, but keep in mind that the tatula will make short casts better. It takes a little bit of time for the DC brake to kick in. It's great for bombing baits but not as good for short cast. So if you can only get one I would get the tatula

Also, for what it's worth, I think my tatula has been smoother from day one. I've got about an extra year on my SLX DC, and it's starting to feel a bit geary.

15 minutes ago, UNC1078 said:

I have both reels. I love them both, but keep in mind that the tatula will make short casts better. It takes a little bit of time for the DC brake to kick in. It's great for bombing baits but not as good for short cast. So if you can only get one I would get the tatula

Also, for what it's worth, I think my tatula has been smoother from day one. I've got about an extra year on my SLX DC, and it's starting to feel a bit geary.

Was your Tatula smooth out of the box? I’m in the process of returning one and trying from a different retailer because it felt a touch geary on the retrieve and not glass smooth like much cheaper Fuegos I’ve had. Also was very loud when casting.

Yes, the tatula was smooth out of the box. 

7 hours ago, BigTimeBassin said:

I’m of the opinion that to go completely thumb free you have to tighten the spool tension way too much.

On all of my Daiwa reels, I set the spool tension at the point it just begins to click. With the magforce brakes, on a heavier lure if I set the brakes around 10, I can go thumb free without issue. This is generally unique to Daiwa.

I have both and prefer the Tatula over the SLX DC due to the weight, but both are good. I personally feel like Shimano reels feel more refined and smoother than Daiwa and that's no different here, but 1.2 oz. is a big weight difference. The Tatula SV is my favorite Daiwa reel though.

The whine would drive me crazy, and the shallow spool saves on line. A properly set SV Tatula is about impossible to backlash without being overtightened. I've shown this to clients numerous times who said they couldn't fish a baitcaster.