28 minutes ago, aaatkr said:

I wish the 2500 and 3000 size Tatula had a shallower spool

The 3000 does. I have one. Search TALT3000-CXH

20 minutes ago, aaatkr said:

Ordering the Ark this week.  I think I'll bring it with on my next trip to the store to see which of the three reels feels the best.   I wish the 2500 and 3000 size Tatula had a shallower spool.  Not into filling with backing.   Thanks again.

I just received a Tatula LT in 2500 size from Asian Portal fishing with a shallow spool,  LT2500S-XH. 
 

Forgot the pic.

 

On 1/7/2022 at 10:52 AM, warefisher said:

Does the Daiwa BG MQ belong in this discussion?  Has an aluminum body and the 2500 size is a decent weight at 8.3 oz with 22 lb drag.  I’ve been watching this reel for inshore saltwater fishing.  It’s usually listed at $199.99 and I just ordered one for $134.99.  I have and like several Tatula LT spinning reels and am looking forward to the comparison.  I think I’ll like!

Although the BG MQ is more than a decent reel for what is designed for, it's strong points and not-so-strong points don't seem in line for the same type of fishing as the other reels in the discussion. Buying a reel for inshore saltwater fishing is a completely different kettle of fish. The BG MQ isn't even listed with their 'regular' spinning reels and is instead listed with their 'saltwater' spinning reels.

 

The tatula and kage do exhibit some flex in use, but it isn't anything that will cause anyone to lose a fish. The 8.2 ounces (of the BG MQ) vs 6.2 ounces (of the Tatula LT2500) is about a 25% difference in weight. Two ounces is very noticeable on a finesse rig. Even an ounce on a lightweight rig is noticeable enough for me to spend more for a Tatula or Kage over a Fuego. The BG MQ is way overkill for bass fishing that would be done with a 2500 or 3000 size reel IMHO. If it didn't, I would just use all Revros or Regal LT2500's and be done with it. I could deal with the weight if I had to, but would prefer not to.

 

For inshore saltwater fishing though, with the monocoque body and the sturdiness of that all aluminum frame, there is no question that the BG MQ would be a more appropriate choice and a fantastic reel. A complete steal at $134.99.

7 hours ago, aaatkr said:

Not into filling with backing.

Perhaps this is something you should re-think. I fill my Tatula LT 3000-CXH shallow spool a shade over half full using 50lb braid as a backer. This leaves enough room to top off the spool with about 70 yards of Power Pro 15lb Super Slick. Not a single bait I'm likely to throw on this setup has the weight to get me anywhere near the backer. Even a bait like a weightless 5" Senko coming in at 3/8oz, which I'm throwing on a baitcaster 99% of the time anyway, is only going to get out to maybe 130 ft or so. A full size spook, maybe 160 ft. When enough line is payed off of a spinning reel's spool, spool lip friction is going to be the limiting factor. If casting distance is a priority, you really want your spool to be filled as high as possible to the lip to avoid friction from limiting your casts as line gets closer to the arbor. BTW, I've always had the spool packed right up to the hairy edge on this reel without issue.