I've always been primarily a Shimano guy but have purchased a few Daiwa spinning reels and liked them too.  Between the Tatula MQ LT and The Stradic FM in a 2500 size spinning reel what would you guys recommend?  I have a lot of experience with the older Stradics and it has been VERY positive but I read a few reviews where people were not happy with the FM model???

I’ve been a Stradic guy for a long time but I’ve started accumulating Daiwa spinning reels lately.  Primarily for the rigs that perform double duty in saltwater.

 

Don’t really think you can go wrong.  Choose the one which balances better in your rod.

I would go with the Stradic, as long as weight isn't an issue, my tatula mq had a rough spot on the gear so I sold it

@Randy Price you're in luck that Stradic FL is closing out everywhere.  

Take two - the're small.  

Owned a Stradic FL 2500, solid smooth reel that felt like quality that would last a long time, but a bit heavy for what I wanted.

 

Bought a Tatula LT 2000 , not the MQ version, last year. Very light, smooth drag, good quality, but not the same toughness feel as the stradic. Weighs much less than the stradic though. This fits the role for finesse fishing that I wanted.

 

Both very solid reels.

I bought 2 more Stradics last week.  They are smooth as silk.  I also have some that are 20 years old.

IMHO Daiwa didn't do itself any favors by adding so much weight to Tatula, which was one of the older LTs best advantages.  Weight wise both reels are about even.  Haven't even touched an FM, but I think FL has a slight edge as far as precision goes and I really prefer an AL main.  Line lay is good on both, but Stradic has a definite edge.  Where Daiwa beats Shimano is power.  The older LT main gears were considerably bigger and the MQ body allows a even larger gear that provides a serious amount of torque relative to reel size.  Honestly with 3k and smaller reels in FW I've never had a situation where I've needed more power than a Stradic can provide.  You probably can't lose with either reel, it just comes down to preference.

I personally love the old Tatula LT more than the MQ. Both are great reels, the old LT was just lighter and looked better IMO. Never owned a Stradic. I have owned Vanfords and have a Sustain and I’d take the Tatula over the Vanford which is pretty much the newer version of the CI4 Stradic. 
 

You can still get the non MQ Tatula online. But if you can find a good deal on the old Stradic FL that would be a good pickup as well.
 

 

Owned 2 Tatula LTs (I know, not the MQ) in a 2000 and 2500 size.    I no longer have them and now have 4 Stradic FLs.  I think daiwa makes the better baitcaster and Shimano the better spinning reel.   I never quite enjoyed the daiwa spinning reels I’ve had.    Either way I’m sure you’ll be happy with whichever you get.  All personal preference.  

Thanks guys for all the replies.  I purchased a 2500 Stradic FM.

On 3/1/2024 at 12:27 PM, Joshua Voss said:

I would go with the Stradic, as long as weight isn't an issue, my tatula mq had a rough spot on the gear so I sold it

I have the same rough spot on my Tatula. I’m about to sell and get a stradic as well

No longer a spinning finesse bass angler, BFS now!

Stradic and Vanford reels were my go too for spinning.

Tom

Stradic is a salty beast with the same labyrinth seals and bad-boy A/R clutch as Stella (parts interchange).  

20 hours ago, Mariner mike said:

I have the same rough spot on my Tatula. I’m about to sell and get a stradic as well

Check your oscillator gear and ensure no teeth are warped, they're the weakest link of just about every Daiwa spinner out there, short of their JDM surf reels which still use a level wind.  I've had plenty come into the shop this year with a warped or broken oscillator, or worse yet, having the oscillator mount broken clear from the frame.  The offending models were all Tatula and Ballistic LTs.  I cannot wholeheartedly recommend a Daiwa spinner and will not until they reinstate the level wind oscillation or use a more durable material instead of nylon.  Daiwa used the level wind most recently in two models, the SS Tournament and Exist.  The SS Tournament went out of production 3 years ago after a 35 year run, and the design for the Exist adopted the nylon spur gear oscillator 2 or 3 generations back.  

 

3 hours ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Check your oscillator gear and ensure no teeth are warped, they're the weakest link of just about every Daiwa spinner out there, short of their JDM surf reels which still use a level wind.  I've had plenty come into the shop this year with a warped or broken oscillator, or worse yet, having the oscillator mount broken clear from the frame.  The offending models were all Tatula and Ballistic LTs.  I cannot wholeheartedly recommend a Daiwa spinner and will not until they reinstate the level wind oscillation or use a more durable material instead of nylon.  Daiwa used the level wind most recently in two models, the SS Tournament and Exist.  The SS Tournament went out of production 3 years ago after a 35 year run, and the design for the Exist adopted the nylon spur gear oscillator 2 or 3 generations back.  

 

Does the bg MQ use the same gear or level wind. I’m going to get rid of the tatula MQ for something for salt resistant. Deciding between the BG MQ or a stradic. The BG is seal with 9 rubber gaskets and the stradic isn’t idk which one to get

2 hours ago, Mariner mike said:

Does the bg MQ use the same gear or level wind. I’m going to get rid of the tatula MQ for something for salt resistant. Deciding between the BG MQ or a stradic. The BG is seal with 9 rubber gaskets and the stradic isn’t idk which one to get

They all use the nylon oscillator.  I know I may get tarred and feathered saying this on the forum, but I'd choose a newer Penn model like a Spinfisher or Battle before I'd trust a Daiwa at a similar price point.  Granted, they aren't as smooth, but parts are much easier to get and they use a metal oscillator.  The design between them is very similar and the Daiwa is only smoother because of the lighter handle and rotor.  Line lay is also fairly comparable.  

1 hour ago, redmeansdistortion said:

They all use the nylon oscillator.  I know I may get tarred and feathered saying this on the forum

Penn Battle IV DX is all brass gears. Penn Slammers are all.brass, DX is stainless. They're well built reels, a bit weighty.....