Hello Everyone, I needed your help on this question about some reels I purchased. I purchased 2 Tatula Elites; they are supposed to be the same reel. The one on the left is from FishUSA and the other is from a seller on Amazon. I have examined the reels and box and the only differences I can spot between them is that the one from Amazon has the QR code on the bottom and the G-q vs J-h. stickers on the underside of the reel. The seller on Amazon was selling the Tatula Elite reels at a discount ($153 - $165). The box and packaging all look legit, do you think these are legit reels? Why would they have this QR code on them? Are they possibly from Japan? I did scan the code and it seems like it is a serial number.

Different year models maybe?

FM

Just a thought but can you reach out to Daiwa for confirmation?

Eric 26, I did send an email to Daiwa after creating this post, so I am hoping they can clear it up.

Same reel.  Amazon puts the QR code decal on higher priced items so if there is a return it can be properly processed when back at Amazon (in the event the customer does not return the original box with the UPC code information).  Good deal on that reel!!!

Thanks twisted_metal, that makes me feel better. Just at that price, I was thinking I was somehow getting a counterfeit reel as I haven't seen that price on these reels anywhere else.

also, why is one spool on backwards relative to the other?  

I know it looks that way cast_by_fly, but the logo is on the spool twice in opposite directions. so it is just the position of the spool from reeling. If you reel you will see it once right side up and then upside down as you spin it.

The Aliexpress reels also have this sticker in the same location.  I think it's a chinease market thing.  USDM Daiwa reels are sold on Aliexpress for way cheaper than any US retailer is charging.  That reel looks like a reel that was intended for the chinease market but sold on Amazon.  You used to only be able to get these on Aliexpress but maybe new old stock is being sold on Amazon?  I don't see the Tatula Elite on Aliexpress anymore so maybe it's being phased out in that market.

1 hour ago, Metallion said:

Thanks twisted_metal, that makes me feel better. Just at that price, I was thinking I was somehow getting a counterfeit reel as I haven't seen that price on these reels anywhere else.

That's been the going rate ($160ish) for years with these on Aliexpress.

15 hours ago, Metallion said:

I know it looks that way cast_by_fly, but the logo is on the spool twice in opposite directions. so it is just the position of the spool from reeling. If you reel you will see it once right side up and then upside down as you spin it.

I think they do that so the same spool can be used on RH and LH reels

17 hours ago, Metallion said:

I know it looks that way cast_by_fly, but the logo is on the spool twice in opposite directions. so it is just the position of the spool from reeling. If you reel you will see it once right side up and then upside down as you spin it.

 

Yeah, I thought about it but couldn't think of why.

 

2 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I think they do that so the same spool can be used on RH and LH reels

 

This would be why.

 

An update, I did get a response from Daiwa and it looks like they are legit reels, so that is good.