I found a great sale on these which have a list price of about $250, has anybody had good luck with these?

Think the Ballistic would be better than a Lews or the new 2014 Curado coming out?

You really need to try for yourself because opinions are subjective. To me the ballistic is better than the lews with light baits but about even with anything 3/8 and up. I have no idea on the new curado though, never held one. I've used the ballistic and lews tp reels extensively.

They are okay and this is coming from a daiwa guy. That stated they are reduced for a reason they simply arent selling. The t31016 was a way better reel than it ever got credit for and it was heavily discounted too. Bottom line is daiwa gets very little in the way of attention in the states in comparision to shimano or even lews really.

It is a VERY different feel from most reels with the t wing system etc. They almost feel hollow which some say makes them feel cheap but its a different type of composite being used in some of the parts that gives it the oddball feel.

All in all the biggest downfall IMO is the weight in comparison to other reels in the price range. At the clearance price on TW its a good deal though.

No way it would be better than 2014 curado I like daiwas t-wing offerings like tatula and the type R tatula but quality isn't there compared to shimano IMO but great reels just not sure about how durable they will be

Jake you have no idea about daiwa durability then lol. Send back a 10 year old daiwa Z and see how your treated...do the same with Shimano..

I was talking about there newer reels being offered in the 150$-250$ price range. Mainly daiwa tatula, ballistic and tatula type R unlike older daiwa reels they have yet to be around enough to stand any test of time. They feel cheaper than shimanos current offerings and the insides look cheaper.... I'm not sure what u mean about sending back a 10 year old daiwa z? Are u referring to the customer service of Daiwa? Cause I cannot comment on that. I have ever felt with either shimano or daiwa CS because I do my own reel work and have never had any major issues with either.

Have you used the 2014 Curado yet? I am curious to hear feedback from the guys that have used it. Looking forward to seeing one. I am a Daiwa guy but I like hearing and seeing what the other brands have out so when asked to compare features I have an idea of what the differences between the other brands are to help a customer choose what fits them best. I thought since it was just released a couple of days ago that no one really has had it out on the water to gauge quality and performance yet. Shimano has always made quality stuff so not gonna debate or talk them down in any way on that.

As for the Ballistic I have only messed with one a bit but I was not a fan of the whole pop up hood deal. I like simplicity and while a cool feature I just never really felt it was the reel for me. The internals and the build quality is great but that one feature kinda kept me away. I know with Lew's that a lot of guys swear by them and you see few complaints. I have not used one but I doubt they are a bad reel in any way.
if you specifically are looking at Daiwa i would choose the Tatula over the Ballistic easily. I will put the Tatula against any $150-250 reel on the market. The Type R is a great reel. I have a lot of time on my Tatulas and no issues at all. They are designed to last. Almost overbuilt if anything.

I agree with Mark im not dogging shimano even have a few in the arsenal BUT in that range the tatula IMO smashed everyone elses offerings. The T wing is a very different feel in general. And as for durability ive taken a few tatulas apart and I dont think youll see any issue; in fact im willing to be they become the benchmark reel much like the zillions are in the higher range for daiwa.

Shimano has more following simply because they have 10X the marketing in the US market along with daiwa SEVERELY lagging in the 150-200 range for the better part of a decade.

The Ballistic was killed by the Tatula; something that daiwa is known for is swapping out models rather quickly.

I have laid hands on 2 of the newer curados and id say that the tatula is more bang for the buck but thats just me.

The CORE on the other hand is a killer piece.

thanks guys, just what i was looking for, I'm just a weekender so I don't really justify over $150 for a reel, tatula sounds good, is there a big difference between the $149 tatula, at TW, and the $199 tatula R?

TW says sold out on the new Curado, did they ever have any? There is a good sales pitch on the bassmaster home page now and they sent Jared Litner out to abuse some of the new models. New brakes, a nice set up on the bearings and a better spool are the highlights of the changes.


Also at TW the G series Curado is marked down to $129 so right now for me its between the G series Curado and the Tatula, love spring shopping!

I just picked up my new Curado from Fishin World in Dallas they still have some these reel's are sweet as heck, so smooth and lite , it fits in the palm of your hand, it was the best $179 I have ever spent call them 214-358-4941 ask for Robert and tell him Shawn sent you.

wait til early March for the Spring Classic sale on the curado G. It's on sale for $99 but for only one day at Bass Pro