After testing the Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting reel, which resulted in the purchase of eight more for my rods, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the new Daiwa Tatula Bass Rods while practicing in a recent tournament, and again Daiwa left me wanting to convince my wife that I needed eight more. These rods were designed to match up perfectly with the Tatula reel, although the rod tested (7’1” MH action rod) had a competitor’s reel attached when I got my hands on it, and like the Tatula reel, it’s clearly in a class by itself, particularly in it’s price range.
Technology
The Tatula series of bass rods from Daiwa feature Daiwa’s SVF (super volume fiber) graphite technology in its Zero-G Design rod blanks. What does this mean to you and I? Three things: high sensitivity, extremely low weight, and high strength and hook setting power. Daiwa accomplishes this through
45 degree bias construction, which prevents twisting of the blank for greater strength, sensitivity and hook setting power. The Super Volume Fiber technology packs unidirectional graphite fiber into a denser form with exact resin control for greater strength, lighter weight and incredible sensitivity. Rods bend similarly to golf clubs, causing a bend along the length of the rod while causing the rod to torque along circumference of the rod itself. Increased resistance to this torque results in greater energy transfer to the cast, as well as a decrease in energy dissipation from vibration on the end of your line – meaning you FEEL more on the end of your line. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like something every angler would benefit from.
Construction
As one expects from Daiwa, high quality components were used in the construction of the Tatula series rods. Featuring Fuji Alconite ring guides, a custom Daiwa reel seat with a machined aluminum reel clamp nut, the Tatula is built to feel almost weightless in your hands. Split grip EVA foam handles and a blank through construction allow for a comfortable grip without sacrificing sensitivity. As soon as you pick this rod up, the first thing you’ll notice is how light it feels. Flipping a jig, casting a heavy crank, or in my case, tossing a frog is a breeze with the Tatula rod, as its lightweight construction dramatically reduces fatigue felt throughout the day. Increased feel, less hand/forearm fatigue…. starting to see why Tatula should be on the deck of your boat?
Performance
The combination of the Tatula’s Technology and Quality components resulted in a stick that truly delivers as advertised. Subtle movements of tungsten weights moving over rocks are easily detected; frogs launch a mile and are easy to walk across the water, all while having the strength to haul bass from the heaviest cover. The Tatula is offered in technique specific designs (drop shot, frog, flipping, casting, and spinning) allowing the angler to match rod designs to their favorite ways to catch bass.
Price
Ranging in price from $149.99 to $169.99, the Tatula is the definition of premium, tour level quality that’s affordable. The Tatula rod is used by many of Daiwa’s tour level pros (Randy Howell, Andy Montgomery), but they are priced for the weekend tournament angler. With Tour-Grade performance that won’t break the bank, the Daiwa Tatula bass rods should be considered by every angler looking to add to or improve their rod arsenal. Now to convince my wife that I need more rods………
By Chris Murphy
Find out more about Chris on his web site and Facebook page.
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