Introduction: There was a time when you had to get a Zillion to access Daiwa's higher end features but the company has gone all-in on the Tatula mainstream line and this ICAST is introducing two new Tats, starting with the Tatula SV100 which features the latest ergonomic form factor with a number of upgrades including their SV BOOST casting system.

Boosted Features and Performance: Last ICAST Daiwa debuted an all new Tatula platform with the aggressively styled Tatula 100 which featured a more ergonomic housing, Hyperdrive design, an A7075 spool, and of course the T-Wing (TWS) line guide system. This reel weighed in at 6.9 ounces and retails for $179.00.

The Tatula SV100 builds off the footprint of the Tatula 100 last year and features a new finish and SV Boost enhancements

This year Daiwa is raising the Tatula bar by taking that same form factor and adding in features designed to improve casting performance and overall handling. At the core of these upgrades is the inclusion of Daiwa's SV BOOST system which is the combination of a proprietary spool and casting system that helps improve casting performance and management throughout the duration of each cast. The new reel gets a G-1 Duralumin 32mm SV Boost Spool that is controlled at the start of the cast to minimize backlashes and then adjusts resistance progressively as the bait flies to maximize distance and control. The bottom line is that the system does a better job managing the spool throughout the cast making it easier for anglers to position baits where they want them in all conditions.

The Tatula SV100 is equipped with Daiwa's SV Boost Spool

The new Tatula SV100 features a similar Hyper DriveDesign, which is a fancy way of saying the gearing, body, and clutch have all been optimized for cranking power and durability. The new reel looks higher end with a hard coating and silver accents have been replaced with black components for an overall stealthier, more tactical, look. The Tatula SV100 has the same bearing count, weighs in the same at 6.9 ounces, and will retail for $219 dollars. This is a $40 premium over the standard Tatula 100. The new SV100 should be a better casting, and overall more refined looking and feeling reel, and will be available in 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 gear ratios when it becomes available in the next few weeks.

The new more refined Tatula baitcaster looks stealthier with less silver components. It will be available in three retrieve ratios and retail fro $219

Bigger, Badder - Tatula SV150: While the Tatula SV100 is geared more towards lighter and mid-range applications Daiwa is also introducing a new SV150 which is a slightly larger, higher capacity, more powerful reel designed for the power fishing crowd. This bigger, badder, Tatula brings SV spool and the Hyperdrive aluminum frame, souped up clutch, more powerful gearing, and double supported pinion gear, to a mid-sized, and mid-priced, baitcaster.

Daiwa is also introducing a larger Tatula SV150 for fishing heavier lines and bigger baits

The TATULA SV150 is designed to handle heavier lines. "Bassers who spool 50 and 60 pound braid will notice the improved casting distance compared to their current reels," said Chris Martin, Daiwa's Field Marketing Manager. "The spool is sized to accommodate more and heavier line, too." Users of monofilament and fluorocarbon will notice the significant line capacity as well. Like its smaller sibling, the Tatula SV150 will also have the T-Wing (TWS) system and the Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) which employs a combination of carbon washers, alloy, and stainless steel drag plates with Daiwa's lubricant to deliver smooth and stable drag performance throughout the battle.

Our Quick Take: Daiwa is one of the best when it comes to spool design and the SV Boost spool takes advantage of physics to reduce mass and improve startup while using electromagnetic two-stage braking to improve backlash control, maximize casting distance, accuracy, and overall ease of use. Is this extra performance and refinement worth the extra 40 dollars? I think so, especially when you consider the upgraded look and feel of the new reel. I wish the company would get back to adding splash of color, especially purple and red, to help distinguish their performance oriented reels. It would make it easier to identify these reels as the Tatula family continues to spin out new variants. At the end of the day it is the performance and value that matter most, and these are elements that the Tatula Series, including these two new baitcasters, offer mainstream anglers. The Tatula SV100 has the makings of a solid everyday workhorse baitcaster while the upsized SV150 is a viable option for anglers to address big crankbait, swimbait, and A-Rig applications.