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Full Moon Rising: Mangetsu Brings Classic Daiwa Style to
Modern Performance (continued)
 
Price
and Applications: The Mangetsu carries a retail price
of $299, making it more expensive than previous Tatula variants, including the
Type R, and in line with today’s Tatula Elite models. While that price point
still represents a meaningful investment for many anglers, the step up to
Daiwa’s next tier is considerable - the Zillion SV TW retails for $449. To be
fair, however, the Zillion operates on a different level altogether in terms of
design, refinement, and overall performance, including one of the most precise
and satisfying clutch mechanisms currently on the market.
Even nearly two decades later the
Certate the fishes well and still feels special
There’s something about
classic Daiwa reels that still resonates with enthusiasts. Long before magnesium
frames and hyper-refined braking systems became the norm, there was a mechanical
honesty to models like the classic Zillion and Certate - solid metal
construction, deliberate lines, and a connected feel under load that made each
turn of the handle feel purposeful. Those reels weren’t just tools; they had
personality. The Mangetsu leans heavy into that nostalgia, but the way the reel
feels and how it performs actually backs up the aesthetic.
Daiwa didn’t
simply dust off old Tatula, they upgraded the metal frame and fortified the
internals with brass gearing, the latest double-supported pinion design, and a
smoother, more refined drag system.
Catching a fish with the Certate
Vintage brought back memories. Three elements of this reel that are echoed in
the Mangetsu are the solid feel under load, metallic finish (raw on the Certate
and painted silver on the Mangetsu, and wooden knob (cork in the case of the new
reel)
I do wish Daiwa
had taken the concept one step further - a raw stone washed metal finish similar
to the Certate CT and similar hardwood knobs would have amplified the retro
character and pushed the Mangetsu even deeper into classic territory. That said,
giving the reel its own identity was ultimately the right move. As it stands,
the Mangetsu distinguishes itself both visually and on the water from past and
current Tatula offerings and that silver paint makes the Mangetsu more
functional as it can be used in more salty environments versus the Certate
Vintage which was only recommended for freshwater use due to that raw finish.
Added bonus. Tackle Warehouse and
Daiwa designed and bundle a Mangetsu hoodie with each reel
After fishing
the Mangetsu over the course of the season my opinion on the reel’s ergonomics,
performance, and personality shifted. Similarly to driving a classic car, the
reel is not going to feel like a modern vehicle, nor should it. Part of the
allure of the Mangetsu is that it is a classic reel, and fishing it should evoke
a previous period, when the Tatula series was still carving out a niche for
itself as a workhorse reel within Daiwa’s own lineup.
The Mangetsu looks and feels like
a classic JDM reel but has the performance that makes it immediately feel
familiar today
Looking back the
original Tatula reels were not nearly as refined, but they were built tough and
reliable, making them a popular choice for anglers that needed an everyday
baitcaster that was priced lower than those coveted Zillions. This resto-mod
version of that classic reel adds much needed refinement and ergonomics to the
classic Tatula, and in doing so gives the Mangetsu a classic feel with a
personality all its own.
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
Daiwa
x
Tackle
Warehouse
Mangetsu Casting
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
One of
the best
constructed
Tatula
reels
ever.
Solid
aluminum
frame
and
inner
sideplate
and
beefed
up brass
gearing
internally.
The
Mangetsu
also has
a
distinct
100mm
swept
handle
with
cork
barrel
handle
knobs
that
also
feel
custom |
9 |
|
Performance |
The
Mangetsu
seems
well
tuned
for
power
fishing
techniques
and is
both a
strong
target
casting
reel as
well as
a very
capable
long
distance
caster.
Retrieves
feel
smooth
and
confident
and the
connected
feel
that we
like
about
other
higher
end
Daiwa
reels is
present
in the
Mangetsu.
Drag
performance
is also
strong,
and the
UTD
system
is able
to be
adjusted
in fine
increments
and
delivers
very
smooth
pressure
during
battle |
9 |
|
Price |
$299 is
a lot to
pay for
a
classic
Tatula,
and yes
the
Mangetsu
is
basically
a souped
up Type
R but
the use
of
higher
end
materials
and
modern
design
features
make
this
reel
stand
out.
While it
is
priced
similarly
to the
top end
modern
Tatula
Elite
reels
the
Mangetsu
is more
collectible
and has
the
performance
to match
the
price |
8 |
|
Features |
Essentially
a
restomod,
the
Mangetsu
takes
everything
we loved
about a
decade-old
Tatula
platform
and
refreshes
it with
updated
styling
and
modern
performance.
While I
do wish
it
leaned a
little
further
into the
retro
look -
think
raw
metal
finish
and
hardwood
knobs -
it
strikes
a solid
balance
between
classic
vibes
and
contemporary
engineering.
Standout
modern
features
include
the
aluminum
frame,
T-Wing
line
guide,
reinforced
main
gearing,
and a
100mm
handle
with
cork
knobs.
And yes,
it even
comes
with a
matching
Daiwa x
Tackle
Warehouse
Mangetsu
hoodie—if
that’s
your
thing.
Funny
enough,
while
fishing,
I’ve
received
more
compliments
about
the
hoodie
than the
reel
itself |
9 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
Mangetsu
feels
just
like a
classic
Tatula,
only a
touch
more
solid.
The cork
knobs
are
comfortable
and
provide
a
generous,
grippy
surface
for
working
baits.
While
the reel
never
feels
light, I
appreciated
its
tanky,
confident
feel
when
power
fishing
heavier
lures |
7.5 |
|
Application |
The
Mangetsu
is a
solid
workhorse,
though
it’s
only
offered
in a
single,
versatile
7.3:1
gear
ratio.
To me,
it leans
more
toward
power-fishing
or
swimbait
applications
rather
than
finesse
work. I
particularly
enjoyed
using it
for
short
casts
with
plastics,
covering
water
with
crankbaits,
or
fishing
small to
mid-sized
swimbaits
as it
has
plenty
of
capacity
to
handle
heavier
and
longer
presentations |
8 |
|
Total
Score
|
8.41 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus |
Minus |
|
+
Aluminum
body and
inner
sideplate.
The reel
feels very
solid and "tanky"
in hand |
-
Higher
priced than
those
classic
Tatulas and
even priced
higher than
some modern
Tatula reels
(same price
as Tatula
Elite) |
|
+
Souped up
internals. Smoother and
more
powerful
retrieve
than even
the Tatula
Type R |
-
Heavier than
many Tatula
reels, but
very solid
feeling |
|
+
Modern day
casting
performance
and control |
-
The silver
finish is
clean and
durable, but
a raw metal
finish like
the classic
Certate
would have
been sublime |
|
+
Quality UTD
drag system |
|
|
+ Looks
retro and
every
engaging to
fish
|
|
|
+
Oversized
100mm and
cork knobs |
|
|
+
Limited
edition reel
with
collectability
factor and
it comes
with a
hoodie that
actually
looks and
feels great |
|
Daiwa and Tackle Warehouse
executed well on the Mangetsu
Conclusion: While the Mangetsu may feel almost too
accessible for the some hard-core collectors, those chasing Steez or Ito Series
reels, it still carries a degree of collectability. For anglers just stepping
into higher-end, enthusiast-driven reels, the Mangetsu serves as an ideal
introduction. It captures much of what makes classic Daiwa platforms so
desirable from both a design and performance standpoint.
From the way the clutch
engages to the connected, confident feel of the gears under load, the Mangetsu
delivers those subtle mechanical traits that have long defined what makes a
Daiwa reel feel special.
We hope that the Mangetsu restomod
formula carries over into future reels. Daiwa Tatula or Zillion Type R anyone?
In many ways,
the Mangetsu is a true “restomod” - a classic silhouette reengineered with
modern components and intent. Projects like this don’t happen without a
willingness to invest both time and capital. In this case, that commitment came
from the combined efforts of Daiwa and Tackle Warehouse. Tackle Warehouse’s
decision to back a dedicated, enthusiast-driven model speaks to their confidence
that there’s a meaningful audience for a reel that blends timeless styling with
contemporary performance - an enthusiast’s Tatula, made modern.
Classic made modern, the Mangetsu
may be priced the same as some of the latest Tatula Elite reels but I find
myself reaching for it more...
All that leads
to the inevitable question: is the Mangetsu a better reel than the Tatula TW 100
Elite or the Tatula Elite P/F 100, both of which retail for the same $299 price?
In most measurable ways, the answer is no. The current Tatula Elite models
benefit from Daiwa’s advanced Mag-Z Boost braking system, a more compact and
ergonomic frame, and a lighter overall weight - 7.1 ounces compared to the
Mangetsu’s 7.8 ounces. They’re also offered in multiple gear ratios, and the P/F
model features a 100mm swept handle along with the same UTD drag system.
...like some of the classic Daiwa
reels of decades past the Mangetsu feels like more than the sum of it's
components, it feels like more than just another tool, and is both nostalgic and
a blast to fish. Best of all it doesn't punish your wallet like most enthusiast
reels
And yet, when it
comes down to which reel I reach for first between these, it’s almost always the
Mangetsu. Much like choosing to drive a classic over a newer, more
technologically advanced car, I know the modern option offers more cutting-edge
features - but the Mangetsu just feels more engaging, more distinctive, and
ultimately more fun to fish to me. It’s an enthusiast-styled reel priced within
reach of the mainstream, and that balance of classic character, modern
performance, and accessibility is exactly why it earns our Editor’s Choice
award. For us, the Mangetsu isn’t just a full moon in name, it’s a full-circle
win for Daiwa, Tackle Warehouse, and Anglers.
Looking for a Daiwa
Mangetsu?
It can be found exclusively at
Tackle Warehouse
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