Tatula Elite Pitch and Flip: As the Daiwa Engineers optimized the new Elite reel for max casting distance they also saw the opportunity to create a Tatula that was better suited for more accurate pitch and flip duty.

To create this application specific Elite model Daiwa tweaked the Magforce system to cater directly to pitching and flipping. The system is optimized in the low range and will decrease the magnetic pressure as the spool starts to slow. With the lure on it’s low trajectory path, this maximizes distance and allows for the low trajectory to continue, allowing for what the company describes as "a more silent entry."

Standard braking systems can cause lures to take an upswing at the end of a cast due to the added resistance of the braking pressure. This decreases distance and creates a "louder entry," with the lure hitting the water with a splash.

Rather than an additional flipping switch Daiwa’s unique re-engaging thumbar feature allows anglers to engage/disengage the reel with your thumb, a more convenient and quicker option than most reels in the industry- needing to be engaged by turning the reel handle.

The Tatula Elite Pitch Flip frame is also 100 sized and constructed out of an aluminum frame and sideplate to generate maximum durability and power in a compact and lightweight profile. The newly designed "low mass" A7075 Aluminum spool is designed with a low startup inertia and  maximized braking efficiency, and looks like a lighter more ported version of the spool found in the standard Elite model.

The Elite Pitch and Flip reel is also equipped with the same T-Wing System and Zero Adjustor feature but for even more leverage this Elite reel comes with a longer 100mm swept handle with newly designed oversized EVA knobs is easy to grab and can apply firm torque to the spool. The new Daiwa Tatula Elite P/F is a true purpose driven machine and will be available in brisk 7.1:1 and 8.1:1 retrieve ratios capable of winding in 29.8 and 33.9 inches of line per crank.

The Tatula Elite P/F models weigh 6.9 ounces, which is just .2oz. heavier than the standard Elite models. The reel also features a slightly souped up drag which is rated at 12.1lbs. of max pressure, and is 1.1lbs greater than the standard Elite. Like the Elite it also features a laser engraved Daiwa (D-vec) logo for easy identification and features the same tactical looking matte grey finish. The Tatula Elite P/F models will also be available in the next few months, and retail for ten dollars more than the standard Elites at $249.99 each.

The Tatula Elite Series just keeps getting better, and with these refined Elite versions anglers now have options for pinpoint power fishing and max casting for covering more water. I've had the opportunity to fish both of these new reels on my home water in California and have been impressed with the build quality, and refinement, that the new reels offer. The Zillion reels have Magseal bearings but in many areas the Tatula Elite's are getting pretty close, and perhaps even best the Zillion when it comes to ergonomics. Stay tuned for a complete review post ICAST.