Last time, I talked about “Why We Chose the TATULA 200 as the Base for NEUTRA.”
Finally…
This time, I’ll be going through the details of NEUTRA, part by part, using the actual reel in front of me.
There’s simply too much I want to talk about, so some points may overlap or get repeated here and there. I hope you’ll forgive me for that.
Compared to the original base model, NEUTRA is essentially a fully tuned machine.
We kept adding and refining everything we felt was necessary to achieve what we wanted from the reel—and before we knew it, we had ended up with something that had become a true high-end machine.
This one is going to be a little long again…
But I hope you’ll stick with me until the end.
Note: The reel shown in the photos is the actual NEUTRA I personally use, so it has some battle scars and signs of use. Please keep that in mind.
TAPERED TWS + DLC
One of the defining technologies of DAIWA baitcasting reels is TWS (T-Wing System).
For NEUTRA, we use a tapered TWS designed for the 38mm spool, combined with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating.
The tapered TWS helps reduce friction during line release, while the DLC coating improves durability and corrosion resistance, protecting the metal surface from saltwater, grime, and everyday wear.
The result is a smoother line release and improved casting distance.
Even with heavy line, the line seems to leave the reel almost effortlessly, giving you that clean, unrestricted feeling as the cast really opens up.
It also works exceptionally well with the increasingly popular long-leader PE systems, where smooth line flow and reduced friction become especially important.
TWS is a DAIWA-developed, proprietary technology, and the DLC coating is recognizable by its distinctive dark, glossy finish.
BLACKED-OUT FINISH & NEUTRA LOGO
Every part that could be made black was made black.
Even the external screws were blacked out.
The NEUTRA logo is based on a design I drew by hand, which was then printed onto the reel.
I went through countless versions of the name, logo design, placement, and overall details—thinking, rethinking, and starting over until everything felt right.
LET'S TAKE A LOOK INSIDE.
All of the bearings on the body side have been upgraded to CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings), including the handle knobs, for a total of 11 bearings.
Compared to standard stainless-steel bearings, CRBB offers improved corrosion resistance, making them better suited for use in saltwater environments as well.
One thing worth noting: while the removable side plate is made of resin, the rest of the reel body is constructed from aluminum.
The result is a remarkably rigid and solid platform.
This is DAIWA’s HYPER ARMED HOUSING construction.
LC-CONCEPT SPOOL / 38MM
One of the things I personally like most about NEUTRA is the 38mm narrow spool.
Of course, the casting feel with medium- to heavy-weight lures is one of its strengths. But there’s another interesting characteristic that becomes noticeable when making long casts: the retrieve rate changes throughout the cast.
When you make a long cast with 25lb or heavier line on the spool, the amount of line remaining on the spool is reduced immediately after the cast. As a result, the amount of line picked up with each turn of the handle is also slightly lower.
As the lure gets closer, more line is gradually recovered onto the spool. As the spool fills back up, the amount of line picked up per handle rotation gradually increases as well.
So even if you turn the handle at a constant speed, the lure very subtly accelerates as it gets closer to you.
Compared to the wider spools found on reels in the 300–400 size class, this change is more noticeable with the 38mm narrow spool.
I’m not talking about some dramatic change in speed. It’s extremely subtle.
But in swimbait fishing, where the basic approach is often simply “cast it out and retrieve it at a constant speed,” I believe this unconscious, gradual change in speed can work in a positive way.
That slight acceleration toward the end of the retrieve can create a trajectory that feels a little more like a baitfish trying to escape.
It’s a very small change.
But with swimbaits, sometimes those small changes are exactly what matter.
MAGFORCE / FIXED INDUCTOR ROTOR
The inductor rotor has been specifically tuned for NEUTRA and is a newly designed component.
Compared to the TATULA 200, the rotor itself is thinner, allowing the spool to spin up more quickly from the initial launch and improving its long-cast performance.
We tested several versions with different braking characteristics before arriving at the current setup.
Compared to the original TATULA, NEUTRA may feel slightly more aggressive and less forgiving during the cast.
However, if you’re already familiar with centrifugal braking systems, I think you’ll find NEUTRA very easy to get along with.
It has that familiar, direct feel—just with the casting performance tuned up.
GEAR RATIO 4.7:1 / 55CM PER ROTATION
The gear ratio is 4.7:1, with 55cm (21.7 inches) of line retrieved per handle rotation.
For more on why we chose this gear ratio, please refer to the previous article.
HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR
The durability of this gear system is well proven.
Combined with the low gear ratio, the cranking torque and smoothness are two of NEUTRA’s defining characteristics.
The main gear is made from high-strength brass, and the gear ratio itself was newly designed specifically for NEUTRA, without reducing the gear tooth module in order to achieve the lower ratio.
The result is a powerful, smooth, and highly durable gear train.
And that’s how NEUTRA earned the “CC” designation—a nod to the legendary Crazy Cranker.
HYPER TOUGH CLUTCH
The clutch system has also been modified for NEUTRA.
Its shape is different from the standard model, and it is slightly taller, allowing for smoother and more positive ON/OFF operation.
The HYPER TOUGH CLUTCH is designed to provide a crisp, clearly defined engagement and disengagement, while greatly reducing the chance of the clutch accidentally re-engaging during a cast.
It is also engineered to minimize trouble even in high-salinity saltwater environments, where corrosion and salt buildup can become serious issues.
In all the time I’ve personally used NEUTRA, I have never experienced the clutch accidentally re-engaging.
ZERO ADJUSTER / UTD
The mechanical brake (cast control knob) and drag star have both been replaced with custom aluminum parts.
The DRT logo is laser-marked, and using aluminum for the drag star also improves durability.
The mechanical brake uses the ZERO ADJUSTER system.
Once you set the mechanical brake to the proper position, you can make your casting adjustments using the MAGFORCE magnetic brake system.
This is important for maintaining the reel’s original casting feel and sensitivity while retrieving. Take the time to set it correctly.
For more information on the ZERO ADJUSTER system:
SLP WORKS
https://slpplus.jp/column/zero
VARIAL HANDLE STANDARD
VARIAL-XPLORER — NEWLY DESIGNED FOR NEUTRA
The PCD is 90mm. For NEUTRA, we increased the offset compared to the current VARIAL, with the goal of bringing the overall balance closer to the center of the reel.
The knobs are equipped with a newly designed slim-type EVA long knob.
We tested various handle lengths before settling on 90mm. It offered the best balance between cranking sensitivity and torque for NEUTRA.
The new handle plate also features a hook-shaped section, which can be used to hang or temporarily secure things like hooks, sinkers, and other small tackle.
This new XPLORER handle has a different offset specifically for NEUTRA, but we plan to release an XPLORER version as a regular product in the future.
The basic construction remains the same as the current VARIAL, so the knobs can also be swapped or replaced according to your personal preference.
That’s about it for this time!
As we get closer to the release, I’ll share the final weight, pricing, and other details.
We’re pushing hard to get NEUTRA ready for release within this year.
Thank you to everyone who has been waiting.
JDM NOT JUST A LOOK.
