I have the older Tat and Tat Type R. Type R has a lighter spool, but if you recall TT said they didn't notice a difference in casting. 1/8 oz. was the low limit for both reels. The Type R was margininally easier to cast that weight. I'm not good enough to notice any casting differences, but don't try weights that low. I'd be surprised if the new CT reels weren't basically the same as the older models when it comes to handling light lures.
I've got a few aftermarket spools, but I'm not going to try and turn something like a Tatula or Zillion into a finesse reel. Better to just buy a finesse reel.
Changing spools to increase casting distance or improve braking stability is something I could still go for. The SV spool in an older Zillion sounds worth trying. My 50th is a set and forget, but my SHLA is a bit touchier. A spool that made it almost backlash proof would be nice even though it gained no improvement anywhere else.I've got MH and H rods Zillions and Tatulas work great on. I've got Alphas', Sols, PXL Type R, Carbonlites, TD-Z 105Hs, Black Max 1600C reels for the lighter stuff. Nothing wrong with having reels that perform best from 5/16 oz. up. I seldom change reels around. Spool on 12#, mount on a MH rod and leave it there. Spool on 8#, mount on a Medium and leave it. Spool on 6#, mount on ML or Light and leave it alone. As much as I love my 50th I am not going to fish it on a MH today, and switch it to a ML tomorrow. Nor would I with the new Tatula CT.
