Bronzefly

Thank you guys for the kind words - I'm glad to help any way I can... Performance wise, they're practically identical. The differences are appearance and handle length. I'm currently searching for an 85 or 90mm handle for my Core MG7 as the 80mm handle is driving me nuts! It may not seem like much, but for some reason the Aldebaran handle is much more comfortable. Regarding the rod choice, the 4 power rod is nice for sure and handles 1/2 oz. jigs better than the 3 power Loomis rods. The extra fast action on the 3 powers just pairs perfectly for pitching t-rigs and 1/4 or even 3/8 oz jigs. I was out yesterday pitching a 1/8oz pegged t-rig 6" ribbon tail worm with 17lb FC on the Core MG7 on the BCR 803 GLX and was amazed at the distance and accuracy achieveable with that combo - even with the heavy line! While the 4 power wouldn't be a bad choice, I just can't get away from the 3 power with this specific reel... it's easily one of my favorite combos ever.

Fantastic set up! I have both the Aldebaran MG7 and the Core MG7 on 3 power BCR GLX rods... amazingly light and wicked sensitive! You will absolutely love it! And yes, it will be perfect for t-rigs and jigs up to 3/8 oz are in the zone with the 803/853!

I use Loomis crankbait rods - there's one for more or less every cranking situation. I think they're definitely worth their price in terms of performance, longevity, warranty, and customer service.

doesn't sound like you had a real apples to apples comparison. If you had cleaned out and properly lubed the stock bearings for the side by side comparison, I would guess that your experience would have been much less noticeable. But if there was a circumstance you should feel a difference it's pitching since the brakes are usually off or close to it. Well, perhaps it didn't sound like it, but before I started upgrading my stock bearings to aftermarket models, I did properly clean and lubricate the stock bearings. And yes, I did notice a clear difference in BOTH pitching AND casting...

I've had a different experience with upgraded spool bearings. I've found noticeably increased performance in casting/pitching - especially lighter baits - when I've changed out the generally overlubed stock bearings on both Daiwa and Shimano products. Side by side comparisons with identical rods, reels, lines, and baits one with upgraded spool bearings, properly lubricated, one without have demonstrated a clear performance difference on multiple occasions.

I think the BCR 803 GLX is easily one of the finest T-Rig and 3/8oz. jig rods available. I would definitely go that route over the 2 power rods - which are great and have their place, but in your case, I'd go with the 3 power. If you prefer more length, the 853 is amazing as well.

I agree. The BCR rods are considered "technique specific" rods focused on contact baits - jigs, worms, c-rigs, etc. Loomis zeroed in on the ideal weight range for each particular model with these specific techniques in mind. The MBR series, as stated, is more all purpose and has a more forgiving (moderate) blank than the BCR series.

That's a VERY general question and depends greatly on the individual reel, but there are baitcasters out there that can cast 1/16oz. very well - The Daiwa Presso and Daiwa Pixy come to mind 8-)

The Tierra, Symetre FJ, and the Pfluger Supreme are all fine spinning reels in the $100 range. I'd suspect that you would be happy with any of them.

The Stella is the finest spinning reel I've used. I have the FD model as well which is absolutely amazing - not sure if performance wise, it's light years ahead of the FB, but nonetheless the finest spinning reel I've had the pleasure of fishing. The only thing the Stradic and the Stella have in common is the "St" While a fine reel, the Stradic - any model - can't fairly be compared to a Stella. The Sustain is very nice as well, but all things in comparison to a Stella just fall short as well they should simply based on the price difference!

I'd look at the MBR 783 GLX... it's a great all around rod at 6'6" - and if you wanted a solid 7' rod, the MBR 843 GLX is sweet. There's a very good deal on an MBR 783 GLX in the flea market right now! Good luck!

I have a couple of NIB Core 50MG7 RH reels now up in the Flea Market guys. I fished an Aurora Elite for the first time this weekend... it's a very nice reel for sure 100%, no doubt. But for $475 and at 6.9oz vs 5.5oz for the Core 50, there is NO WAY I would go that route - not only on the weight, but that's a huge difference straight off. Secondly, it DOES NOT look like a Steez. There are so many differences externally, not to mention the inner workings of the reel it deserves no further comment.

It's not a "stock" HLC spool... it's an aftermarket IZE factory HLC spool, and YES it makes a HUGE difference in a Zillion all the way around - as does the GIGAS TD-Z spool. It's incredible what those spools do to a zillion!

I'm a huge TD-Z fan. Absolutely love them! I have more or less at least one of just about every model they've made. If I had to pick just one "all purpose" reel, it would be a TD-Z 103H, and yes, I'd pick it over the Steez. The Zs are light weight, have a great profile, and just flat out perform. Not to mention all the cool aftermarket stuff that can be done to take them to the next level. The biggest downfall to the TD-Z series in stock form is the drag system. I've found it to be weak and inconsistent. A Carbontex drag washer upgrade is worthwhile upgrade if you decide to get one - which I highly reccomend! The Zillions are fine reels as well, but with either a TD-Z 100M or Zillion HLC spool, a set of quality bearings, and a levelwind bearing replacing the bushing, they are amazing! I couldn't beleive the difference in performance between the stock spool and either the Z or HLC spool...

It certainly is an amazing reel - and despite its description as a finesse reel, it has definitely proven itself to be a powerful reel in a small package! I've used it for everything from 1/2 oz buzzbaits to pitching 1/2 oz jigs into heavy cover with braid. It's handled those tasks flawlessly. For those of you looking for one, I have a couple extras so I'll be posting up a couple NIB Core 50MG7s when I get back from a trip on Wednesday evening...

Yes - Either the BCR 875 GLX or BCR 855 GLX. I use the 875 for hollow body frogs and the 855 for toads or even buzzbaits in/around grass. Both can be used for lots of other techniques - pitching, football jigs, carolina rigs, big worms, etc. The 875 is a beast of a stick, so I'd consider it a bit less versatile than the 855.

I enjoy both casting and spinning gear. I love throwing small, light crank baits on casting gear. Fortunately, there are options available that make this not only possible, but efficient as well. If spring winds are particularly bad, for example, spinning gear is just more efficient in that circumstance. I like to have both options available depending on the specific situation...

Congrats! That is ALOT of posting

Spinning - SHR 822 GLX with Stella 2500FD Casting - BCR 802 GLX with '03 Orange Pixzilla

Everyone has their preferences, but I use a 7:1. It isn't difficult for me to slow down when it needs to be crawled, but when it needs to be burned, I have that covered as well!

You may be surprised to see how fast a retrieve fish will chase down and hammer. Sometimes I have to absoultely burn baits with a 7:1 to get reaction strikes. I'm a big fan of the high speed reels for most of my fishing, with a few exceptions.

Sunline Shooter Defier in 17lb test is my go to deep crank line now... has the diameter of about 10lb p-line cxx, casts like a dream, is super smooth and limp - but pricey. It lasts a LONG time though...

The cork knobs have been discontinued and are pretty hard to find anymore. They are made for Daiwa reels though from the IZE factory. Sometimes you will see a set on ebay, but not very often. And STOP YELLING ;D

The mossyback, while a fine rod, is NOT the same blank material as the IMX series. I agree with RW - the 783 is a great all purpose spinning rod that can do alot. It's not "too stiff" but has enough backbone to handle strong fish and will pair up nicely with the Stradic 2500.

I like the Shimano Stradic FI toward the upper end of your price range - the Symetere FJ is also a great spinning reel for $100.