Saladmander

That's how I've actually been doing it.

Thanks for everyone's responses. I was speaking with a guy at a local baitshop, and he had mentioned that after the bearings were cleaned correctly, you put the bearing on the end of a pencil and spin it. He stated that it should spin like "it's not gonna stop 'till tomorrow." I don't think that I've ever gotten a bearing to spin like that after I've cleaned them. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but it got me thinkin' that maybe I'm not cleaning them well enough.

Never heard that before. Hope I never hear it again.

Was wondering, what do you guys do to clean your bearings? I mean, what have you been doing that works well for you. I'd like to hear about the different solutions/agents that you use and how long or how may times you soak the bearings. I've tried a few things when it comes to cleaning bearings and have heard a handful of different things I haven't tried. I'd like to try something different because I'm not sure that I've been getting the bearings as clean as they should be before replacing them. Thanks.

I understand where you're coming from, but I disagree. That store credit is part of his total financial assets and every dollar that's used on one thing is a dollar less to use on something else, just as if we were talking about his bank account. I took to mean he has store credit from returning items, or gift cards and such. If that is the case that money can not be accessed and is as good as spent. Unless the store is a Department store and not a sporting goods store, might as well get something he will use instead of letting it just sit there. If it is store credit as in like a credit account that will need to be paid off then that is a whole other issue. I agree that getting a technique specific rod right now may not be necessary considering your situation. I think what Skunked is saying is that the store credit is like having money in the bank. Yeah, you can't buy food with it, but it will keep you going for some time as far as replacing lost baits, new baits you'd like to try, sunglasses that go in the drink, broken tackle boxes, etc... Enjoy your hobby/habit without feeling guilty about spending money you shouldn't be spending for as long as that money will last ya. Then, when your luck goes the other way, get yourself the cranking setup you'd like to get. I've thought about this a little lately because the possibility of having the rug pulled out from under you is quite a bit higher these days. But, anyway, that's my take on it. If you really want to get that setup, I'll leave it to the tackle experts that want to chime in. Although, it be tough to recommend brand specific stuff without knowing what the store carries for lines. But, as far as the gear, a moderate-mod/fast rod with a slower retrieve speed reel if that's what you're asking. Best of luck.

Nice!! Thank you. I wish I were as resourceful as some of you guys.

I would just look to see if it has too much grease in it. That's what it sounds like. If it's new, I'd say get your money back, though. You shouldn't have to mess with it if it's brand new.

I think a reel's overall design and build quality warrants the price tag, not just the number of bearings. I also think a well designed reel uses quality bearings at critical points and just the right number to compliment that design to give you the performance you paid for. I do believe, however, that some companies out there use the bearing number game to make you think you're getting more reel than you're paying for because "more is better" or so we're led to believe. All in all, it's the placement and quality of the bearings, not necessarily the total number. That's my take on it anyway.

Thanks. Those should work. I don't know how you got to that page. I tried that website, but couldn't get to where your link takes me from the homepage.

Thanks Nitro. Are those the fine wire split rings? The problem I'm having with replacing some of the split rings is that the swivel is sitting in the split on the ring. The hole on the swivel is too small to allow the ring to spin all the way around in there. The diameter of the split rings I have are good, but I have no idea what size they are. I'm hoping someone could help out here. Thanks.

What size are the split rings used on spinnerbaits? I am looking for some replacements. Does anyone have a link to a site where I can get them? The size I'm looking for are the ones that come on the spinnerbaits using Sampo bearing swivels. Thanks.

That thing is super light and is just a great feeling rod.

That's what I would have guessed also.

It was probably one of the blister pack versions, I bet.

check out your local DSG. They have the Pflueger Supreme spinning reels on sale for $69. There's a coupon for $10 off a purchase over $25 bucks (I got it off of TT deals section.) $59 for a Supreme is a pretty good price.

That's exactly what the guy at BPS told me when I asked him about it... minus the car analogy.

If you're interested in an SX, I have one that is practically brand new with box papers and all. I'll trade ya for that Citica E if you decide to get it. It's been out of the box, spooled and sat on shelf all summer. PM me if you decide on the SX and don't want to spend the extra money buying a new one.

I saw quite a few left on Simmons Sporting Goods ebay site. 50% off.

I'm getting the impression that a company capable of creating such exceptional rods has really made a boatload of crappy rods except for two of their lines. It makes me wonder how many companies making $200 flagship rods could actually make an exceptional rod at $350 retail. My guess is most of them. That kinda makes the argument of "Loomis or Croix??" pretty cut and dry. At least with St. Croix, you can actually buy a great rod for under 200 bucks and not feel like you've "wasted" your money. And, if you spend the extra 140, you can still achieve superior crasftsmanship and performance. I've always been a fan of both companies, but this is a convincing argument in favor of a St. Croix Avid, Legend, or LE. But, if you do go with a Loomis, obviously, the GLX is the only wise decision. Just my interpretation of someone else's 2 cents. I hope this helped.

I know a few guys who can cast on a dime with a 6ft rod. It's all about comfort for the user. Anyone can get good with any length. 7' Heavy here. AVC70HF Avid. I'd like to get that LTB, though. Maybe for Christmas.

I have a Cabelas XML travel rod that I enjoy using. It's a 4 piece rod that comes in a little sleeve/bag to separate the sections. The sleeve/bag then slides into a hard case made out of pvc lined in nylon. I've had it for about 4 or 5 years, and it still works great. I use it for some of the spots that I need to get to with my mountain bike, but it straps right to my backpack.

1/4"oz and 3/8oz spinnerbaits, topwater, and jerkbaits.

Same here.

I noticed "The Natural" had one he was looking to dump for $175 in the flea market section. That sounds like a pretty good price.

I picked up one of the better rods when they were on sale. I got a 7'6" flipping rod, MH telescopic. I don't really flip baits very often, and I use a 7'3" or 7' rod for pitching baits as I do that far more frequently. Soooo, I figured I would buy a longer rod that I could try and dedicate it to flipping. I wasn't sure if I would commit to putting more time into the technique, so I figured a relatively inexpensive rod would do just fine until I can warrant dropping some money on a premium rod. I've used the rod a handful of times since I've purchased it. It's actually suprisingly sensitive for a rod at that price. It's a little on the heavy side. But, then again, I don't own another rod of that length, power, and action to compare it to. It seems to be built well, but I haven't had it long enough to comment on the durability. In fact, when I was checking them out, I didn't notice any QC type issues with any of the handful of rods that I checked out. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but that's my limited experience with a F&S rod.