J Francho

I wasn't being nasty, LMG. You took it the wrong way. The question is what would you like to see on baitcasters. I answered it with the most pesky component on a baitcaster. You'd be surprised what has been tried over the years. Daiwa had a levelwind guide that split open and spread out when you pressed the thumb bar so the line could flow freely off the spool. In my opinion, a total rethinking of the levelwind is in order. On that note, why is the spool oriented on a horizontal plane? I realize it's simpler to gear, but a vertical spool may cast better and be more ergonomic.

This isn't a forum for you to shoot down ideas that you can't get your head around. I didn't say anything about an oscillating spool. Try to use your imagination. The point is, there is a moving part, driven by a worm gear.and it's sealed. Internalize the mechanism, and seal it. US Reels did it. Why can't others come up with better designs that aren't dirt magnets?

Does a spinning reel not oscillate? High end Shimano use worm gear oscillation, and they're sealed. It would be relatively simple to internalize and seal the level wind.

Scott Hovanec made them for me. He's a member here.

I use Megastrike and JJ's Dip. I find, especially so with Megastrike, that fish hold the bait longer, giving you more time to feel the bite and set the hook.

Modern braids were initially developed for kite flying.

The 3000 is on a 9' steelhead rod, right now. The two 2500s are on Avids, a AVS63MLXF and AVS63MXF. I have two copies of the AVS63MLXF, and the 3000 goes on that rod in summer.

I bought a bunch of crankbaits, in several colors in depths - pretty much that entire segment of their line. All the baits of one particular color imploded in my tackle box. None of the other baits, including Rapala, Lucky Craft, Megabass, Ima, OSP, Jackall, Strike King, Storm, etc. did this, so I'm pretty sure it was a problem with that particular run of baits. Luckily, BPS was able to dig up the record of my purchase, and refund my money. To this day, I rarely fish any of the other baits from this brand (which will remain unnamed). They were not cheap baits, either.

After having a boat all through my teens and 20s, and then not having a boat for many years, I'd have to say the kayak. I now have a couple kayaks and two bass boats, but that kayak really catapulted my skills and opened endless possibilities to fishing new water.

I have three. I appreciate the light weight, and fast retrieve rate.

They do it for spinning reels, why not baitcasters?

Take a look at Saint Croix Eyecon series. Though they are marketed to the walleye guys, they have a few M/XF models that work really well for finesse bass baits. I have a 6'3" ML/XF that is almost the same as my Avid with the same specs, but with a nicer handle.

The styling actually reminds me of their old Bantam 100 reels. Or even the old Chromica:

I wouldn't pay that much for a reel! :laugh5:

You can get that in other, JDM aftermarket handles. They flex, and shorter, and cost sometimes 3x as much. The Hawgtech doesn't do any of those.

Dobyns 745c, Chronarch e7, 50# Power Pro. For bigger rigs, a custom Saint Croix 4C79HF, Calcutta 200, and 20# CXX.

The 1/4 oz. are useful when you want to burn a spinnerbait, but keep it down deeper. Just pinch it on behind the skirt.

Depends on what depth, and what they want. In 40 FOW, a jigging spoon would be a better choice for a "moving" bait. Like wise, I might not bother with a vertical spoon if they're shallow. A drop shot works at all depths, both vertically, and horizontally. Basically, anytime you want to keep the bait in one spot, while imparting any action, whether it be super subtle, or shaking the bait like mad.

Thanks, you disproved your point. For you guys that don't think high end gear is worth it, you've made your point, ad nauseum. Let's limit this to discussion about the reel. Anyone have more info beyond the usual ad copy?

And since when did something that costs more have to perform better? Maico's 'Sclade costs more than my Sierra, and I'm pretty sure my truck is faster and gets better fuel economy, but one ride in the Caddy, and, well....I'll just say I'm a bit envious. The ride is so smooth. Some things are just built to be nice.

Some do. You'd have to try one to see it for yourself. I recommend a Shimano model with DC.

Thanks for the "reel" numbers, David!

And, back on topic..... Can anyone explain, or provide links to what the "cutting-edge IVCB-4 centrifugal brake system" is all about?

Money is ALWAYS an object. How do you think they became wealthy? It wasn't by throwing their money away, that's for sure.

Wait a minute, the same people that buy a $350K car buy $500 reels? Millionaires? Wait a minute, the same people that buy a $350K car buy $500 reels? Sounds like hyperbole, to me. It doesn't take that much disposable income to come up with another $200 on top of what you pay for a reel, IF YOU WANT THE THING. Also, realize it's only a very unmotivated buyer that pays sticker on top end items. I bought Curado Es for $70. My Chronarchs were $118. My Zillions were around $200-225 new. Sols, $130. Alphas were $175 and $200. I could have bought a Steez for $300 when they came out. I HARDLY think that I'll need the type of income it takes to buy a Ferrari, for me to be able to afford a $500 reel. Now a lot of you are young guys, and you complain that you cannot afford these top end items. Of course you can't - they aren't marketed to you. You have to work up the ranks, and save your scoots if you want something high end. How much have you guys spent on electronics in the past 5 years? I'll give you a little clue, people with more wealth than you have to save up for it too. You think they got wealthy buying every next new flagship offering? I was looking at a new truck yesterday, while my truck was being serviced at the dealer. A custom Rocky Ridge Edition, with a 12" lift and 22" rims for $62K. It was pretty sweet. Would have only raised my payment by around $60. Seems like a slam dunk, huh? I'm not "wealthy," but I can easily absorb that. But, that's $60 that is no longer part of my fun stuff budget - not worth it. Millionaires and Ferrari buyers is not why these companies build these reels. They build them because they will sell. They introduce the latest and greatest materials and engineering in them. Some of these features trickle down the product line later. Remember when an in dash color GPS was only found on the top end luxury cars? Try find a car without one now! How about 6 speed automatics? Geez, now my truck has this! It's the same in any industry. As for you guys thinking Abu was some "blue collar" reel, keep in mind that back in the day, those Swiss cut gears cost you a pretty penny more than your push button Zebco.