Hot n Tot

I've had both and have been disappointed in the Stradic in that I haven't seen a noticeable improvement in it over the Symetre. In fact, my last spinning reel was another Symetre because of this. I'm not saying the Stradic is a bad reel, just that in my experience the Symetre is very good for the money. I even tried other Stradics at Gander Mtn, and they seemed pretty much like mine, which is no smoother or quieter than a Symetre.

I was planning on getting a Curado 100d or a Chronarch 50MG until I saw the Revo STX. After comparing it closely to the Curado, I decided it felt smoother to me, so I got it instead. I can't wait to try it out on a Loomis casting rod.

You really have to look at the recmmended lure weight and line ratings on a rod. You can never assume you know what a 'medium power' rod is, as you have found out. Also, when you go up in modulus, the rods will become lighter, 'stiffer' and more responsive. Compare the Legend Elite to the Premier and you'll see what I mean. The Avid will also be more responsive and 'stiffer' than the Premier, but not quite as much. Pick up a Loomis CR722 in GLX and compare it to a GL3, totally different and it will seem like they should be rated differently, but Loomis calls them both 'medium'.

So I went to Gander Mtn. yesterday to use my 10% off coupon, saw a Revo STX and compared it to a Curado 100d. Left with the Revo, it wasn't what I thought I wanted, but I'd never seen one before. This seems like one really nice reel for the money. I can't imagine the Chronarch would be any smoother, maybe it is but they didn't have one to compare. I seemed much 'silkier smooth' than the Curado I compared it to. Time will tell....

Agree 100%!!

I like them both, alot!!

I got this GLX rod last fall (CR722) and I want to put a really nice reel on it. I have the Curado 100b, but I'm thinking this rod should have reel that is a step up. Right now I'm considering a Curado 100D, Chronarch 50MG or a Daiwa Zillion. I mounted the Zillion on a rod like mine Friday afternoon and it sure was a sweet reel. If I got one I'd have to decide between the 6.2:1 or the 7.0:1 retrieve....They didn't have the Chronarch in stock so I was unable to compare so I didn't buy anything. What does everyone think I should put on this rod? I really plan on using it as a 'finesse' rod, hula grubs, worms...but I just might end up using it more than I was planning...The knock on the Zillion seems to be that it is not great for light baits, under 3/8 oz, whereas I've never heard this knock on the Chronarch 50. The Zillion sure is a smooth reel though, and seemed to balance just right on this rod.

That rod would also be perfect for finesse worming, Hula Grubs, topwaters, etc., I don't want to start an argument, but the Avid is not a 'high end' rod, it's in the middle of the St. Croix lineup.

Sounds like the perfect rod for it to me!

I have to disagree, I don't think the ML St. Croix rods are noodles. They carry the same lure and line ratings at medium power Loomis rods. It just depends on the lures and techniques used. And if panfishing is going to be done with this rod, I don't see the fun of a more powerful 'bass rod'.

Hula Grubs, split shotting, Rapala Minnows, Shad Raps, 4" Senkos, Topwaters such as Tiny Torpedoes & PopR's to name a few.

If your are backlashing Shimano reels I'd have to say it's more to do with operator error than the equipment. All reels have to be adjusted before you cast them. I have a bunch of Shimano reels and do not have this problem. Every reel will backlash under certain conditions. I'm not reel familiar with the lower end Shimano reels, Curado is as low in the product line that I've used.

If you are really going to be casting 3/8 oz baits, a rod rated for baits 1/4-3/4 oz lures would probably suit you better. That does however seem really light for jigs and toads. My frog rod is a MH power St. Croix rated for 3/8 to 1 oz baits. I also prefer 7'. Mine is a AC70MHF, I recommend you look at it.

You got some good advice with the above. The medium light would suit you better. The ML St. Croix compares to medium power in some other brands. Rod manufacturers rate their products differently. I have a ML St. Croix rod that has the same line and lure ratings as a similar 'medium power' rated Loomis rod. This should be a good rod for lures below 3/8 oz, but I consider 1/4 oz about max. for this power. Soft enough tip to toss live baits under floats, but powerful enough to set hooks when working soft plastics in moderate cover. You really should have two rods if you want to fish for both bass and panfish, but the ML St. Croix would probably serve you well. I'd get the Longer 7' rod if I were you, it will give you better casting and hooksetting capability. Hope this helps.

Sounds like a nice rod for what you want to use it for. I have no experience with this particular rod, but the 4 power Loomis is rated as 'heavy', and in IMX it should be responsive enough to all you want. I have the CR722 in GLX, It's also a powerful little rod, much more so than the same rod in IMX, I'm going to use it for worming in moderate cover.

Avids are nice. Some people really like the Crucials, and I've handled them and gotta say they seem sweet. But I only use G Loomis and St. Croix, so I gotta say Avid....brand loyalty, which most have but won't really admit.. ;D

basser, what do you use the 782 for? Just wondering, I have one that I bought on impulse because it felt so nice...just haven't found the application that It excels in. I Was thinking about crankbaits, but I soon found that action too fast and I was losing to many fish I hooked. And I think it's kind of light for most spinnerbaits, altough I sometimes use it for 1/4 oz spinnerbaits, and sometimes jerkbaits although I usually prefer a 6' rod for that.

My admittedly uneducated opinion , but since you asked :-?, I'd go with the Premier unless you want to step up to the Shimano Crucial. I've seen and handled these rods and they are indeed sweet for the price. With St. Croix you know you are getting good quality, no doubt about it.

Perfect, I think the medium power St. Croix rods are a little much for finesse fishing...at least what I consider finesse. That rod (in ML) loads and responds very well with light baits. I have it in the Legend Elite grade and they are sweet. Compare it to the Loomis SJR722 which is one of their most popular spinning rods.

As long as you have a trailer hook, you won't miss many fish on blades. I think once I started using one I don't miss many fish at all. To me, one criteria for using any rod for a given technique is my comfort level of making cast after cast to specific cover, therefore a high quality 6' rod normally gets used for this, although I have a MBR783 GL3 Loomis rod that often lies on deck rigged with a Curado and 12 lb Yozuri hybrid and a spinnerbait, I guess the MBR783 is about perfect for most spinnerbaiting. Actually, I don't think there are too many techniques the the 783 Loomis will not perform...In my opinion it might just be the best all around bass rod going...or the St. Croix equivalent that Roadwarrior has is very close to it.

I've been thinking about the Zillion, and reading about it compared to the Chronarch 50MG and the Curado 100D. Tackle tour thought the Zillion was nice, but didn't really think it was great with lures under 3/8 oz, and really came into it's own tossing 1/2 - 3/4 oz lures. Since I'm looking for a finesse reel to put on my 6' GLX, I'm really leaning toward the Curado 100D just based on the Tackle Tour review. But, obviously I'll compare them all side by side and make my decision accordingly...although after reading the reviews the Curado looks better.

Well, that changes everything for me. I'd definately go with a 7' rod for panfishing as it will be much easier to toss ultalight baits and slip bobbers. Also a soft tip for baited hooks is in order. I personally wouldn't get anything lmore powerful than a Medium Light St. Croix....something rated for 4-10 lb line max. Actually, for panfishing a light or ultra-light would be the way to go and you could handle the occasional bass, it just wouldn't be the best for heavier lures. There just isn't an all around rod when it comes to multi-species fishing...in my opinion. Determine your primary need, and adapt as necessary. But panfishing and bass fishing are not normally conducive to the same tackle. Sorry for the ramble.

Interesting, I normally use 7' rods for frogging and C-rigging and often when spinning for tossing lighter baits more distance. I think for worming, the 6' length is more sensitive, easier to cast accurately and helps me slow down my presentation due to not moving as much line as I work my worm. But I sometimes use a longer rod for worming as well, depending on conditions and what I feel like doing. Rod length is definately a personal preference, with no right and no wrong. Whatever you find that works for you, but if you are like me you'll soon have all lengths in your boat

If I were fishing from a canoe, I'd definately want a 6' rod. If fishing from shore with plenty of open area around me I'd probably want a longer rod for increased casting distance. It all depends though, I'd prefer to take two rods along rigged with different lures. I think the shorter rods are natually more sensitive, it just stand to reason. All lengths have their advantages, and disadvantages depending on conditions and presentations.

I prefer to fish spinnerbaits with med or med hvy power rods with fast actions. 6' length usually, although at times I'll use longer rods if I'm in more open water and want distance. A rod rated for 10-17# line and 1/4-3/4 oz lures is about right, a 3 power loomis or a medium power St. Croix usually, although there are times I'll step up to a MH power 7' long St. Croix Avid for open water and heavier baits. Often I'll use braid on the shorter rods, depending on the cover I'm in. I personally don't like a medium power Loomis rod for spinnerbaits, unless I spool it with Power Pro, it just doesn't have the backbone I like for blades.