Boogey Man

Years ago most reels were heavier, I remember a few of my favorites were nearly 10 ozs. Never thought twice about it because that was the norm. Can I handle a heavy reel without going to the gym? Yep. After fishing today's smaller, lighter reels do I want to? Nope.

Seems like I read a while back that RW sold off his Cores and the rest of his Shimano collection, and Francho services KK reels exclusively now. On a serious note, their rods actually don't look bad but no way I'd buy one without being able to handle one first. Or any other rod for that matter.

Or become a site sponsor here on BR?

I've had good luck with Quantum myself. Had several of the PT Series and they performed great. Only reason I sold them was because so many newer reels like Lews were smaller\lighter. I wonder how many ppl who've had bad luck with Quantum have been the higher end stuff VS the lower end stuff like the Escalade sold at Dicks?

With a line capacity of 150yds\12lb mono, I'm curious how it will handle lighter lures myself. Not exactly a shallow spool lol.

I haven't had the chance to fish it yet due to some health issues my wife has been having, but I think it will be a good rod. I'd almost call the action moderate fast vs fast, it flex a little further into the rod than a lot of fast action rods. Fit and finish are perfect.

If returning it is not an option, it sounds like your only option would be a tear down and clean and relube. It could be the main gears are just dry causing the grinding noise. And being a new reel the ball bearings could be packed with grease which is why you’re not getting a good free spin on it and those could be flushed and oiled.

Just pulled the trigger on it, with the 20% coupon from the big auction site. I got it for $88 bucks.

That’s actually what I was hoping. I’m scaling back my arsenal lol and starting to look for more “double duty” rods.

Awesome! Thank you!

Thanks Robert. Several places near me sell Dobyns but not the 663C, which is why I’m a little hesitant about ordering it without being able to actually check one out in a store.

Don’t hear a lot about this rod as a lot of people prefer longer ones. I do a lot of close range fishing and am partial to shorter ones. I’ve read Dobyns runs a little lighter in power, I was wondering if anyone had this rod and what they used it for. It’s listed for mostly single hook lures like T-rigs, spinnerbaits and flukes, but I was wondering if it could pull double duty for smaller squarebills like Bandit 100’s or smaller poppers. Mostly for open water, not around much cover or vegetation.

Abu's marketing slogan would be "put some E.V.O.O in your R-E-V-O"

Got mine for about the same price. Palms great and casts very well.

Off topic here, but how do you like the S3? I've seen them in stores, they feel pretty nice

With credit card interest rates being so high, personally I’d hold off.

Lews Tournament MB on the big auction site for around $106.

Under 7 ounces and no T Wing? Can it be???. I was hoping aluminum frame but at that price I figured that would be asking a bit much.

I have a CT type R and a Tournament MB. When palming the CT, you won't notice much different in the back, but the front is just a little longer, and definitely wider than the MB. To me, it seems like the CT has more weight in the front because of the extra width and the T Wing and I notice a little difference in the balance when it's on a rod. I've put them both on the same rod and feel the MB balances better. The Tatula is only a half ounce heavier but I think because more weight is at the front it affects the balance point. Hope that doesn't sound crazy lol. Now having said all that, the CT is extremely smooth and solid and to me is the best caster of the two.

I actually don't either. It's hilarious we want a big wide line guide but think a dozen micro guides are awesome ?

Do you mean the T wing specifically or the level wind in general?

Lews Tournament MB is my pick in that price range, especially since you can find them on eBay for about $108.

I think if you lose a fish, it breaks the rod it's on and throws itself in the lake.

I bought a Tatula CT type r from them. No problems at all.

In my opinion, the Torno was their last good Swedish made LP reel. Found this pic of one on the big auction site.