The_Natural

The reel isn't up to today's standards, but no point in belittling his purchase decision...no matter how cheap he was able to purchase it.

I had two of these, if they are the reel I'm thinking of (the only 3.8 Quantum made I think). It is gold in color and based on the 1310mg frame. It was part of a series....there was a 3.8 crankin', 4.4 pitchin', and a 6.2 high speed. I had them all. I actually loved that 3.8:1 crankin' reel, as well as my silver 1310's. Those 1310mg quantums never gave me any trouble; it was the later Quantums that did. When I got a pro-staff deal with Quantum in '91, I ordered a slew of Pro 1c, 2c, and 3c...there top of the line at the time, and they all ended up sucking. That crankin' reel won't compare to today's reels, it's kind of archaic. It will work though...

Duckett basically stated that the quality was so poor, he felt he would damage his name if he kept supporting them. He stated the Carrot Sticks the public got are NOT the same rods that won ICAST, and aren't the rods he or other pro-staffers use. E21 was his biggest sponsor, so Kudos to Boyd for having high morals and doing what a lot of other pros would do.

- Magnesium alloy ultra-light body (lightest in the world) - 40mm height compact body - 32mm dia., machined air-craft-aluminum spool - Over-sized gear offers silky cranking and long life - Mg: 80mm standard handle - Mg7: 84mm long handle - 6 point SVS centrifugal brake system

...with a nice lookin' competitor. Lamiglas has always made nice sticks, and these new rods will still be made at the Lamiglas factory in America versus outsourcing like most other rods trying to provide bang-for-the-buck. No word yet on the name of these rods....all we have is a pic and price point ($99).

Looks like a remake of Berkley Trimax Photochromic, which was a line available in the early-mid '90s that transitioned from a light gold to a fluorescent color. The Trimax was very good line; I never understood why Berkley discontinued it.

I had a CBR843 and 845, and traded my 843 for another 845. The 3 power CBR's are noodles. The 845 is the most versatile cranker I have owned.

Just remember, as line capacity goes up....ability to throw light baits goes down.

I was playing around with the XMLti's at Cabelas yesterday....these are nice sticks. A rod with Recoils for $100? Jump on it. They aren't on sale in-store, but they will match the internet price.

Pure Fishing has the money and resources to produce great rods....they just haven't focused on this apparently. The series one was the **** back in the day.

I'm speaking of the anodizing.

It's not hard to tell that reel rolls off the same assembly line as the Revos and Johnny Morris. I'm not sure if I like the anodized blue on that reel or the Morris.

That looks like asss. Pflueger Trion colors?!

I would definitely go with the extra-fast for the aforementioned techniques. The XF will be more crisp, not to mention it also squeezes a little more sensitivity out of the blank. I prefer XF rods for any bait I have to set the hook.

The Cabelas XML Ti is on clearance. These are Cabelas top-of-the-line rods, and sport titanium Recoil guides. They are normally priced at $190, but can be purchased for $109 (7' medium model). The 7' medium comes in a 1 and 2 piece versions. Pair it up with a Citica; it will match nicely 8-). http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=cat21406_feat&id=0030280119418a&navCount=1&podId=0030280&parentId=cat21428&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

I recommend the Daiwa Sol. Being a beginner, the externally adjustable brakes on the Sol are easier to contend with while you are learning, and you can back off the brake setting in smaller increments. However, the most important feature the Sol has over several other reels mentioned is it's low line capacity. Light weight spools are easier to start and stop, which equates into fewer backlashes.

In that range, you've got a few choices. Here are my opinions of the rods I've owned in your budget. Which rod I would choose would depend on what your intentions are. Legend Tournament- Sensitive rods, but as I've stated before if you are shelling out $200; sensitivity comes standard. Performance is a given as well, but some rods shine in certain areas. The LT is a technique specific line, and offers more actions than any other lineup in the $200 range. I owned the magnum cranker (7'10" moderate) for a season, as well as the 'big gulp' flippin' stick. They have a 7' length in the cranker as well. Great tip and taper for cranks...the upper section isn't too floppy (which I hate) and has a perfect fade into the power region. The standard medium, medium heavy, and heavy power, fast action 6'6"-7' rods are indeed fast, but not as crisp as the IMX or Zillion. For cranks, traps, magic swimmers, etc.....I'd go with one of the LT crankers. *Note....the Legend Tournaments feel tip-heavy off the shelf, and I recommend an aluminum framed reel versus a magnesium model. You don't need to put a brick on it, but a reel in the upper 7's or 8oz (Zillion or Curado) will balance it out nicely. IMX- The most sensitive blank in the $200 range, but newcomers such as the Cumara and Zillion have narrowed the gap enough that I feel you should focus on other factors such as weight, balance, and how agile it feels in your hand. The Mag Bass Loomis blanks are probably the most versatile blanks made, offering a very crisp, fast blank with just the right amount of tip action that truly remains 'in the tip section' of the blank, with a quick transition to power. The MB 844 blank is the only heavy powered, fast action rod that really excels at jigs and c-rigs, yet has the tip to fling weightless lizards and small buzzbaits. I'd go IMX if you want a versatile jig/worm/chatterbait/spinnerbait/fluke/paddle tail tube rod. Zillion- Very reminiscent of the BCR Loomis series in the extreme actions they provide. In laymans terms; they are 'stiff'. The least versatile out of the $200ish rods. No tip action what-so-ever; these are dedicated jig/worm/c-rig rods. The extra-fast action equates to significantly more power than your usual rod rating. Tackle Tour tested the medium Heavy Zillion which proved to be more powerful than the Heavy (844) Loomis. I think many anglers have purchased Zillions and wished they had gone down a power. The medium power is going to satisfy most Zillion shoppers; it will easily cast 1/8oz baby boo jigs, yet handle will handle jigs up to 3/4oz. Dobyns- Haven't fished them. I don't really know anyone who has purchased one retail; I do know countless staffers from several boards, but you may want an unbiased opinion.

Not to get off topic, but those Zoom 4" lizards are just dynamite on a C-rig. Anyway...the only thing I do different in the summer is add a 10-12" worm to the arsenal.

I use a Chompers Rock-Walker jighead most of the time. It looks like a normal round jighead, but has a flat top. It works awesome for pitching; I can hop or drag it like a T-rig, or shake it like a shaky head. I use the 3/8oz most often in the summer time. It's only limitation is grass or REALLY dense bushes.

Wow...really?! If my house catches fire, you'll see me standing on my lawn in my underwear....holding my bulk spools of Trilene 100%.

It's splitting hairs; they are both light, sensitive rods. If you value extreme light weight and cutting edge looks...go Steez. If you like a more traditional looking rod with pure, raw sensitivity...go GLX. GLX Steez Sensitivity 10+ 9 Weight 9 10+ Balance 9 9 Build Quality 9 9 On a side not, the Zillion rods are right there with the Steez rods in the sensitivity department, but the Steez rods are noticeably lighter in weight. The Zillion and IMX would represent another tough decision, and you would have to answer the same question of what you value most.

If you read through the thread, you will see he posted that the thread 'would be complete' if someone would add a list of spinning reels. I imagine he doesn't use spinning reels much, and why he hinted at someone else adding a list.

I believe those are discontinued. I have several of the Flat CB DR's, but none of the 'fat'. However, I have no doubt they will work.

What's your budget?

While you aren't off base for that hypothesis, it is actually fluorocarbon's density that makes it a more sensitive line (and sink).