SWMIBASSER

Because lines are close enough that the differences in diameter aren't going to make much of a difference. A small diameter 10lb may get you a few feet MAX more capacity than a large diameter 10lb....Not enough to fuss over. Braid is different but I would think you choose braid based on it's diameter not it's lb test. The spool size issue mentioned: Spool size may give you manageability problems with a spinning reel...I've never noticed it with a baitcasting reel. A question I'll add to the topic is how much do you really need? I sometimes think extra line capacity is used to sell/market reel to the general public, when many enthusiasts, would rather have a lower capacity spool that is lighter weight.

I'm not knocking the Abu reel at all. But I think it's always good to buy the best you can. With that money I would try to find a deal in the flea market area. I bought a Revo S that was honestly fine to fish with as is for $45 shipped.

Mikes reel repair makes a nice carbon handle that sells for around $40 that will fit it also. But as was said, any handle from a BPS or Abu reel interchanges.

I should have been more clear in pointing out the T/T review. I was only pointing out the reels oddball construction (to me) which is shown in that review. In my opinion the T/T reviews are often swayed by preconceived notions. I've read their reviews on Abu reels for instance. The lower end Revo's with magnetic brakes receive a low rating for casting performance because of the brake. Yet the higher end or JDM reels get great marks for the same braking system. IDK maybe I'm the only one who sees that.

It looks like the pin that picks up line is on that cap. It must engage with the spool once you put it together. Try running the line through the hole in that cap and putting the cap on the reel. You will get the reel figured out. But the most important thing I'm reading here is that you bought your little brother a fishing outfit to take him fishing. Good job!!!!

I've heard some good things about them too...Anyone else use this reel? Based on these reviews I think I'd pass on the Regal read these reviews for yourself Quite a few good ones but consistent bail problems. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_96661____SearchResults Hmmm. Maybe it was the Exceller I had heard good things about. It was one of the Daiwa spinning reels without the airbail. That was how it came up. The cost to replace the bail on the more expensive reels after stepping on them. (not me the guy who I heard this from) Made the Regal or maybe it was the Excelleer a good buy.

I've heard some good things about them too...Anyone else use this reel?

I know most won't agree with me.....But I would try to find a Pro Qualifier or even the JM spinning reel on sale. I don't care for them, but my brother has used an Extreme for a couple years. Uses it a ton. No problems. And the bigger spool really does cast farther and reduce line twist/management problems. The pro qualifier and JM might be more refined feeling than the extreme. Never inspected or used them. The second choice would be a Pflueger President.

Agree on all points. Good post ;D Not sure about other lines but I've used Fish307.com to buy Y/Z Hybrid with good success. Good prices fast shipping and frequent updates.

Unless all the pro's who make their living fishing are left handed, it must not matter. The only ones I can say for sure, KVD, S/R, Ike all switch hands after the cast. I would guess others do too. KVD is the model of efficiency. If he has the time to switch so do I.

I've said before you can hinge decisions off one review. You can however make decisions on trends in opinion. The biggest majority of reviews on their reels are either negative or neutral. If everone says they aren't very good, they probably aren't. To that light, despite my disdain for Shimano, they are obviously a safe choice. Again follow trends of opinion. Too many like them. Not many at all complain about them. (And same could be said for a few other reel builders as well) The closest way to get a good 'American built reel' is to buy a Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, and modify and upgrade them yourself, or send to a fellow American to 'build'. ;D

I think those two rods would require different actions. I would want more backbone for wacky/flickshake worms, than for dropshotting. That's just me though....To clarify I guess I should say a faster action for those techniques vs dropshotting. I don't have the GLX shakey head rod, and still LOVE it. I've got the SHR821S and paired with a 8030 Pflueger supereme it is a very balanced, light, setup with an excellent action. I'm not sure what size Daiwa or Shimano spinning reel matches that size. Maybe 2500? I'd love to be able to buy the GLX version and put an Australian market Pflueger Supreme XTS on it.

What is your budget? Do you want your FIRST G Loomis to be a GLX? Anything around 7' MH is a good all around rod. I can't say for sure as I haven't used it, but I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the Mossyback BCR 853. 7'1 MH, XF 3/16-5/8

I want them to succeed too. They just need to go with a different design. Much narrower, and re-design the handle/crank plate and components. The way the reel goes together is goofy.

Maybe it's because I don't flip, but to me a reel for flipping is a waste of money. Heck you could flip with a baitcaster from the 50's honestly. Pitching is an entirely different set of requirements. Especially dependent of 'what' your pitching. A reel that tosses light weights easy will only make pitching that much easier and more accurate. IMO.

It is a wide reel. My personal preference is for a narrow reel. An Abu 4600 being a large diameter reel that is narrow feels better to me than a really short low profile reel that is wide. (though I prefer low profile/narrow reels) Beyond that the main thing I don't like about it is the design and construction. Look up the Tackle Tour review of this reel. It's the only reel I wouldn't take apart and clean/service. I'm sure with experience working on a few it would be OK, but it's just not like all other reels that have a similar construction.

I even use a backer for Flourcarbon too. No point in filling a reel with expensive line, when only the last 550-75 yards gets used. 50-75 yards is more than enough to allow several cut/re-ties before needing more line.

I don't mind spinning tackle. It sounds like you have your mind made up. And that's fine. I'm going to work on getting a "finesse" casting setup myself. But take em FWIW, here are my ideas to improve spinning success. Change line. Sorry to beat the dead horse, and I'm not band wagoning here as I disagree with R/W strongly on most stuff. But a switch to 6lb Y/Z hybrid will help alleviate line management issues. I've been using a Abu and Pflueger spinning reels with very small spools and haven't had any problems with even 8lb. Keep in mind the break strength of Y/Z is very high as compared to it's diameter. Stop the line before your bait lands. It doesn't have to be abrupt. Reach down with the index finger and you can feather it down to a compete stop. This eliminates the bow in the line you are trying to catch up with. Always flip the bail closed manually +. What I mean by the + is if using flouro, or weightless presentations it's a good idea to flip the bail shut manually. Then pull the line from above the reel to tighten it on the line roller. This alone, even with line that isn't ideal (10lb 100% Flouro on a small spool reel and weightless presentations) this will almost completely eliminate line management problems. This one isn't necessary 'AT ALL' if you switch lines. If you don't however, and you get a loop on your spool, do NOT cast it out. Flip the bail open and manually pull line out till the loop is off the spool flip it back closed and reel the line up. All of this sounds like a serious hassle but honestly it isn't. It can, and will just become second nature. In my opinion spinning gear will work better for light finesse presentations. 1/16oz shakey heads with 4" worms, small weightless worms, small finesse jigs w/grubs, even some of the heavier stuff. While some of it can be cast with certain baitcasters, you are going to be severely limited in higher winds. The key attribute to spinning gear for many finesse presentations, in my opinion is that you get a slack line fall that you can't get with a baitcasting setup.

G Loomis despite being owned by Shimano, are made right here in the USA. I'd like to know what Gary Loomis thought are about the direction of G Loomis....In the interview w/him about North Fork Composites he talks about the direction of G Loomis VERY briefly. With a negative connotation.

I've never used their warranty, but they do have a lifetime warranty.

This thread took a turn for the better. While I'm not terribly impressed with the products I gave a quick once over, I probably conveyed that in a combative tone.... That was wrong and I appologize. I'm also looking forward to a more bash free zone

Well I found out the the main gear drive shaft from the older prolite with the screw on handle, will swap into an Extreme. I want to add a carbon handle to my ProLite that is why I originally did the swap. It makes the Extreme look much better too. Here is a picture of the Extreme with the ProLite handle/drag star. It upgrades the extreme to 9 bearings too as the Pro Lite has two bearings in the handle vs bushings in the handle of the Extreme. The bolt on handle driveshaft from the Extreme fit inside the Pro Lite perfectly. Now I can add a different drag star and handle.

I've thrown off plenty of Musky lures due to superbraid with ZERO stretch. It's a sickening feeling watching a $25 lure you know sinks sail away unattached to anything. ;D

Wasn't Rogue started by one of the Loomis family members?

I've got a 6'6 MH spin/jig rod. Rogue makes EXCELLENT rods. I really think they are another underrated rod. The one I have is super light and sensitive. They aren't readily available though. I got the one I have from a friend who had several. The casting rods were nice too. I once considered buying more, to build a matched arsenal but in the end the limited availability made me look elsewhere.