WdyCrankbait

Great video, Thanks for posting it! (golf clap) I would wonder if this was perfected to a bigger "TRD," (yes, turd joke implied) how it would do say flipped docks with a 3/8oz weight and a longer bait if a weed guard did not hinder the action enough.

Well, I got stung for a Powell 3D max rod. They had a great deal, 15% off, plus free Diesel rod (went to the wife), and a hoodie. Thank you Bait Monkey!

I'd start at TW and look at some of those reels in your price range. Those Lew's reels are supposed to be very good. I have one Lew's reel that I am trying to sell off. But, Rippin is right about what he is saying, all of those brands in the price range you mentioned should be good. Shop around online for the best deal and let us know what you decide. Enjoy!

Those reels mentioned above look like a good place to start.

Nope, I still have it.

Yes, I have the SS Tournament Lite with the ACB controls. AWESOME controls, totally external and exact. Much better then the Curado 200E 6-pin centrifugal braking system as a point of reference.

Well done! I was at Echo today, nothing, but wanted to get my fly rod out there.

I have two Powell Endurance rods up for sale in the Flea Market. It is an old post so you will have to search for it. 775 & 755

Yeah, the EXO's dont get a lot of love. Personally, I think they are outstanding! Granted, my Curado 200E7 was pretty good to. No complaints on either, I just needed a lighter, more ergonomic reel and the EXO fit the bill.

The unpopular Quantum EXO 100HPT. I sold my Curado 200E7 off to DVT over the summer.

I used to have the same combo. I ended up selling off the reel, but kept the rod. My Powell Endurance is responsible for 95% over the bass caught in the past 5 years. Awesome rod!

welcome to the forum walker

Just got mine from UPS!

I have used Vicous Flouro with no problems, I have not used the other line mentioned.

The casting took me a couple of days. The EXOs have some ceramic bearings in them that really let the spool spin up quickly! So, there will be some over run (which I generally like) initally with the cast. That will be the main difference between the 200E and EXO, would be say the first ten feet in the cast. I have my EXO set at about 1/2 way on the controls inside the reel, and use the tension knob to fine tune. That tension knob seems to have a good impact on casting. Granted, my Curado 200E's have served me great! I still have my 200E5, and 50E, and I will still use them, but the lighter EXO will outcast the Curados by a good amount. My rod I use most with this EXO is a Powell Endurance 723 XF, which does not feel like what and XF should be, but still a great rod. Meaning, the tip is pretty stiff. I also use my EXO on a Okuma Helios Micro Guide 7' H. The tip is a little more forgiving on the Okuma which allows me more confidence in really standing back and slinging with the EXO. My advice, initially use a MH rod, with say a lip less crankbait, 1/2oz to get a feel for the casting controls. Have the ACS III set inside the reel about 1/2 and tension knob say turned up to about 3/4 and start back off the tension knob to find your "Happy Medium." I hope you do enjoy the EXO, dont give up on it if takes you some time to cast properly. It was surely frustrating for me initially. I hope you enjoy your new EXOs and best of luck fishing with them! Wdy

I personally dont like saying "best reel." I know what you mean. But, it seems like every other day someone is asking for "What is the best rod for $250"?, or something along those lines. For me, the beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. It is all about personal taste. Yes, the EXO is an awesome reel! I previously used to have all Curado 200Es, and once I figured out the EXO casting, yes the EXO will cast further and reel smoother. Look on the bright side, if Quantum is blowing these gen 1 Exos out, other places will soon have them for cheap as well.

My credit card does not thank you.

Hey Matt, Welcome to the Forums, well Darren pretty well summed up my answer. Also Lake Cahoon, and Western Branch in Suffolk might be good for you to try and the Finger lakes as well. Not the size of bass you are probably used to catching here in VA, but you can still do well. If you have any questions, let me know. Again welcome to Bass Resource, and VA. Take care, Wdy

I wonder if this means Quantum is killing this line of reels? I wish it was worth it for me to drive down to get some. But, I assume other dealers will start marking these reels down.

I found the ad, ok well my wife did because I stink at this internet thing. It looks like they are $99/piece instead of $150 https://www.blackfriday.fm/adscan/cabelas

They are made in China. Gulf knows a lot about them. I have a 7:3 to 1 100PT and love it. I am currently parting ways with all my other brands and making the switch to Quantum. Very solid reel! casts into next week, maintence, a few drops of oil and go, braking system seems bullet proof to me.

You won't be the last. Powell rods here.

Craig does have some fly fishing stuff (mostly cheaper leaders and poppers), but yes, I am sure it is slim pickings by now.

Yeah, the Peninsula is pretty good if you put in the time to figure it out. I lived up in the Denbigh area of Newport News for 6 years and fished Lee Hall Res. a lot!