Delaware Valley Tackle

Only if the threaded barrel has a groove top and bottom. I don't think that's the case with that seat. Worth a look though.

An unarguable manufacturing defect. I'm sure Powell will make good.

That's not a normal motion for a reel. Stop doing that to your reels. It doesn't tell you anything one way or another. I'll be happy to look over anything you'd like to send.

The Shimano AR is head and shoulders above the rest being self contained and ungreased. The others will hold up though with regular maintenance.

You can't accurately make blanket statements regarding blank materials. Each has pluses and minuses and a lot of other aspects go into making a blank and rod. Focus more on power, action and weight of potential purchases.

St Croix are as well built as any or better. As with any high modulus rod the LTB won't be tolerant of mishandling or misuse. This includes, high sticking, rough handling, snap casts, poking snags etc. if cared for and used with proper technique it'll perform well

Parabolic is an often mis used term. A parabolic bend would form a perfect U and be useless as a fishing rod (zero butt section). There's no such thing as more or less parabolic, it is or isn't. Excuse the rant. Lol. Rod actions extra fast, fast, moderate fast, moderate, slow (seldom if ever used) each bending progressively further into the length when initially loaded.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays from our family to you and yours! Mike & Family

Glad all is well. ?

I consider it every year but it just never works out. Hopefully in the next year or two. I have so much reel work that time of year I rarely take even a whole day off.

Braid is neutrally buoyant. Just use the thinnest you can get away with to achieve max running depth.

Is the tension cap cranked down tight?

Make sure the yoke"chassis" is right side up. Beveled edge mates to clutch

Your current system is perfectly acceptable. Don't feel compelled to change unless you just like to tinker and experiment.

The *** reels are well built enough but imo a little over priced comparatively. Max drag is of little importance. Regardless of saltwater rating, rinse reels immediately after use with fresh water and dry prior to storage. Service regularly.

You can also call pflueger directly and quite possibly get one free as a courtesy.

Email me and I'll quote you prices including 10%off labor as a BassResource.com member.

AR assemblies in general are sensitive to oil and grease intrusion. I doubt it's a major design flaw or anything. I'm sure they'll stand behind it.

Do NOT open a bail unless you know what you're doing. Also the Shimano spring is not your traditional style bail spring. Should be trouble free. i have an idea what you're talking about. Don't think it's a problem though.

11 lb braid may dig in and give you grief. I don't go below 40 on casters but some do without issue.

Imo it depends on how you grip the reel as to whether up or down locking makes more sense. If you put the reel stem between your pinky and ring finger, an up locking seat may feel better than if you put it between your index and middle finger moving your hand back onto the hood.

There's some work involved but it's not all that bad. Strip off the old, build tape arbors, ream and epoxy new grip in place. There are a few finer points but that's the gist of it.

Mechanically, each has its pluses. On paper I'd give the nod to the Daiwa for the bearing supported pinion and unique braking system. On the water either will perform well enough. Go with your gut. Personal preference and the deal are the real difference.

Changing the seat is a lot of work and could end up being cost prohibitive. It requires stripping off the grip or 3 or more of the guides. You'd be way ahead of the game to have one built from scratch.

Didn't mean to be sarcastic. Hope you didn't take it that way. Everyone's setup and style are different. Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Try starting with a heavy bait and dial it down a little at a time.