Delaware Valley Tackle

In general high modulus blanks, micro guides, sic etc rings all combine to build as light a rod as possible. There are many models that fit the bill or custom may be the right option in this case.

Not ignore just don't put all your eggs in that basket. If you follow long enough you'll notice some biases. Some of their comments and assertions are debatable imo but often stated as fact. Again I don't have any bone to pick I just don't think they're the final word any more than am l, John, Gary or any one source.

Simple Green is mild and works well. Products like meguires can help against UV damage. Something like Pledge gives a nice non slippery sheen and keeps dirt from sticking.

TT can be taken with a grain of salt. That said, those reels are not apples to apples. They're both good reels for their target market and price point but different animals. The citica is a lighter workhorse type reel where the Calais is refined but hefty reel.

What's it worth to you? Just kidding. Tighten the drag star and you'll see a spring loaded locking plate with teeth. Pull it in toward the side case and you can unscrew the whole handle from the shaft.

Having a senior moment. What do you mean by solid butt? Something without a pre drilled hole?

Action and tip stiffness are not necessarily tied. It has to do more with power and lure weight rating. It really depends on the individual rod. There are fast and xf rods with a nice soft tip. senkos and flukes are far from weightless even with no added weight. In some circumstances a MH might be a better choice. Smaller versions fish well on a ML spinning rig if cover allows. A med fast is a good all round pick.

I use double foot 6 strippers just for aesthetics. But Gotti is right that they aren't required. In a simple spiral there is zero pressure on a transition guide. It's just there to keep the line off the blank. They can be skipped altogether if you choose. Sounds like you're doing more of a revolver wrap. In that scenario there will be some load on the guides but not enough to require double feet any more than any other rod of similar power.

Define Medium to Large. I've used MHX SB models and the customers liked them. I've also used surf blanks for swimbait applications.

No such option. Ring Lock and Mirowave are two different models.

Depending on what needs to be done, as of today 2-3 weeks things are ramping up. If you need a deadline for a trip or tournament contact me and I cDNA usually schedule around other things.

First and foremost keep in mind that brakes on a bait caster are not intended to combat poor technique or eliminate the need to thumb the spool.

Charts are fine if you're real casual about building but layout is one of the main advantages of custom over production rods. Learn the KR system for spinning rods and the static testing procedure and you'll build much better rods.

I received your email and will reply shortly. For anyone else reading here: cleaning service is $22 less 10% for members here ($19.80) I accept all forms of payment but the vast majority use PayPal. I bill when the work is done. There is a work order form on the website with shipping address: DVT 116 Reid St Fort Plain, NY 13339 mlawson@delawarevalleytackle.com 973-459-2835

If your budget is $125> you almost can't go wrong among any of the big name brands. It's just a matter of picking the features that most interest you.

You're using 6'> leader? A knot that passes the level wind Should be less of an issue with the t wing

I highly doubt the bearings are shot already. Probably just dirty. Send it in if you'd like $19.80 after BassResource.com discount plus shipping

The core parts should still be available right from Shimano

If using a lower guide you need to compensate by going up one ring size maybe more depending on comparison

They're really close weight wise. Recoils are indestructible but more expensive and kinda ugly.

The Shimano resource is a good suggestion for interim maintenance. When it comes to the level wind, brush/sweep it free of debris and add a drop of oil. Nothing fancy but I advise against grease as it tends to collect debris and gum up.

I was thinking more along the lines of not being afraid to use 65# braid on the same rod. Anyone who'll put 6# on an XH is probably using a spinning rod upside down to crank with their right hand. Lol

Line ratings are next to useless on a fresh water rod. On a reel it's just for line capacity reference.

Recovery speed and action are both described as fast, moderate etc but are not the same thing. The most succinct and accurate explanation of rod power , action and application is Eddie Taylor's article on this site. Check that out.

I've used Minimas on med to light rods with no problem at all including braid. I use a ringed tip top though.