Delaware Valley Tackle

On paper the Curado design is a little better with bearing supported pinion. I also prefer the direct interface of the thumb bar and clutch in the Curado. These are small things, splitting hairs probably. Both are well built quality reels at the price point.

All I'll add here is that "non contact" seals aren't really that. Pop off the seals and run them open. Or stick with a shielded ABEC 5

Very nice.

Try removing the spool and backing the tension cap way off and reinstall. It's hard to say without seeing it.

There are too many lews models for me to keep track of. If one of them has a clicking drag compare schematics and order parts accordingly. If lews doesn't have one you might try a Pflueger or revo model.

Replacements for both stock dartanium washers. One goes in the main gear and the other goes under the main on top of the ratchet.

I have kits in stock to fit that. $8 free shipping for members here.

If you get stuck or have any questions give me a yell.

7' Rod is a good all around length. In general longer for casting distance and shorter for accuracy.

Line is a consumable product unlike the Rod. The cost of a spool of braid and some leader material will offset the mono or Fluor you'll go thru over a few seasons unless you don't fish much at all.

Being a less expensive Rod it's probably not cost effective to pay for repair but it can be done. In that section fiber glass over sleeve is way to do it. You've got some good suggestions for alternative uses

It works either pinned with a heavy weight or better yet slipping the current.

Lipless crank too

30" ipt or so seems to take up slack fast enough when a bass swims right at you. As for making more casts in a day, the math doesn't really bare that out to any meaningful degree.

That event is unfortunately no more. Contact Orange County bass masters. They're out of Middletown ny but fish candle wood a lot . A good bunch of guys and the competitive aspect is enough to be fun but not overwhelming.

You're on the right track with super tuning and spool bearing. Since you need to add a bearing you may as well make it a good one . ABEC5 ceramic hybrid. Flush and test the others. If you want more after that look for a shallow wiffle spool. That's about all there is. Let me know if you need help with any of this.

They're both good bearings. As always I'll recommend flushing the stock ones before doing either. Even if you decide to proceed you get a more accurate picture of what you're gaining.

Good point.

There's no magic to lubricants. The Benelli oil is probably similar to Remoil and should work fine. Simple sewing machine oil will work. A small drop of something light . I like Boca Lightning Lube for max free spool and Tsi321 for longevity. Grease wise either marine grease or Superlube on gears and 80-140 gear oil on levelwind, sliding parts and non-spool bearings .

Unfortunately reel feet are not uniform across or even within brands. To be sure if find a sample reel at a store or something to measure. I usually end up taking about 3 threads off a typical reel seat and that leaves a little room.

its just a thin oil with red dye. Not the one I would choose for sure but it's not "unsafe" to use.

It's all subjective and can vary from brand to brand regardless of the company's home country.

I can't lay my hands on it right this second but I researched this a while ago for a project and found that a factory in Italy makes 90% of the sunglasses on the market. 100%uv blocking, distortion free, impact resistant, polarized glasses can be had for around $100 and that above that you pay mostly for designer branding.

It's safe as in compatible. The grease I won't use due to its tendency to gum up.

Get Bit and Binghams are good too there are others as well. A casting guide train is a little simpler or go with a Microwave spinning kit until you get up to speed on the different spinning guide systems.