Delaware Valley Tackle

The main differences between the E & I are x ship which a dual bearing pinion support and the dial adjusted centrifugal brake. Whether one is better than the other depends on your personal feelings about those features.

It depends how gummed up it is. If it's that bad, the rest is probably due. You're not using grease on the worm gear are you? It collects too much gunk in an open application like that. The fact that your doing any maintenance is commendable. No harm in over doing it if you have the time etc.

Reels don't cast, rods do. An improperly setup or cared for reel can inhibit casting but ultimately it's the Rod that will load and launch the bait.

I don't think it would be unsafe at all but the better way to clean would be disassembly. Brushing away contamination and adding a drop of oil in between services should suffice.

90' could be considered a long cast. An episode of Hook n Look showed bass bring more spooked by sight of the boat than a trolling motors sound but they were well within casting distance still.

Single hand, two hand, back hand, side arm, roll cast, pitch, flip.... Whatever it takes.

If you insist on a snap and don't need a swivel DuoLock are as good as they get.

All graphite is not created equal. The overall build quality of the reel will determine your long term satisfaction. No need to spend above your means to have fun and productive fishing . That said, the BPS Pro Qualifier will be on sale shortly and is probably the best sub$100 caster you'll find just happens to be aluminum framed among other features.

It'll be plenty durable as long as it's in decent condition to begin with.

Thing is, they don't. Just yet another rebrand.

Consider ratings total casting weight keeping in mind that it's all subjective and some trial and error on your part will be necessary to get the most from each setup.

I like a fast but soft tip for jerkbaits and top waters. I want the action that will help me present the bait the best way to generate strikes. We'll worry about landing them once we hook'em.

True that they are another rebrand. The PQ is such a value especially on sale I have a hard time recommending any of their others.

A urethane like permagloss dries thin hard and water clear.

Mishandling was my first instinct first time I saw this. But ruled that out eventually. "More often" depends on use and monitoring condition. My suggestion is biannual to be safe but definitely annual. It's not rust or normal corrosion but a hard dry film that coats the gears, spool shaft, cases etc. all I could think of was a reaction of the lube and moisture to the electric field. I've never seen anything comparable in a non DC model.

A spinner bait Rod should do fine for chatterbaits. See the strike, wait until you feel it and set the hook.

Not only is the view great any natural light you can get is nice to work by.

I should have been more clear. The units themselves seem trouble free but I've had several DC Calais from different owners through the shop that were beginning to seize with a light tan, dry film all over the inside . Shimano customer service new nothing of it but that's as far as I've been so far . I have discussed this with another tech that has seen it as well. I only have theory and conjecture as to cause and so far more frequent deep cleanings have kept things working. That's what meant by more maintenance. Sorry for the original lack of clarity.

DC reels are not a cure all. IMO the added weight and maintenance are not worth the cost. If you're a tackle enthusiast they are cool from that standpoint.

Nice. Thanks for the reply. It's gutsy to try a new technique on a live build. Came out great.

"More bend" can be the result of lighter power, slower action or both. A little more insight into the applications might get you some better recommendations.

Did you do the paint yourself? I'd like to here about the process. Nice looking build.

There have been similar discussions in Rod building forums and each time the concensus has been that in theory a Rod blank may have a number of cycles before wear occurs but it would be so rediculously high you could never actually achieve it.

IMO the role reels play in Rod balance is way over played. For one thing the reel is right at the fulcrum. Secondly each persons grip is a little different. Sensitivity is positively affected by a lower weight to rigidity ratio. If MG is as rigid aluminum but lighter, in theory it should aid sensitivity. Sensitivity can't be measured and the human element can't be accounted for do its all personal preference in the end.

Double foot are overkill. I've never had a Fuji single foot fail. Double feet also means double thread and double finish which altogether adds enough weight to dampen a highly sensitive blank. I've rewrapped several older Allstar and Castaway rods recently replacing the oversized double foot guides and the clients couldn't believe they were the same Rod. To each his own though. That's the beauty of custom.