Delaware Valley Tackle

You play in a band and still take lessons?

I bought one after test casting a customer's reel. I'll use it for chuck and wind applications. Some guys don't like flipping with it because the line comes out of the middle slot. I'm not sure it would hurt anything because it should slide back when you set the hook begin the retrieve. The one I tested had 20# braid on it and it fluttered across the slot making some noise. Not a big deal to me but intolerable to others. The reel casts well but no better than other Daiwas I've seen. The T wing is a take it or leave it gimmicky feature imo. At the $100 price you can find them they're not a bad reel.

Corrction: Antique Vintage Reel. Sorry guys, no offense intended. I'm on the back side of my run too.

Ya that's like finding $10's & $20's in the couch cushions instead of coins. lol

Each builder has their favorite blanks and brands. I've built on numerous different brands and have yet to come across one that was grossly mislabeled. For reassureance, posts like this looking for other's experience sure doesn't hurt. I replied to what I think was your post on rodbuilding.org regarding guide sizes. If you want more opinions on blanks you can ask that there as well. I've built a few MHX swimbait rods and the guys loved them. Even if you found old swimbait rods specs I doubt and would hope that things have evolved since '97. From what I've seen, the NFC blanks are quality, but not head and shoulders above the compettition like they were when graphite was an innovation.

Thank you!

I wouldn't hesitate at all to throw a jig there, but if I was aware of the conditions ahead of time I'd probably have a weightless plastic, squarebill and/or top water tied on.

I've come across this reel in the box with the papers. I'm not into antique / vintage tackle enough to know if it's worth anything or not. Anyone with insight or a contact that may know more about it please let me know. Thanks

The fundamentals you mentioned earlier.

Gary hasn't been involved with Gloomis for some time now. His current offerings may be nothing like what GL has put out since. There are a lot of good swimbait blanks out there. I'd judge each on it's own merits as it's so hard to compare without actually fishing each.

I plug EVA grips with a pice of scrap from the grip. There are lots of way to finish it off

See if ABU or the retailer will give you a new one. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with the design or materials. They're a nice reel. Good luck and stay safe.

EVA is very workable. Just as with cork go slow as there's no putting it back on.

Exactly

It's really hard to say without seeing it. Being as new as it is I'd look into an exchange. Are you still racing btw?

Yes, that's right.

The Saros is a nice reel, the Pflueger line is hard to beat on a bang for your buck basis from the President and even Trion and up. I like a 2500 size for bass.

Kits are ok if you have no idea where to start, but the biggest part of custom builds is picking your own components. As for tools and supplies, thread, adhesive epoxy and thread finish are all you need. I'd turn the first couple by hand before deciding if the craft is for you or not. Plus you get a birds eye view of how epoxy behaves as it sets.

How much use has the reel had? If a season or more it should be stripped down, cleaned, inspected and re-lubricated. The cost for members is $19.80 plus shipping if you want to send it in. DIY may be a possibility if you have the aptitude, tools etc. There are videos on the web but I have yet to see one that as thorough as a pro service. Any maintenance is better than none. Let me know if you need help.

The action of a rod is independent of the power (stiffness). You can find Med Fast with stiff tips and XF with soft tip and everything in between. There is no harm fishing braid with and XF action but the advantage of XF will be a little less than if you were fishing mono. There's no need to tighten the drag beyond the point of protecting the line, rod and reel.

We can do a nice custom build for way less than the steez and near the MB price. When you say multi purpose can you elaborate?

Good to know. I thought the plate was thinner than the handle.

You should be able to see or feel if the brake drum is grooved. If not I'd try cleaning with alcohol and polishing with a cotton swab chucked in a Dremel. No sanding. Clean the shoes with alcohol as well. If oiling the drum go very lightly.

I'm sending Bobo and the crew your number and tell them you want to take them Squatchin' around the lake in your Bullet

Sorry, I was looking at the Pro model. Looks like it only comes in 6.4:1 in lefty.