Delaware Valley Tackle

And even this is debatable. A $500 car with a $1500 stereo is still a $500 car.

I know guys with custom cars and motorcycles that get towed around in a trailer, and others that run the wheels off stuff. When it comes to enthusiasts it's "to each his own".

The Purple and dark burl compliment one another nicely. I've used some purple anodized trim before and liked it. It doesn't come off as overtly girly or feminine even though it was on a lady's rod.

Jump on it.

How heavy of a rig and in what cover? I can see going as high as 80# braid. Probably 65# at the lightest.

I take Tackle Tour with a grain of salt, but the BPS brand did pretty well in their Fluorocarbon shoot out.

Obviously, there are compromises whenever you try to standardize or simplify. The level to which you can get away with standardizing your line choice depends on your specific circumstances. IMO 40# braid with leader where necessary is the most versatile line setup.

IMO Technique Specific is just that, while "Custom" involves choice of components, aesthetic design, handle length, shape, material and most importantly static guide placement on each blank built.

There is a local warehouse company in my area that processes all the Walmart returns. The couple times I've tried negotiating with a Walmart store manager I've found that they are pretty limited in their authority to dicker. Best look elsewhere for the type of deal you mentioned.

The lightest, lowest line capacity spool you can get will help with finesse baitcasting. I'm not positive which that is between these two without looking it up or what reasonable expectations would be.

There are lots of variables too: rod, bait weight & profile, line. More details on what exactly you're doing and what results you're getting would help

How can anyone here with a post count in the double digits not know the benefits of the 50/51 Shimano s? Just pull the trigger already. Lol

In the past the only thing that kept me from buying Daiwas was the cost when comparing apples to apples. It's looking like that tide has turned.

ABEC 7 rating is overkill for the sustained speeds a reel sees. It's purely an enthusiast decision when I do use them. I also rinse every bearing before installation regardless of where they come from. It doesn't take much in the way an oil smudge or dust particle to affect a tight tolerance bearing.

A spincast reel would be the best interim option. A spinning reel on a trigger rod with casting guides is a recipe for frustration. It won't cast well at all.

I don't think a slower action is the answer. A good quality Med fast rod should give you the sensitivity and hooksets you need.

The G7 & G5 are the same reel in different gear ratios The G5 is a low IPT cranking reel. The G series is smaller and lighter than the B series. The B are absolute tanks though. Can't kill'em.

Get hukt on foniks

You'll get an occasional dud with any bearing line, but Boca will replace them. Are you using Orange Seals? If so it's the seal that rubs. They are not truly "No contact". I run them open if not using ABEC5 shielded.

Please give him my best.

I was just saying that $150 is a good budget for a quality reel, plus you don't necessarily have to but new. I should have said $150>. If I knew where Zillions could be had for $150 new I'd buy the lot and sell them for $199. lol

You want a reel that "Is" sturdy not just "Feels" sturdy I assume. As mentioned, physical weight is not necessarily an indicator of quality or reliability either positive or negative. If you've got $150> to spend you can't go too far wrong with the major brands. You've got all good suggestions so far. The Zillion is hard to argue with from a pure durability and solid feel standpoint.

I'm not sure if there would be obstacles but at a minimum you'd need a new side plate with a pressed in AR clutch and a sleeve. Likely a few washers to make the stack the right height. Bottom line is it's more cost effective to just buy another reel. Let add that the mechanical AR has worked for years in some very hard use applications. They'll work fine as they are.

Try this: http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/albums/shimano/Shimano_CU201.pdf If you need to, call me and I'll either talk you through it or give you the info to send in. 973-459-2835

I wasn't sure if maybe the OP was part sarcasm. lol A "casting" rod is just a non-technique specific bait-casting (usually trigger) rod.