Delaware Valley Tackle

Congrats Nate! I have a Bass Raider for the small electric only lakes that dominate my local area and love it.

Having run a lube oil distributorship, I can vouch for the fact that OEM oils are manufactred and packaged by oil companies. As for the OP question, brand matters the same way it matters for anything else. All the name brands produce quality products. If you try to save a few pennies buying no-name brands, you may be ok or live to regret it. Pennzoil (and I'm sure others) spends a lot of money on R&D and puts out quality products. As suggested, check the manufacturer specs and see that your lube meets or exceeds them. Even a quality product won't help if used in the wrong application.

Reels can be sent to: Delaware Valley Tackle 2739 Gold Key Est Milford, PA 18337 Include a repair order form from our website:http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/ Thanks, Mike

Smoooth Drag Sells the kits. As a dealer for Smooth Drag I'll install them as part of a clean&lube service at 10% off retail. There's not much to be tuned since they use a two piece spool shaft. Some people polish the clutch parts to achiev a more positive engagement.

We service spinning reels as well (same $). The newer spinners can be every bit as challenging as a baitcater to dis/re-assemble.

I'd suggest choosing a reel repair shop the same way you'd choose a contractor or auto mechanic or anything else. Ask questions and check references, word of mouth, reviews etc. There are several forum members who post here regularly that will all get high praise from people they have provided service to.

I hear ya on the license fees. If it makes you feel any better, imagine this: I live in NEPA so I get a resident license, right across the river is NJ so I get that non-res, I'm a member of a club out of Orange County NY, and oh ya their early season TXs are in CT. $$$$ :'( On the bright side, there are lots of good bass waters in all four states!

This isn't really apples to apples. Is the goal a deep diving crankbait reel? If so, Winch or E5 are both good choices. Are you looking to do two different things and just trying to get a feel for ROI? If you feel like you want to get a little more out of the Citicas, Super Tuning is an option. Benefits of upgrading the bearings depends on the condition of the stock ones. The Carbontex Drag is not a bad idea and pretty affordable.

What do you mean by "missed two fish"? Did they break off, throw the hook... The 7'6" Heavy rod you have should be sufficient. Line, bait, rigging, technique are some area's to look at before throwing money at the situation.

I think ghotti's got the right idea. I doubt the frame is structurally compromised. I wouldn't blast or paint for fear of changing tolerances.

You're very welcome. Post some pics when you give that Calcutta a work out!

The Zillion has a two piece spool shaft so there's not much tuning to do there. The Chronarch may benefit, but the extent depends upon it's current condition. If it's never been cleaned, that's probably a good first step. A clean/lube/inspect servive costs members $16.20 ($18-10%) plus shipping.

Blanks can be painted. Something like Krylon Fusion or automotive bumper paint will flex with the rod. You'll want a clear coat too. The challenge would be masking off the guides well enough to get a clean look. I'm assuming this is an older or less expensive rod since you're playing around with it. If warranty is a concern, you can contact the manufacturer to ask repercussions. Painting by itself will not cause a blank failure.

Thanks for the votes of confidence! We're here to help.

Super Tuning is beneficial on reels with a one piece spool shaft. The older Curados are prime candidates and respond very well. Expectations depend upon the reel model and current condition.

I see a single hook on that spoon. Do you change them all or only in certain circumstances?

These are a neat little reel that can handle light baits. They make a nice pitching reel. They went for $265 + when they came out. You can check ebay etc to see what they're bringing.

This may be obvious, but just in case: Be sure to lock down the drag for this to work.

That rod should serve just fine as a drop-shot/light plastics rod. Rods labeled for specific techniques are done as marketing. The blank doesn't know if it's wrapped as a spinning, casting, drop-shot, fill in the blank.... rod.

I also run OS Ceramic bearings open.Even though the seal is a "non-contact" seal, I get better performance with them open. Certain model reels come with open bearings stock. They are not a problem if recommended service schedules are kept.

Looks good. It's nice to have a fall back for grips with increasing cost and decreasing availability of high grade cork. Those Rod Builder blanks are great to learn on and experiment with. They aren't a bad blank either. I use them for customer builds when budget is a concern.

Right, not to say all their advice is bad, just check around before diving in.

If the application you have in mind requires sustainded drag pressures of 20#> You're going to be hard pressed to find that in a typical bass reel, Revo or otherwise.

Something in the 2500 size class, maybe next size up.

I here ya brother!