Delaware Valley Tackle

I don’t think stature plays much if any roll in rod choices. I’m this scenario I’d decide how important long casts are and decide on that basis. I don’t think either model uses unusual grip length but I haven’t handled them in person.

Yes. It’s a rapid choke system. You can see it explained on the Anglers Resource site. As pointed out by UNO you can go smaller with light enough line.

Epoxy doesn’t have to be a football glob first of all and there’s no data for 90% of this. In hand, fishing a build as described I don’t believe the difference could be felt. Just trying to save a new builder from driving himself nuts over thinking things. Sometimes that’s half the fun of this though. To each his own, that’s the core of custom Lightest doesn’t by itself doesn’t equate to best performance. The KR system uses fewer, smaller reduction guides. AmTac makes something close but I forget the model. I don’t believe Torzite are lighter than recoils but the difference either way is minute. Differing opinions aren’t dismissive and my apologies if I came across that way

I can’t begin to address all the misstatements in this thread. Suffice to say the lightest AND best performance guide train for finesse bass spinning is Fuji Titanium Torzite reduction train klh 20h 10h 5.5m 5.5kb recoil runners and Torzite top. Fuji VSS seat up locking cork or Eva, no rear grip and short fighting butt. The weight saving of permagloss is negligible and irrelevant to performance. Short wraps, no decals. The van stahl is a nice reel but I’m not sure it’s the best match to this build. You will not get a sub 3oz finished rod. Sun 4 will be a win. That’s not to be discouraging just realistic.

Saving money is the absolute worst reason to get into rod building. The higher end you go the better the chance of saving a little. The satisfaction and enjoyment of the craft is the only motivation that won’t likely disappoint you.

Cork, being a natural material like wood varies slightly among samples. It’s normal and not an indication of quality or lack of.

The Lews reels typically respond well to Super tuning. I’d upgrade the drags and bearings if they’re not in great shape.

Today’s reels all have overkill drags on them. If reels with different handles have slightly different specs it’s not because of the handle, but some other feature like gear size. At any rate it’s irrelevant for the most part.

Reels don’t cast, rods do. The best you can get from a reel is limited restriction of casts. Pick a quality name brand reel and set it up correctly and you’ll be able to cast further than you want to set a hook. Supple line, tightly and fully spooled, brakes set to preference, spool bearings flushed and lightly oiled, bait weight appropriate for the rod. Obviously you exclude shallow spool, BFS and “skipping” reels in this case.

A competent rod builder could save that using an over sleeve technique. I wouldn’t use it as is though.

The U40 is the best product. Not a substitute for regular care though: keep cork clean, dry, pits filled etc.

If the level wind is kept clean they’ll last as long as any other.

Yes the measuring syringe

Doesn’t permagloss require air to cure?

Am I the only one that still uses a plain Albright knot? It’s slimmer and seems to hold just fine.

You can throw Lews into the bc category too.

Rod building suppliers sell both liquid and paste adhesive epoxy. Even the liquid would be hard to put through a needle, maybe the largest gauge one would work but I use old measuring syringes. I drill 2 3/32” holes which fit the syringe well.

You’ve gotten good advice here already. All I’ll add is that regular, detailed maintenance is THE key and trumps any special application product labels.

Drill two holes, one to inject and one to let air escape. Careful not to drill into the blank.

Thanks guys

I m looking to grab a landing net and unsure of how big a hoop and length of handle I want. It’s going in a Tracker Heritage so I don’t want to waste space but something that’ll be handy. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks

The current Z is $275 regular price at TW. I’m not sure the discount is as deep as you believe. Either way, in general the 13 reels are good quality but typically priced higher than others with equal features. On sale they’re not a bad value.

100%. This can’t be emphasized enough. Poor technique breaks rods, not poor quality.

Personally I don’t get the accuracy claims of bait casting vs spinning. I don’t have any problem hitting targets with my spinning tackle. If you’re casting a super light bait, why would you prefer a brake system that exerts constant affect over one that “shuts off” (which is over stated)? I can tune a centrifugal brake reel to startup and spin noticeably better than mag brake reels. It’s all opinion and personal preference act to end of the day.

It’s also not accurate to say this is a flipping rod and that’s not. I flip and pitch baits with every rod I use.