Delaware Valley Tackle

Bigger, stronger fish than bass have been caught on 6-8# mono. Not to say a change wouldn’t be beneficial, but consider what else might be at play. Cover, drag settings, line and rod guide condition, user error…

Quality wise they’re all good. I t comes down to features that appeal to you. Light weight: Tatula or Vanford, sturdy bail wire: Tatula, self contained sturdy AR: Stradic or Vanford. Then of course is price.

Annual deep cleaning and lubrication is a good starting point. You can adjust accordingly for level of use, conditions and interim care.

I don’t think there’s any danger of a catastrophic failure there but it is a blemish and probably within your rights to request a replacement. Personally, I’d squirt some wood glue into the crack and clamp it with a zip tie, then finish with golden oak wood filler sanded smooth.

Your idea will create shear points. You can get actual metal ferrules but I’m not sure you want to tackle that as your first venture into rod building.

Golden Oak wood filler is easiest and works well. Cork dust and glue definitely works but way more work

What’s to learn?

Try it and see.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you all for another successful year at DVT be you owner, Admin, contributor or lurker!! Blessings to you and yours. Mike

Pinion support bearings help keep the gears in line making cranking smoother, minimize friction between the pinion and spool shaft, and in theory aid longevity. On paper it’s a definite upgrade. The need is less critical in a rigid frame with close tolerances. There are tons of old Curados and even Revos still in use without any support bearings for the pinion for example. I like to see them in newer reels to counter the small size, light weight, alloy gears and fine gear teeth.

This is arguably the most debated topic in rod comparison. There is no “correct” or “incorrect” rod feel. I say feel intentionally because it is physically impossible to make a rod see saw at a point that wouldn’t be a ridiculous handle length. The many variables that affect feel are another reason I try not to use the word “balance” in a context other than appropriate for the application when paired with a particular reel, line, bait and presentation. Bottom line: don’t overthink it.

The danger of alcohol lamps outweighs any benefit. I use a butane torch for bubbles if I must and loosening tip tops, and a heat gun for bigger jobs that require heat

The Bantam grease is a good all around grease for reels. I’d throw the hot sauce away. Regarding the AR, thoroughly clean it and oil with a swab of light oil.

One should be thicker and stiffer and should go on first.

I don’t personally like flipping switches. Imo they just unnecessarily complicate service (some designs more than others).

Drive for show, putt for dough.

I think you have it. I would guess the sheet washer to be the thinner of the two. Let us know how you make out

Nope. What you’re seeing is the emergence of faster actions and higher modulus blanks simultaneously. Use correctly, a fast action high modulus rod is incredibly powerful. However, they are intolerant of rough handling and high-sticking. These bad habits that should have been corrected long ago but the nature of the tackle let us get away with it.

Pretty much any shimano handle will fit. Fwiw, I’d take an E series of Core over anything current. The “advancements” between then and now are more like minor refinements, not game changers as far as I’m concerned. Nothing wrong with the new stuff, but you’re not at any disadvantage.

The weight and rigid frame of the Bantam is what makes it so smooth. They are rock solid.

Regardless of claims, a split grip in modern form is an aesthetic and material saving move. Full grips do not deaden feel nor restrict casting distance. Any slight weight saving is in the least critical section. They’re 100% preference.

Average sold price on Curado B is around $65. $100 is high. Value depends on what it’s worth to you.

When I use this term I’m referring to well built, user friendly, dependable reels without bells and whistles. Curado has become slightly more refined so I’m taking SLX, base model Tatula, etc

Lews and ABU share parts and tooling being manufactured in the same couple of factories along with lots of other labels. If you’re dissatisfied with ABU, going to Lews isn’t the answer.

Gears are directional and will not work in the opposite side