Delaware Valley Tackle

Take calipers and measure the tip diameter. Convert to 64ths inch. This is the tube size. Ring is likely a 6. Fuji FAT is a good all around model.

Bottom line is a defect will show itself early if not immediately. They all know this so spare yourself potential embarrassment and just be honest.

The black painted frame is ending not Alconite or K frame.

Fuji Alconite are my go to. Lots of frame and size choices, undoubted quality and bang for the buck prices. I’m familiar and know what I’m getting.

A reels performance degrades slowly with lack of cleaning. Often so slowly that you become accustomed and don’t notice it. Then a good cleaning brings it back to life and you’re pleasantly surprised.

There’s a screw on one side. You have to take the crank side apart and remove the side plate to get the nose piece off.

Some models the nose piece does block removal of the pawl cap which I never understood. Anyway, you can hold until January or send it immediately, just keep in mind that turnaround between now and Jan1 will be slower than usual.

Blank dimensions are nominal measurements. It’s not uncommon to need a tip top one size up or down from stated specs. The bulge on the tip is more of a concern. I’d contact the supplier before anything. Given their history may the force be with you.

The hard part of installing split seats is keeping the proper alignment and distance between the pieces. Beware of that. Slower curing epoxy provides the strongest bond as well as longer pot life so that was the right call on both counts.

I can pass a 50# braid to 15# mono Albright knot through a 4.5 guide no problem. No knot is knocking out an inset unless the guides are pure junk.

No need to open bearings. In fact better to not disrupt the shields. Pull them, soak, agitate, dry repeat as necessary.

Fuji RV6 or double foot 10 - 20” from reel kb 4.5 11” from there at 180* kB 4.5 9” kB 4.5 static spaced total of 9 guides plus top. During static test place 6 fly guide at 90* where the line touches the blank and tweak the stripper toward the spiral just enough to keep the line on the bottom of the ring. No need for all different sizes and you want some height for the stripper

Very nice.

No need to open bearings to clean them. Repeated soaking, agitation and solvent changes will do the trick.

It could be 48 hr turn around if pre scheduled. The pinion bearing issue is a bit of an “anglers myth” in my experience. It could be as simple as the type and amount of grease used. Gear sets are pricy to change. I hesitate to recommend that unless visible damage is present. Again, I’d reserve definite diagnosis until I see it.

I think the bait your casting is too light for the rod to load properly. The reel isn’t an issue here.

As in recent years past, we will not be receiving new orders for reel repair between Thanksgiving and New Years. This allows me to catch up and go into 2021 with a clean slate to minimize turnaround as well as celebrate the holidays with family. This does not affect orders already in house and we’ll still be available for consultation, rod quotes etc. Thank you for your support. Mike

Sight unseen it’s impossible to say for certain if it’s right or not. Lightweight reels with light gears will transmit some feel and sound under load though. You can send it here if you feel it needs attention. Best before thanksgiving or after January 1st.

There’ll be no backbone left. What’s your reasoning for cutting it down?

There are a lot of us that do good work and a lot of hacks and newbies trying to sell rods. Imo choosing a builder is also forming a relationship. It requires some conversation and the personalities should be a fit as well as the business needs aligning. I’m available to talk and answer questions with no commitment for whoever is interested.

Quantum’s lower end entry level reels are use and discard. Their higher end reels are not bad. The mid level $140ish reels are ok but imo not on par with Shimano and Daiwa offerings.

You wouldn’t believe the number of “bag-o-parts” orders I receive. It happens, you’re not alone. You can hit me up when you’re ready to take another crack at it.

That application doesn’t require anything special. Just pick a reel with line capacity, profile and braking you prefer.

For the most part I’m analytical by nature, but something about “signature” reels just turns me off right out of the gate. I summarily dismiss them. Not saying that’s right, it’s just a personal thing for me. Any of the name brand reels at a $140 retail price point will be quality. Your choice will come down to personal preference and current deals.

I appreciate everyone’s support but this is an especially nice compliment. Thank you.