Delaware Valley Tackle

When you say quality, I think mainly longevity and basic performance. In that regard all three are quality reels. On paper, design wise I’d rank them Slx, Tat, Lews. One or the other may have a feature that especially appeals to you (braking, profile,etc). In on the water use, I expect them to be very comparable.

Casting distance is not irrelevant, but way over emphasized. A golf analogy: drive for show, putt for dough.

My problem with the “sealed” reels is that users may get the impression that they never need anything maintenance wise leading to neglect. I’ve serviced big saltwater reels that are decades old and still going strong so it’s not critical, just a feature you may or may not be interested in.

I’m a sponsor here and glad to help. As for spool swap, what do you wish to accomplish? The stock one isn’t necessarily seen as deficient as a rule. There are multiple options.

Just modify your handling practices. Rod lockers for instance are rough on guides. It won’t bend during normal use. Down the road if moisture gets under the epoxy wrap on a new guide.

Guides are sized by the ID of the frame ring which is the same as the OD of the ceramic insert.

It depends where the break is. In the mid-lower section I think an internal splice with shorter over sleeve is the way to go.

Like you’ve got nothing else to do!

My wife and I have a similar understanding: what’s mine is hers and what’s hers is hers.

P2 super pinion, lol, love it. Something Daiwa and Shimano have been doing standard for decades.

Acrylic is a popular material along with cork, wood and others

That’s a skeleton seat with an Eva insert. They can be pretty much any material.

We steelhead fish all day with a 13’ rod held with the tip at between 12 & 2 to hold line off the water for drag free drifts. After that tip heavy bass rods don’t mean much. It’s more personal preference than right/wrong good/bad.

My guess would be a 6. They’re the most common “standard” size. If they appear smaller than other production rods you have possibly a 5.5. Anything smaller would likely be marketed as “macro” or “micro”.

Shimano stops stocking parts after about 5 yrs. some odd parts are no longer available already. Independent dealers often have parts for a while but it can be a hunt. Not a problem yet just something to be aware of.

They’re great performers, simple and forgiving. Only downside is limited parts availability but if it’s sound now and cared for it’s no problem.

Don’t throw that reel away. I’ll take it if no one else will.

Yes replace the whole tip top. There are kits readily available. For an exact match I’d expect ABU to send one N/C

If it really broke right at the tip-top re-tipping it is viable. I don’t think you will notice a difference.

A 5” Senko type worm is hefty and well within the capability of any decent baitcaster. Casting issues are more likely rod related or possibly setup.

How light is “light”? The rod plays a larger part in casting especially on the light end of the range.

Unless you’re doing dozens of reels on a timeline, save your money. It won’t do anything that a soak, swish and rinse won’t do.

The models with the thick white washer (rulon?) whatever they call it take a special kit.

For an off the shelf rod St Croix is hard to beat for quality, performance and selection. Custom builds are not price prohibitive as many assume and should be at least considered with other quality rods.

Email me and I’ll hook you up with the right parts.