Delaware Valley Tackle

The 50e and core are my personal favorites

When an individual brake is activated, centrifugal force will push it out to contact the drum. They retract when the spool slows. When locked in place they are off. Does this help?

All it takes is one loose coil on the spool to throw things off. Same for a poor knot from backing to mainline.

I just can’t imagine anyone wanting to try to overcome such a bad reputation whether it’s deserved or not. I wish them luck, they’re going to need it.

I don’t have a dog in this fight, but st Croix makes as quality a blank as you’ll find anywhere. High modulus rods are super sensitive but intolerant of any level of misuse. This includes overloading, high sticking and rough handling. High sticking is any motion that bends the tip past 90* to the butt, which may not involve pointing the tip vertically. In the OP circumstances I think there was a combination of overload and over flex that contributed. IMO honesty is the best policy. Just tell them what happened and ask respectfully what they can do to help. Good luck.

What’s your reason for wanting a leader?

I’ve never bought a kit but if I were to consider it I’d price the components separately to see how much the kit saves.

That’s right, it’s for casting. With proper technique the deadlift capacity of most rods far exceeds any spec on it. I Won’t go into details. I don’t need a bunch of angry emails from people testing the theory.

No. That’s the recommendation for line test and is virtually meaningless on a freshwater rod.

If you tell a GOOD builder about the application and what you like and dislike about rods you’ve tried they can advise you regarding components , power action, all of it. That’s where the true value lies. Lesser builders just take orders and assemble parts. Most of my personal fishing time (what little there is lately) I spend on R & D trying different blanks and the newest techniques so I can speak about them with confidence.

The company or the brand? Both are reputable companies with good customer service. On paper, the Daiwa reels have better features. On the water, whether or not those features benefit you is preference. Longevity wise both are acceptable if cared for. I’d expect the Daiwa’s to have better life due to the bearing supported pinion gear.

Correlation without causation is always a possibility with so many variables and uncontrollable aspects. Anecdotal evidence is not without merit but is what it is.

Nope. That misconception comes from confusing action with stiffness. Trimming a blank from either end results in a slower action.

In addition to lure weight, type, species, cover, line management all are other factors to consider.

Looks like more than two inches, but at any rate, if you re-tip it the action will slow and the lure weight needed to cast will go way up. It’ll be useless for anything I want a rod to do but you’ll have to make that call.

The D and E generations moved away from the workhorse tank that the Curado started as and we got spoiled. The G was an attempt to return to that but people weren’t have’in it. It’s a fine reel though.

No need for leaders 90% of the time.

Screeching noises attributed to bearings is more often brakes. Make sure the drum is clean and apply a light film of light oil. Also make sure that one of the brake pins didn’t come loose from the hub and hitting the drum. Ceramic bearings have a sound but shouldn’t vibrate. IMO the “noise” of them is blown out of proportion.

The bottom of the shoe should swing out and contact the drum/cone. I don’t understand what you’re saying by taking the top off.

Modern rods are made from higher modulus graphite which provides a higher stiffness to weight ratio translating to improved sensitivity. The trade off is that they are intolerant of high sticking or rough handling which comprises the fibers. Avoid any motion that bends the tip beyond 90* to the butt, keep sinker and jigs secure from flapping and be overall conscious of handling and you’ll be much happier with them. Loose guides, seats or grips are another story. Those are QC issues.

I didn’t know counterfeit line was a thing. Any manufacturer can have a QC issue at some point I’d think but should be willing to make good. Has anyone ever lodged a complaint and be told the serial number etc was bogus?

Only you can answer the question. Don’t spend beyond your means, it’s not necessary. Do you have questions about the different features?

Daiwa’s in a race with Lews to see who can have the most models. Lol

Fwiw the friction ring can be removed completely and barely noticeable in most cases.

Rod balance is way over thought. It’s completely personal preference. If you want to change the feel one way or the other reel choice has minimal impact, almost none unless you grip completely ahead of the reel.