Delaware Valley Tackle

I've got some ideas. Email me at mlawson@delawarevalleytackle.com and I'll do a quote for you.

What you have there is normal for a modern light weight reel once they free up. No way you wore out a gear set already and that pinion bearing thing is just a stab in the dark. Been down this road a hundred times last few yrs. email me and give you a couple ideas to minimize the effect.

The first step should be to flush and lightly oil the stock bearings. If you'd like, email me with the make and model and what you'd like to accomplish and I'll make a recommendation.

Ya, it doesn't do any good to have the right length rod in the wrong power.

Call ABU direct.

In general, shorter for accuracy longer for distance.

Shimano touts x ship, a dual bearing supported pinion, something Daiwa had been doing for years. You could go on and on. They're all legit changes for the most part but not the game changer the sales guys make it out to be. It's not a knock on anyone, just the way of the world. R&D gets worked over to provide something marketing can work with to give accounting numbers for management....

I've found that even identical reels will each have their own personality and quirks. Without the ability to swap levelwind systems on an individual reel and test both ways you're at the mercy of marketing claims and anecdotal evidence. I don't advocate disposing of any t wing reels but it wouldn't be a deciding factor either.

A lot of this depends on your definition of these terms and how you employ the technique. Personally, drop shot is a vertical jigging technique often in deeper water. ML/XF spinning <7'. Shakey head is usually in shallower, clear water and long casts are important. 7'> M or ML / F depending on weight which is driven by conditions (depth, wind). There are lots of variables so you kind of have to find your own way to a point. As a custom builder I sell a lot of technique specific rods which more often than not differ from similarly labeled over the counter rods. One rod may very well cover both techniques for you. A quality 7' M/F spinning rod could be all you ever need. Only you know for sure.

Sounds like your spool is over filled

It works fine but Daiwa's cast well to begin with. I don't attribute any casting difference to the t wing plus they make service unnecessarily complicated.

The mere fact that you're asking these questions seems to indicate you're not quite ready. Anyone with a smart phone can post a video to YouTube and with great content ideas would likely post themselves. The only value media has is pay per view or advertising. Advertisers want eyeballs and demographics. If you can't deliver those, then plan on posting as a hobby, which is fine if that's your goal.

U40 is a water based polymer. Stains won't penetrate cork. Just order some and apply it when it comes.

Both plus fly and center pin. Mastering different tackle systems adds to the overall experience in addition to keeping options open.

Either Cals drag grease or more often blue marine grease.

It's fine but no magic in it (or any of the others for that matter)

To each his own. Personally, if the goal is strictly putting fish in the boat I'd screw the budget toward rods.

No need for an xf in those applications. Keep in mind too that the terms are subjective. One company's F may be similar to another's xf etc.

There are too many versions of Ambassaduer to make specific recommendations without seeing it. Since this is an enthusiast project, go with bearings. Carbontex drag is a no brainer as is Super Tuning. The levelwind is critical and where it can get tricky. Let me know if you need help.

When you the fish went under the boat you should have given him line until you could swap sides. Over the years ugly stick has contributed to lots of poor technique becoming habit. High performance rods are intolerant of mishandling. It's a trade off but one I'm personally willing to make.

I always felt the Palomar was one of the easiest to tie. Uni is probably close.

That was the original intent among custom builders. I think the rod companies sell them more for style and material savings. Good cork is getting scarce and expensive. Probably won't be long before synthetic materials rule the day.

Even then, though it's anecdotal evidence. There can be correlation without causation and no way to tell what would or wouldn't happen if you made other choices. Used to drive myself (and fishing buddies) nuts changing baits and colors. As of now I'm with you, it can matter but it's way at the bottom of the list and I keep my choices limited. For plastics: black/blue, white/pearl, green pumpkin, red watermelon.

They were $100 +/- new. Like anything it's worth whatever someone will pay. $50 maybe if you find the right buyer.

I don't buy the wide weight range. Trial and error is only way to tell. Bait type shouldn't matter. It's all about the weight