edwinzeng

I was new to bait casting last year and the last-gen stx (same brake as the SX) served me well. Many of the people who had problem with them might have set their STX/SX's the way they setup their Daiwa/shimanos - the lure falls relatively free on my luna. IIRC, the manul on my STX states that one has to set the tension knob that the lure falls about a foot when you flick your rod tip. As long as you set the tension accordingly and with about half of the brake on and it casts just as fine as any other reels down to 1/4oz (of me). Edwin

Pro finesse and extreme are really nice rods and should fall perfectly into your budget. I almost got the pro finesse for myself when they were on sale (they may still are). the only turn off was the rep told me all bps rods come with 1 year warranty even their signature and elite series of rods - don't know if it's the same in the states tho. For $100+ I would prefer at least something like a 5-year warranty as many other major brands offer. I ended up with a fenwick elitetach 6'9" worm/jig for CAD$99+ taxes from a local tackle shop and couldn't be happier. (well... it's not really related to the subject but I can't help but have to brag about it b/c it's such a steal ;D ;D ;D) i'd go with an old fenwick hmg for $90 if it can be found in the action and length wanted.

I think its better for smaller hands, but not as bad for bigger hands than I had feared. I see.. I wasn't too keen on the ridges on the ACS seat compare to the rounder shape traditional reel seats. o well... i got 6 months before i can fish again anyway - I should make up my mind then. :

thanks for the review micro. Is the ACS style reel seat not good for smaller hands? many newer rods are coming out with ACS seats but never got a chance to try them with the reel on yet. edited for typo