flechero

Enough of a difference that many people own both rods and use them for completely different things. I'm sure a few people use them both for the same stuff but from what I have seen and heard most don't. I still think it's all preference but yes they "feel" pretty different.

I think I was the only answer specific to reels and what I said came directly from the Abu service center that did the work and replaced the parts. No one mentioned custom spools and ceramic bearings but if they have them why would it be far fetched to think that a stock, sub $100 reel wouldn't be upgraded for a sponsored touring pro? You really think Hank Parker, Larry Nixon and other Abu users were just swinging by the local wal-mart or Academy when they need another reel? Not likely... and not according to Abu's own service center. I got to meet Alton Jones in December and within 2 minutes of the handshake we were talking about cusom rods and rods/reels/line in general... I would comfortably say he's a tackle enthusiast... Maybe he is unique, but I doubt it. The tools of their trade are as important to them as to any other tradesman. I would bet (even though I think it's more) that just a high of percentage of pro's are tackle enthusiasts as the population in general. Every company that makes rods or reels wants you to think the pros use only off the shelf product... their sponsorship/advertising money goes WAY further that way.

I'd replace it. But to your question, when trying to troubleshoot a problem years ago, I talked to Berkley and they said the shelf life was 3 yrs with propper storage. After that or bad storage would gradually weaken the line... not sure how fast. a 1/4 lb spool of big game is what these days? $10? Why rish a possible fish of a lifetime over a few dollars?

Try a quick search in this section... I know there have been at least 3 reviews of them here. I set out to buy an SX or STX but local retailer only had them in high speed so I bought an S model. I love it, so far it has been flawless. I casts great and fishes like something costing much more. The drag is really sweet... smoth and seemingly unlimited, although they say it max's out at about 25 lbs. (something I'll never need. ...lol) In terms of stature, it sits lower on the rod than many other low profile reels and it's a little wider than some. I have a friend with the SX and he absolutlely raves about it. Also when I was looking for reviews I googled "Abu Revo" and came up with several.

The 844 and 783 are way different... did you mean to list the 3 power in 6'6"? I could see if you asked about the 784 and 844 or if you asked about the 783 and 843. The difference in 6'6" and 7' is preference... I used the MBR784 for about 12 years as my worm rod. I tried many others and even sold the 784 and went to some 6'10" and 7' rods over the last year and a half... now I have another 784 blank that I'm about to build up for my worm rod... Many people could write exactly what I did but reversing the 6'6" and 7'. I also owned the 783 (very briefly) and sold it... didn't like it, it fished too light (in power) and I only used it for drop shot and small crank & stick baits. There is a HUGE difference between the 783 and 784, much bigger than the gap between those two than in any other loomis rods. However, the 783 is very popular worm rod here which just further illustrates the preference aspect of this. You really should take your reel down the the retailer and put it on both rods and let someone hold the line while you apply pressure to see how they FEEL TO YOU.

Nice choice! One of my favorites. (The wife bought me that one for Christmas)

I know that many of the rods are different, they custom build and use the stock thread and decal under the finish so the rod appears to be a "rack" rod. When I lived in Dallas, I spent too much time at Southwestern Parts & Service (that was before they handled shimano and were just Abu) anyway, I asked them if the reels used by sponsored pros were altered- their response was yes, all reels were taken from stock but then completely "tuned" and depending on the model, certain parts upgraded.

Ok, whoever has the charm better say something soon... L_B_H has stopped eating and is in danger of losing weight from the stress. ...lol If he loses any weight he will blow out of the boat at Fork! ;D I guess it's ok to make skinny jokes, right? (since I'm a fat guy) ...lol How about whoever just had it, PM L_B_H so at least he knows where it was headed? I hope it didn't go "priority mail" [gulp]

Hmm... that's new. You can go to any maching shop and ask for a length of 1/4" drill steel, that's what Andy made them from. Or you can do what I used to do before getting mandrels... get a bolt (grade 5 or 8 bolt is better) and cut the head off. (I still use bolts for my 1/2" stuff) I avoid a threaded rod just because they are softer and will bend much sooner.

It's the bad days that make the good days so special... and since I REALLY appreciate the good days, you know I've pulled the ole Pepe' LePue many times. ...lol

Hmm... I have a CU100DSV boxed up for a return (Christmas gift) because I thought the IAR wasn't working... but you say this is normal? My 50MG's will allow the spool to back up about 1-2mm at the rim but the CU backs up 1-1.5cm - sound normal to you? I hate to send it for an exchange if that is how the replacement will also be. OR I can send it back with $50 and get another 50MG. ...lol

I'd go for the expiditor... you have spent way more on Loomis product than most people ever will... besides unconditional is just that. I see your point but they expect to have stuff like this or they wouldn't advertise that clumsy friends and car doors are no problem. The other option is to cut 2 feet off the lamiglass and use it as a +T sleeve and have a real multi-modulous, glx tipped, ex-hvy flippin rod! Sorry, just trying to keep the mood light. ...lol

Thomas, Preference has more to do with it than anything else. I should have probably been more specific... all my rods also double for another purpose. The 7 & 9 wt. are also my saltwater rods and the 2 & 4 wt. double as trout and pack rods. But as an example of what i was getting at, on a recent camping trip we decided to hike a bit and I put the 2 wt. in my back pocket... as luck would have it we came across a sweet little pond and a small creek both loaded with bass and panfish (small ones but that was fine, it's a 2 wt!) so the point is that with a 2 pc. rod, I would have never carried it on the hike. So I wouldn't have been able to fish at all. You will lose a little feel but unless you use a 1 pc I don't think that you will be able to tell the difference. It's not like you are worm fishing a deep creek edge. I've also never had one come out of alignment or come apart while casting. My first few fly rods were 2 pc. and I guess for learning that's probably best. You will no doubt develop a style... and most likely it want a new and different rod when you hone the skills some. It took me about 5 rods before I really knew what I liked. ...lol No sense in spending the extra money on the learner rod.

I like them because they allow me to use extremely dense cork without adding too much weight to the rod. The exotic burl from Lamar is about 3-4 times the weight and density of natural cork. IMO, they also look cool. The split grip itself, saves only a tiny amount of weight but looks good and allows some other decorative or labeling options. In truth, it actually works against proper balance since it removes weight from the rear of the rod. This is remedied with a custom, if you spec burl or exotic burl cork which is much denser than natural cork and will promote better balance. For that price you could have a custom rod built on a Loomis blank. You could have a custom, built to your own specs on a IMX or maybe even GLX blank or a factory LTX rod. :-? I know what I would do, but it would require a 2 month wait.

I'm game, hot shot... I'll start it off and throw in the first $100. (I bet we could raise another $750 in a day or two) If you could actually answer the questions I asked, it would be well worth $850 to the rodbuilding community at large. If you fail again, and you turn in an 800 word bluff are you willing to make an $850 donation to the charity of my choice? If so PM me your "agents" info and I'll set it up. (Since I had never heard of you, I wouldn't know where to get the number) I find it pretty ironic that someone, who just yesterday, wrote so passionately about ethics and devotion to teaching others could do such an incredible 180. I think you freightened both Jekyll and Hyde. I leave the ball in your court, Mr. Baugher... for absolutely no good reason, I offer a chance to save face, make some money and make me look like a fool in the process. All you have to do is risk a charitable donation. I'm guessing that you are sort of busy now and not able to take on additional work... I can see how you would be in such high demand. Glenn/Mods, Delete this post if you feel it needs to be taken out... I don't want him leaving here with the ability to honestly say he wasn't given a chance.

No, that's too easy. Mr. Baugher, You're having one heck of a first week! I missed the thread in question and only guess it was yours... but purely based on your responses above this I can see that you fancy yourself as quite an expert. I wish you didn't feel so strongly called to teach us. I would only like to ask one favor since you are new here- if you are going to call people out, please check your own facts first. Or at least take better notes when talking to people like Mr. Loomis. (I did see a link to an article in which you interviewed him) There are several errors of "fact" in your post. And since you "hate to see myths prepetuated" I figured I should bring them to your attention. Would you kindly care to share the formula of line diameter to guide sizes? Would you share how the lure size ranges are actually figured? Would you like to tell us what the industry standard sizes are for monofiliment? Would you please tell me how line slap will "could result in premature failure of the guide inserts"? And I would also like to know how fewer guides can cause line twist and increase friction? Talk about a case of "sudden expertism" Thank God I have on my old boots today. Yes, and I am holding you to your own standard... accuracy? you sir, did not miss the mark, you missed the entire target! As for ownership of an open forum being held responsible to check content... get real, you are as bad in two days as I have seen here in 2 years. And as long as "experts" like yourself can post without being censored or proofed, there will be occasional errors or "myths" presented as fact. I think you have "NWGA-itice" On second thought, maybe you should bail out... from what I've seen so far, I'm sure you are dearly missed at the old forum you came from. ;D ;D

Rod in left, reel with right... no changing or switching. The only time the rod leaves my left hand is when I pick up a spinning rod. If you are switching back and forth you should at least consider learning to cast/flip/pitch without changing hands. It's more efficient and there will be times, even if only a few, that you will miss fish in your transition.

I'm surprised that Sportsman's would make you keep it... worst case I could see you paying their return shipping. You might check with the mgr, to be sure... every experience I have ever had (read that as MANY, MANY) with Sportsman's has been great. Curious as to one thing though... you couldn't find a buzzbait rod in stock at Sportsman's??? Our's has a huge selection of rods. good luck, if you get stuck with it, maybe it's a good backup rod for other techniques.

If it fishes as good as it looks, you do well on it!!

The_Natural is right... if you spend a few bucks more than the original budget, the Compre is a good choice.

Two excellent brands and both offer great rods in the respective price points. (I would have suggested either if you hadn't already mentioned them)

Delay your hookset until you feel weight or a full second after the strike.

The 4 pc usually cost more, anywhere from $20-$80 or so, depending on the rod. IMO, there are well worth the extra money in pure convenience alone. These days, 4 and 5 pc. fly rods cast just as well as the 2 pc counterparts and with a little care will last just as long. With 4 or 5 pc rods, you can take them anywhere and MANY places you wouldn't otherwise take a rod so in my way of thinking you'll get extra fishing days and it's a good justification of the money. I'm not even considering airline travel because you can actually take a 2 pc. as a carry on. I have switched to all 4 and 5 pc. rods and will never again buy a 2 pc. (even my 6'6" 2 wt. is a 4 pc and I can carry it in my back pocket!)

No way to tell what happened but I can offer this... I lived for 5 years on a 70 acre private lake in an east TX community which was fished harder than most east Tx water... there were 15- 20 of us that were hard core (although some kept a few to eat) and another 50 or so that kept and ate EVERYTHING they caught, legal or not. The fishery continued to thrive each year. So although we are talking about a bigger lake, we are also talking about many more fisherman. So unless the "others" were fishing all the time and were catching the heck out of them, I find it hard to believe that they fished it out this year. There are so many environmental possibilities that we couldn't intelligently speculate based on what we know. I hope you just had a tough year, I know all too well what it's like to lose a great home lake. Best of luck this year, Keith

I knew what you meant but the truth of the matter is that just the weight of the hook will sink a mono leader. It's one of those things that make sense in theory but in reality, mono will barely float itself so if you don't have a floating plastic you are on the bottom. One of the advantages to a c-rig is that it's not weighted at the bait, so even though it's on the bottom, it sinks slowly and moves around in a more realistic fashion. You can crawl it or hop it along and let it flutter or whatever you want. Or you can use floating plastics and keep it off the bottom altogether... Lots of options and all have a time and place and all can be good.