flechero

Glenn, Since Fourbizz was the last member to get off dial-up, ( ;D ) can you at lease make the pages read longer than 15 posts, like they used to be? I'll miss the all button, but then again, I wasn't stupid enough to hit it on threads over 3-4 pages. :

I also use both... the Elite on my spinning tackle and siege on a couple of BC rods. Nothing but good things to say about both.

Just watch out for ceiling fans and car doors until you get it to the boat. ...lol

Another vote for the Curado 200E - I bought a couple of them for under $160 from ebay stores. I think it's hands down, better than anything on your list.

You might try a spool of Sufix Elite (red box) when you return the other line... it's as limp and manageable as the XL but much stronger and more abrasion resistant. It's also much clearer. I tried XL as well as several others on my spinning gear but haven't found anything better for me than the Sufix. Worth trying a spool. I hate it when a long time, good product gets changed. Everything has to be "new and improved" :-/ There are a number of products I've been using for years... and whenever I stock up on them I wonder if it's the last time I'll see them.

Only if he took the picture in a mirror, is the reel handle is correct!

I think GMAN meant that he doesn't need to change it since he had so much already being taken out. (hence the big refund for last year) By not changing it this time, he effectively gets more each month.

RI makes good baits for sure... but once I switched over to ***, I never went back. ***'s version is a little different texture but the fish can't seem to tell much difference. And you can buy 25 ct. bags from *** so when you find colors you like, you can save in bulk.

line is cheap... there is no reason to make do with a 1/2 spool. Just respool.

I always have a buzzbait on during spawn & postspawn. Some days are better than other but make no mistake about it, the buzzbait will work during this period.

That's the norm, and also why the longer foregrips are not used as much anymore. What you've done is effectively balanced the rod to neutral with hand position. That allows you to feel more subtle vibrations... I think the reason it's not popular is that you create an awkward casting position and even on the retrieve your hands are split apart, which is a little unnatural. I don't know what your budget is but you'd be a prime candidate to have a rod custom built to suit your style.

I typically bring them in quickly... I don't want to tire them out too much since I'm just releasing them. Obviously with bigger fish it slows down some since they can take drag, but I don't ever "play them out."

Looks great!

Mine are cabela's branded. I think they are just cut for the "average" sized guy. (which is likely my trouble) For those who have comfortable inflatables, were they good from day 1 or did it take a bit to get them to conform to your shape?

a perfect explanation.

They will still make blanks for production, the only difference will be that you can't buy a new blank... and they will still honor the warranty. Yes, you send in the rod (or sometimes they ask you to cut out the break and just send that) and they will either send the old back with the new or send the stripped components back with the blank. Sometime you can strip it first and just send back the stripped blank. Each builder has a different policy on the warranty rebuild.

That's funny... absurdly wrong, but funny nonetheless! If you are sticking to your argument, you will be the first person I have ever "known" that didn't think IMX was a good value, even though your choice is based on primarily cost, not performance. If the OP has the money to spend, than I would strongly recommend the IMX. The crucial is also a good stick, but that wasn't the question he asked.

I have an auto inflatable pfd that I'm wearing and it's not too bad but the neck is not very flexible or cut for a 18.5" neck... so my question is will this thing break in like a pair of shoes or will I have to learn to like it as it is? Right now I'm only wearing it while motor is running... but hope to break it in and add time until I can wear it full time. Can I put it around something round that's a tad larger than my neck to sort of stretch it out? Just looking for options, as these are still new to me. I am committed to it, but hate being uncomfortable.

I only meant that your rod business, since you build on mostly (only?) St. Croix blanks, stands to p/u a few extra people since the loomis option will be no longer available. Any market change for customs will be VERY minor. (although I've built a few for people that wouldn't considered anything other blank)

Spanky, Thanks for sharing your story. I was especially glad to see that you took it upon yourself to make Dad's dream come true for the family... I can only imagine how cool that must have felt to help him realize the dream! Way to honor your father!! The importance of your story's message is as real for parents that are together as it is for parents split apart... and just as powerful to us that are the "children" of parents that are getting older.

Even with the booster seat, he still can't reach the pedals, and I can't find a life jacket roomy enough that it allows him to cast! ;D I'm working on it though... when I solve the 2nd problem, I'll just load/unload solo!

Leon, Thanks! He's a handful already! I think Fuji Hardloys are actually the "industry standard." Alconites are definitely strong on the performance scale... Keith

I guess you'd have to define stocking up... I was meaning for individuals... to me stocking up would be buying maybe 4-6 blanks for future builds.

I hate to see that for a few reasons. Mainly that we've been using the IMX blanks for the Soldier rods. ...lol this only stands to help your rod business. I like St. Croix, Batson and several other just fine, but as much as anything, I like having blank choices... and this limits them some. My own experience with Loomis blanks has been very good. (no crooked blanks yet) The bright side is that they said they will keep producing through the end of 09' so anyone that wants them should be able to stock up.

I really appreciate David's vote of confidence and would have suggested you contact him as well!! I'm not able to take any orders these days, due in part to a new baby at home and a great shortage of time. However, happy to help out with questions as needed. To your original question- My opinion is that Alconites are the best value in guides, period. But be careful listening to me and some others because the "best value" might not be the right choice for your custom rod. There are several design and application scenarios that should be considered, which is why David suggested asking the builder directly. A huge jump in pricing, say from Alconites to SiC's, might only equate to a $25 difference on the entire build... so I wouldn't make a decision based soley on price or value. Especially for a once in a while treat like a custom rod. -keith