RussBert

To answer your original question, I have. First is an Ambassadeur 5000 that I put more money into than the law should allow. That reel is significantly better than when I started, but for the money I sunk into it, I could have bought a new Curado E7! (or just bought a new ABU Record and called it a day) I have also tuned a pair of Daiwa Fuego's that I got from TW on clearance. I added a bearing to the worm drives, installed ceramic hybrid spool bearings, carbontex drag washers and polished a few key components. Truth be told, I tuned these two up when they were brand new. I never fished 'em in their stock configuration! I used the info I found over at TackleTour to tune these reels.

In a word, No. Now some reels respond to tuning more than others. You'll notice that a lot of tackle enthusiast take an already excellent reel, and super-tune the heck out of it. If you take a Daiwa Zillion for example, add high-end spool bearings and a lightweight spool, you can make it's ability to cast lighter baits better, but the differences are subtle and the costs are high. If you're starting with a quality used reel, the effects of a good tuning can be felt right away. Much of the increased performance can come from just having the reel cleaned and re-lubed properly along with having worn or low-grade bushings replaced and upgraded. Same goes for replacing worn drag brakes with new carbontex units.The drag performance will be noticeably better (i.e. smoother and stronger) when replacing worn parts, not as much when just upgrading new parts for better new parts

And from this day forth, you shall be known to all as SenkoBOY12 and i could still probably outfish you Easy there, just havin' some fun

And from this day forth, you shall be known to all as SenkoBOY12

Out of that line-up, there are two different price groups Avid, Crucial, Saavy and Max rods are all around the same price point with Avid's at around $180 to the Powell's around $140. The Mojo's and Compre's are a step down from that group. Out of the "Big 4" you really can't go wrong with any of them. It really comes down to what your preference is. Me, I'd pick an Avid 8-)

Bearing count is not an indication of overall quality in a fishing reel. It's more of a marketing technique. Some reel utilize 4 bearings in the knobs (2 in each) That gets the bearing count up there! Bearings are also available in different levels of quality. The Citica is a proven reel design which has a great following. Shimano also provides excellent customer support. Plus, all the Cool Dudes fish Shimano gear ;D

Buying used gear is a great way to save a few bucks, but it's also a way to pick up someone elses junk. Caveat Emptor applies The Shimano Clarus ($80) - Compre($100) - Crucial($150) rods are very good for their price, and carry a no-BS warranty. That helps a young fella stay on the water if something should happen to the rod. New Shimano Citica's can be had on ebay for $100 A 6'6" or 7" Medium Heavy/fast action Compre rod with a Citica would put you right at the $200 mark, and be a great all-around baitcast rig

I have the CRC-66MH (Crucial 6'6" MH casting rod) mated to a Curado E7. I use this set-up for plastics, mostly 5" & 6" Senko's, Brush Hogs and light Texas rigs. I tried it with some topwater lures, but didn't like it as much. I have rods better suited for those and cranks/spinnerbaits

I wonder about this reel, http://www.***.com/descpage-DP100HN.html Take another 20% off this weekend and it sure is cheap enough at $32

Do you like oranges or banana's

Plastics, with the lowly Senko leading the way. It's what works here in my neck of the woods, so why fight it? 8-)

Sure is purty I rekon that's why Bass Pro is selling the gold Supreme XT's for a $100 on clearance, to make way for the new Patriarchs, which must be their replacements in the Pflueger line-up

What do you have against speaking clearly?

I don't understand the language you're speaking? Do you want to have a serious conversation with other anglers or do want to ramble in baby talk

What he said

For $100 (@ BPS) the Pflueger Supreme XT reels are a great performing reel

My E7 came with extra brake shoes of different colors. Didn't your E5 have them as well?

I have a 7' M/F Superlite casting rod. I thought I got a killer deal @ $100 from Cabela's a while back when they had them on closeout. I am very happy with it. It's very lightweight and sensitive. I've used it with topwaters, spinnerbaits and Senko's. I have it paired with an '09 Revo Premier. With the skeleton grip, the rig's a bit tip heavy Foam or cork, on a spinning rod your hand is on the reel seat anyways

I use them all the time. They make a senko last about 10X longer than if you just run the hook through the senko.

click the Fishing Articles tab on the upper left of every forum. It's a good place to start gathering info.

The Pflueger President is a proven design, and can be had for around $60 delivered. Having fished both that Mitchell and the Presidents, I vote for the President

Good post, subscribing

Good question. I am subscribing to this thread and will hopefully glean some insights 8-)

I throw light T-Rigs and Senko's with my 6'8" M/XF Mojo spinning rod

I am also right handed, and use left-handed baitcasters. I also use spinning gear regularly. I like to cast with my right hand, and reel with my left. It what works for me 8-)