RussBert

Like Dave suggested, the Revo STX-HS lefty is on sale at *** for $120. That is my recommendation regarding performance and value 8-)

Great looking, that's foe sure!

Timely thread for me. The Monkey has been egging me to buy that Lamiglas Excel glass rod on sale at the internet crack house (TW)

Wow, that sucks, and sucks more that you have to cover return shipping! (one more reason to Luv ***)

I have one of the STX-HS reels from TW, and I had a Curado 201E7 The STX is smoother and has a superb drag system. It can cast light baits well, but requires diddling with spool tension and the mag brake. I found the factory spool bearings to make some bad whining noises...Rekon I could've sent it back, but I replaced them with Orange Seal bearings, These make the STX a casting monster with light baits. The reel is great with heavy baits too. I have it mounted on an Avid 7' MH/F rod The Curado E7 is a fine reel as well. The handle ergonomics are fantastic, as is the rest of the reel. Fits my style well. The drag is adequte, but I wonder how long the single drag disc and plastic drag washer will last? What I really liked about the E7 was it's ability to cast any baits with no fussing. I set two brake shoes out, and set the spool tension to just take up any side to side slack in the spool. I could cast senko's or 3/4oz spinnerbaits and everything in between and I never messed with the reel settings. The fqctory spool bearings were greased. I flushed 'em out and lubed with a light bearing oil. It made a significant difference. The Curado is "set it and forget it" reel. Mine was mounted on a Crucial 6'6" MH/F rod. I recently traded my E7 for a Daiwa TD-Z. I would buy another E7 if the need arose. Hope that helps, even though I didn't compare the STX to a Citica. For a $120 you can't beat the STX. Get 'em while they're cheap!

I have a 6'6" Crucial MH/F rod. I also have 2 Avids, 7' MH/F and a 6'6" M/F. The Crucial is right between the two Avids power-wise. It's lightweight, sensitive and an all-around great rod. Seems the Crucial line of rods kinda fly's below the radar. They're not as talked about as some other rods. I had the Crucial paired with a Curado E7. Very versatile set-up. Mine was like that as well, and I sanded mine flush to the reel seat too.

Oh great, now instead of chanting the "get a bucoo" mantra you will be recommending a Crucial to everyone who should dare ask ...can I get a "Hell ya" Steve Austin style ;D

Where did you get that information? The Kistler's I handled had a sticker on the butt that said MADE IN CHINA" The Avid's have "MADE IN USA" printed on the blanks. The website proudly states that as well. For the record the Powell I just got from TW is also made in China. Notice how companies that have their rods outsourced to China never mention it? ;D

Kistler's are made in China. Avid's are made in the US. Where are the Dobyn's rods made?

Fixed. Maybe now we can get some actual rod comparisons

It was...but they sold out after a couple days

It requires more torque (strength, effort, however you put it) to crank a higher ratio reel. Many folks get fatigued after cranking big, deep diving baits for a while.

Rekon I'll try the swept handle on it, 8-)

You definitely can. Mansfield Hollow, here we come!

I wonder if I can't get the Pike to hit this thing?

Darn, I just got one from TW today. I'll give it a try and see for myself... :-?

Another option is to add a longer handle to a higher ratio reel for more leverage

I got to play with my new toy today, and I gotta say this is one fine reel! It sure is different than any other reel I've seen or used, but it performs! Now if I can find another, I'll be all over it

Ya gotta love it! congrats 8-)

I just got this in the mail today. A Daiwa TD-Z 103HL Type R+. They haven't made these reels since '04. These things really do cast quite well. I was casting and pitching in the backyard. Very impressive performance so far... The clutch release and the handle being way back on the frame are quite unique, but very ergonomic for me, a righty who uses left-hand bait-casters. I also have come to really like the flat area over the line guide on many Daiwa reels. It's the perfect spot for my thumb. I took it all apart, cleaned and re-lubed, added Carbontex drag washers just 'cuz. Spooled it up with some 40# Suffix braid, and casted it some more! I'm looking forward to getting on the water with this reel. Might have to get me a dedicated pitching rod 8-)

I just got the "squarebill crankbait" rod, which is a 6'8" H/XF rod. I haven't had a chance to fish it yet, but I am impressed with it's light weight. I'll be using it for far more applications though. Seems like a great rod for only $140 8-)

I'm right handed and crank all reels with my left hand

REPOST! http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1284009864

When they realize that Shimano, Abu Garcia and Quantum are taking away their market share... Then they will release another re-painted Zillion or a $500+ Steez ;D

My spinning reels are spooled with 8# P-Line CX, and two of my BC's are spooled with 12# Yo-Zuri Hybrid Extra Soft. The CX is very manageable on spinning gear, as is the 12# Y-Z on the 'casters. Both are good lines and cheap enough that one can get a spool of each, you can't go wrong with either choice IMHO