DaveT63

I would wait until Cyber Monday starts at St Croix. They sent out an email hinting that the previous generation Legend Elites would be on sale. They usually sell them for between 70 and 50 percent off. I would put them in the same league as a Loomis GLX, but cheaper given the sale.

It is a lot better price, but they don't have the model I wanted.

It also helps to be patient. If you aren't in a huge hurry, the right deal will come to you. I recently found a like new JDM Steez 103 for $187.

Thanks for the info. I pulled the trigger on a Black Widow MBR735-1. I specified i want the HM blank in the notes and asked for them to call me if there was a problem with that. Hoping to hear back from them one way or other. And keeping both the Edge and NRX may be an option once i fish this rod, likely in the spring, given the 3-5 week lead time quoted on their website.

Given the 50% off Black Friday sale on the Edge rods, my interest is piqued. I have an NRX MBR843C that, while a nice rod, doesn't impress me as much as I expected. I actually preferred the GLX MBR843C I used to have. So I'm wondering how the Black Widow compares to a comparable NRX. If I get good feedback, I might buy the Edge and sell the NRX. Thanks in advance, Dave

OK, so the knobs came in. They are the right length. But when I tried to put them on, there is obviously a spacer or bearing or something I am missing. The knob will slide about 1/2 inch along the length of the handle shaft. Does anyone know what spacer I might need, or do I just buy a couple extra bearings? Thanks, Dave

No experience with the other models, but that GLX 842 is an absolute dream for senkos and light plastics.

They are on order now, so I'm gonna wait and find out. My Sustain is a 3000FE, and has the same handle as the Stradic 3000FI. I think the bearings are a great idea, I just need to research which ones I need for these knobs. The schematic for the 3000FE handle looks like it takes two different sizes, but I'm not putting that knob back on.

Awesome! Just the info I was looking for! And since I also have a Stradic 3000FI, I can take care of both with one order! Thanks! Dave

I have a Shimano Sustain 3000FE with the flat handle covered with rubber. The rubber is starting to wear/peel and is getting annoying. I can order a new one from Shimano for about $20 pus shipping. But I'm not really fond of the handle to begin with. Anyone got any suggestions for replacement knobs besides stock? Aftermarket or from another Shimano product are worth looking at. Any help is greatly appreciated. Dave

I can't say enough about my MBR842C GLX. I absolutely love that rod for senkos. Since you got the 844, I would recommend the 842, I think the 843 and 844 have a little bit of overlap.

I bought the NRX version of the MBR843C about a year ago to replace a GLX MBR843C I traded away a while ago and sorely regretted letting go. I love the NRX, but in all honesty, I think I liked the GLX better. Nothing against the NRX, it's a sweet rod, but I don't know that it's $100 better than the GLX. However, if you can get it at 25% off, all bets are off! I likely won't buy another NRX. They are impressive rods, and I have a VERY difficult time believing you will find NOTICEABLY better performance with the latest technology. But again, I don't think they provide that much better than the GLX to make a difference. Of course, that is my opinion. It sounds like you've got the bait monkey on your tail and won't get him off until you try one. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I love using FC Sniper. I usually run it straight when I spool it. But keep in mind that flouro sinks. It will not lay on top of the water to see the strike nearly as long as the braid or mono.

I recently bought a used SV103, and all I can say is WOW!! LOVE IT! If that is a little steep for you, the SV105 is a sweet reel as well. Don't let the 105's smaller size fool you. That thing is a fishing machine!

I would like to have the 7.9:1 SV 103, but the best deal I can find by far is the 6.3:1. Are the 7.9:1 gear sets for sale anywhere if I wanted to swap? I haven't been able to find any yet. Dave

I love my Shimano 51 reels (Core, Chronarch, and Curado). But I tried the Daiwa SV reels, and now it seems that's about all that ends up in my truck. Those SV spools are a game changer. And I like the fact that you can put them in non-SV reels. I put a Zillion SV spool in my Steez 103 and WOW! I won't get rid of my Shimanos any time soon, but I do like the Diawa SV system.

I personally think the FK will do you just fine. I have one of the original CI4 reels, and prefer both the FJ and the FK. But as always, YMMV.

I would recommend you post this question in the Northeast section of the Local Fishing Forums here in BR.

I was throwing a frog tonight with my 844C IMX when I heard an aweful racket. Then a rattling as I started to retrieve my frog. Turns out the guide just below the tip came off (I suspect the braid wrapped around it and yanked on it, which caused the racket). It didn't break. It is a single foot guide and just pulled out of the wrap. I was able to slide it back in place and its still pretty snug, but still has me worried. I don't want to fish it again until its fixed. Should I have a professional rewrap it, or would carefully epoxying it back in place be sufficient? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Dave

OK, guys, thanks for the tips. I think I will try a bit of electrical tape on the reel feet tomorrow. Dave

I've got an Elite Tech Smallmouth rod with a Revo Winch mounted on it. Tonight was the first time I caught a fish on this combo. As I was reeling the fish in the reel was wobbling in the reel seat. I checked and the nut was fully tightened down. I'm sure there is something I can do about this, just not sure what. Can anyone recommend something? Thanks, Dave

Yep! That's EXACTLY what I use mine for.

Thanks! Took good advantage of this info!

I did a search on this, and most answers were for lakes an hour or more from Lexington, KY. I'm going to be in Lexington the weekend after July 4th for an event at the Kentucky Horse Park. Any fishing I get to do will be as the event schedule allows. so I don't have time to drive an hour to a big (or even small) lake. I'm just looking for a small park pond or river/creek where I can spend a few minutes at a time wetting a line from the bank. I will be staying in Georgetown. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Dave

I have 2 Core 51Mg7s that I hardly use since adding an SV105 to the lineup. I have one listed for sale in the Flea Market, but am constantly waffling about keeping it. They really are fantastic reels. I agree with the above commenter who recommended getting the 105 and trying it side-by-side with your Core before you decide to sell.