DaveT63

I recently bought a really nice purple Alphas 103L, and before it arrived, ordered as SV spool from an SV105 for it. When I got the Alphas, it had a beautiful gold I'ZE Factory Spool in it. I'm going to put the SV spool in the Alphas. But I also have another Alphas 103L and an Alphas Ito Ai. Would that I'ZE spool be an upgrade over the original Alphas or the Ito Ai spools? Or should I just sell it and recoup some of the money spent on the reel? Thanks, Dave

I love St Croix LE and XC rods, but the NRX is better sensitivity-wise for me. And like someone else said, you can get a rep sample for under $400 if you know where to look. That's how I bought my MBR843C NRX. Beautiful rod!

TW would have been my first call.

I can't remember the site offhand, but there is a Mitchell specific collectors site online somewhere. Almost like a museum site.

Wow, i forgot all about this thread! I ended up running across a Gator Grip handle for the 300 on the auction site. Fits the job just about perfectly. And yeah, there is just something about that solid clock of the bail trip and then the clicking of the the retrieve!

I agree with the G Loomis responses. Specifically, The MBR843C, in whichever series you prefer.

I just bought a second purple Alphas that im going to mod like your Sol, mooneyes. I know its going to be awesome. But i don't foresee it replacing my beloved little pixzilla. Ive got an SV105, and a Steez 103 with a Zillion SV spool in it, but that pixy is still my favorite.

I did a couple searches and couldn't find anything definitive. Does anyone know if any of the Daiwa SV spools, like the one from an SV105, will fit a Pixy? Thanks, Dave

The Pixy and the Alphas SV 105 have already been mentioned. Both are great reels for light weights and can be found for good prices used on the bay. Another option is the Steez. If you are patient you can find them for a reasonable price. I just won a like new Steez 103HL on the bay tonight for $187 with free shipping. It's tough to find a better reel for that money, and I understand you can buy SV reels to fit.

I was throwing a swim jig the other day with a Chronarch 51E that I installed 7.7:1 gears in. Even trying to slow down my retrieve speed, the jig was running rather high in the water. It was a 1/4 oz jig with a Keitech 3.8 swimbait for a trailer. Should I be using a slower reel for this? Or maybe a different trailer? Thanks, Dave

If you can find an older Steez 103 for under $100, let me know and I'll double your money. But it has to be in decent shape and a lefty.

I think its a good choice. I've been keeping my eye out for a used 103 for a while now. They are great reels.

Absolutely

I can also confirm they will not let you "downgrade". They also will not let you trade in two lower level rods against a singe higher level series (i.e. 2 Avids for credit against one Legend Elite). Poolshark, If you still have the broken LTB, they will cover it under the warranty even if it was your fault. It will cost you $85, plus the $15 for the FedEx shipping label via their website. But that is still a far cry less than $260 for a new one, and still cheaper than the Mojo and Premier rods.

Thanks for the post! Friends and I are going nest weekend. It's those stories of the 10, 11, 12 lb bass that keep us coming back every year. Our best so far is 7lbs. Water temps are much warmer than I thought they would be, based on recent water temps here in MD. Gonna have to revise our strategy for sure! Nice looking fish, BTW!

Any recent word on either Briery or Sandy River ? Some friends and i are going to be fishing there weekend after next. We stay at Sandy River Resort, fish Briery from sun up until about 2 or 3, then Sandy from about 5 til dark.

Yep!

My mind was saying "Insurance", but my fingers typed "shipping". It's hell getting old.

The trick with USPS is to request 2-day Priority shipping. I read about it on a thread here on BR a while back and it works. The clerks at my PO didn't even know you could do it until I asked them to try it out. I think it cost me $21 to ship a rod from Maryland to the West Coast. And that included INSURANCE.

As others said, it will be fine. I ran across a St Croix Legend Inshore 7' MH for a steal, and I use it for my whopper plopper rod. Inshore rods are fine for freshwater use.

Yep. When I bought my demo rod from Gary, I asked specifically about the warranty. He told me the full warranty is in effect for them when purchased through him.

I have mine on an NRX MBR843C and use it for Texas rigged plastics. I think it will work for pretty much any bass fishing tactic you want to use it for, especially if you get the 7.2:1. The rod will be more of a determining factor for what you fish with it.

Someone mentioned the flea market here and also the auction site for good used rods. I've had nothing but great luck buying used on here and other forums. I've bought GLX, St Croix Elite and Xtreme rods like new for under $200. Patience is key here, waiting for the right rod to pop up. Also as mentioned above, call Gary at The Tackle Trap. They very often have dealer demo rods in like new condition for as much as 25% off.

I agree with one of the previous posters about the St Croix LTB reel seat. I recently had to replace an older LTB under the warranty. I got a new 6'8" MXF spinning rod back from them. I REALLY do not like that reel seat. If you have any opportunity at all, try to hold one first before you buy. The Xtreme, on the other hand, as well as the Elite, have great reel seats. I have no experience with any of the other rods you list.

I like the Stik-O's for recreational fishing. Good bait at a good price. But when it comes to tournament fishing, I fish Senkos. I just have a lot more confidence in them when it counts.