DaveT63

Pretty much any $200-300 reel you get is going to be a great reel. That said, if you are willing to consider used, you can up your game for the same money or less. I recently bought an original JDM Steez 103L off ebay for $187. It came in and was flawless. Not a mark on it. Then I bought a Zillion SV spool for it for $69. Talk about a dream reel!!! I used to be a huge Shimano fan. Then I tried the Daiwa SV reels, and they are quickly winning me over. I still have some Shimano reels I love, like a Curado 51E and a Chronarch 51E, but I sold both my Core 51Mg7s for the Steez and an SV103. I've never tried the Chronarch MGL or Metanium MGL, but I can't imagine them being any better than my Daiwas.

I recently picked up the same rod at a yard sale, because I remember them from way back. I put a reel on, one and did some fishing with it, but it is very heavy compared to modern rods, and doesn't balance wrk with. The newer lightweight reels of today.

I agree with the Pixy. I use it with my St Croix Legend Elite 7' MF rod and love it.

This series IS the Legend Tournament Bass. It's just the latest redesign, or new version, of the series.

I bought an Alphas SV105 and read that it makes skipping easier. I tried it, and now I skip baits under docks, branches, and many other low-hanging obstructions...with my spinning reel. I had at least some backlash every time I tried it. The SV spool in no way makes skipping automatic. But with time and practice, I'm sure it will make it easier.

I agree with all the comments on the KastKing rack. The only down side is that it doesn't hold as many as advertised if you have reels on the rods. But still good rack for the money.

I hear so many good things about these reels that I decided to look on ebay for one. How many different models are there, anyway?! And if someone were looking for a good general purpose user reel, what would you guys familiar with the line recommend? The 100 US Trail, the 103M, the 103H, 103P, 105H? Where to start????

That might work with a casting rod with smaller guides, but if I'm understanding this issue correctly, you wouldn't get it past the stripper guide of a spinning rod.

I agree with Bluebasser. You don't have to spend that much. There are plenty of decent rods out there that will fit what you are looking for. BUT, if you do want the Avid, it is a fantastic rod. I also agree with his suggestion of sticking to about 6 feet long, although 6'6" probably wouldn't be too bad either.

Two of the best deals out there right now are the Daiwa SV103 and SV105 at TW. They are on sale at $169 and $149 respectively, and even cheaper if you but the gift cards at 10 percent off first and use them to pay for it. Of course, they only have the 103 in Left Hand, 6.3:1, and the 105 in Right Hand, 5.8:1. But still, that is a steal for either one of those fantastic reels.

Welcome to a great community here! Properly cared for, that rod will last longer than the 15 year warranty. St Croix rods are high quality rods, and the Legend Elite and Legend Xtreme lines are the best they make. I have the 6'8" MXF Legend Elite Spinning rod and trust it to fight anything I fish for and then some. As for build quality, I've had a couple dozen high end St Croix rods and have yet to see find a flaw in any. Buy with confidence! Merry Christmas, Dave

I agree with Yudo1. Awesome reel with SO many options. There isn't much from a bass fishing standpoint you can't do with it with the many mods available for it. If you can get one in that price range, especially closer to the lower end, you won't regret it, unless it was abused and not taken care of. In good condition, you will love it.

Does it have to be a T-Wing? I personally think that T-Wing is overrated. And does it have to be new? About 6 months ago, I won a like new Steez 103L for $187 and free shipping on ebay. Then I bought the Zillion SV spool from Tackle Trap for $69. Absolutely incredible reel!

If you break a rod after using it for 15 years, it certainly wasn't broken due to a manufacturing defect. You more than got your money's worth out of it and it's time to buy yourself a new one rather than expecting a company to replace it out of their pocket. jmho, Dave

I will second your solid recommendation of St Croix. I have used their warranty program several times, all but one my own fault, so I gladly paid the greatly reduced fee for a new rod. The one time a rod broke while actually fishing, the only thing I had to pay was the shipping to St Croix, and even that was reduced through their FedEx shipping plan. Their customer service is top notch!

As the others said, that 6'8" MXF is an excellent plastics rod, and doubles for many other uses. Very versatile.

Man, there are some real steals on Pixy's on ebay right now. A Silver Micah for $95, and a PX68L for $130. They may be a bit older technology, but still some SWEET reels! One of these days I'm gonna pull the trigger on an Airy Red left-handed one. Beautiful. I like the orange, too, but my Sol has that color covered.

I've bought several reels, both new and used, from Japan, through ebay and direct from websites, and never paid a tax. Of course shipping is going to be more expensive. About $20 seems to be the going rate.

I would go with the 2 reels if you feel you need two. But if you are willing to go with refurbished Casitas, why do you need a $400 spinning combo? You can get a great combo for no more than $200 if you buy used here or on another forum, or even ebay, and have money for a second Chronarch. An excellent option right there....

MHF

For the money that is a great rod. Just try the reel, and if you don't like it, buy a Pflueger President of Shimano Sedona reel on sale for the holidays. Either reel will suit you well and match up well with that rod.

I'm not much of a jig fisherman, but would feel comfortable throwing those size jigs on my NRX MBR843. But if you got a hankering to throw bigger, I think you would want the 844. And you are correct, the 843 make a great Senko rod.

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.