jj'sbassinforfun

I haven't seen the kits myself. What are you going after and what was the rated(line) weight? For bass I'd try to stay in the 6 to 8 weight rods. I'm assuming the kit is more for trout/panfish and probably a 4 or 5 weight. But you know what happens when you assume?

He's got another vid of him from a distance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPX2zGl_0ec I'll give him credit he seems to have definitely practiced.

Not a lip ripper myself, I'm an avid C-rig user so I tend to sweep the rod. I still like a rod that bends to the butt when fishing deep cranks and I seem to increase my strike to catch odds with S glass over Graphite or a graphite/glass composite. Maybe its my reaction time? As for rod weight? The crankster weighs in at 3.8 ounces(from their chart). I'd hardly call that a heavy rod. Compared to common glass is a feather weight. Anyone have the weights on a comparable graphite or graphite/glass composite for giggles? Edit: The crankster weighs in actually @6.3 ounces. I made a booboo when reading the chart. my mistake!

Fast action is the common choice for SB's. ExFast could be a positive in some cases(hookset and feel), But I've never tried one myself.

I have the 7' 8" "Big Crankster" as well. So far I like it a lot. Yes it is a little less sensitive than graphic, But you won't pull as many hooks either. Specially if you are a lip ripper(hard hook setter).

The Elite 8 is one sweet looking reel. I also like the USDM Rocket. Just barely got out of the dog house after the last purchase of Gen3's. So far no issues with any of the G3's and we fish em pretty hard. RVO3 PRM RVO3 STX 8.0 RVO3 STX 6.4 RVO3 SX 6.4 RVO3 Winch We did find chips on them under the drag star. Yep everyone had some, Some had more than others. We tear down every reel anyway before use and do our own lubes. So no biggy. But FYI to others.

6 to 1 unless its a deep slow roll. I drop down to 5 to 1. I often burn em in the springtime with 7 to 1

I passed on the ugly green. I got the Citica and added the bearing. A bud gave me the Curado. Both perform very well and I honestly can't tell the difference. Both are g series. I have the Citica e series and added the crank bearing. I like this almost as much as my Chronarch e. Sorry I don't have the e series Curado, But I assume it is very close to my Chronarch e. Chronarch e is the best shimano I own.

I have 3 CB rods. One for shallow cranks/squarebills(7'/2-6 ft/fast tip-6to1 gr). medium cranks(7'/10-14 ft/moderate tip-6to1 gr) and deep cranks(7'6"/16ft+/moderate tip/5to1 gr).

While we are on the subject, How do you balance you rigs?

The D series are also pretty sweet! E is probably the best. The G has been pretty durable so far for me with proper maintenance. If you really want to spoil yourself? Get a Chronarch 200E(I though LMG was going to say it!).

Maybe DVT will give us a discount?(hint hint)

Tip heavy is great for rod tip low apps. I only balance my rod tip high rods. As stated user preference. Dropshot, CR and TR to be more specific.

I have a couple of the rods(Convergence-Clarus) with the reel seat. For the most part its fine. Except there isn't anything to pad your fingers under the reel. So it gets a bit un-comfy. No issues otherwise. Got a few reels as well. Chonarch is sweet and I'm getting used to the Citica. They will be supertuned this off season. Pretty much an Abu guy for the most part. I did start with Shimano, But because I'm a lefty I veered off coarse when they left us without some gear choices. I'd like to see Shimano do a similar deal as the Abu shop( I tried to get this in the other threads-But they got locked before I could post!). EVA grips and bent handles would be cool. But I doubt we'll see anything like that. All my stuff is customized except the shimies. I do have plans for the 2 200D series Citica's. Shimano could make some cash after the sale as many like to tweak their toys.

X2 About the only thing different is the handle. I have noticed side plate flex and gear noise with a good load on it. I'd look at a Lexa.

3 and 3/4 works out to about 95mm. Thanks!

I have been looking for the length on the handle, Could you give approx of center to center on the knobs? Thanks

After reading this that dang monkey is chewing on my ear now! Saying "buy it buy it". I was going to wait until after xmas to get mine, But probably gonna be real soon now! Geez! Seriously, Thanks for the review!

Don't forget the new gen3 sx has a totally different brake system. We haven't had an issue with the gen 1 or 2 SX. So, I guess we are lucky?

The Vengeance has been a good value for me. My 7' 6" heavy has been very tough in the weeds and second duty is rangling pike. No issues at all. My sone owns one(6'6" Med Hvy) as well and for the $49.99(less 15% TW discount) were both happy. The 7' 6" heavy is a dandy heavy rig/jig rod. I also throw CR and TR rigged worms with it. For Pike its duty is big spinners, swimbaits and heavy plugs. My sons 6'6" Med Hvy handles medium jigs, CR and TR rigged worms up to an ounce pretty well. Its also his frog rod.

Sure does look purdy! White is growing on me! I got an SX ordered for my kids B-day. Hope its here in time!

Most important to me is low geared(IPT) for DEEP cranks. Flat wear you out without it. Hi speed for burning heavy blades. I'm comfy with HS for rigs/jigs too. But not as important as the others.

I'm right handed and do both(rh-lh) with baitcaster. I use the lefties for speed or fast casts where you can get to work as soon as the lure hits the water(mostly crankin, top water and spinnerbaits). I use the right hand reels for rigs/jigs where you have time to switch as the your waiting for the lure to fall. I suppose I could do both with spinning gear as well, But I fish with the rod in my right hand.

I'm also not just a Shimano guy. I have some Diawa, Abu and Ardent's too. I grew up throwing Abu round reels and still keep some ready to fish. About the only brand I haven't had my hands on is the Okuma. Looking at a Kumato. Maybe this spring?

Just fyi! The gears from the PQ's fit into the revo's!! A friend was looking for a solid deep cranker, but didn't like the looks of the winch. He opted for the revo S. I had a set of gears(BPS-PQ 4.7:1) and stuffed them in for him. So with the reel on sale for $99 and $20 for the gearset. He's happily deep crankin with his S for about $120.