aavery2

Of the rods you have listed I own the Avid AVC70MHF, the CC-5-1610MH, CCM-5-1610MH, and CCM-6-1610 Headturner. As previously mentioned the Avid does seem to be a little tip heavy and I believe a little less sensitive than the Cara's, of the Cara's I prefer the CCM-6-1610 Micro Headturner. In my opinion the micro guides help with reduction of weight and sensitivity, Falcon builds a great rod and I don't think you would be disapointed with anything in the Cara lineup.

The 200E7 weights 7.6oz and the PQ is 8.8oz. If you like the the Curado so much why did you not consider the Citica 200E, it is very similar to the Curado weights less than the PQ, has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and is the same price as the PQ. Citica weights 7.8oz

Bass Assault Swim Jigs in Chartreuse Bream with a Kalins 5" single tailed grub

The only thing that I know of that affects the side to side movement of the spool is the spool tension cap. Have you tried tightening the spool tension cap?

Your Welcome, glad you were able to get it fixed/replaced.

Almost makes me think that there is a slight anti-reverse bearing mis-alignment. Anyway hope you get it figured out.

I have a 7ft MH F Avid, I find it to be tip heavy, but it is a descently sensitive rod with good build quality.

Not sure if this is a factor or not, but make sure of your screw orientation, there should be 3 screws holding the side plate on, 1 larger screw and two smaller screws, the longer of the two smaller screws goes into the lower aft hole, the shorter obviously in the upper forward, and the bigger screw comes in from the aft side.

If you put it together with the screws tight, and leave the spool out of the reel, does it still feel like it is tight. Be carefull when you attempt this, as the pinion can fall out of alignment, just turn it enough to determine if the binding is there without the spool installed.

One of the things you are bringing into play when you put the right side cover on the reel is the anti-reverse bearing, may want to check it out and make sure there is no problem there.

Falcon Clark Wendlandt Casting Rods

Which rod did you purchase, and are you going to use technique specific or will it be an all around type setup? I would choose a reel based on how I intended to fish the setup.

The Revo SX is a very good reel, and is certainly capable of casting the techniques you mentioned, but in my experience it can be a little tempermental with adjusting the magnetic brakes, more so on the older version of this reel. One of the reels that I would suggest you take a look at is the Bass Pro Pro Qualifier, they can be purchased for 99 dollars and are a very solid reliable reel, they come in a variety of gear ratio's and have dual braking, which if you are new to baitcasters , may be a great feature. Another solid choice if you can find them is either of the Shimano's, the Citica or the Curado E series reels. Another reel worth mentioning is the Lew's Speed Spool, they have a couple of reels in your price range with dual brakes, they cast and retrieve very nice. Anyway good luck with the search.

Might want to take a look at KVD's Bass Strategies, if you do buy make sure to get the revised edition.