Tywithay

The shelf life is practically forever. It doesn't degrade like mono, even in sunlight.

I don't particularly like it, but never had issues with my knots. What knot are you using?

I've never seen a reason to buy the little 20yd spools or whatever. It's not cost effective. A good stiff fluorocarbon like abrasx makes for excellent leader material and you save money getting a larger spool. Fluorocarbon will last years and one spool will make a ton of leaders.

There's a 7'1" medium Tatula Elite with the ags guides. They run $279 usually, but there's some 20% sales right now that make it around $225.

What's 7'3"?

New toy...I really need to go back to work. Sitting at home all day is getting expensive.

The moderate fast is a little slower action. If it were me in your position, I'd look for a good deal on the 7'1" MF Tatula Elite AGS or the 7' MF Expride A. They're both just slightly above $250 retail, but can be found lower during sales. I don't have the same exact models in all 3, but own a couple AGS and an Expride. Both those series are considerably more sensitive than the Dobyns Champions that I've owned.

Cork has quite a bit of filler and it's not too supple, but in the grand scheme it's a budget conscious rod. I think sanding it lightly with some 1000 grit or so and sealing may soften it. I think the reel seat is made by daiwa. It's comfortable, but I do wish it was soft touch instead of glossy.

Took mine out to the lake behind the house out of boredom. Only hooked one small bass on a jerkbait, but the rod felt really good. I could feel all the subtle movements and little ticks when the bill hit a tree or rock, even with 12lb mono. It's feels faster than a true moderate to me, but still soft enough to keep the trebles pinned. Only used it a couple hours, but I like it so far. Makes for a pretty "Elite" combo if you ask me...

Some smoke is denser than others, I suppose.

I have no experience with Shimano Japan, but Jun at Japantackle has always been super helpful when I've had questions about JDM reels.

The KVD S3 does have brass. That's why it's an ounce heavier than the S3

Looks excellent. I was eyeballing the F5 Autism rods a while back because they look really cool, but I don't throw swimbaits enough to justify it. Definitely high quality builds.

My 100 holds nearly 110 yards of 40lb Smackdown. Unless you're surfcasting, it should hold more than enough line. By my calculation, should hold roughly 100 yards of 50lb 832, based on the listed diameter (Only 50lb braid box I had handy).

7.9oz...they didn't save much...

I have the same rod, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I think the rod weight listed may have been for the original black and gold Tatula. Either way, it's still pretty light and balances well. If I could go back in time, I'd probably have 8-10 of the Tatula rods instead of the mix I have now. They really perform well above their price point.

I'd be surprised if there's not one next year since Japan has the mgl spool already.

For under $250 fresh or salt, I'd recommend the Daiwa BG. I've used a bunch of reels in that price range and unless you're specifically trying to save weight, the BG performs as well as anything.

Academy has a sale like 300+ days a year, so it seems unlikely that it's ever actually $129. That said, the H2O products that I've used have always been a very good value. The Ethos rods are lightweight and feel good. I think their crankbaits are the best bang for your buck on the market.

I have two AGS and one of the regular. Never used a Sierra, but I prefer the Tatula blank over my Champion. The build quality on all of mine is flawless. I do wish the handle was a little longer on my 7'4" MHMB with the full rear grip, but that's a minor gripe. All that said, I actually like the regular Tatula rods with the cork better than the non-AGS Elite. From everything I can read, they appear to use the same blank material. Aesthetically I prefer them as well as the silver is a bit overwhelming on the Elite. Either choice is a good buy, especially with all the sale prices going on right now.

Seems like this comes up once a week.

If I'm using 20lb fluoro, it's probably going to be pitching jigs or t-rigs into fairly dense cover. Braid offers little abrasion resistance and capacity is really a non-issue as I won't be fishing long distance.

I've only used the ags Elite for a couple months, but I've yet to have any issues with straight braid or with leader knots messing with the inserts. They do make a different sound than typical guides. I think the best vote of confidence is St Croix putting them on their flagship model. It's easy for Daiwa to toot their own horn, but another highly respected manufacturer putting them on the top dog shouldn't go unnoticed.

Steez SV TW on a 6'10" ML Omen with 8lb Invisx. Need to get a better rod, but I've yet to find one I like more. Spinning is a Certate LT 2500s on a 7'6" ML Tatula Elite AGS with 15lb stealth grey Smackdown.