Tywithay

I have one that I got when it came out. It has been sitting a couple years, but worked well for years and I imagine I could grab it right now and it'd fish fine. I think they just missed the boat on pricing those reels. You can find them readily around $200 now and that's not bad. They aren't $300+ reels at all.

I think people confuse perceived vibrations with lack of smoothness. Graphite, especially the good stuff like ci4 and zaion, transmits vibrations far more than aluminum and magnesium. You could put stella gears in the ci4+ and it still won't "feel" as smooth, even if it actually is just as smooth. You'll feel the teeth mesh because of the nature of the material. The flexing argument isn't really relevant with today's reels like it was 20 years ago.

I enjoy tinkering with reels and have a number of spools for my Steez and Zillion reels. However, I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't have to buy spools just to get above average performance out of a $200-$300 reel.

I feel like the Tatula SV feels more solid and the spool performs a little better. The SS just didn't feel that great to me. I think it'd be a good reel for $150 or so. It felt like more like an abu reel than a daiwa.

7' ML XFast Abu Garcia Venerate. Rod weighs 3.8oz. Balance is great with titanium guides and it is surprisingly sensitive with a light tip. I bought one on a whim and now own 4. Balances on the lock nut with a 1000FL

Agreed. I've seen a Stella 18000 put a whooping on some giant gamefish. Fish that would bend your little baitcaster over and spank you with it.

I guess people around here are different. We just use whatever catches fish. I have baitcasters with 6lb test on a light rod and spinning reels with 80lb braid on a 9ft heavy rod...who knows

I think both are too thick to really enjoy on a spinning reel, but I'd go with armilo out of the two.

I think that last part is the main lesson to learn. At the end of the day, a scratched reel and dented cork will still catch fish just as effectively as a pristine reel. Have fun and fish.

The 2500 on the 7' MF rod would cover pretty much everything you'd ever need to get started.

I will never not recommend the Daiwa BG

Probably the 7' MF HMG. That's a good all-around rod. They're solid and well built. They fish pretty similar to the St Croix Premier in the same power, in my experience; a little stronger than the rating, compared to some manufacturers.

Fishing rods and reels are just tools. They're bought to be used. They should be used properly and taken care of though. You wouldn't use a hammer to torque a nut. Scratches and dirt are inevitable in an outdoor sport, but I try to avoid putting my stuff in harm's way, and always clean it regularly.

I've found larger gears to not be as smooth in general. I think it's part of the territory. I've also had issues with the Shimano pinion bearings being dirty, not lubed, or just not good quality, and they make the reel feel like it's lightly grinding.

This beautiful lady showed up on the doorstep today. Looks like it's going to fit this rod perfectly. (It has an exact twin on the same model rod as well, because two is better than one).

Sportsmansoutfitters has the Tournament Pro for $139 and Speed Spool for $84. They're usually about as low as it gets.

I got my second one for $180. Did the ebay "make an offer." Surprisingly, he took my lowball instead of countering.

The SV is a better reel, in my opinion, but if you want more distance the Lews will give you what you want.

I didn't find anything spectacular about them, but they're just smooth solid reels that are comfortable to fish. I thought the newest BB1 Pro actually went down a notch. The previous version with the carbon handle was a better value, in my opinion.

I found the same thing. I took it crappie fishing in the lake behind the house, solely because I had new reel fever. I was throwing a 1/16oz jig with a little unweighted foam bobber (probably 1/8ish total weight) and getting respectable distance with very little effort. I still haven't had a chance to use it much, but I was impressed enough that I ordered a second while I was still at the lake.

Got rid of most of my expensive stuff when I got divorced, but highest combo now is: JDM Daiwa Zillion TW 1516SH - $350 Edge Black Widow 735 - $300

I'm not a braid fan, but I've been using 8lb light green Sunline Xplasma with good results.

I like the 7'6" Tatula Elite AGS for those baits, but it might be a little unwieldy. The 6'8 MXF Legend Tournament is a pretty good one as well, though I didn't personally care for the handle.

I don't think it's leaps and bounds better than the previous SV. It is smaller and more comfortable. I actually prefer the Elite long cast version over the SV for pretty much everything, except lighter baits, but all the Tatula models are good reels.