Tywithay

It's not a poorly built rod, by any means. But, with a $400+ retail price tag, the attention to detail was lacking, in my opinion. For $200 or less, it's an absolute steal.

I have the 7' MH. It's not a rod that I use often, because I don't care for split grips. That said, it's really light and very sensitive. Performance-wise, I think it's in the IMX Pro/Legend Elite range. Though, the build quality isn't quite as tight as those brands.

I own two split grips and they never get used. I prefer a full handle, regardless of the material.

I'm curious if it just takes several casts to get a full charge on this particular DC system.

If they're all still using factory grease, it likely has to do with the viscosity, and interaction with water, compared to another manufacturer's grease. Some seem to thicken up more than others.

It looks like a decent reel on paper, but I hate the enormous "SLX" logo on the sideplate.

I think the Antares is a better reel, but the Steez is more fun to fish with.

DC reels have been out for well over a decade.

Attach it to a drill?

I don't recall having backlash problems with any of my Daiwa reels, unless I get brave and turn the brakes down too much or throw light lures straight into the wind. I usually keep all of mine in the 5-7 range on the dial and rarely have to touch the spool until it splashes.

Most non-SV reels with outcast an SV reel, regardless of a free floating spool. My Steez A TW and Zillion 1516H will get an extra 10-15 yards over my Zillion SV, without any real difference in control, as far as I can tell. The Daiwa RCS G1 spools are pretty much as good as it gets, so SV doesn't really offer a ton of benefits, unless you're casting very light baits.

For a 6' rod, I would stay in the 500 to 1000 size range (it's a 20 size in the Pflueger lineup). I have a Daiwa Fuego 1000A on my favorite 6' ultralight combo with 4lb Sniper, and it's an absolute joy to fish. I've found that anything bigger than the 1000 sized frames ends up feeling clunky on such a small rod.

Two different animals, really. For all around use, I'd pick the Steez. That said, I do feel like the Antares is a better reel. It's just more limited in its suitable applications.

I have it on my frog rod, but it has spent time on my light swimbait rod as well. It's basically just a revo premier with a big handle and fancy paint. Performs similarly.

I love the Steez A for 1/2oz. I get more distance than the SV, but the 1016G1 still has incredible control. The A is probably my furthest casting reel for 5" senkos or 1/2oz jigs (total weight).

It won't hurt anything. Especially being full sized guides on a spinning rod. If it were micros on a casting rod, maybe it'd slow the line down some. I'd be more upset that I paid for a new rod and received that quality of craftsmanship, but it will still work just fine.

It has centrifugal brakes with 4 shoes.

The CT and older Zillion will palmbetter, but the 1516 is a better reel in almost every other way. It's probably the smoothest reel I own. More so than the Steez A TW, which also has magseal. The 1516 spool is excellent for casting.

I take off those clips and bearing retainers inside of a gallon ziploc. It catches everything. I've had those little buggers take off more than once.

My TE250DC is 12 years old, I think. Still works the same today as it did back then. The Curado probably won't be as bulletproof as a Calcutta, but I bet it'll last a LONG time if it's properly cared for.

There's several on ebay for $215-$240.

Tatula Elites are $179 and can be had for less. The AGS rods are $279. They'll be on sale July 4th, I'd imagine.

I use Daiwa Bg and a Daiwa Luvias. I have had a couple Okuma spinning reels. I had a Trio that I liked a lot, but it crapped out after about a year. Had an epixor that I gave away. It wasn't too bad, but I didn't own it long. My Daiwa's have been trouble free, so I stick with them. I have old Fuego 1000A that's at least 10 years old and it's still like new.

ALX Zolo and my old black/gold Tatula rod. Both fish well above their price points.

Do you thumb it before it lands in the grass? The grass shouldn't stop the spool. You should.