Tywithay

With Daiwa MagZ reels, I set my spool tension so that the spool has very little side-to-side play. It's okay if you can wiggle it a bit, but you don't want it so loose it's chattering during the cast. Then, set the mag-dial to 10 or so, and cast away. With most lures, and average wind, you shouldn't really have to touch the spool until it splashes with those settings. If you have a calm day or wind at your back, you can usually click the mag down a couple clicks. Using the right rod for the job will also help keep it from getting birdnests. If you try to cast a light lure on a rod that's too heavy, it won't load properly and can snap the lure too quickly.

If it's not something you need right away, then wait a month. Icast may have some new reels that tickle your fancy. I've heard whispers of a more compact Tatula, though I don't know if it's true or not.

This is Shimano trying to answer Daiwa selling the Tatula SV for only $199.

Spool weight isn't as significant, because it has lower capacity. Spool + line weight will be comparable (maybe slightly lower) than the MGL spool. It also palms much nicer. Pretty much any modern reel can throw a 4" or 5" senko relatively well, with the right rod.

I've owned reels that have the switch and I'd have been just as pleased with them if they didn't have the switch. I have never once turned the anti-reverse off and I've caught 20lb+ fish on 6lb line just using the drag properly. I have, however, accidentally hit the switch whilst fighting a fish and have ended up with bloody knuckles from a handle coming backwards at warp speed. They're just another mechanical issue to fail and a spot for possible intrusion. I'd just as soon see them disappear.

Hagane is not a different kind of material, or anything magical. It's just a concept Shimano uses to make better feeling reels. "Hagane" means steel in Japanese. So, the idea of a hagane body is to be more rigid, as strong as steel, even though it's aluminum, magnesium, or Ci4. Hagane gears are cold forged and use a precision machining process to make them stronger and smoother. They're still brass or some derivative of aluminum, same as before.

This is pretty much Gen4 or 5 for the DC system and this same reel has pretty much been around for a while, as the Scorpion DC. This one looks on paper to possibly be a little better, or equal, to that reel.

Unless something has changed, if you call in, everything is on sale.

It came out about a year ago.

Buying reels from Japan is often FAR cheaper than sourcing them from American retailers. One piece rods usually get dinged in customs, so the price can jump a bit. As far as what makes me choose equipment, it's curiosity, I guess. I don't have to spenda ton of money either. My few most recent purchases were a $30 spinning reel, $50 baitcaster, and a $450 Steez...I was just as excited to receive each one. Fishing is essentially my only hobby, so I splurgea bit. I don't drink or smoke, no kids...might as well do what I enjoy.

The way I see it, you're only on this rock for a short while, so if you have the means, go for it. If anyone is worried about what others will think, they're doing this whole thing wrong.

I just got my Cs7 1000 for $28 off of amazon. It arrived yesterday, so I haven't used it. It seems like a decent little reel. Paint looks a little cheap, but it's not terrible. Only issue out of box is a slight rubbing sound when you crank it. It is silent when I turn the AR off, so I'm pretty sure I can open it up and fix that. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I like the way it feels aside from that one issue.

My Antares/Destroyer is about $1k including line. I don't think I'd have an arsenal of equipment that expensive, but if I really want it, I buy it.

Most manufacturers will put excess grease because a lot of people don't service their reels. A thick layer of grease will keep it functioning longer, though not at peak performance.

The reel seat wouldn't be a major area of concern, in my opinion. A graphite frame vs. aluminum frame could at some point affect gear alignment, depending on the quality of the graphite. In the past, cheaper graphite frames had a bit of flex. As far as casting distance, I can't be much help. I have a dickens of a time using any of the newer Shimano reels and have chosen to stuck with Daiwa. I can cast my Tatula almost 15 yards further than I could cast my Curado K (actually tested it and measured the distances). I would say my Fuego is very similar distance-wise to the Tatula, though I haven't officially measured it, just the eye test.

Quality of the E6X rods isn't much of an issue. They're well built. They're just extremely overpriced given the performance. The ALX Zolo rods are more comparable to an IMX Pro or GLX in the Loomis lineup. I don't use braid, so I am not sure how well the leaders would pass through their guides, but if you are concerned about it, just have Alex make you one with slightly larger guides. Their prices for custom work are comparable to the production rods, especially if it's just changing a guide size. I had both of my Zolo (Dragger, Deputy) custom made with spiral-wrapped micro guides and full EVA handles. They're easily my two favorite rods.

I use my Tatula SV sometimes, or a Steez A TW. The Tatula is easier to cast, I think. The Steez will throw one further than anything else I own, but I have had a couple overruns in this Kansas wind.

I have an old Fuego A spinning reel that is going on 10 years old and it still works like the day I bought it. It is one of the earliest Zaion reels that Daiwa created. I've been through 100's of reels over the years and that is the only one that has stuck in my lineup.

Correct. It'll come in the plastic packaging.

C means clam shell. No C means it comes in a box.

The Tatula LT gets comparable reviews to the CI4 and costs less.

The nasci doesn't really compare to the BG, in my opinion. The BG is more comparable to the Stradic, even considering the cost difference. Another one to look at is the Luvias. It's better than all the reels mentioned and I have seen the 3000H for $155 on Ebay. It sells for $350 on retail sites.

If you're not specifically putting together a super lightweight combo, Daiwa BG is far amd away the best.

Best guess is the spool tension is too tight, or you're not loading the rod.

I take off the sideplate and pull out the spool, then hit it with the sprayer in the kitchen for a bit. Then, set it out to air dry. Been doing it for years and haven't had any issues yet.