Tywithay

On the bail.

I almost always put a quality ceramic bearing in the line roller. It helps alleviate line twist, adds durability, and has better corrosion resistance, on one of the hardest worked bearings in the reel.

I fill it up with cheap line, tie on a half ounce sinker, and cast as far as it will fly. Pull off about three-four full arm lengths, cut it, then put on the good stuff. Few lures have as little resistance as a sinker and the arm lengths add a cushion. It'd be hard to cast to the backing. I keep a cheap reel around to reel up the cheap mono I cut off, so it can be used again.

US lines have larger diameter. Spools are the same size.

I use a 6' L Clarus and love it. You can find them at deep discount because they've been discontinued.

Chronarch CI4+, Metanium, or Exsence DC

Biomaster 2500s? Most of the same tech as the Rarenium, but aluminum.

That's more of an entry level rod. Considering the cost of importing, you can find a better rod on this side of the pond, for less money.

Fluorocarbon is nearly impervious to UV rays. It would take years to break down from the sun, under normal conditions. Most cheaper fluoros will break when they're kinked because the resin is not very pliable, same applies to stiffer fluoros. It will also burn up and break easily if knots aren't wetted and tied properly. It's definitely a bit finicky, and has to be used with a little extra care.

The Edge 705 is the best balanced, most sensitive rod I've ever handled. I'd take an NFC HM over any other blank on the market. It's easily on par with the NRX, with better build quality.

A properly built custom on an SC5, K2, or NFC HM, will be as sensitive as any person would ever need. At that point, any difference is basically just personal preference, as far as action, power, balance, etc. That's why I recommend custom. You get exactly what you want.

I use a ML *** and it's pretty much perfect. Can't imagine a better rod for the money.

Wonder how the carbon frame will compare to CI4+ or Zaion. Not a huge Lews fan, but the silver Team Lite caught my eye.

I saw them at Dicks as well. I'm sure some will like them. Not my cup of tea.

Chrome inserts are harder and more durable. Neither is highly regarded.

37 casting, 14 spinning. Favorite is probably my Daiwa SS SV 103H on a 6'10" Med. Expride. Stupid light, and just a joy to fish with. Second favorite is an Antares HG on an Orochi XX Extreme Mission. It will throw a 5" senko into orbit.

I will have one. By one, I mean several.

Orochi XX Extreme Mission. Extremely fun rod to fish.

I prefer the 2500, because it has more than enough capacity. The 3000 is a fantastic reel as well; especially if you got a good deal.

Having used both, the CI4+ is 10x the reel the Premier is. The Gen3 Premier doesn't really feel like a $200 reel to me; retail it's ridiculous. I'd buy a Gen2 before a Gen3, but the CI4+ and Curado I are both better reels than the Premier.

I like the FJ better than the CI4, and I like the CI4+ better than the FJ.

The XT came stock with the same greaseless spool bearings that came in the Calais DC. Probably the best stock bearings a reel can have.

That will work great, right up until someone walks off with your $700 Stella.

Retention just means it's sitting in customs. Very rare you pay fees on small packages.

Sniper. Fo' sho'