Tywithay

Simmons Sporting Goods on Ebay is a reputable dealer. I have bought things from them without ever having an issue. BTD is having a 20% off sale right now, but unfortunately they only carry the Exo, not the Smoke.

Easily the best rod under $250 that I've ever had the pleasure of using (which includes a LOT of rods). KLX rods aren't flashy, but they're some of the cleanest builds out there. The Fuji K-Series Alconite guides are great, the NFC blanks are incredible. I definitely recommend getting the full grip over the split grip. Definitely worth the money and then some. If you sign up for the newsletter, you can get a code for 15% off as well.

Rare that most people get the chance to buy a high end rod. I think you buy the best you can afford or you'll question it all the time. A versatile DX model will cover just as many applications as a Carbonlite, and feel better doing it. Does having two rods compared to one really diversify your lineup?

Some float, some sink slowly; depends on the amount of fluorocarbon in the compound. They're all more buoyant than pure fluorocarbon though.

I'd spend a little more for the Exceler, or save and get an older model Exceler. I prefer thèm over the Aird.

I think you'd be happy with the 7'4" H Tatula rod. It's lighter and more sensitive than the Savvy as well.

7' ml Tatula.

All graphite is some form of resin and graphite, whether it be fiber, powder, prepreg, etc. Even aircraft parts made from carbon fiber are "carbon reinforced plastic." Most cheap graphite on reels is powdered graphite and polyurethane resin. The more powder and higher quality of resin determine the strength. Design will also play into strength.

The lure rating is of more consequence. The line rating doesn't really matter, as long as you're realistic. Probably don't want 65lb braid on an ultralight or 4lb on your flipping stick, but within reason it doesn't matter.

If you have a Cabela's nearby, look at the Fish Eagle 50. They're regularly $89, but they're 50% off right now. Heck of a good rod for $44.

I have a Phenix Recon 766H that I got during one of the sales. At the sale price, it's below your budget and a pretty decent rod. I have a Tatula 100H on mine and it gets the job done.

There's only a couple of reels at that price point that have a metal sideplate. Most all of them perform perfectly, regardless.

If you're going to spend the money for an IMX, I'd take a good hard look at the 13 *** and the Kistler Helium, or KLX. All three are superior to the IMX, in my opinion.

The way I've always seen it, neither sideplate really adds any structural integrity.

IMX is far superior. If you were comparing it to the Avid, it'd be a little closer. The Rage is made from the same material as the Avid, but they have different tapers. The build quality isn't even close between the two. I actually thought the Rage was one of the more disappointing rods St Croix has produced in some time. The handles are way too short, which makes the rods very tip heavy. They have super cheap guides that you'd find on a $30 Berkley rod. They're just an all around disappointment, which is sad considering the blanks are pretty dang nice. Agree with the above, IMX any day of the week over a Rage.

That's the new Fuji side wrap concept. Supposed to add 10 yards and more accuracy to sidearm casts.

Fluoro is heavier than braid. You have to use more braking to slow it down.

Fuji Zirconia Scissors. They super sharp, non-corrosive, and never need sharpened.

Kistler KLX or Helium would be my first choice. Very light and tons of options. I'd also consider the Phenix Recon2.

Save yourself a little cash and get the Avid. The other two are not worth it. I paid $136 for my GL2 and $158 for a Mossyback, and I still felt ripped off. There's so many better values out there.

Braid is the only line I've ever gotten a wind knot with. FWIW, once I started using better reels with better oscillation, the wind knots stopped. I think line lay has a lot to do with it.

Loose loops in your line and twist

Ordered mine today and it's supposed to warm up next week. I'm excited.

It could be white.

I almost bought a rage today at Gander. They had them clearanced pretty well.