Tywithay

I took mine out this evening. Took a while to get it dialed in due to 25mph wind, but I was pretty impressed. It didn't wow me with distance, but some of that may have been condition related. My Tatula Elite was much easier to cast in the wind, I will add. The retrieve on the Metanium is ridiculously smooth though. I need more time to try out some other baits, but so far I like it a lot.

Right from the Shimano site. Body material: aluminum + high strain resin. Body is aluminum, sideplates are graphite. The hagane concept says metals "such as," not that it utilizes both. If a restaurant sells meats such as beef and chicken, it doesn't mean they're mixed together.

They don't?

I'd definitely do medium or medium light, depending on the rod specs. A heavier rod won't provide much cushion for 8-10lb line. The Daiwa is indeed a M-MH. It's like a softer medium tip section, then a MH in the lower sections.

For around $250, I'd look at the 6'10" M Expride. Those bites are right in the wheelhouse and it's quite a bit more sensitive than the Avid and Champions. The Tatula Elite AGS 7' M-MH is a great rod too. I've been using it for weightless plastics and the tip on it is light enough to cast the lighter stuff, but it still has decent backbone to drive single hooks home.

The Shimano site says the hagane body is made of highly rigid such as aluminum and magnesium. There's zero magnesium on the SLX.

More rigid materials typically transmit vibration better as well. This leads some to to think magnesium and composite reels don't feel as smooth, or have added "noise." Kind of funny that you can have reels with identical gear sets and one won't feel as smooth. Perception is a fickle thing.

The Expride is a very lightweight rod. I think the CI4+ would compliment it better. The FL is a great reel and I use mine regularly, but it is a better fit on longer and/or heavier rods that need balanced, or heavier applications.

Sniper is still one of the best values as far as performance for the price. Sunline Assassin is another similar line from the same manufacturer that fishes really well and can be found for a good price. I still use a couple other kinds for certain applications, but I have Sniper or Assassin on probably 75% of my reels.

I have no issue with cleaning threads. They just feel absolutely terrible on your hands and fingers.

I would definitely open it up and make sure all the centrifugal brakes are not turned on.

I don't like exposed threads on any rod.

Wife surprised me with a photoshoot for father's day.

I had both, but sold the 103 as it didn't really benefit my fishing. In theory, the 103 will cast lighter baits better than the Coastal. Mostly due to lighter weight spool+line. Aside from that, I haven't seen any advantage over the Coastal or Elite. I still worry about the gear sideplate over the long term. They're still relatively new to the market. Time will tell I guess. If it were me, I'd keep buying Coastals before they take the price back to normal.

I have never used them for service, but I know for sure they won't honor the warranty. There's a ton of reputable service guys out there that know reels though, some on this very site, so I don't worry much. For me, it's worth every penny of the $285 I paid for it. I don't know if I'd like it as much at $420.

4.3oz

I want a Tatula Elite 3D or Steez A 3D and I want a Fuego in the new 100 frame. Maybe a Fuego SV too. Alan Hawk is one of the most well known saltwater reel reviewers. Companies have changed reel designs after his breakdowns. He does freshwater reels occasionally, but not as often.

I bought two this winter for crappie fishing. Think I have 6 now and I never really use them, so I don't know why. Boredom I guess. I like the idea of spinning gear more than the reality.

I've been doing well with 8lb Sunline Xplasma. I think I still prefer 4lb fluorocarbon, but I'll leave it on there until it gives a reason to take it off.

I have chest waders and they're thin, but still hot. I just bought some water shoes and the wrangler cargo shorts made from the thin dri-fit material. I can wade for an hour or two and be dry by time I walk back to the truck.

Pretty sure 300, 500, and 1000, have to do with the percentage of silica content. 3M Matrix resins have different designations based on the amount of the nanoparticles, as well as cure cycles, viscosity, and a bunch of other variables. Don't quote me as I haven't used that particular resin, but thinking 1000 means more silica, less resin. So it's just as strong without the added weight.

Same size

The rods are awesome. I have multiple of the Elite and Elite AGS. Tatula SV was good, but not great, to me. I much prefer the Tatula Elite Long Cast, and now own three. SV was overbraked for my tastes. All of them have required some extra lubrication. Daiwa factory must be rationing grease. Once they're cleaned and greased, smooth as can be.

I have the JDM 1516 version with the shallow spool and it's definitely one of the smoothest daiwa reels I've used and has held up well. Glad you figured it out.