kschultz76

Rippin I’ve got ZRs in my Tatula SV and am pretty impressed so far. I’m about to get two Zillion SV TW from the Trap. I’m debating Air HD vs ZPI in them, or maybe going ZR. The Air HD are really interesting to me bc of the casting weight range info on the HH site for them. One of the reels will be used for tossing small 1/4 oz up to med 1/2oz cranks. Might be a hard comparison to make but do you see any advantage between the Air HD and ZPI for 1/4 oz total weight? Of course the HH would also be more cost effective bc I already have a vial of Alchemy oil for maintence. But who worries about something like that where reel tuning is concerned?

I had HH ZR bearings put in my Tatula SV and I’m pleased with them so far. But I don’t have a lot of time on the reel yet.

The Dobyns Fury and Sierra, as well as the Powell and iRod options all seem to get a lot of love in your price range, likely not a bad choice among those three. I know you’re super budget concious and totally respect that. But a rod for pitching and flipping into cover is one where sensitivity counts so consider that. Phenix just released a new rod series series that’s right at your price point or a smidge above called the Feather. They have a 7’1” Heavy and a 7’3” Extra Heavy option. On paper the rods look very nice and Phenix is known for good builds. Another budget option I ran across is the Daiwa DX Frog rod on TW. They have it on sale for 90 and if you do the gift card thing you could get that down a bit more. Specs look good and TackleTour did a review of one of theses sticks awhile back in the cranking series. This was a TW exclusive line. Id also suggest the St Croix Mojo Bass line right in your price range as well. These are just some other ideas, I’ve not used any of the rods above, and you’ve got some good recommendations from folks who have.

I’m sure an SV103 will be a great reel on it. But it’s light and balanced so a light reel is awesome on it. Love my Spinberbait Special to, while both are super versatile rods in my hands the Diablo is noticeably faster while maybe still not quite a true fast. For example my Helium 3 MHXF is a bit faster then the Diablo. Spinberbait Special is a killer heavy cover squarebill rod, but the Diablo besides being a great 3/8 and 1/2 oz swim jig rod can also comfortably throw and pitch a 3/8 trig creature in lighter to bed cover. I don’t like the Spinnerbait Special for pitching presentations. Something about the Spinberbait Special just loads deeper into the blank initially, the Diablo shuts down into power faster and loads deeper under more pressure if that makes sense. I happily own both and while there’s some overlap in what they can do I use them differently.

A Chronarch CI4 7.2:1 rides on my Diablo. Congrats on the rod, it’s a killer killer stick.

What he said! Excess grease would not make it whine. And generally all manufacturers over grease at the factory because most people don’t spend the time or money to maintain them, Shimano is not alone in this regard.

As others have said if it’s a brand new reel and making an unexplained noise then take it back and have it replaced by the retailer or by Shimano. Have you tried popping the side plate off and pulling the spool check for any debris then reinstall it? Also check all the brake shoes on the spool and try turning them all off.

I’ve used Mike at DVT in the past for several reels, send your reels to him with confidence. If you have further questions for him pick up the phone and give him a call, he’s a great guy and will be happy to speak with you. Ive also used Bryan at the Tackle Trap to service and tune several reels and again been very happy with the results. I can can easily recommend either of them for service and tuning. I’ve had every reel in my rack serviced and tuned and have had zero issues. The process has noticeably improved everyone of them.

Thanks looks like I’ve got something to read tonight! I was disappointed in their Metanium MGL review though, lacked a lot of the normal detail and analysis even though they gave it high marks.

Of the two you mentioned I’d go with the Curado K, though I have no experience with either of those specific reels. I have many Shimanos and like them all including a Chronarch MGL that has the same braking system and micro module gearing as the Curado. However if if this is your very first baitcaster and you’re going to learning with this new reel I’d really recommend the Daiwa Tatula SV TW. I think it is a great platform, fantastic value for its price, and hands down the most forgiving braking system and spool out there. You may give up a tiny bit in max distance, but you’ll gain a ton of control, accuracy, and frustration free casting. Good luck and enjoy it!

I think the recommendations of a Tatula CT or a Tatula SV for the reel are spot on and you’ll have a pretty comfortable learning curve with either one. Your lure choice seems to lean towards moving single hook and treble baits. Given that is true I’d suggest the Megabass Orochi XX Spinnerbait Special, it looks to still be available from American Legacy for 199. It’s a great rod and very versatile, and while primarily a moving bait rod it will handle lighter trigs a small jigs just fine. The only thing I don’t like using mine for is pitching jigs and trigs and wouldn’t throw a jig bigger then 3/8 or 5/16 on it. But the rod is money for spinnerbaits, swimjigs, chatterbaits, squarebills, topwater, and even medium cranks. Im amazed American Legacy still has it as it was one of the first to sell out so get it quick if you want it, it’s a steal to 199. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/megabass-orochi-xx-casting-rods.html If you could find a MB Orochi XX Diablo Spec R that would also be a very versatile and slightly better optiom for light jigs and trigs. Someone mentioned the Tour Versatile, that’s a heavy powered stick and not what I’d consider an all purpose rod like you’re looking for. Some other good rods like the Dobyns in a 3 or 4 power or the St Croix Mojo Bass Spinnerbait rod are good suggestions. I’d also look at a Kistler KLX those blanks are pretty versatile, even the CRT series in KLX can throw light trigs. Also in the Kistler line the Helium 3 Light/Medium Heavy Fast in a 7’ or 7’3” would also be a great versatile stick. I know a Loomis MBR series, probably a 3power would be excellent as well, but the only one in your price range is the E6X and I think there’s better options in that price range. Good luck!

Look at the St Croix Bass X or better still Mojo Bass spinning rods. And I’d suggest either a Pfleuger President or better yet Supreme spinning reel.

That’s an extremely well built high quality rod. I have the same action in an LTB casting version and a Legend Xtreme spinning. The rods have held up great even when the tips have been bumped into trees. Now its its a high modulus rod, so you need to care for it properly and not abuse it. As long as you do that you’re golden. And St Croix has great service and they’ve got you covered for an affordable replacement even if you have an accident that’s your fault. Enjoy the the new rod!

The only Zillion variant that shares the CT frame is the SV TW. All other Zillions are the larger original Tatula frame. With a 1/4 oz crankbait on the same rod and similar 12lb line my Tatula SV well outcast my Chronarch 51e and a Chronarch CI4+. But my Tatula SV has Hedgehog ZR spool bearings installed. All three reels have been properly tuned and cleaned by a pro.

If you still have questions about the Megabass rod give the guys at The Tackle Trap a shout. Looks like they still have it available, and Gary has a lot of time with these rods. I’m sure he can help you figure out if it’s right for you or not.

If you’re comfortable with the braking on the Tatula Cat and happy it’s performance stick with that and get the Tatula SV or go Zillion SV if you want max distance. Spool capacity shouldnt be an issue with these reels unless you’re using 20lb mono and big baits. Im sure the Curado K is a great reel and you likely can’t make a bad choice here. But I have a bunch of Shimanos and one Tatula SV. The braking setup is definitely different, so far I have no problem transitioning back and forth between the two. But for my next two reels I’m getting a couple Zillion SVs. If you’re really worried about having to make brake adjustments stick with the Daiwas.

If you can find anyone who still has the Orochi XX Perfect Pitch in stock it’s probably the Orochi you want. It’s very powerful with a great tip, and exceptionally balanced. But sadly I think they’re all gone. Unless you really want the extra length of the A Mart Flipping Special.

TW sale today discounted all the close out Daiwa reels. SV103 left hand in 6.3 retrieve for $169.99. That’s a steal right there.

No experience with Cousins though I’ve read a few good things. Only KLX I own is in the CRT series for crankbaits. It’s a great stick, nicely build, great feel. If you can wait till Kistler has another sale upgrade your selection to the 7’3” Heavy Helium 3 for a few dollars more, well worth it I love my Helium 3 sticks. One option id throw out is if you’re comfortable going up to 7’5” American Legacy has the Megabass Orochi XX EMTF still available for $199. Again I don’t own one but this rod is widely regarded as one of the best in the series and very popular for jigs just under 1/2 oz down to about 3/8oz plus a lot of other uses. I have many other Orochi XX rods and they’re fantastic, at this price they’re a steal. Do a little searching and you’ll find a lot about this rod. If you need a stick for 1/2 oz jigs and up they still have the Tour Versatile in stock as well which is also a versatile stick with a fair bit of power. The suggestion if the Avid X is another great option as well in your price range. Good luck!

Across different St Croix lines rods of the same spec should have very very similar tapers. However differences in the graphite materials used, grip placement, guide train/spacing can impact how a particular rod handles. So they’ll be pretty close but maybe not identical. There are likely many many other uses for that rod but I’ve not handled it so can’t say myself. If you check the TackkeTour rod review archives from a couple years back they did a review of the Legend Xtreme version of that rod.

Just checked, BPS still offers the PQ 2 in a left hand 5 ratio. Solid option along with the Abu.

Last I looked around Abu was the last game in town for a left handed 5.x ratio reel, the BPS PQ also came in a left 5.x at one time. Daiwa Zillion SV TW is available JDM in a 5.x left hand, but its over your budget.

Just ordered a couple spools to try myself next year for topwater and cranks.

Technically they’re gonna work just fine. With a spinning reel most of its job is holding line. The biggest impacts to you are their wight since they’re bigger then required, and excess line capacity. The excess line capacity can be easily overcome by using cheap mono backing. If your content and they’re workin then no need to replace them. If youre having a particular issue or just really feel like you want to replace them then go ahead and down size. No one here is going to fault you for just wanting new gear and we can help you come up with all sorts of reasons why you need that new Stella 3000. But you’re not going to lose or miss any fish, or shank any casts because you’re using a 4000size reel.

Wow how’d I miss that?