kschultz76

Hook keepers are a preference thing, just like cork vs Eva. Plenty of anglers love hook keepers and plenty of anglers hate them and remove them. Some kinds regardless of placement will interfere with your line. The Zodias is a JDM styled/inspired rod, and most JDM rods do not come with hook keepers. Ive found I like the Fujis as well as an that are wrapped on bc of the versatility of them and the ability to easily move them.

Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo in 13 or 15 lb test.

I know it's going to sound a bit crazy. But before you start changing how you have things adjusted I'd recommend you get the instructions out of one of your reel boxes and read the instructions from Shimano on how to setup the SVS brakes and the cast control. Read em a couple times then apply any adjustments you need to from there. Of course I'm assuming you haven't done that yet but maybe you have.

In that case try tightening your spool tension a smidge. Make sure you check it every time you change life weights. And always check at the beginning of each outing, sometimes it loosens in transit. And you may just need to practice feathering a bit more with your thumb. Not a single one of my Shimanos are thumb free casters. I could dial them in tight enough to be thumb free but then I'd compromise distance.

I'd have to double check Shimanos instructions. But I'm pretty sure early in the cast you need to adjust the SVS brake control. For late in the cast you need to adjust the spool tension cast control. Ive also had unpredictable and unrepeatable backlashes due to improperly lubed brake pipe or a shoe that kind of hung up in the raceway. I also found invet I get much better and much more consistent casting without unexpected backlashes with properly cleaned/lubed and tuned reels. Im not saying no backlashes - still get plenty that are my fault due to any number of user errors. Those are expected because I screwed up.

When is your overrun happening in the cast? Is it happening at the very beginning and getting out of control? Is it at the very end of the cast just before or as your life splashes down? Different results with different line types? And it's totally possible you're not doing anything wrong. Sometimes backlashes just happen.

It's been awhile since I threw a 1/4 on the KLX or the Jerkbait Special, it's within their specs. They'll both handle 3/8 or 1/2 very well.

For me I typically wouldn't throw 1/4 and 1/2 oz square bills on the same rod. Those lighter baits would be on a more Medium powered stick and the heavier on a Medium Heavy. For those lighter cranks I'd look at the Medium in the KLX. I throw those size lures on my Orochi XX Jerbait Special. The KLX MH can throw 1/4 but it's not ideal.

Good luck with the build. Post some photos when it's done!

Sounds like you have some really specific requirements and hopefully you find what you're looking for. Not sure you could do it for 200 but you could always go custome. Heres the Kistler KLX and this would be under 200 with their current sale. I have this rod and like it a lot, but do wish the handle was an inch longer behind the reel seat. Sounds like you prefer a shorter handle so that may not be a problem for you. http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/crank-rip-and-twitch-rods/klx-crank-rip-and-twitch-medium-heavy-6-9-fishing-rod.html#.WdF3HXopChA Dobyns Champ 685c might work for you too, it's often talked about as a Jerkbait rod but could probably work for squarebills.

Checkout the Megabass Orochi XX Spinnerbait Special, while not advertised as a crank specific rod it's an awesome rod for anybsquarebill over 3/8 oz and is great around cover. Very versatile for spinnerbaits, larger jerkbaits, topwater, even light jigs or swim jigs. But abouve your price range but an awesome stick. Also so I like the Kistler KLX CRT series and they come in a 6'9" MH. Kistler's having a sale right now that makes them a great deal, 20% off $199 or more, you'll see the discount in your cart. The KLX are also very versatile and will do more then square bills for sure.

I've not fished an ALX yet but they're on my list to try. I do have one KLX CRT model and plan to get another, and I now have two HE 3s. I like my KLX a lot but I think for the small difference in price if I was looking for bottom contact I'd go with the better blank of the HE 3. In my experience with them I'd say the KLX is easily as good as an Avid and the HE3s in my hand exceeded my LTBs and were close to my Legend Xtremes and my Orochi XXs. But sensitivity comparisons are so subjective it's hard to say just how close because of differences in power, line used, and cover being fished. The Orochi XX rods have a crisper feel and more unique tapers. For me the HE3 just has an it factor, and super comfortable and light weight, and are effortless to cast with accurately. I assume its going all all weekend but Kistler is running a sale right now, the more you spend the more you save starting with 20% off $199.

For that money I'd wait until Kistler has another sale and get a Helium 3 on sale. The Avid is also a good blank in that price range. Also the clearance Loomis IMX on TW right might be a good deal if there's a model left that suits your needs.

Mike is a stand up guy who offers his advice and experience freely. Mike has taken time out to give me similar advice on a repair I still need to execute. Thanks for letting us all know how it worked out and thanks to Mike for being a great part of this community.

I prefer up locking spinning reel seats, but I prefer the Fuji vss (I think that's the model) seat that's used on my St Croix Legend Xtreme spinning rod (previous gen with cork grip and recoils). As far locking nuts loosening up over time an easy fix is wrapping one layer of teflon tape on the seat threads, if you're careful you can wrap just enough so it's not visible when the nut is tightened down in place. Although I've not had to do this on my rods with vss seats installed in an up locking orientation.

This is maybe not the answer you want but this like asking which is better Lexus or Acura? At the price points you're talking it's down to really personal preference for fit and braking system. There is no true better. There is just which is better for you as an individual.

I have no personal experience with rods in this price range, at least not in the past 8 years or so. Was recently searching for a budget rod. If I were buying in your price range the Shimano Exage looks pretty interesting and has good reviews on TW. Also the Dobyns Fury seems to get a lot of love at the price point and would be high on my list.

You mentioned not liking reels with larger frames. So while I'm in a minority I will weigh in so you hear another perspective. Maybe I have small girly man hands I don't know. I tried the SV103 wanting to fall in love with its bullet proof build, high quality finish, buttery smooth feeling, and casting performance. It was a great reel. But I had to return it. It was too big for my comfort, and I think the primary cause was the height of the reel when mounted on my rods compared to other reels. I can palm and handle a Tatula CT framed variant no problem, as well as a Curado 201i, a Chronarch MGL, 13 Metanium, even a BPS Pro Qualifer. Comfort and size/palmability are pretty subjective things. I'd say you should definitely try an SV103 and see how it fits you. But he prepared to exchange it for a Zillion SV TWS or Tatula CT variant if it's too large for you, I find those frames sit lower and feel smaller in hand. Full transparency this issue of comfort is a bigger deal for me maybe then others because I've had some wrist surgery in the past.

I want to own an sv103, I really really want to. But I just hate how it fits in my hand, it actually made my hand sore. I had to return it. But I still want one, maybe I'll try it again....

That's a shame on a brand new rod, especially that expensive. Contact Loomis, they may take care of you. If you don't want to go that route or they won't follow DVTs advice and follow it up with a coat of U40. Nothing comes with truly high quality cork these days from what I can see.

I also usually throw my senkos on a M/XF spinning rod, St Croix Legend Xtreme. Had some occasions like you where I've felt under powered but I like the really weightless fall I get on that slack 7 or 8 lb test. I just got new Kistler Helium 3 7' Light/Medium Heavy fast. It's got my Chronarch 51E mounted in it and I think it's gonna be a great stick for 5" weightless senkos to give me more reserve power but not me too heavy for slinging that senko. Can't wait to try it.

A-Jay makes some really good points, and if you haven't you should do an it more research to make a very informed decision.

If you catch a sale the KLX are under $200.

Do want glass or graphite? Any. Urgent? In graphite I'd look at the Kistler KLX Crank Rip Twitch line in the 7' or 7'3" depending on you preference for rod length. I'd also suggest at a slightly higher price point the MB Orochi XX Flatside Special, Spinnerbait Special, or Diablo Spec R. The Flatside Special would be better for lighter baits. I may may try a Dobyns Champ CB rod soon and they certainly get a lot of love.

^ This!!!