kschultz76

For me the Elite/Extreme line is "better" in a few ways, as has been said they are more sensitive and transmit more to my hand - but that's also subjective and may be more/less noticeable to some. I have the previous model Extremes with the recoil guides, and my Dad has two Elites. I also have an Avid and a couple LTBs, a Triumph, a GL3, and several MB Orochi XX rods. For me the previous Extremes and current Elites offer better handling and ergonomics, I love the reel seat/handle on them and find it far more comfortable then the Avid. The Elites also have better and lighter guides giving you an overall lighter build. In my hands the SCV blanks are also crisper and more responsive. All of that is probably "better" in subjective terms. It also helps I got all of my high end St Croixs on discounted close out sales when they upgraded the lines. You could happily and successfully fish the Avid series and never know you were missing something. If your budget allows you try the Elite and you enjoy the allure of high end rods then go for it. Only you can tell if it is "better" for you.

Well let's be honest, saying they're for spare/guest rods was just an excuse to get a new reel I wanted to try. It will likely live on a rod I use at times too and wanted something nicer for it. And I'm still not sure if that T3 will stay in my rotation.

I'd be so afraid to get rash on that thing. Heck I'm afraid to use my Met and it's just a plain Jane paint job.

Does it come with 4 subwoofers and some 22's?

Original Avid series are still a Lifetime warranty. Only the Avid X series is the 15 yr warranty.

Breaking news the JDM Bait Monkey was sighted on my back tonight as I placed my first order from Japan Lure Shop. I've been hemming and hawing about picking up another reel or two for my spare/guests rods and to possibly replace another reel I just can't decide if I like or not. Well I almost bought a Chronarch 201E6 when Cabelas had them on sale. Then the morning I went to place the order using my $20 off rebate they were no longer on sale! Doh! Well tonight I lost the bid on a mint recently serviced Curado 201E7 while I had been spending time the past few days browsing and reading up on JDM options. I lost it with like 2 min left so I decided it was a sign. I just ordered a Scorpion 1001XT, and am pretty psyched. Really hoping that it's smoothness and quality live up to its reputation. I have a stable of 3 Chronarch CI4s, a 2013 Met, a Curado I, a Daiwa T3 1016, and some Pro Quals. Since this will likely be on a rod I won't use myself every time and will be used by friends I wanted something less expensive and simple but still a quality I'd be happy using. Shortly I will be ordering some PGIIs to put on the handle. So do you guys think I made a good first JDM choice? Will it be able to impress compared to my CI4s and Met? And yes another Met or two will be in my future but not something I'd give my ham fisted friends to use. I was very tempted by a 2014 Aldeberan MG7 on eBay for $230 but decided to really stay conservative this time. Wish me luck and point me to the support group newsletter!

In the same price range as the Loomis E6x I'd suggest you check out the St Croix Avid line, well built, great service, very nice blanks, and great warranty and service program. Love the 6'8" M/XF for any Shakeyheads, wacky rigs, weightless senkos, tubes, etc. There was a Legend Elite in the flea market that was a steal but I think it sold. Those E6x rods look nice and have a good warranty and service so worth checking out. I'd also say check out the Shimano Zodias, they look great and all reviews sound good so far, but only 1 yr warranty. Also the Shimano Crucial but again 1 yr warranty. Personally the experience I've had with Denali rods was underwhelming, I think there are much better options. Never used an Abu. I've also heard good things about the Lamiglas Pro X rods and other Lamiglas rods. In this price range I'd definitely be checking them out. Lots of good options. Good luck and let us know what you get! Edited to add: look at the Daiwa Tatulas as well. Lots of good reviews and feedback here and elsewhere on them.

Hey for anyone in driving distance of the Cabelas in Christiana DE who are fans of the previous gen Crucial or Clarus rods they still have a couple of each on the rack on clearance. I picked up their last Clarus 7' MH crank bait rod for $70. I know they don't have the otc lifetime warranty anymore, but I was pleased with the quality of the rod and feel like I got a good deal. They had a couple casting and spinning Crucials including a crankbait stick, and just another one or two Claruses. I had ordered a Lexa crankbait rod from Gander while they were 50% off, as well as one of the heavy/xfast versions. They canceled the crankbait rod bc they weren't going to be getting any more to fulfill it. Just comparing them side by side I like the Clarus more, especially the finish and the guides. I needed an extra crankbait rod for me and guests so wasn't looking for something very expensive and this fit the bill. Forgot to mention they also had a couple Fenwick Elitetech Smallmouth rods still on the rack too.

Agree with the above Gary is a great resource for info/feedback on these rods and a great person to do business with. I have the TV and like it, but I've not yet fully explored all its capabilities. I've used mine for jigs down to maybe 12ft, trigged creatures shallow, Carolina rigs, and top water frogs. It's definitely a powerful heavy rod with a big backbone. But it's taper makes it easy to cast and handle. I've never had an issue with hook setting power and all my Orochi XX rods have been plenty sensitive for me including this one. Keep in mind though that while its powerful it's not a traditional fast or xfast taper, once you load the rod up after a hook set it really loads deeper into the blank. Unfortunately I've not fished it in the ways you're describing so this is the best feedback I can provide. Oh it is a bit heavier in hand and not the most balanced rod, but I find it acceptable paired with a Chrinarch CI4+ or Curado I. I personally don't expect any 7' heavy powered rod to be something you could describe as 'light'. Good luck but fair warning, the MB Orochis are addicting.

Had them same difficulty with my Met. Hoping after a few on/off cycles they get easier. Of course since I set two on I haven't had to touch them.

I hope Hootie wins so he HAS to buy another Core!

I just received the 7'1" Heavy/xfast Daiwa Lexa from Gander today. Build quality is good, a few of the wraps don't line up perfectly where they meet, and the tip definitely takes a bit of a bend to the right but not awful. It feels like a very stiff blank and a pretty stiff tip just testing it out. I haven't been able to cast it yet. With a Curado I mounted it balances about 1.5"'in front of the locking nut. It doesn't feel like it holds a candle to my more expensive rods, and not sure I'd want to pay $100 full price for it. But for the actual $35 dollars out of pocket it cost me in the end I'm pretty pleased. It should work ok for a heavy cover, heave jig/trig rod for guests or as a spare. Hopefully I will get to give it a whirl casting soon. Edit: quick update just spent some time out in the yard test casting and pitching the rod. Had a BPS PQS mounted spooled with 832 in 50lb. Fasted and pitched nicely with a strike king rage Tail toad and 5/0 hook. It didn't feel as stiff casting at all and was getting nice accurate roll casts. Haven't really fished it yet but I'm pretty pleased right now.

2-4, depends on the season and whether I have the pattern locked in. Most of my bank fishing is at the lake behind my house which has great access and during the summer and fall I generally know exactly what they're biting. This time of year I'm carrying 3-4 bc still don't have a pattern figured out and they're pretty lock jawed. I could get by with two if I had to but then I wouldn't get to play with as much of my gear and I'd be retying a lot.

Awesome, interested in that same reel seat myself. Will be very interested to hear about the whole build and how comfortable that reel seat is.

Check out the Daiwa Lexas on sale for $49 at Gander Mountain. I can't vouch for them, but have heard enough good feedback that I ordered two of them myself. I believe that had one that meets your requirements. Also you get a $10 egift card back on it, and if you get your total over $50 shipping is free. Also there's a coupon code of gmt5 you can use. Oh and according to Daiwas website the rods have 5 yr warranty. So if budget is really important might be worth a shot.

Thanks read a few mixed reviews and thinking I will give it a try.

Be sure to post back and tell us all about how the build turns out!

How do you like the Smackdown? How does it handle, especially any issues with digging in? Can you compare it to other braids you've used?

I like my MB Orochi XX Spinnerbait Special for square bills and lipless. At 6'10 with a med fast action and strong backone it's great for target casting around cover, has enough flex to not tear the hooks out, and enough backbone to rip out of grass and move fish away from cover. It's a super versatile rod. About the only things I haven't done with it are throw deep cranks or Carolina rigs.

The first rule of "Shimano Gang" is don't talk about "Shimano Gang"! Now who's teaching him the handshake? Seriously I've tried a fair number of reels, several brands, but not all. For the moment I'm sold on Shimano offerings. I started with a Stadic FJ, now I have 2 of those, a Stradic CI4+, 3 Chronarch CI4+, a Curado I, and a 2013 Metanium HG. It's a sickness.

Prepare to start emptying your wallet...

I just ordered a Daiwa Lexa rod from Gander Mountain. I have never held or used one, can't tell you for sure if it is good or bad. I found a few good comments out there about them, they have a 5 yr warranty, and come in a good selection of models. I ordered the 7'2" MH/Regular action rod for reaction baits. I couldn't pass up the deal, they are on sale for 49.99, and you get a 10 gift card back. Add something to bump your total to 50 and you get free shipping. Use coupon code gmt5 and you 5 more off it seems for every 50 you spend.

Cabelas had them on sale a couple weekends ago around the classic for $60. But it was only over that one weekend. They're back up to $80 again last I checked. I got two when they were $60 for trout fishing.

I should start learning to skip with a baitcaster. Haven't attempted that yet. I do however love to skip a weightless 5" senko under anything I can - mostly trees and overhanging brush but plenty of docks as well. Have had great success and caught some of my biggest fish skipping that senko up under dense cover into just inches of water. My rod of choice is a St Croix 6'8" M/XF spinning rod, a Legend Extreme version. The tip just loads up perfectly to get the tip speed need for a smooth skip. Haven't tried it on spinning with anything heavier then a senko.

On the Orochi XX front you've got a great selection, I'm looking forward to adding a Perfect Pitch one day. While I have practiced pitching a 1/4 oz practice plug on my Diablo Spec R paired with a Met and it worked I'm not sure it would cast that weight well. In the XX line you're only casting rod option that is solidly down to 1/4 oz tw is the Jerkbait Special. I just got one at Christmas time, and it's actually a really versatile stick. I have only fished it twice but think I'm gonna love it for a Jerkbait and top water stick. Surprisingly though it actually fishes a 3/16 oz finish jig with small trailer pretty well. I was able to set the hook just fine and work the jig along a rocky dam. Now if this is strictly a bottom contact fixed hook rod it likely wouldn't be your first pick. I'd suggest you call Gary at the Tackle Trap for addl input on any MB options, night be something in the X4 lineup. I also have a Spinnerbait Special but never tried it down to 1/4 oz. If you like the JDM look you might consider the new Shimano Zodias, early reports are good and I think they have some Med and Med light powers in casting sticks. I can also recommend a St Croix in the 6'8" M/XF model of your choosing. I have the LTB in this taper and was called the "top water/flick shake rod". It handles top water nicely but also all kinds of plastics and light jigs. It's a nice length for working close to cover and the tip action I find great for under roll casts and pitches. I think this version is available as a LTB or Leg Extreme. My LTB balances great with a 6.5 oz reel and is very comfortable. I have the older version with the eCS reel seat. You could also look at the 7'1" MH/XF versions as well, bit more power but really well reviewed by others, rated 1/4-3/4. I've never used one but TackleTour did a review of the Leg Extreme version last year. Good luck and update us on how it works out.