Arv

but like a friendly drug pusher. if you can afford it, you should definitely buy this thing you'll want more of. And it's just fishing stuff. That never got anyone in trouble, right?

If the budget allowed, I'd get the Core

The 50/51 platform will handle virtually everything aside from super heavy lures and those presentations that require a large line capacity. If you're interested in throwing 3/8 spinnerbaits I wouldn't worry at all about the 51E. That's actually what I would choose. I love the 51's.

I use the 705cb graphite. I haven't tried the glass rod, but after trying the graphite I didn't see a need to switch. I like it a lot.

I almost exclusively use SK Caffeine Shads when fishing weightless. The heaviest rod I use is my NRX 853, but I will also throw them on a M/XF spinning rod quite often.

Is this from personal experience? I'm not trying to say "you're wrong," but personally I can't see myself using the 735c for treble hooks lures.

Definitely stupid. You can ship your stuff to me and start over if you'd like. I really don't like Dobyns rods, or Lews and Daiwa reels for that matter. But I'm a nice guy, so I'll bare the burden of your high end gear.

Don't know about the zodias but I've had first and second generation Cumara's which have all been excellent.

Cork. Just feels better

I don't have the 893, but I do have the 853. The NRX is a lot like the 7'1 Cumulus in my hands. While it's not the most balanced rod I've owned, the weight more than makes up for it for me. Since it is so light I don't feel like I'm having to overcome the tip to work my lures. I currently have an Aldebaran BFS on it which weighs a wopping 5.1oz. Again, I realize there are 4 more inches on the 893 so I'm not comparing apples to apples, just wanted to put my 2 cents in for what its worth.

30# braid

I Almost bought one a little while back. It struck me as a reel very similar to my aldebaran bfs, just different ratio and salt water compatible if I remember correctly. If it's anything like the Aldebaran it should be a fun little finesse reel with a lot of versatility. There are some reviews out the if you use the ol' Google

I love shopping for friends that are new to fishing, especially when they want something used.

weightless t-rig caffeine shad

I can't comment on the specific reels you listed, but I've used several reels from each company and will confidently say that both are quality brands. I prefer shimano. My advice would be to try and get them in your hands, or even better, on the rod you will put it on, and see which is more comfortable. I have a hard time believing that one reel is going to put the other to shame.

Tp

I would select based on which is cheaper. I'd have a hard time feeling like it really makes that much of a difference 99%of the time

he just doesn't like dobyns and likes to tell people

I had 8# on a spinning reel a while back. It was fine but I pretty much use braid on all my reels now

Shimano Cumulus and loomis nrx are probably the lightest I've used.

I used to. I don't anymore. Especially since I use a leader a lot I feel like I get a lot out of a spool of braid.

I put 30# Power Pro on my reels. Right now all I have are 50 size Shimano's

I'm usually good with 2 or so.

I've used the Champion line over the LT's as well. I like the Champion a lot but I do think that there is a considerable step up in performance with the Champion Extreme. If you're OK buying used you can usually find the DX's for less than the price of a new Champion. That is, for bottom contact lures I find it worth the step up.

If you're concerned about accidental wear and stepping on them I'd look for rods with a good warranty. Like others have said, the best thing you can do is take care of your rods.