kickerfish1

Lots of new members and what would appear to be very young members. I agree, give us something to work with in the profile or in the post in which you are asking for help.

Yea, I had a similar experience. Mike is an honest and knowledgeable straight shooter. Only if parts are missing or damaged does he tell you what needs to be replaced. Does a great job on reels.

Typically I am fishing c-rigs deeper. In doing so I may have a good bit of line out at times. To aid in a better hookset I prefer a faster reel like 7:0.1 ratio to pick up that slack and be able to set the hook.

I own 4 of the older Gen 1 black Cumara rods. Love them. Bought all of them new, but on sale. As good of rod or better than any rods around the $100-$150 pricepoint currently in production. I have the 7'2 MH XF casting rod and it a good rod for 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs. It also works well for bigger texas rigs and some soft plastic paddle tail swimbaits.

"What is the best $100 rod or reel" - signed your anonymous forum member

Does he make a bad color? His bluegill, PBJ, bamabug, and green pumpkin blue variations are all good.

Outstanding! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Sorry to hear Clayton. Prayers sent my friend!

Very nice builds!

That's a good way to look at it. When quality meets a fit for your intended uses, plus toss in the notion of caring for and maintaining your gear it is reasonable to purchase something for the long haul and be fully satisfied.

Very nice reels Ok Bass Hunter!

Looks like the shelf queen already has its freedom. Sitting on the deck is a step or two closer to the local lake. "Mega" nice outfit!

The neighbors car!

I have the Cumulus rod noted above. The rod weight is around 3 ounces. Literally one of the lightest rods of its time and today for that matter. Take the same rod today and strip the guides off it and use smaller and lighter guides and it would be even more sensitive and better balanced and probably a few grams lighter. It's a specialty rod that if you fish cover it wouldn't be the most ideal rod. I am not really sure which direction to steer the OP. Rod length, weights of baits being thrown, and price point should have more options but they arent jumping out... Gary at the Tackletrap would be my source if I was buying Megabass rods.

Nice, the sort of chameleon like blank and reel seat are pretty nice. The rods is very blinged out for the price. Balance is great and the components are solid. If you are Shimano guy the Scorpion will match it very well with its maroon like color. A Curado E series isnt bad either.

18 packs of Rage baits. Steve is a great guy with top notch products. Also got some chatterbaits from one of the "good guys one here" which look great and seem to be of very high quality.

As noted there are MANY great reels and platforms not being utilized amy more by manufacturers that have become favorites of some folks. Take the TDZ for example with all of its tuning options. Also keep in mind the savings in buying reels used but in great shape. I have seen reels like the Steeze sell for under $300 despite the fact that these were over $500 when new prior to closeout prices.Paying $20-30 for service to get the reel performing as it should it a good trade off. One could still come out saving $100s going this route.

Happy birthday Gary! Now get on with that retirement thing so you can fish more!

Anything Frank Calliendo related is worth a laugh.

Really like the Bluegill or Greensunfish pattern.

Its a love/hate relationship for me. When conditions are right I enjoye them. However at times of the year these 3 things hurt their cause. 1. Colder temps and guides icing up 2. Cotton trees blooming and then cotton collecting on the guides 3. Moss/weeds during times of the summer The smaller the guides the more difficult these things are to pass through.

Nice furniture and area rugs! And oh, the reels look great too!

Was it fairly smooth prior to you disassembling it? Chances are something may have not been put back correctly, a certain part didn't receive the right type of grease, or perhaps a part is worn or missing and needs to be replaced. I would take the reel apart again and clean and lube the moving parts. Upon reassembly I would look at the schematic to verify everything is present and accounted for and appears to be in working order. You could always send it to Mike at DVT for him to look at. He could probably diagnosis the problem upon doing a cleaning and parts inspection. After doing so he could give you a better idea of what may have been the problem and the cost of any small parts needed for the repair.

Kind of like the board game Risk. Start out small and then slowly aquire land! Very well organized and spacious. Should serve you well

^^ This. I am considering adding a Zodias. On a paper the rod should be a good under $200 rod with great styling and components. Reminds me of a new Cumulus without the price tag.