rippin-lips

No, it was the one with eva grips. Wasn't impressed so it was added to the list of rods that didn't do it for me and sold.

I'd try tackle warehouse before bps. I'm in the states and even avoid ordering from them. They add a handling charge and their shipping is a tad high to me.

I have almost zero experience with Powell spinning rods except one. That was the diesel medium power spinning rod. It was definetly a stout rod and I'd call it a medium heavy. I do have a lot of experience with Powell casting rods and their power ratings are basically spot on. I own two Dobyns. One is a champ 703 and the other is a champ dx 704. They both seem to be a tad lighter than their power ratings.

I'm more performanced based but I do like it if the combo works well together. If I'm spending my money on it then I want to like everything about it and enjoy using it. That includes the color. It's not a total deal breaker if it doesn't though. However if I don't like how something looks I probably won't purchase it because once again it's my money and I want to enjoy it. Example I'll never buy a red or yellow vehicle. Even if it's a good price. So I guess for me it does play a part in my purchase it's just not my main concern.

Fish the heck out of it. Like Ty said. Issues will show themselves fairly quick if it's not in 100% mechanical condition. After a few months + of hard use. You can tear it down or send it in for cleaning. That part is up to you there.

Put it on a rod and spool it with line.

Any time I take someone with me that's new to fishing and want to make sure they catch fish. I set them up with a weightless Tx rigged white zoom fluke or weightless Tx rigged 4" green pumpkin senko. It's never failed me yet.

New spool arrived today. Come on spring!

It's red. http://all.daiwa21.com/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/steez_ltd_tn/

I have a shirt that says something similiar. Reads there's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the bank holding your rod.While throwing an 8" triple trout last season I heard "That's as big as the fish" "What are you fishing for,sharks"

Not really most of the older generations cup of tea but here was my 4cyl import. 94 Acura Integra. I built this car in a 2yr period of time. Bought it wrecked and had to cut and reweld a new 1/4 on it. Replace the door. Swapped ugly tan interior out for charcoal interior. Plus all the other nonsense. Coilover suspension,3" exhaust,wheels,ect Just me and a some help from a friend or 2 now and then. It made 390whp on 16psi and 405 on 18psi. Small T3 turbo but full boost was 4k. Forged pistons and rods,stiffer springs and retainers in the head plus bigger cams. Engine bay was tucked. Brake lines and wiring were ran differently kinda out of the engine bay. Engine harness was lengthened,shortened,ect to be able to hide all the wiring. Power steering,AC,Abs,cruise were all deleted. Fuse box was moved to the inside of the car under the passenger side airbag cover so I could still get to it. It was very fun but I sold it to buy a boat. Never looked back since.

Okay so what point are you trying to make here? He was using both reels at some point in the classic. So we both have valid statements. I'm finished with this convo. Time to crawl in a hole and cry.

Not mad at all nor did you make me look bad. The first pic is a Tatula. You can tell by the top of the frame. It's smooth with no cutouts and you can see the distinct shape of the tws line guide when it's closed. You can also tell by the knob shape and the drag star. There's nothing else to be said. As for the other reel being a Steez. Like I already mentioned in a previous post. I can't tell on my phone. It's 100% a Tatula in this pic.

Ebay or Amazon will have the best prices on them. The 6:3:1 model is the 100H for right hand or 100Hl for left handed.

The first pic I posted is definitely a Tatula. The other pics could be a Steez. I can't tell on my phone. Pretty sure him like the rest of us don't have 20 of the same exact combo though. So to make you feel accomplished I present you the award for the King of the Internet Super Sleuths

No sir. Everything but the drag grease can be bought at Walmart. Marine grease on gears 'what you'd pack a wheel bearing with' 140wt gear oil on sliding parts and worm gear 'What you'd put in a rear differential' Rem oil on spool bearings and brake drum 'Same stuff you use when cleaning a rifle' Cals drag grease on drag discs 'Only if the reel has a wet drag'

That's a Tatula combo in his hand. And again a Tatula with a Dt crank.

You are probably hearing the brakes. Oil the brake drum lightly. A 2.5oz bait has a lot more momentum verse a 3/4oz bait.

It's a few dollars more in price verse the Daiwa Dx so why would that rod be better quality than the Okuma? It sounds like you need more experience on your technique with throwing big swimbaits. Not that I'm seasoned in them,but I can assure you that there are plenty of people who use the Okuma/Cardiff combo and have absolutely no trouble at all. It's a very common setup since it can be put together for under $225.

I deal with Daiwa a good bit for stuff and their service is great. Have you ever called them or just going off what 'you heard from tackle shops' as you mention in your other post? They even sent me a few parts at no charge. As for the grooving issue. Well I've only read a few posts about this issue and have read hundreds of posts about how great the reel is. I personally own 3. Each one has braid spooled on it in 65/50/30. 2/3 are over a year old and show no signs of grooving. 10,000/10 ratio is ok by me.

Not for baits that heavy. Turn some brakes off.

Good to hear. It's always good when someone updates with their findings. I check my line for any type of rough spot after 2-3 fish. I'll lick my fingers and run it up the line a few feet starting at the knot. If it's fine then I keep fishing or retie if it's damaged. I think retying after 2-3 fish is a bit overkill though. My knot of choice is the Uni.

For me it like any other presentation has a time and place. I don't use it a lot but when the fishing seems tough I can usually rig one up and catch some fish. It also doesn't have to be fished as slow as you're saying. I know when watching Aaron Martens fish it. Sometimes he imparts a lot of the action by wiggling his rod. Sometimes he'll cast it and retrieve it by bouncing it back to the boat. Then there are times where you'll see him just hold his rod still maybe twitch his wrist very lightly. This weeks mlf tournament was dominated by the ds rig.

I have no personal experience with the 3:16 RS but that was one that was recommended to me from someone who is a known swimbait guy. I might grab a coue before spring but I'm trying to use what I have already bought.