lmbfisherman

I'd like to know!

If I was not into Shimano, I'd be an Okuma homer. I have their saltwater gear and they do perform great. I have toyed on one or more occasion to try their rod line, but they aren't really available locally. I am one of those I have to check it first hand.

To be frank, Korean products are of higher quality than Chinese in general, but I'd probably still a little hesitant. However the Trulinoya platform I believe is based on the Doyo design, so if you follow that, then Kastking, Shishamo and Favorite are all based/knockoff Doyo.

That's Korean not, Chinese FYI.

It isn't just this board, FYI. I beg to differ, if the guy asked to compare to a low end Shimano vs Brand X higher end I wouldn't say get the Shimano, but I will however say the comparison isn't apples to apples. In you hypothetical assumption I would've said get the spaceship, but you didn't compare it to a Shimano Spaceship.

BPS is great with their house brand service, so I don't consider the CS being that far apart.

Shimano, everyone raves that the Chronarch MGL is close to the Met in performance. If so, I think it's a no brainer. I don't have one but I do own mets.

I find it hard to believe a 150 dollar can't hold up to you're fishing that much. I guess if you never ever service them, take care of them maybe? Shimano usually grease/oil the heck out of their mainstream reels and they usually can hold up without servicing them for years. ...I guess get the Kastking, use them until they are dead and buy another if you want to use them.

I'd go with smalljaw's suggestion.

Still say the IMX. Unless you like St. Croix's power/action. At 206 I'd jump at it in a heartbeat though, especially if you have to pay full retail on the LTB.

This, I've used even stick baits 4" to 5".

I'd get the IMX for that price.

I have both, the CI4+ is a solid reel. I didn't get more because I bought Metaniums. If I didn't get my first Met I probably would own more. I own a lot more Chronarch lines from the 50mg to CI4+ and they have never failed me.

I use 6 most of the time, 7 if I want to go faster or if I'm pitching it.

I practice with a full on jig.

It will work, as for longevity that reel will normally last far beyond 2 years, more like a 10+.

Splitshot is actually one of my go to techniques. I use a zoom finesse worm or a havoc 4" bottom hopper.

That is why I'm eyeing a Tat SV for skipping.

I would also check out what LowRange advised. They are the same platform.

I have heard the same thing. Why I didn't pull the trigger on my first sv spool Daiwa.

My choice would be Curado 200I HG or the 70 HG Lowered to 129 and 149 respectively. Paired with a Veritas, Tatula, or Carbonlite. I'd pick a medium powered rod as I find all three fish 1/2 power or more.

Like fishballer says, to add The general rule when turning an even amount of brakes (2) turn on the directly opposite brake. If you are experienced with BCs, I'd recommend 2 on and adjust 1-6 as necessary.

Generally G Loomis fishes lighter than St Croix. I use a GLX 853c for jigs 1/4 to 3/8 oz with a trailer, works great. I would assume the IMX Pro would be the same. However I don't think many people have had a chance to review. You would have to rely on past experience.

Don't worry about the Shimano composite frames, they are quality. Get the I for 129 at a lot of places now.

If you can't afford a new reel, then get it. Solid work horse, but if you can save and get a newer one save. I wouldn't pay more than 60 too.