Hogsticker

Matt, you can get a 1 piece off the auction site at a somewhat decent shipping cost. To bad they mark the rods up an additional 50 bucks above msrp. But it might trick your mind into believing your not getting ripped off! My Major craft affliction is all your fault. The better 2 piece sticks are nice enough to tag along even when I'm not traveling.

Major Craft is a Japan based company, however all their rods are built in Vietnam. Being made in China doesn't bug me as it does some, as the build quality is 2nd to none. Looking at the 1st MC America rod, I must say I'm disappointed. They really Amercanized this stick. It doesn't appear to have that Japanese styling flavor. They even labeled them technique specific. This is pretty much a Basspara. Both the Basspara and Go Emotion (I had one break at the tip too) are "okay". I understand starting with an entry level stick, but I really hope Major Craft of America isn't going to simply be a watered down version. I wouldn't expect to have your socks knocked off with this new rod. With so many quality sticks at the 100 dollar price point, I'm not sure how well these will sell. Especially considering other manufactures use better quality guides (at least a grade above aluminum oxide), and likely better blanks. Like Booty said, you get what ya pay for. Both the Corzza and Volkey are super nice. I would have rather seen those two lines brought over than this new bumble bee. When this talk first came about, supposedly they were bringing the MS-X, Corzza, and Go Emotion. Maybe that's in the works? I'm sure the person running the show for MC in the states wants to tailor the rods to fit what he/she perceives the American audience wants. I guess I don't fit into that slate. I'm still very curious to see where this goes. At any rate I own a broken, about to be re-tipped BFS Go Emotion - It's okay, nothing spectacular, a BFS Volkey - fantastic, and a Corzza - pretty close to fantastic. Also had a Corkish that I sold. Me likey

A 50/51 size low profile Shimano DC reel

Define inexpensive. I think the Spro Aruku Shad is great for the price. Comparing to the cost of most lipless cranks, this one is a steal. 6 bucks with good hardware make it a no brainer. Typically out fishes lures I own that cost twice as much.

This

I agree with this 100%. Best form factor I've ever fished. Best braking system I've used. Exceptional caster. An aluminum version without the hood and same 1016 spool is what the new Zillion should have been.

I dig it. Is the belly orange?

The only bearings I've used I felt were worth it are from Hedgehog. The Zr bearings are fantastic for chucking lipless cranks a good distance, and the Air bearings are an improvement when tossing lighter jerk baits. Less effort required to achieve smoother, longer casts. Put that same reel in the hands of a proven, experienced reel tuner and the results are obvious.

I have three that I feel are very versatile. All custom. One built on a Batson Rainshadow Rx8 popping blank, another on an Mhx high mod popping blank, and lastly one built on a Phenix Recon 683. As for production sticks go, pretty much all Kistler Klx and Alx Zolo b sticks have tapers and actions that make them quite universal.

I had to keep it minimal. It is the Holidays after all. I've been wanting to get some Duo Realis lipless cranks. I ordered 10 of them from Tw for 100 bucks. Very excited for these!

I've always used a swivel when trolling most anything. I got bored one day and decided to troll a scrounger on straight braid. Had to replace the entire spool.

Hmm, a while back I picked up a Daiwa Td Advantage hsta nib for 90 bucks. Recently a nib left handed Fuego for 115 bucks. Sold em both of course.

Anybody throwing the half ounce version? What gear are you using? Is the action the same as it's smaller brother?

I agree, good line is critical. It's not pretty and flashy like a rod, reel, or hard bait, but I feel it's the most important piece of the puzzle. I know folks that will dish out good money on a rod, but expensive line.... Forget about it

I've spent my money on worse things. Believe that!

Keitech little spider on a light Owner ultra jig head, or rigged with a split shot has done me right this time of year.

It can be done. Just have to let the lure back itself off every time it makes contact which can be every turn of the handle. Better to fish parallel

To the best of my knowledge Shimano will not warranty a Jdm reel in the states. Definitely worth taking into consideration. That's the main reason I went with the 2500. It has a Usdm counterpart should I need parts.

Shallow spools are typically designated for finesse work as the max drag output is usually around 3 or 4 pounds.

I have a Rarenium 2500 and my father in law has the Stradic 2500. Mine feels smoother and a little more effortless if that makes sense. Some will say Jdm equivalents feel nicer, some don't. I have a T3 Mx and 1016,a Scorpion XT 1001 and Curado 51E. Jdm reels feel a little better across the board, plus I like having something a little different. You can't go wrong either way imo, but I like the looks and handle knob of the Rarenium better. You can get the Rarenium from Japan lure shop for a nice price. Is that where you were looking? I posted a picture of mine under the show off your gear thread. Nice little reel. Let us know what you get.

Has anyone ordered from Amazon Japan? They have some sweet deals on Jdm sticks.

You need to do some research before stating controversial opinions / statements. This topic has been beaten to death. There are times when a leader can be helpful and times its completely uneccassry.

The Rarenium is smooth as silk and a really nice to fish with. I think I'm gonna order a Yumeya eging cork handle knob for it. I've always used, liked, and preferred Daiwa spinning reels, but this one's a winner. Very happy with it.

I make sure I thoroughly enjoy using all my combos, otherwise they go bye bye to someone who will.

If I had to, I mean absolutely had to, I would be fine with all Daiwa reels. Sunline could easily fill all my line needs. Rods? Nope, can't do that one.