Hogsticker

No, but I've browsed more than a few times.

That's strange. I regripped 3 old Kistlers with full grip Winns. Pretty easy. That being said, I didn't like them one bit.

Any grip will work. You just have to ream it out. The Winn grips are pretty easy to work with. As DVT said, pluck the remaining Eva off with pliers, remove as much epoxy you can without damaging the blank, ream your new grip so it will slide up the blank snug, use your glue / epoxy of choice and slide her on. Any rod building online store will have whatever grips you desire.

Personally, I concur you will likely have greater success with a split shot, finesse jig, weightless or wacky rigged plastic from shore - unless you're fish fishing an area that gets rather deep very quick. Where you don't have to make a long cast. This is the only time I'll use a drop shot from the bank.

Yup. I'd rather have my finger on the blank than the reel seat threads. Plus it's fugly

Daiwa. Unless the rod was only 7'2, had 1 less guide, weighed 4.5 ounces and the rear grip was a half inch shorter. That would call for something entirely different.

That looks to be over 9. Maybe even 10. Maybe it's the camera angle? Would be a state record here.

I always considered a split shot rig to be finesse - finesse. 1/8 would be as heavy as I'd go. I want to use the lightest weight I can get away with. I understand you're still nose hooking the bait , but I like it to sink as slow as possible. This is my go to technique for finicky tight lipped smallies when everything else has failed. I like to crawl it through wood and rock , even dead stick it. If I want to make the rig heavier I'll use a bigger plastic. I'm not saying it's wrong cause I'm sure you are catching plenty of fish , I've just always considered it a finesse tactic. I use fluorocarbon and peg a 1/16 oz bullet weight rather use a crimp weight.

Pretty close ! 76 degrees is about where the xfast begins. Mine was 72 and 23.05.

my mistake. Sorry

Yeah , I found that rodhouse site helpful when choosing my blank. It doesn't show the AA tip angle for the 806. Mine is a little faster with a little more power than I was expecting. You may want to take a look at the SJ706 before you decide. It's a true fast with about the same amount of power.

I wonder if it has something to do with Batson buying them out. I forgot about this thread. On a better note , here's some pics of my SJ705 paddle tail rod. Guess I got the no warranty discount.

Pretty much seems to be the general consensus.

Point blank rod blanks are not a slow fast. They're straight fast. Most of the Nfc blanks are a slow fast , as is the K2. You might be better served with an Ultra mbx.

Try Maxima braid. It's a sleeper. Kinda in between what you guys are talking about. Not so soft it wraps and sticks , but not rough like original power pro or Sufix original. Doesn't break in lower tests as easily either.

Yeah, you only need 1 double foot guide on a bass rod imo. I like size a size 5.5 followed by 4.5 size running guides. Anything smaller is a pita on a windy day with break offs. I'll go against the grain and suggest the Fuji ACS reel seat for a light bait build. Use to hate it, but this is where it shines.

I wouldn't call them parabolic. They give / flex as requested by the input of the load they are under. Most rod blanks have a point where they just shut off. From what I understand (and I'll have my 1st in hand for testing soon), Point Blanks don't shut off as quickly yet maintain reserve power due to the "we like big butts and we can not lie". Somewhat similar to JDM tapers, which some people like, myself included. Power to turn fish, yet a continuing flex to get em in the boat. We shall see, but it sounds like a good deal to me. They also talk about how less energy is needed on the back swing to make the rod "load" on a cast. You can basically just quick whip it and still achieve good casting distance. Don't understand the technology entirely, but then again I don't really care if all this is true.

Agreed

I wouldn't use a moderate fast cranking blank for jigs. If forced I'd rather use a mag bass blank for cranks. Neither are ideal. Two different apps , two different blanks.

Paddle tails , Senkos , Texas rigs , jigs , spinnerbaits , lipless cranks in grass. Any and all of that up to a half ounce. Blank has over 500 grams of power and a quick tip for all the above techniques.

Lauda 72 , Lauda 58 , and limited. Bored at work today.

I'd take the spinnerbaits / chatterbaits and categorize them into the 2nd rod listed. The MB842 or 843 depending on how heavy the baits will be and where you will be fishing them. The SJ842 is a great choice for the light Texas rigs and lipless cranks. Again, depending on weight and cover, you may want to step up to the MB842 if we're talking above 7/16 oz total weight or more. What line will you be using?

Casting distance will be a wash. The SV103 palms better imo, but is a heavier reel. Take into account the length and weight of the rod you will be mounting it on. Why you should choose whatever you do should be based on personal preference and which reel is the better tool for the job at hand.

If you were not impressed with the Steez or Metanium, you won't be impressed with anything. Again, you were using reels that have passed through many persons hands. If you can't appreciate the finer machinery from a company that doesn't mass produce reels for every company that wants to jump into the game - if you can't appreciate the tighter tolerances and increased connectivity, or don't think the price is worth what you experienced, then my advise is to stick to your BPS reels. If you're under the impression that a reel exists that will cast twice as far as your BPS reel, it does not exist. It doesn't work like being you're paying 3 times what you bought your BPS reel for it should cast 3 times as far. A light reel is generally not used for 3/4 oz spinnerbaits - a heavy resistance type bait. I wouldn't throw that on the likes of a 50 series Shimano / Daiwa Alphas. Light reels generally have shallow spools. A shallow spool weighs less allowing greater casting distance within the parameters of the reel. I'm assuming you will be using heavier test with these baits? I think you're going about this all wrong. The Alphas SV is a robust aluminum reel, but not what I'd consider a workhorse which is what you are after. The SV103 would be a better fit.

I think a Rainshadow popping blank is an excellent choice. Personally, I'd step up to the 7' heavy. I've had the RX8 medium heavy, and I don't think it will be enough rod for half ounce plus chatterbaits with those bigger trailers. The ratings can't be compared to a typical mag bass / bottom contact blank. Two different animals.