Hogsticker

The extra cost has to be for something, otherwise you're just paying for a different color reel. Though it is cool to have something a little different than everyone else. I wonder how much the XTs will be discounted if at all.

I'm not sure what makes the TiMax an epic fail? Granted the aluminum sleeve is a bit cheesy and pointless, but the blank should hang with the best of them and the guide train is as good as it gets. Some don't like the reel seat and I think it would have been better with a full handle cork grip.

Quick question - Which bait would you use when fishing in moderate current? How would you rig it? How would you work it? I have been experimenting with this and can't seem to get it right. Sorry to get off topic!

I'm pretty sure the drag star is plastic, but I could be wrong. While these reels look pretty sick and I'm sure they will be fantastic, I think I'm gonna stick with my XTs. I have found the Malaysian made reels to be of good quality, and Bantam has put my concerns to rest regarding the Shimano plant in Malaysia, I just feel really good about my Japan made reels. We shall see if the bait monkey agrees.

If the reel you will be using is sub 7 ounce, go with the Dobyns. Heavier, go with Powell. It's all about the balance of the combo IMO. While both companies build quality products, they actually fish quite different when comparing stated lengths and actions. This has been my experience anyhow.

I don't really have a niche, but it doesn't get more exciting than a top water. Something about being able to see, feel, and hear the strike. Plus, the anticipation is awesome.

Personally, I think red is more popular with Southern anglers, and is more effective in stained water than the opposite. I have chased smallies year round for 10 years now and have found that anything with a bright orange belly will draw their attention.

Nothing wrong with that! I still love using my Zillion!!

If I had to pick one I would say Sufix. Lucky for us, there are several good options available

I know we have had this debate before, however let's keep in mind fast actions differ between rod companies. When you say you can not have a moderate rod with a fast tip the 1st generation Phenix recons come to mind. Yeah, it's not a true fast, but labeled as such. I have a 6'10 MH Fenwick Elite Tech that is labeled as a moderate fast, yet fishes faster than say my "fast" Kistler magnesium. Dobyns fast action Champion rods are also not what I would consider a true fast action and they work great for rip baits. There are moderate fast rods out there that do recover quite nicely. Perhaps you have a slower, true moderate action rod in mind? I rarely miss fish on a mod fast rod with braid, and thankfully I'm not loosing them any longer. To each his own, but you do not need a fast action rod to work a jerkbait effectively, however if you were KVD style ripping them I could see your point.

I use a moderate fast with braid. The trick is finding a rod that shows that moderate fast while under load and on the cast, but still has a fast enough yet not to fast tip allowing it to still recover correctly. I lost to many big smallies using fast rods with any lines. Mod fast with braid still allows me to work the bait however I like and keep the fish buttoned up when it makes hard turns and surges.

The new Cabelas Tourney Trail rods are soft moderate fast sticks priced at 65 bucks. I played with a few models in store and think they would work just fine for cranks. Free shipping if shipped to your nearest store.

The Kistler KLX medium light moderate fast rods should work well for this. Also the Phenix Recon medium lights.

Man, I'm reading way to many posts about the Exsence prices. Shhhhhhh! We don't want anybody to go jacking up the prices!

The previous black Cumaras are much better balanced than the current Crucials, although some of the Crucial models balance better than others. I can't speak for the new Cumaras.

LUCKY!! I'm very jelly

Same size as a Chronarch D or Core with a little more weight

Different stroke 4 different folks, but referring to someone who spends there own hard earned cash on a 600 reel dumb, is more dumb......Don't justify your statements by saying "not to hurt anyones feelings".

I think a lot of those are folks who just want their faces on the internet. I find most of them difficult to watch at best. For the most part they are feeding me 10 minutes of info I can read elsewhere in 2.

Just use it! Is it worth 600 bucks? Who cares! You didn't pay for it!! Steez are very nice, versatile reels. It will be a pleasure to fish with and I'm sure that is what your BIL intended. If someone gifted me a Steez I would be jumping with joy!!!

You're gonna love the Exsence DC. My favorite JDM reel to date. Also my most expensive reel purchase, but this one was well worth it! Enjoy!!

Will be available 02/21

The 6'10 MF is perfect for 1/2 oz. jerkbaits IMO. The tip is not to fast as to overwork the bait, yet it recovers quickly for a MF stick. It is quite the unique blank. It may be a bit to much for 3/8 ounce jerkbaits, but I would rather have to much than not enough. When I was deciding between the two I found the 6'9 M a bit whippy for my tastes. For the lighter bottom contact stuff you mentioned I think the 6'9 M would be better, thus stating neither stick would be "ideal" for all techniques mentioned. The upper portion of the handle grip is very small and the reel seat does not jive with all reels from my experience. Have you looked at the new HMG models? The 6'6 medium fast may work, and these are fantastic sticks for 100 bucks.

Freshly swiped from another forum -

I've never seen a discontinued Shimano sale for 50% off. No idea where and how these rumors get generated. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but I'm not holding my breath.