Smallmouth Hunter

I don't mind them, but I much prefer full grip..

I would back 10 yds or so just because I like saving money

Last word on that from bantam1 was that they have no plans for a 5.x:1. It's a disappointment, but there will probably be alternatives.

Or on a 13 archangel!

No chance i'd pay that much for an Abu revo!! Tatula.

Yup cutting costs and trying to buff up the higher end models so that people will spend more..

I'm with you on that one hogsticker. I didn't care for the MSB on the TP, but the pro lite and the other tournament lite or whatever it's called with the same speedcast are definitely interesting. I have actually been emailing Rick at lews several times basically begging him to put the speed cast in a reel based on the same frame as the tourney pro (and other non-bb1 reels). Hire me lews.

What's the big deal with the new beast reel? Its basically an all aluminum revo premier with big knobs and a stupid amount of line capacity, no? It weighs over 9 oz too. im no weight weenie, but 9 oz is pretty heavy. Is there something I'm not seeing??? I don't understand how this wins best freshwater reel.

U g l Y I am going to try those new lews reels instead!

If not braid, than too much grease.

Braid?

Trilene armor coated is pretty good line. Very abraision resistant but not the most cast able line. Not much stretch either. Also, it is a bit larger per lb in diamter compared to some other lines.

How big was the zillion compared to the tatula? Same frame (other than slight porting in zillion frame)?

Andrew wheeler sounds like he learned about the rod 2 minutes before doing the ad videos for them whether it be at icast or whatever else. Harsh but true.

If your local DSG doesn't carry the veritas anymore, then head to gander mountain (online). They have veritas rods for $65 if you use the "gmt5" code for 5 off, and with free shipping.

All the nonsense numbers and symbols and whatnot are just a play on the mind. The average joe seems to believe that lots of crazy numbers and random symbols = good rod, new technology, top of the line stuff.

I heard that the guy at reelex (is it Dan?) was behind the design of the curado I. That reel turned out great IMO, so why aren't other brands doing this?? Reel maintenance guys like DVT, e_bassfisher, etc. ought to be hired by big reel companies more often as they have the experience!

ML power rod- 10 lb braid to 8 or 10 lb leader M power rod- 20 lb braid to 10 or 12 lb leader

You can just keep it simple and go with 10# YZH for everything.

X2Don't forget about a 2 way clutch though. Very nice feature IMO.

Nope. It just has mag Z, but some are speculating that the spool is a RCS 1016 spool. I personally don't believe this to be true as the 1016 spool is much shorter in height compared to a tatula spool.

Baitcast spools require a lot of machining and precision to be made.

How is the 7'1 medium cranking rod? Is it moderate enough to allow them to take the cranks nicely? Is the rod forgiving when fighting fish?

Throw the duckett ghost 7' medium crankbait rod into the mix just for kicks too.

Going to have to step up to the tatula if you want a good daiwa IMO. The lexa and all lower end daiwa's are very disappointing.