PGA Dropout

I would not be surprised if the ban on anything that requires lining up at a boat launch came straight from the DNR. The press release about them closing the Tippy Dam area had a "this is why we can't have nice things" vibe to it. Here's hoping for a return to normalcy soon. Stay safe out there.

Conquest MBR 843 of course. You work hard. You deserve it.

The Elite has a couple nicer components. I really like the knobs on the flippin Elite. The new SV is maybe not a bomber but it feels a lot less restricted compared to other SV reels or spools. I haven't fished the Curado DC, though I would like to, but I have had a lot of time with some higher end Shimanos. I think the Tatula SV is a solid workhorse type reel at a workhorse price with the added bonus of a little more control. I think we're at a time in reel production where a lot of the good has trickled down the price points and I don't feel like you're missing out on much compared to the higher end unless you want a magnesium frame (which you want, because they are sick).

3/8 oz jigs or below, NRX. Half ounce is "fine" but not ideal. Where the 853c really shines is Senkos and Ikas, IMO.

Almost certainly. On topic, which JDM rods are you looking at?

USDM doesn't mean made in USA. Like Macho Man says, nothing means nothing.

I like the Pitzen or 16-20 knot a lot. It's a San Diego Jam with fewer steps.

I have no issues with half or 3/8 oz jigs on the 72H. 1/4 and chunk is not bad either but not great.

Shows how different opinions are. I feel like my 7'2 Heavy is kinda soft and pretty versatile.

Very sad but probably for the best. Kensington Metro has been hoppin' lately.

I like the Shimano Expride a lot at that price point.

If you can swing a Bantam MGL, buy it. It feels like a round reel in a low profile package; a pleasant fish-winching experience. On the Daiwa side, I just received a Tatula Elite and an SV TW 103. I know quite a few folks bought one or both recently so in the next couple weeks there will be a lot of first hand info posted. I have very high hopes for the Elite.

My favorite production reel is the Bantam MGL. I have the XG for frogging/punching and it is just a winch.

If you can find one, the second gen Power Versatile from the Black Jungle series is an amazing heavy cover rod.

Currently, relevant to this thread, Sv103 and an OG Zillion. I would like to have a Steez A and may at some point. What I mean by the Daiwa comment is setting up the Bantam feels a lot like a Mag Z Daiwa. It seems to like no spool tension, moderate-high brakes, and a smooth easy cast.

My baitcasting performance and consistency increased dramatically the day I stopped using the spool tension knob as a brake. Let the brakes do their job; start on max and work your way down. YMMV but it's been hot.

Bantam XG is a freakin winch. I can confirm it feels a lot like a Conquest. Distance casting is nice as well; two brakes on with 2 to 3 on the dial and a little side to side play in the spool makes the frogs fly. It feels a lot like a Daiwa honestly.

Use both. Pick the standouts from both manufacturers. I am currently all Daiwa but a Bantam might edge out a Zillion here shortly.

Shimano Zodias 7'2" Heavy. Lots of rod for $200. Consider not only rod weight, but balance.

All the stuff I bought was the same starting price before and after. Purchased a new Buff, 17 lb Assassin, Hayabusa hooks, Rage menaces, and Spicy Beavers.

Darn liberal media and their fake brakes.

Different strokes. I find Magforce Z excellent for distance casting with heavy lures. Daiwa reels can be l o n g.

Magforce Z is a straightforward system that produces good results. The pin and dial SVS Infinity nonsense on the 2012 - 2015 model year Shimano reels I owned did not perform for me. Plenty of people seem to like SVS though so who knows.

Shooter

I want some popcorn. Mono does seem to recover from stretch better than fluoro. Mono also handles mishaps and abuse better. The pros say to respool fluoro if you backlash, but their job is to sell fluoro so who knows. They've been misleading the public regarding fluoro and stretch for years. Some fluoro stretches a lot. Some fluoro does not. I really, really like Shooter but $35 a spool does not spark joy. 15 lb. Invizx is probably the best overall fluoro on the market (imo) when you combine performance and price. It is manageable without conditioner and does not stretch as much as the lower lb. tests.