PGA Dropout

Abrasion resistance (rocks, mussels, teeth, etc) and/or the ability to break off if necessary.

Megabass Levante. Gonna get me a Leviathan. Stradic FK? Maybe! Only $150 @ Japan Lure Shop. SCIII Mojo Bass rods and updated Lews HM85 rods look nice. Probably won't quite stack up to the Zodias or Levante but they'll still sell. New Villains might have a shot if Abu uses good components. Now there's something between $150 and $200 for every fanboy!

Orochi XX rods are very hard to beat, especially since you're looking at two of the best/most popular models in the lineup.

Check out the JDM Zillion 1516. They have much nicer (metal) trim and color parts than the USDM Zillions. Honestly I think they're worth it over the Tat. I was looking at that green one long and hard for a while. Consensus seems to be that they're pretty good reels.

I think you have the right idea. I have a red 94mm Hawg Handle waiting for a potential Ci4+. Just to throw it out there off topic, while we're looking at Shimanos from across the pond, the Exsence DC should be in the conversation.

If you're looking for casting distance, do yourself a favor and buy a 2014/15 Conquest 100 or 200 (HG optional) depending on line and bait. They are distance machines. Palm nice, too.

Mets are sick. They are a little low capacity wise for 50-65 lb braid, but they do make a deep spool. They also have the six block SVS which is old tech compared to the four block. Hopefully I'll have a side by side soon.

Conquest 100 - 400, Met, Antares. Do you require further options?

Great. I think you're about to cost me $212 on Japan Lure Shop.

Do you feel any frame-flex on the Chronarch Ci4+ during the heavier applications (frogging, flipping, etc)? I want those brass gears and that updated SVS. Also, to piggyback on Preytorien's comment, the Zodias rods are the real deal. I put them close to the level of the Orochi XX rods performance-wise. The balance is not fantastic on the 7'2" H but you have to sacrifice something at $200.

If you're not having problems, don't switch. I've run as low as 10 lb. It's fine if you wind it tight and watch for dig-ins (don't set drag too tight, etc).

I don't use a leader but I probably should. Pike like braid.

I would not use the E6X 853c JWR. I would consider the E6X 843 or 844 MBR depending on lure weight and cover.

Jealous.

I like most of the lighter dubstep that I find on Monstercat collections through Pandora radio. I tend to prefer industrial/aggrotech stuff though. I guess it's like the death metal of electronic music. 29 year-old me thanks 22 year-old me for not getting that Wumpscut tattoo that we wanted. I should have gotten the Tiger Army tattoo though. Tigerbats are still sweet.

Yeah, I'd buy it. I don't have kids and I don't drink anymore. What else am I gonna spend money on?

I don't really see a point in fluorocarbon leaders. However I will often use a "bite leader" made of 15 lb CXX to save my swimming jigs or walking baits from toothy critters. Lots of pike, gar, and a few bowfin running around in Michigan. Even small pike will go right through 50 lb Power Pro. RIP many Spro frogs. The extra knot isn't a concern provided that it is tied correctly and changed between outings or after significant stress.

So many G Men!

Not a bad show. Much better than some of the crap that History puts out.

Back off your drag when not in use. Keeping your drag locked down can flatten out the washers. I don't think that's happened already, but it's good advice for the future. The non-carbon fiber drag washer in Shimano low-profile reels is pretty lousy but again, I doubt anything has happened to it already. Did you just spool up straight braid? Braid can slip on the spool, giving the illusion of a weak drag.

Probably going to buy an Arashi Walker and a Pompadour Jr regardless. Other stuff, I'll decide after I see reviews and on the water experiences. I like the looks of a lot of the new rods; lots of new options at several pricepoints. I'll also buy some SV spools if they drop into OG Zillions.

No sales at icast. I think you're outta luck.

I'm actually upset that they're just reusing models and names from the XX series.

Nice. I'll try a few.

If pike did not exist, I'd have a bunch of $20 frogs. Can't light money on fire.