freelancer27

Chronarch has brass gears, they are usually not as smooth as others (alu), but much more robust.

Had the Metanium MGL and still have the Chronarch. For the money, I would definetely go with the Chronarch. Overall I actually think it is the better reel. It is more robust (Brass gears), it is more compact for palmability and the coating is much more robust (once the silver coating of the Metanium has scratches it looks really bad). After roughly 5 months my Metanium also started to feel grindy, the Chronarch did not. If they were the same price, I would still go with the Chronarch!

Hi all, I am in the need for a new rod to cover the techniques of: * Shakey head (up to 3/8 oz) * Weightless plastics (up to 3/8) * Different kinds of jerkbaits (1/4 - 3/8) Planning to pair this with an adequate reel (prob Aldebaran MGL) and 10 # fluro. Do you guys have any recommendation here that do not break the bank? Thanks all!

Hi all, looking to get a new reel for heavy Jigs. I have narrowed it down to the two. The Steez SV103 seems to have brass gears vs the duralium of the Steez A. I prefer the spool of the SV for skipping. What would you choose?

Hi, I am wondering if there is experience out there on the Steez XT rods. I am looking at the 7'4'' Heavy (which is labeled as a Frog rod) for bottom contact lures (1oz Jigs) and also as a flipping/punch option. Thanks.

Kistler rod email from today: "We're running a 4-day, deep discount on or KLX series rods. First, take $125 off our KLX rods when you buy two. That goes for our Hybrid Feel N Reels and all other KLX rods. That's buy 1 get one half off - of any kind. The discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Ends this Friday, July 27th at midnight. And be sure to check out this up close video of Trey's favorite KLX series rods:"

I am not sure if the pros use the exact same blank that we regular guys can buy, but I nevertheless agree that the TCS is a nice stick for the money!

I have the 7'3'' heavy Okuma TCS as well and it is a great frog rod. Also surprisingly sensitive (I used it out of desperate once with braid and I was very positively surprised)!

Had the same prob. The key is very subtle and light twitches with the rod tip (held down). I have tried around 10 different frogs. The best (by far) for walking the dog is the Megabass!!!

Which vendor was that? Thanks.

Where is it? ?

I have the Steez SV TW, Steez A, 2018 Antares DC MD and had the 2016 Antares DC. The Antares are great reels! Heavier and also shine more for heavier lures, starting at 1/2oz. In terms of smoothness, they are head to head. The Steez SV TW is a germ if you are looking for a lighter reel for lures up to 3/4oz. The Steez A is the best bang for the buck. If you are not throwing light lures (anything under 3/8oz) the Steez A is a great reel!. Let me know if you have more specific questions and I am more than happy to answer. Cheers!

Hi, I have the Steez SV TWS, had the 2016 Antares DC and now have the 2018 Antares DC MD. It really depends. If you are looking for a reel that is super light and can throw light lures on a medium or a Medium-Heavy rod, I would go for the Steez. Especially for techniques like finesse jigs, worms, jerkbaits and little poppers. If you are looking for a power reel that you use for medium-large Jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits (up to 3oz) I would go for the 2016 Antares DC. The sound is adictive and the reel is just sturdier for higher resistance baits, than the Steez. Get the 2018 Antares MD if you throw heavier lures and want to use the reel in saltwater. The reel is not that good with lures under 1/2 oz. Let me know if you have other questions.

Went with a Team Lew's Hyper Mag Speed Spool SLP 8.3:1 for 160 USD shipped. In case I do not like it I will repurpose the reel or sell it again. Will write a review once I had more time with it on the water. In the couple of hours so far that I had with the rod, I was very impressed with the sensitivity.

Yeah, I think that is a good suggestion. Though I am not planning to to throw such large swimbaits (other combo for that).

Hi all, bought the new 2019 ZBONE MH 7'6'' for 1/2 Jigs and paddle tails. Love the rod. I had paired it with the Steez SV TW (7.1:1) but I need more speed. Looking to pair it with 12# shooter. Considering: * Steez SV TW 8.1:1 (JDM) + Weight + Ability to throw lighter lures - Line capacity * Steez A 8.1:1 (JDM) + Line capacity - Weight - Ability to throw lighter lures * Abu MGL Extreme 2 + Weight + Line capacity - might be overpowered with 1/2oz Jigs + Trailers? * Shimano Aldebaran MGL + Weight - line capacity - might be overpowered with 1/2oz Jigs + Trailers? Other options? Thanks all!

I got the 4MH 7'6 paired with a Steez SV TW and 12 pound Shooter. Unbelievable combo. Will write a little review after some more tests.

THanks. Still not super happy about this solution, given that I would still have a spool lying around that I can not use. Also the parts that I need I could not find in the SV spool of my SV103.

Hi all, I am dear need for some parts for the spool of my Steez SV TW. I opened my reel on the water, the spool feel out and some parts got lost. Based on the following reel schematic (here) I am in need for the parts: 19-24 When I talked to the Daiwa service team (it took them 4 weeks after several calls) to tell me that I had to purchase the full spool kit in order to get some spare parts. I am wondering if anybody has thoughts on how I could get these parts. Thanks a ton. Cheers!.

Hi all, I am wondering what you would consider (price no concern) the ultimate combo for 1/2 -3/4 oz Jigs. I would like to narrow it down to 'non-custom' combos. * Rod: ? * Reel: ? * Line: ? Thanks all. Cheers, Seb.

Update: went out yesterday again and brought a variety of frogs again. I think I am slowly figuring it out. THe key: super, super light twitches. With the megabass you can almost rip it while with the other you have to be very sublte, which is actually more exhausting on the arm and wrist, since you have to move the gear a more precise way. Thanks all!

Down. It is weird for me too, since I usually know how to move my lures... The Megabass I have to work NOT to make it walk.

I was just doing the testing in open water to get the optimal conditions for the testing

Yeah, I thought so too. Tried then with a 7 foot medium-heavy rod and 12 pound mono. Same result...

Okuma Frogging rod 7'3 Heavy - Fast. Reel is a Zillion HD with 50# Sufix. Open water.