mrpao

I like a longer handle for techniques that don't require the rod being moved all the time. I like to brace the handle against my forearm. I like longer handle for cranking, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits- more of the straight retrieve type lures.

Too me once it starts to get chalky, it got to go. Even though it might lay and cast ok, its probably lost alot of its strength. Tie a knot and do a quick snap test. More than likely it will snap at the knot. I don't trust old line that has been sitting around somewhere where the temperature has fluctuated up and down for years. Mono is cheap. Just get more trilene XL at Walmart. Its pretty inexpensive there.

I like the 2000 size for bass fishing. I feel the 2500 holds too much unnecessary line. Most of my LT reels are the 1000 size. I normally use 10 up to 20 lbs braid.

Now that is a combo!!!

I believe you can just switch out the knobs. When I had the T knobs on my daiwa reels , I would put the cork I knobs on them.

I have several combos dedicated to each technique I do. That means way too many rods and reels. And I like to try new gear so i end up with too much stuff.

To me, the DC is another thing to break down the road. Sooner or later it will go out. Since I maintain my own reels, that's one less thing I have to worry about. That being said, I had an Escence DC in the past. It was a nice reel but just not what it was all cracked up to be. I still prefer my regular shimanos. Nothing against the DC, just not for me. If you like it, then more reels for you. The same with the daiwa SV spools. Not a fan of them either. I find the spools to slow for my liking. But if you like them, then good for you. Everyone likes something different. That's what helps drive the market with new innovations.

Yep. This will save you a lot of line in the future. Use old line as backing and put the new line on top. Also when replacing line, I only strip off the section I have used. I put the new line on top of my old line. No need to take off what you never use.

I still use Terminators. Both the titanium and stainless versions. I still like the titanium because of the durability. To be honest i think most spinnerbaits are pretty comparable. It all in what a person likes. Blade size and shape, as well as color of skirt makes more of a difference than brand.

Which stradic did you get? Go with the expride. It's hard to beat for the money. I have the 7' med spinning and use it mainly for weightless senkos and worms. If you want something lighter. Get the 6'10" med light. That rod is awesome for drop shots and shakey heads.

Same here. No issues with mine. Smooth casting and retrieves with no noise

Longer handle will give it more torque and leverage to move lures and fish.

All my rods from Amazon came in a square long box. They arrived bend but in one piece. Not the best packaging for sure. Definitely risky. One rod looked like someone had stepped on two of the guides. Fortunately it was a spinning rod so I was able to bend them back.

7'1" is extra fast 7'2" is fast. Not the glass model.

I have the expride 7' med spinning rod. It's a great rod. You will like it. I also have both the stradic ci4+ and tatula LT. Both are great reels as well. You can't go wrong with either.

I have two of the 7'1" med hvy and one 7'2" med hvy. They are nice rods. I like the grip and the fore nut. The forenut can be used as a hook keeper which is great in these days of no hook keepers. I can't speak for sensitive because I only use mine for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The blank on the 7'2" is noticeable thicker than the 7'1" blank though. Not sure why its so much thicker for one additional inch.

I think a Ray's studio with orange accent parts would look good.

Nice color match. Put a carbon fiber handle on the reel and it will match the rod even more.

If the package is under 16 oz, you can ship it USPS first class for usually under $3 to $7. It will depend on the weight and distance. That's the cheapest way I have figured out to ship items.

To me, mine feels like the cross between a core 50 and bantam mgl.

Good review. You could order new handles to replace the JDM handles since you don't like them. That would be a easy fix.

I only have the US version so I can't compare spool sizes. I heard from several sources that the US was going to get the 150 size while Japan got the 70 size. Maybe that has changed, but I do know that the Japanese do prefer the more shallow spools.

At first I thought the Bantam was butt ugly and wasn't going to get one. Then I ran across great deal on a new one and couldn't pass it up. I was totally impressed. Now, I have four in my line up. It's a little on the heavier side but it is super smooth.

About the only difference is the spool size. The US version is a 150 spool and the JDM version is 70 spool size.

Looks to me you might need two different rods for your intended purposes. The 852c could work for the jerkbaits and topwaters and possibly senkos. But it wouldn't be very good at 3/8 oz jigs. The 893c would be good for the jigs and possibly senkos but not ideal for jerkbaits or topwaters.