Yudo1

I'd choose the zillion sv. I prefer aluminum over composite and I'm a fan of sv spools.

I bought mine through the tackle trap at a good discount and some used. I wouldn't pay retail.

30lb is not too thin. I use it on most of my combos except frogs and punching. Take the good advice that was given and you should be fine.

Good choice.

I think you have your heart set on a legend elite so I would just do it. I always wanted an nrx, but thought I'd never spend that much on a rod. So I bought some decent rods in the $200 range, but in the back of my mind I wondered about the nrx. Guess what? I have 3 nrx's now and I still have the other rods too, but I don't use them. I would've saved money if I just went with what I wanted in the first place.

Get the abu. I don't like the guides on the ghost.

I'd also look at kistler klx and alx rods.

Ceramic bearings. It's normal.

Good point, check your line.

If you don't see any damage, it should be just fine.

He said he was pitching 1/8. Failed to mention it was not including plastics which is a totally different story all together. Also didn't mention the type of cover.

Why use such heavy line? I usually use 7lb. 20lb would kill the action.

How old was the rod? More than likely it was a defect or was damaged and was bound to break sooner or later. I don't think your leader knot broke your rod.

There are some people who believe magnesium reels are more sensitive than other reels. I wonder if this more "connected" feeling is being interpreted as "geary?" If mag reels are more sensitive than aluminum reels, I'm sure they are way more so than ci4+ reels. I'm not sure about the validity of the theory, but just an idea. I do have a tendency to use my mag reels for bottom contact and aluminum for moving baits though.

I use the improved clinch.

Me too because it looks like the best knot for passing through micro guides.

I have a met 13 and mgl and both feel smooth to me. The chronarch mgl has brass micro module gears. I've always preferred brass over aluminum gears for smoothness and durability and I don't understand why shimano uses aluminum for their flagship met. Saving .3oz is not worth it IMO. That said I haven't had any issues and my Mets are some of my favorite reels. In the end I prefer magnesium over ci4+.

The XX are hard to beat. The perfect pitch and jerk bait special are heavily used in my arsenal. The perfect pitch makes an amazing frog stick. I'm not sure if I like the half cork/half foam handle on the xxx.

I'd opt for the 30.

I know they look better than the NRX, but how does it compare in the sensitivity department? They look like they are balanced better too. Which NRX is this rod most similar to, 894, 895?

I spray some brake cleaner fluid in a small clear bottle and I shake the bearings in it for awhile then spin them a pencil to test them. Repeat process until they are smooth then set them on paper towel to dry for a day. It works for me and I didn't want to get an ultrasonic cleaner or bearing blasters.

I agree that with the 200i, 40lb is better because of line capacity and line management. If it was a shallower spool then I'd go with 30lb. I'd still use a good bit of backing.

I assume you're talking about the newly released 2017 version. I think you'll get more feedback from the guys over on tackle tour. From all accounts they are awesome. The valdiva and javelin look interesting.

I like the Alberto for braid to fluoro and uni to uni for mono to fluoro. The fg knot looks great but I'm not any good at it. Whichever you choose, just make sure you practice because they all work. It's just a matter of doing them correctly.

Not a dual braking system in the way WRB was describing (opening side plate and adjusting blocks like a shimano). That is the point.