LCG

You still save at least $100, don't forget our lovely 13% sales tax on top of the retail $750 locally.

Agreed 100%. I have the 6'8" ML-F spinning rod as well, sensitive, great action, and very nice feeling rods.

I thought of this as well, but the gas and PITA factor (2 hrs from the border plus customs), it was easier to pay fed ex.

Daiwa Rebellion 6'10 MH-R 1/4-1oz. I use this rod for texas rigs, spinnerbaits, Jigs, chatterbaits, buzz baits, etc. It has a great action that loads deep into the blank.

Hello, fellow Canadian here, Ontario to be specific. The last reel I ordered from Digitaka was a Daiwa Alphas SV TW in late August for $241.50 CAD and fed ex charged me about $58.50 CAD for duty and handling fees.

I only take two rods out at a time. A ML-F spinning and a MH-F casting if I am serious fishing. Those two combos cover most things I throw. If I want to go light, it's a M-F casting rod rated 1/8-5/8oz that can dabble in both territories. If I have time to check weather conditions and know exactly where I am going, then I may take any combination of the above. All of these rods are high quality two piece rods for maximum versatility.

Ontario, Canada 3 year sport license $79.71 ($45.21 for conservation licence) + $8.57 outdoors card (money grab) + 13% tax. 65 yrs and older, children, as well as indigenous people are free. I don't mind paying my fair share. I am fairly confident that most people I see fishing don't have a license. Here in Ontario the fines can be steep, and confiscation of gear, boat, vehicle, etc. Not worth the risk to me for around $33 per year.

I am in the process of simplifying my set ups now. I completely agree that it's not the equipment that allows us to to catch fish. In my case, I am at the point after about ten years or so of fishing, that I know what techniques I enjoy the most and the quality, lightweight, smoothness, etc of the equipment is for me, not so much the fish. It's also my only true hobby so I don't mind spending some money on the sport. Not that anyone has to, I also caught plenty of fish on my old ugly stick combo. But, I do get more enjoyment using higher quality gear.

To finish off this thread, I recieved an email from a local retailer for a sale I couldn't pass up. Here in Canada the Daiwa Tatula LT 2000 retails for $269, the Vanford 2000 retails for $349. The sale price of the Tatula LT 2000 was $179, plus a $25 store credit. I couldn't say no. Picked it up after work today and put it on my 6'8" Daiwa Rebellion ML-F spinning rod. To my surprise, the balance point did not change !!! Odd because my Stradic FL 2500 is much bigger in size and weighs 8.1oz with line. The Tatula 2000 comes in at 6oz with the exact same amount of line (took it directly off the Stradic). So what I gained was a 2.1oz weight savings or 26%, with the same balance point, but the combo feels better matched with the smaller Tatula. Lost 3" per turn, metal build, loud drag clicker, and some sealing, but I am freshwater only. What I gained was a solid feeling, smooth reel (used drag tension for spooling tight line), significantly lighter and smaller reel, lighter rotation, same excellent line lay, both balanced and lightweight combo. The rest I will have to wait and put some fish on it. It's winter up here in the north, so it will be a few months before it sees any use. But initial impression is positive. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the Stradic FL. It's been used hard for the last 3 years and will probably last the rest of my life with a little TLC. But, I bought the reel before really taking to baitcsters and it was meant to do it all. I have since changed my combos to be more specific (but also versatile), ie ML spinning, M and MH baitcasting. The Tatula LT 2000 feels like a good match for my finesse rod. Thank you all for your input, and a big shout out to @Bass_Fishing_SoCal for his help.

@Bass_Fishing_SoCal... You sold me on the Daiwa Alphas SV TW a few months ago, and I really like that reel. And that Vanford looks pretty sweet...Any chance I can crash on your couch when the wife finds out I want another new reel? Looks like I am going to have to take my rod to the tackle store and throw a Vanford and Tatula on it and see how it feels. Thanks everyone for your input.

This is my struggle, my combo as is balances very well. I hold the reel with my pinky behind the reel stem, and my spinning combo balances on my middle finger. Just seems odd to me that my finesse combo is my heaviest weight combo at 11.4 oz. Maybe I am over thinking this...

I have the Shimano SLX 71 MGL, Curado 71 MGL, and Daiwa Alphas SV TW 800. They are all great reels. In my opinion the price point reflects their level of qualities, but none of them are bad in any way. I like the Alphas as my senko, jig, Texas rig,and spinnerbait reel, the Curado is on my do it all with one rod combo, the SLX MGL is probably going to be sold. No problem with the SLX in any way, but the Curado and Alphas are a decent size smaller and a tad more refined. The Curado is a predictable caster and great with 3/16 oz +, spooled with 12lb P-line C21 line. Alphas is becoming my favourite as it is comparable to the Curado but I can skip with it pretty decently. Alphas feel more solid, but overall build quality goes to Curado. Alphas offers a ton of cast control, but it can throw for distance when the brakes are lowered and I'm paying attention. 1/8 oz +, spooled with 10 lb yo Zuri hydrib. If I was in the market for a full size, but compact reel... I would have a hard time deciding between the '22 Bantam or the Zillion. Especially JDM models.

Do you find lightweight reels change the feel or balance of your combo? I ask because I have a Shimano Stradic FL that has been bullet proof and smooth in every way for the last 3 years. However, I have now paired it with a lightweight rod that weighs 3.3oz. The Stradic comes in at 8.1oz with line. The combo balances perfectly, but I can't help but wonder if a lightweight reel would make more sense. Specifically looking at the Shimano Vanford 2000 or Daiwa Tatula LT 2000. Played with both in store, but not mounted on a rod. About the same feel give or take. Always liked a solid metal reel, but in all reality I use 6lb line with about 2 - 2.5 lbs of drag, not taxing the reel too much. The weight saving would be around 2 - 2.6 ozs.

Earlier this year I was about to pull the trigger on a Shimano Zodias two piece rod from Japan. Ended up finding a Daiwa Rebellion two piece rod locally and liked it better than the Zodias. Rebellion being a JDM rod they brought to North America. Anyways, the two piece I have is the traditional center joint. Sensitivity if phenominal as is strength. The handle joint shouldn't effect anything. You could glue it place if you really wanted to, but I wouldn't personally. The handle joint kind of defeats the point of the convince of a two piece rod though, one short piece and one long piece. The expride is also on my radar, but it has to be a two piece. I would not hesitate to buy it from Japan, but here in Canada the shipping and duty make it the same or slightly higher than retail for a one piece. Did purchase a couple of reels from Japan with no issue. Would do it again for sure.

I liked it so much, I bought the medium light spinning rod as well. Those two rods are so versatile. The rods are impeccable, light weight, and sensitive. While Eva wasn't my first choice, it is very comfortable and the Eva is high quality, it's grown on me and I love these rods. I have the two piece models to add to their versality.

Daiwa Rebellion 6'10" MH-R. Probably more of a moderate fast, but love this rod. Loads up deep into the blank when a fish is on the line. 10lb yo Zuri hybrid, primarily spinner baits, senkos, and jigs.

My finesse combo is a 6'8 ML-F Daiwa Rebellion with a Shimano Stradic FL 2500. No complaints and the combo is very balanced.

I am not sure I am allowed to say the specific site but it's an express site And don't worry she's got plenty of power, aluminum frame, handle side plate, and top portion.

I picked the Alphas SV TW on a recommendation from a user on this site. It is a great reel, small and built like a tank. Superior cast control at the cost of max distance but well worth it, the max distance is still very good though. Skips very well and adjusts incredibly easy. I replaced the handle with a cheap carbon fiber 95mm handle. Love this reel.

I get the whole made in china thing being a concern. But, I have reels made in Malaysia and Taiwan (Stradic FL, SLX MGL, Cuardo MGL, Alphas sv tw) and they are all rock solid. The two Rebellion rods have been put through the paces this summer and fall, again rock solid. Think of it this way, buying from a local place or even online is supporting domestic jobs.

Earlier this year, in the spring, I was looking for some new rods. It came down to levante, rebellion, and zodias. The levante won in the looks dept, but they were noticbly heavier than the others. I ultimately went with the rebellion rods, spinning and casting. No regrets. Very lightweight, sensitive, comfortable, and a really nice action. Made in china was not my first choice, but the quality and craftsmanship is excellent. But I really did like the looks of the levante.

Best and most used fishing tool I own

Having some Halloween weekend fun...

Own the SLX MGL 71, Curado 71, and alphas sv tw. All are great reels. The alphas is probably the most versatile, but no wrong choice. However, I don't use them for BFS, more regular finesse to normal range. 1/8-1oz.