Shimano_1

Wow I had no clue these reels had those Issues. I love shimano but that's not acceptable at all for a reel that costly!

I'd take it back and return for a new one. Shouldn't have to work on a new reel to get it right!

I dont use mono on anything I need to see the line for. If I did I'd probably have a different opinion. I use clear mostly but will use dark green if I cant find clear. Have never noticed any difference in performance or amount of fish caught.

I've never been in a situation where my line could have gotten in the way of someone's boat or jet skit. Hypothetically anything is possible but I'd venture to say you would have to be looking for trouble to get into it that way. Been using braid for years and only thing it's ever hurt was my finger, I dont tug on it with bare hands anymore

I've used baitcasters for 30 years and I usually set up these newer reels to where I dont need to thumb them much if any other than when they're hitting the water. I agree with the above post about it probably being the little spacer in the cast control cap. I usually use the drag star to snug the nut up a little past finger tight. Essentially u just need to make sure its tight enough to let the handle seat properly when u put it all back together

I dont believe anyone needs high end gear. I used to catch plenty on very cheap gear. However, I feel that the rod sensitivity, casting distance and smoothness of a reel, quality of line etc. All equate to more fish in some form or fashion. I refuse to spend hundreds on a single rod or reel. I could afford to do so but I dont see that a 400 reel would perform well enough to justify the price when there are so many less than 200 that are good quality. I usually spend about 200 bucks on a combo and I'm happy with my gear. My thoughts are also that I'd rather be able to buy 3 combos for 600 bucks than 1. I'm also of the belief that most people just tend to be more confident and feel better when they have what they consider quality gear! Pretty comical tho to hear someone act like warranty doesnt matter. What made Loomis so popular? I've always believed it was the whole buy a rod and have it for life. I fished cabelas rods for years but now that theyve done away with their lifetime warranty I'll be looking elsewhere when I need new ones.

While that's certainly not ideal, most of my rods have little paint left around the guides from rod socks and use. I'd hit it with a sharpie and by the time the sharpie fades it won't be new and will just give it character. Just my opinion tho and I certainly understand not being satisfied.

Always heard any publicity is good publicity. While I certainly have no interest in anything they make...this thread shows they have peoples attention. Just a shame that kids will spend their money on these rather than a daiwa fuego or shimano slx and be disappointed when it quits working after a few trips. Tis the times in which we live.

The shimano slx in the 7'5 heavy would be a good option. As would several of the ones already mentioned. Have no experience with the castaway rods but st croix makes some fine sticks. I agree tho that you probably need a little more rod and length for bigger jigs and heavier vegetation.

I think you have a great start to your lineup with some fine choices. The slx combos are wonderful and simply cant be beat for the money. The only thing it looks like you're missing is a good cranking combo and the slx would fit that bill as well with the right choice. Otherwise I'd say whatever you fish most often should kind of dictate what you need more of if any. I love to flip jigs and plastics so I have 3 setups that will handle these. I'm not a big cranker so my 2 cranking setups dont get used much and are left at home half the time. Good luck

DVT seems to be the one to listen to on these inquiries. I've always put a dab of grease on the plastic gears and worm gears and have never had issues. I dont fish in a lot of nasty waters so that may make a difference. I'm sure theres a better way but this has worked for me.

As stated the ratio is irrelevant at this point. Inches per turn should trump the ratio. I do still use slower ratios for my deeper cranks, spinnerbaits and bigger swimbaits. Companies are getting better tho. I remember the first couple high speed reels I had felt over worked with any baits with resistance. I've thrown a rigs on burner reels now and maybe not ideal had no problems. I hate the crazy fast reels tho. My buddies rocket is too fast for me even for jigs and such

I'll add another vote for the slx rod and the dobyns fury. Of the 2 I'd take the slx tho. Very lightweight and well made sticks. Could easily be a 150 to 200 rod. The spiral wrapped rods just dont do much for me. I get the concept as I used to build rods but honestly they're just too goofy looking for me. Glad guys are liking them tho and maybe I'm being too vain but that's why theres so many choices out there. Lots of good suggestions here

Big game is good line especially for the money. I've used trilene XL for years but last cple years been buying bulk spools of the basspro excel mono for dirt cheap on sale and have nothing but positive things to say. As stated I dont think mono and low stretch goes together. Most things I use it for I actually want some stretch like for small topwaters and small cranks.

I 2nd the shimano slx reel. I've had several of the 50e reels and e5 and e7 series curados and chronarchs. The slx reminds me a lot of them in a smaller profile. Also seems a little easier to control than those older curados. I have 3 and plan on adding several more. Actually just sold off all my daiwas and replaced them with these. I'm sure like has been mentioned tho urs is an easy fix. Good luck

I'm a big pflueger spinning reel fan but I've always stuck with the president's. Cant beat em for the money. Of the 2 mentioned I'd be quite sure the stradic is the superior reel and would feel much better about its longevity. 50 for a reel is a throw away reel to me. Use it for 3 or 4 years and buy a new one. 200 for one is another story. I'd be hoping for 10 plus years. Good luck

Seems kind of ridiculous to me to crap on a company because you had 1 reel malfunction. Yes it sucks but I've had reels from every major company have problems. The question is will they make it right. Anyone who has dealt with lews customer service knows the answer is absolutely. I've never had them be anything but wonderful the cple of times I've needed them. I had issues with a daiwa and once it was finally corrected made me feel a lot better about lews. Still love daiwa products but lews is hard to beat in my book.

I've never been a fan of the veritas rods. Way too stiff for their ratings and in my opinion much better options at the price point. Dont know anything about the x but the new mojo rods are nice. The shimano slx rods are hard to beat for their price point

While I assume "over loading" a rod could cause damage, I dont see a 3/8 oz jig doing so. If any rod I own breaks cause I'm throwing that I'm gonna assume it was defective or I've damaged it somehow. Like said above I think the materials used to make the new rods so light and sensitive are the culprit. I fished for years and had never broke a rod but the last few years I've snapped a few. It's just the nature of the beast in my opinion. This is the main reason I fish cabelas and basspro rods now. I have one close so I can go swap it if need be.

I've ran 29 series everstart from wal mart for years and years. Usually get 6 years from em and they're cheap. I also fish small lakes usually and dont run a lot. Are you keeping in on a charger when not in use? Before I went to a 3 bank and kept cranking batteries on charge as well as trolling I had similar issues.

I've been using baitcasters for 30 years and I guess I'm just lazy. I have several fuego and tatula ct reels. I tighten the cast control up to where there is no side to side play and run my brakes on 10 or 12. I know this may not be ideal but it works for me and I can bomb anything as far as any other reels I've used or been around. I'd rather not have to worry about thumbing the spool if I dont have to. One less thing to have to be conscious of. Honestly the braking system is what brought me to the daiwas. As stated I always have my thumb ready to stop any catastrophe but with these reels I dont find that I need it often.

I always use braid on my spinning gear. I prefer spider wire stealth braid as it's cheap and has served me well. Easier to manage by a long shot and I will use the same spool of braid for 2 to 4 years vs every few months for any other line. If it were me I'd run 10 to 15 lb braid with a 6 foot or so leader of the line uve been using. I prefer seaguar red label and have no clue about the yo zuri but if it's been working I'd keep using it. Yes it will absolutely let u detect more bites. Only thing to remember is it has no stretch or very little. I think ur on the right way of thinking and I'd at least give the braid a try. Good luck

That exact combo for me would be used for jerkbaits, shallow cranks and topwaters with trebles. If I were planning to use it for any topwaters I'd use 12 lb monofilament. If no topwaters were gonna be used I'd use 12 lb flouro. Seaguar red label is my favorite for the money. Trilene XL or basspro excel for mono. Good luck

The side imaging is great. Much cleaner and crisper. I'll play around with it some more and may try what you suggested. I've had it for months and never really tried the down imaging. Buddy was checking it out last time out and we noticed the down imaging wasnt great at all. Does yours have the CV or gt transducer?

I have no issues running mine on the trolling motor. Only thing I've found on mine is the down imaging isnt good compared to the humminbird I had before. The side imaging and 2d sonar is great tho as well as the mapping