pauldconyers

Excellent info! In your opinion is there enough difference in the SLX vs XT model to justify the $30 difference? Sounds like you are saying the DC is a major step up in quality and features. The DC is probably out of my price range for now, just trying to figure out if the XT is worth the upgrade for 3 or 4 reels or not.

I own a few of the regular SLX reels and am trying to figure out the differences between these two models. I thought the main difference was that the DC had external brake controls but I see a dial on the side of the XT so does it have it too? I guess I am trying to figure out the differences between these 3 reels and what features they all have so I can determine if I can justify buying the next model or next model up.

It just feels like if 25 IPT (or if I went up to the 7.2:1 that has 29 IPT) would both work that I'd get more flexibility to do other things with the 7.2:1 and if I have the option of swapping then now I probably should do it. Not quite sure what I'd do with a real on the slower side. If I wanted something with a lower gear ratio and and more power I've got an Orra Winch for deep cranks and swim baits. So perhaps I should change them out while I can?

Link please?

That's the thing, I see all these different models and have no idea what is what. Shimano's page does not seem super helpful. Is there a website or posts on here that kind of explain the differences in an easy manner?

For most of my BC reels I have Shimano SLX reels and I've been thinking about upgraded to a nicer Shimano BC reel on my "main" rod. That rod is a DOBYNS Champion 7'3" DC 734C and is my do-everything rod if I am just grabbing one rod for the day. I think I want to stay with Shimano and want to keep the price under $250. I have seen some very large looking high end Shimanos and I think I would like something somewhat palmable. The problem is am just somewhat lost and even a bit intimidated with looking at all the different reel models I could consider. When I try to look at them it is hard to sort through all the different models, their features, what is still currently available versus no longer currently being made, Japanese models from over seas and such I am just swimming in info. Maybe a Curado 200K or Curado DC? IDK? HELP!!

Well when it comes to an obvious items like a pack of trailers, yes, it just the model and color. When it comes to rods, hooks etc they have model numbers on them and if you want to order a specific product a model number is the easiest way. Say you have some Owner 5/0 straight worm hooks you like and the model on the package is 5100-151. If you wanted to get the same exact hooks and you type that model number in it comes back with zero results. But if you think they must have them and want to look them up you have to click on hooks, then what style of hooks, then what brand and you see many different types. May be difficult to tell what gauge wire they are and all that. Or, like you could on Google or any other search feature you could just type in Owner 5100-151 and BOOM there ya go.

While I like the model number to show up on the page as you look at it (versus only on the cart or wish list) but I would REALLY like to be able to use it in the search function - meaning search on a model number and the item comes up in the result.

Yeah I have Shimano SLX 6.3:1 for lipless and squarebills and it has an IPT of 25 inches. I have the opportunity to return it for the 7.2:1 which has an IPT of 29 inches. Would that be a better fit for these presentations? I realize both would do the job but being that I have the opportunity to swap it now I wonder which would be the better fit.

I have always hoped that once it was in your cart or once you've made the purchase it would show up in the itemized list of what you bought but nope! You've proven to be a most useful human being! Thanks!

This is just probably just one of those things but I figured I would make sure I am not missing something obvious. Clearly hooks, rods, etc, have a specific model number to them. When I order something online since it is not there in my hand I want to make sure we are talking about specifics and a model number like that would remove all doubt. Most products on TW have a description but not the specific model number listed. I guess I could reach out to customer service but then you are hoping they tell it to you correctly and also if there are multiple items you are looking at that is a pain to have to do. Is there a way to easily see the specific model number for items on their website that I am just missing here?

Ahh yes, that is a unicorn! Any come to mind for $100 or less?

Sounds like this is designed to be a pretty versatile jig! How would you say it compares to your Grid Iron Arky jig regarding versatility?

I guess I was asking in general where line was not a part of the equation but for the specific example I'd be using FC I'm sure.

Do you find (say fishing a jerkbait or something) is easier to twitch and give subtle movements to a bait if you've got a rod with a softer or firmer tip? I hear a lot of guys say a softer tip but when I do with a noodle tip it just flops around so sloppily that it's hard to do anything subtle. What say you?

Oh no! I am getting ready to buy one pretty much based upon your recommendation! And as for using it for chatterbaits I've always thought that the characteristics that would make a good treble hook bait rod would not be the same for a single hook chatterbait and that you'd want something with a firmer tip to it. Do I have this wrong?

So if your budget only allowed for 1 I assume you would go with the 7'4" MH? 7'4" just seems a like a little bit of overkill for a little 1.5 but having never done it I can't speculate. So wait, this is the rod you are throwing your chatterbaits on too?

Yeah, to the point I've thought about waiting a bit and seeing what product Lew's makes up for him. I know he is real particular about his smaller crank rods. Would you still recommend the 7' MH if I also want to throw 1.5/2.5 sq bills and 3XDs with it? I know this rod is supposed to be a "blend" of glass and graphite having personal experience with this rod does it truly "feel" or react different then a straight graphite rod? I read so much positive and negative about using a glass rod that the idea of splitting the difference with a composite that was smartly put together is appealing to me.

Is this the rod you are throwing your RES on? The link is dead, I am having trouble finding this exact rod somewhere to check it out.

I fish a lot of smaller cranks (squarebills, 1/2 RES, 3XDs) on FC line. I always feel I kind of have a hard time slowing down my retrieve speed so I went with a reel with a 25 IPT to kind of make me slow it down a bit. Now I am wondering if I went too slow. What do you think is the ideal IPT for these kind of baits and their retrieve?

Out of curiosity what did you end up going with?

Just curious what the differences are between the two. TIA

Not trying to start WW3 here because I realize people are very passionate on both sides of this (LOL) but I was more curious if there were certain types of rods or certain presentations that you would or would not want one style or the other? I realized a lot of this is just personal preference but I have heard a lot of guys talk about for a frog rod or a jerkbait rod they would or would not want this or that type due to it slapping your arm or whatever. Just curious if anyone has thoughts here.

Watched BASS for years, mostly on the Sunday ESPN hour long show or caught up on episodes people have uploaded on YouTube. When all the “stars” left for MLF I decided out of habit to stick to watching BASS. Well, after this season I realized that while the fishing is good I miss watching the “big boys” and better watch MLF too. Problem is I do not even really know how/where to watch it. Do they have a weekly hour show like BASS does? I have seen some options online but it looks like they can be 6 hours long and I don’t have the time to sit and watch all that. I have looked on YouTube and while I haven’t seen much that users have uploaded I have seen some stuff that some of the individual anglers have posted but again it’s usually a super long video and it is just of that individual, not video of all the guys. I am sure that MLF has some options on their website or something but I’d rather find something I can watch on my TV like a normal broadcast or YouTube or something. What are my options here?

He's busy gluing it back together at the moment....