Stephen B

I much prefer the NRX and own both rods

Expride 73XH is sweet! I'd opt for the Expride

The best advice is to use what you are comfortable with. I don't think its too short. It's a great rod as it is so versatile

Doesn't look good. Also demo rods are typically labeled with specs and have labeled demo rod on the blank or the company in which they are demos for. Maybe they sent you the wrong rod. Hopefully that is what has happened.

The Exprides are awesome though

The 7'1 ML Feather is awesome! The K2 7'1 ML is amazing too!!!

I agree 100%.

No, this is incorrect information regarding G Loomis warranty. Reread their warranty. Always a pleasure to deal with G Loomis warranty. They have always done me right. Every great business starts with a great product and great CS and they have both for sure. 100% recommend G Loomis.

The Legend Elite is a fine rod however sensitivity wise the NRX still reigns supreme for bottom contact presentations even today against 2019 rods. The Legend Elites are great rods though.

Warranty: G Loomis and St Croix Price: Shimano and Megabass Balance: Dobyns Fishability: Shimano Appeal: Megabass Overall, I think G Loomis, St Croix, Shimano, Megabass, and Daiwa make the best rods in the industry. You can't go wrong with them. Depending on what you want to spend, and what application you plan to fish determines which company I would pick.

Ballistic LT, Stradic FL, CI4

Unless you really want the DC module, I would go K. But if you want to try a DC, the SLX DC is really nice.

The Expride is the better rod IMO. The Helium is no slouch but IMO not on the level of the Expride. The Expride competes with many rods I own close to $350-$400. BTW I have fished both.

Agreed regarding reel weights nowadays. Nowadays our technology and manufacturing processes allow use of extremely light weight yet rigid frames like the Zaion bodies and CI4 bodies. Yes, the 1000 reel is sufficient. The weight of these reels are far lighterweight than of old. For example, the Shimano NASCI 500 weighs in at 6.2 oz whereas a Stradic CI4 is 5.6 oz. Why not opt for a slightly larger reel that still weighs less and have more line capacity? Easy decision for me. Plus, you'll have more options looking at 1000 size reels. Good luck to the OP. The Saros has been discontinued for many years.

Shimano Expride, St Croix Legend Tournament, and Megabass Orochi XX are among my favorite rods around your price. Personally, between the Kistler Helium and Expride, I would go with the Expride as well. It's an awesome rod and is extremely impressive.

I have the Garmin Force and it's awesome! It outclasses the Ultrex IMHO in everyway and I've owned both. Love the trolling motor. Plus, I run the Ultra 126SV and 102SV with Livescope LVS 32 transducer. I highly recommend Garmin

Sounds like you may get in your own way being that extreme if you ask me. It's a good thing to pay attention to detail but sometimes we as fisherman can get in our own way. Just need to learn to tie a few good knots and set your drag to what you find ample. Just fish. Have yet to have a knot/line fail on fluorocarbon fighting a fish.

Just pointing out you aren't considering many factors. Plus I addressed that in my response. Thanks!

While that could be the case of not having the proper rod we don't have enough info yet to determine that. There are many other factors that could result in the lost fish which could include many other factors: 1) Lack of a solid hookset, 2) Not keeping good tension thus allowing slack, 3) Could be the hook is undersized or bent off. Even possible the bait is improperly rigged, 4) Always check to make sure your hooks are sharp as you could have a rolled hook point causing a lack of penetration, 5) Unfortunately, sometimes things just happen and they throw the hook even though you are doing everything right. It happens to everyone unfortunately. There will always be some % of fish that get away.

Curious to what $100 rods you think are better.

I'd stay with the MBR for versatility but depends on what you plan to use it for. MBR will also be easier to sell if you decide you don't like it.

Just buy a SLX DC or Curado DC

I don't believe any reel was designed specifically for a pro but wouldn't doubt it

They were developed utilizing 6 pro designed models. So they had input and there names are in cursive on the blank.

Best cork I've seen used is from G Loomis. Cork is expensive so most companies use it sparingly and opted for EVA or use very low grades of cork on budget rods with a lot of filler which looks bad after you use U40.