LAO162

I'm envious

Thanks Wayne, it is a casting rod (Cabelas XML 1/4 -5/8 oz). It actually feels quite good and may be used for more than just vacations. Experimenting with the spiral should be another source of amusement this Spring

A timely thread for me. This morning I took out my 4-piece travel rod (xmas gift) to see how it felt with different reels. I noticed that I didn't have the guides lined up. I joked to myself (no one else hear has my sense of humor) that I had a spiral wrap... Is there any advantage to creating a psuedo spiral wrap by mis-aligning the guides of the 4 pieces, or would that just cause the pieces to loosen under line pressure? Thanks, Leon

I certainly understand Roger's frustration and may now view G Loomis more skeptically. Thanks for sharing your experience. However, I also appreciate Bantam1's efforts to share information in an objective manner. Leon

Bummer. Even though their business model isn't very popular, I really like the line.

The big box stores near me don't carry many rods beyond entry level. Might see a few Avids at Dicks. The only local shop has a lot of "off brand" offerings and maybe a couple Avids & Crucials. I would need to pay the shipping to have a specific model brought in. Cabelas is about 60 mile round trip, and they've never had the specific models I wanted to see in stock. Still, it's a fun trip The cost of driving to Cabelas is usually higher than the cost of shipping. I still can't always judge the performance of a rod by handling it in the store. I try to evaluate many user reviews, particularly from here and get a consensus. (Analyst by trade so I like pouring through information). So far, the information at BR has been fantastic.

I'm a big fan of the Daiwa Exceler (and Tierra). I believe Cabela's Tournament ZX by Daiwa is similar. Sometimes they are on sale in the $50 - $60 range. The Daiwa's have excellent line management relative to my Shimano Stradic FH. Although I have not used the Daiwa XiA, my bias would push me in that direction. I like Gamma CoPoly. Even on sale it's expensive, though It has very low memory and is strong. Because I lose a lot of baits, it pay's for itself by allow me to save a couple that I would have otherwise lost. Plus, I have less tangles... On spinning gear I use #6 and #10.

The first two points that jump out at me: - 1000 size will be lighter - 2500 size will have wider spool that should help with line management (i.e. less tangles & better casting) Leon

X2

I have a 6'3" MXF 1/8 to 3/8 oz Shimano Crucial. As expected, it works well with plastics. For me, it also works very well with small cranks. However, at 6'3" the guide spacing is almost identical (within 1/2 inch) to the New Concept spacing on my 6'6" rods. The 3" difference is primarily due to a shorter handle. The 2 1/2 inch shorter handle on the 6'3" rods doesn't affect me, but with the shorter rod I'd been hoping for a bit less length to help when fishing from brushy banks. For those situations I now use a 6'0" spinning rod that actually has less blank ahead of the reel. The lesson, not all 6'3" inch rods have the same design... I find my 6'6" MF rods are good all around performers for the situations you describe. Going shorter or longer with be dependent upon your fishing situations and your preferences in terms of economics. Leon

Did you mean to say RolUx's? Congrats on the find

Sometimes I think Raul moonlights as the BaitMonkey ;D ;D

I have a 2 second attention span, clumsy hands and a big hammer. Does that count ;D ;D I'm assuming the Shimano posse will say I am well suited for servicing non-Shimano reels. ;D Thanks for the idea about checking for YouTube videos

Maybe this perspective is why RW uses "pounds" to describe his typical lunker and I have to use "grams" to measure my usual dinks. ;D ;D Admittedly, I haven't had a need for an exceptional drag, but fishing from the banks I value casting distances so that I can reach distant structure -- sometimes I find my 280 gram (10 oz.) monsters way out there ;D ;D

You will find that the Citica gets a lot of recommendations here at BR. However, since you are coming from spinning gear, you may want to consider a Left Hand retrieve 201 model. With the 200 you will be holding the rod in your left hand and reeling with your right. I personally could not get used to it... (there are a bunch of threads on the topic). I have a 3 yr old Extreme and it is a decent rod. At the same price from BPS I would prefer the boron Browning Midas. It is significantly more sensitive and it has been reliable for me (other members have expressed other views). For even less, the Pro Finesse XPS is currently another great value, but may not have a fast enough backbone for jigs. Perhaps, a bigger issue than model of rod is getting the rod in the appropriate configuration. At 6'6" a 7' rod should work well for you unless you fish from the banks around brush or you don't like the feel of the given rod. Having one rod that pulls duty from small cranks to jigs will involve some compromises. A rod forgiving (slower action) enough for small cranks may not have a fast enough action for setting the hook with jigs... If you haven't read it yet, there is a great sticky on the topic at the top of this forum. If you already throw cranks on your spinning gear, you might want to use the BC setup for Senkos, Jigs & Spinnerbaits. A MH with a faster action would probably work for these techniques. Cheers!

My Daiwa Exceler is my most used spinning reel (~$80). The Exceler is a fantastic performer, Cabela's Prodigy (by Daiwa) is a step up and a great deal when on sale. The next step up is the Daiwa Tierra and it is super smooth. If you are seeking the best rod values, some great $200 rods have recently been clearanced at close to 50% off, (Fenwick Techna AV, All Star Platinum, various Kistlers). If you are flexible, stay patience and do the research, there are some great deals. For a baitcasting setup, I would spend more on the reel, but I don't see the need to spend $200 on a spinning reel. Leon

I have a Browning Midas Boron rod. When on sale its performance is competitive with other $100 rods. However, in the past BPS has slapped the Midas name on other rods and sold them as cheap combos. If you go with the Midas combo, read the model numbers & specs very carefully before you assume that you are getting the Midas gear featured in the catalogue. Leon

Daiwa Exceler/Tierra spinning reels are fantastic performers. Cabela's Prodigy by Daiwa probably lands inbetween these two. With a bit of searching on-line you can probably find an All Star Platinum or Fenwick Techna AV for about $100 or less. Although they don't have the bells & whistles of some of the new $100 rods, they are well respected options.

In my limited experience with these lines, I've found Gamma CoPoly to be about as strong as Yo-Zuri UltraSoft and much more manageable on spinning reels. I currently use Gamma in both #6 & #10 on spinning reels and #10 & #12 on casting reels. Admittedly, Gamma is expensive, but given the rate at which I loose lures, it's cost is justifiable to me. Leon

While not in the same class as the IMX, Fenwick Techna AV's can currently be found for less than $100. The Techna AV is light and very sensitive. Some may even agree that it has reached "classic" status. If I had a $200 budget for 1 rod, I'd probably scratch up another 25% for an IMX so that I wouldn't wonder "what if" after compromising on a $200 rod. However, a $200 budget will buy 2 - 3 very good rods that can each be used for specific techniques. Since I now have rods for every technique that I use, 2011 may be the year of G Loomis for me ;D (2010 is the year to put reels on all (most) of my rods ) Leon

If you can go with the GLX you will never have to wonder "what if" and, when you look into more rods you'll have a great benchmark for comparisons.

I grew up with spinning gear. When I tried a baitcaster at the age of 40+ I almost gave up. The next year I tried a LH retrieve and had not any problems (other than not enough time to practice and educate my right thumb ) I know if KVD does it switching hands must not be deter from performance, but somehow it just seems to be inefficient to me :-? Everyone has their own preferences

AVC 70 MF 7' 1/4-1oz. 8-20 lb. under Aramid Veil Design on the right there is a light gold "mg" in a slightly larger font than the ratings I bought the casting rod about 2 years ago. It has the alconite guides. Leon

If you get the GLX, you'll never wonder what it is like to fish with one

I just checked my AVC 70MF (casting) rod. It is rated 1/4 to 1 oz. I haven't used it for anything over 1/2 oz, but suspect you would be pushing (or exceeding) its limits with a 1 oz bait. Although I personally don't have anything but F or XF rods, you'd probably be better off taking RW's advice about more moderate actions for treble hooks I have to admit though, the AVC 70MF has been my most used casting rod. Leon