LAO162

I've got the 5'6" XMLTi paired with a 51Mg. It's a sweet little rig. Obviously it's super light. I think it performs consistent with other MF rods rated to 5/8 oz lure weights. I find its sensitivity is in the same class as my Fenwick Techna AV's and a step up from my Shimano Crucial. When Cabela's get into the range of 40% off, they are a steal.

I have the same rod. It is a good all around rod except for really reavy duty work like heavy jigs and fishing in slop. It's very sensitive and light at less than 4.2 oz. For me, it balances very well with a Quantum Tour Edition 1171PT (a fairly heavy real). This specific model made me finally understand how a sensitive rod could help to "feel" the bottom while jigging. At $100 there are few rods that compete with it, and the Techna AV is a well established classic. In the last couple months I've seen this model for less than $100 on ebay, but it's safer to take the sure thing This year mine saw use with weightless Senkos, Fat Ikas and smaller cranks like Mann's Baby Minus One. I was slow to get accustomed to the balance of the rod because I prefer shorter handles. But after 2 seasons, it feels very natural. I liked this one so much, that after the first time jigging with the 7'0" MF I immediately ordered a 6'6" MHF. After 2 seasons, I'm very pleased with them. Leon

Interview with Bob Loomis: http://www.jerkbait.pl/?page_id=208

Given the company around here, the issue shouldn't be how may years between rod purchases, it's how many rods per year that you should be buying. ;D ;D More seriously though, if you like your current rod, continue to enjoy it. However, if you're looking to justify a new purchase, I'm sure the baitmonkey is close by and will help you to quadruple your planned budget

I prefer Gamma CoPoly over YoZuri US, but due to its high price I only buy it when it's significantly discounted. The #10 works very well on 2500 size spinning reels, although #6 still has plenty of strength. In my limited experience, Gamma is the most manageable line I've used. Also in my experience, I've had fewer backlash issues with #10 & #12 Gamma than with #12 YZ-US. I also like the Gamma Clear Blue color. Leon

Thanks Cart7t, good to know there's a value option. For me the most important feature is casting performance Cheers!

Cart7t, I'm hoping that in addition to the fantastic information you provided here, you can provide your subjective evaluation of these dual braking reels on my new thread... i.e. do they all perform similarly, or are there meaningful differences that justify significant price differences. Thanks

At different price points, are there any "best" values in dual braking reels? With so many similarities between Pflueger, Revo & BPS reels, it's hard to identify differences that would impact casting performance. I'd like to try a dual brake reel, but find it hard to justify a Patriarch at twice the price of a ProQualifier (plus, I'm looking for LH models). My personal experience is with: - Shimano 51MG - Quantum TE 1171PT - Revo S-L A weightless Fat Ika or 3/8 oz jig & trailer are about the heaviest baits that I use on a regular basis. Thanks Leon

Are they on the same rod? Same rod, line & lure. So far I've been able to cast past a specific piece of cover with the Daiwa spinning reels. The first time I made it past the rocks, I hooked up... To me there is a very obvious difference between landing several feet in front of this cover and a couple yards past it... (just my experience though ) Disclaimer: I only get that distance with 2 rods, so all components are important. Leon

I consistently choose my Daiwa Exceler 2500 over my Shimano Stradic FH 2500 because it casts significantly further and has better line management (IMHO). I believe the difference is due to Exceler's wider spool and the way it lays the line. (I also have a Daiwa Tierra & Pflueger Supreme). The Tierra has similar casting performance, but is much smoother. Because I fish from the banks, distance is important to me. The Daiwas let me reach cover that I can't get to with the Stradic (extra 15-20 ft with same setup) You will get a lot of different opinions about reel brands.

Thanks for the Heads Up I've got a couple Techna AV's and they are a great value. They really made me appreciate a good rod. In the $100 range, they are a steal. Makes me wonder how good the new ones will be

I have the same rod. It is about 4.2 oz. and very sensitive. Although it feels good with a Chronarch MG, I prefer it with my heavier Quantum TE 1171. I think it is very versatile and it is probably my most frequently used casting rod. You will enjoy it

The AV has a lot of competition at the $200 price point, but for $125 or less, it's a sweet rod. I've got two. It seems as though they are being closed out at a lot of places so there have been some very good deals. You should be very happy and not have any doubts. Just expect to pay a lot more if you ever have the urge to upgrade

Thanks Zelmo, at my skill level forgiveness is pretty important

Thanks Cart7, I don't have much need for a heavy rod, but it was such a good deal, I figured it would still be good to have a heavy rod in the arsenal. I now have better expectations as I wait until Spring to use it.

Please note I tried several searches and have been timing out. I just got a great deal on an All Star Platinum P787C. I believe it is the Worm Rod 2, but have not found much other information. Although it is rated as heavy power, it has very similar ratings to my Fenwick Techna AV AVC66MHF. Can these two rods be used interchangeably, or is the P787C truly for heavier jigs & worm rigs. Any experience with them would be appreciated. Also, has All Star dropped the Platinum line? I can't find the specs on their site. Thanks

Does either the Curado or Premier work better with lighter baits?

What a horrible review... ;D ;D ;D Now I'm going to question my 51Mg (wrong side, I know...) Time to start revising the 2010 budget. So far I hadn't been sold on the idea of a new Chronarch or Core over the Curado. I thought I might just stay on the lookout for more 51Mg's. Based upon your enthusiasm, Shimano may have produced my new ideal reel. Thanks for feeding the Baitmonkey, Leon

Since cost is not a factor, how about Gamma CoPoly. 6# for finesse, 12# for where more strength is needed. 10# works well (for me) on both spinning and BC gear.

a GREAT TOOL IN INTERVIEWING YOUNG MEN WHO WANTED TO DATE MY DAUGHTER I'll by using a Browning 12-gage Side-by-Side for my interviews When I got back into fishing a few years ago, I picked up a boron Browning Midas because boron was the ultimate when I was fishing as a teen in 1980 and I've always been a big Browning fan. At $169 the Midas is overpriced, but at $99 I like it, even though it doesn't have a great warranty. I haven't used it much in the last 2 years because my father usually claims it. However, I would say that it handles similarly to my Crucial & HMG and also has similar sensitivity. However, this particular Midas model significantly outcasts both. I will usually grab my Midas before either the Crucial or HMG. However, I think my All Star Titanium, Techna AV's and Cabela's XMLTi offer better performance. There is no real science to these preferences..., JMHO Leon

Ask those who seem to think that the minute amount of 'backplay' in Shimano reels make them inferior. Shimano Possee members are getting defensive and the head Flooger Mook resigned? What's the world coming to?? ;D ;D ;D

A 5" senko-style bait weighs a little over 3/8 oz. If a reel can't cast that, it can't cast anything. Very true. But does that mean the Chronarch Mg is not worth consideration? ;) I also cast 4" Senkos & 1/4oz cranks with it. I figured that the 5" Senko was one of the most common weightless plastics. My point was that I do not have a lot of experience with casting rods and still do well with fairly light baits. My thought was if the Chronarch Mg is forgiving with me, then it should be forgiving with lighter baits in the hands of a more experienced caster. Although Dan has a $300+ budget, it might still be worth considering the capabilities of the $150-$200 Chronarch Mg. It would be very helpful if you could detail your experience with the Mg and the more expensive alternatives recommended here. Specific performance comparisons would help me (and maybe Dan & others) to evaluate the benefits of the more expensive reels versus the substantial increase in price. :) Leon

You definately need a LH model if you are too distracted to enjoy fishing. It is honorable that you do not want to return a used item. Take it to the shop & be honest. Maybe they'll sell it as a demo and someone else will get a good deal. Leon

I'm still fairly new to Baitcasting and I have no problems casting 5" Senkos with a Shimano Chronarch 51Mg. While they are still available... you could probably pick up 2 MG 51s for the price of 1 JDM.

Thanks for all the info guys. GBlanks specialize in the rod configurations that I would like to try (cumara style). As I consider spending money that the Baitmonkey believes I have, I'm thinking RX8+ blank with Recoil guides would be a very cool setup.