LAO162

If it sucked, it wouldn't be used as the benchmark in so many comparisons. It's a classic like a 1967 Camaro. Not the latest technology, but still does its job and fun to use. If it says 6#, breaks at 6# and doesn't have a lot of memory, it's working as advertised. That said, I don't use it anymore

OUCH!!! I was waiting for that one ;D

It's hard to go wrong with a Shimano. Enjoy

Why not two Chronarch MG50's while they're still available ;D ;D However, I do really feel sorry for you that you must decide between an aldebara, steez, or pixy Sound's like you can't lose, Leon

I agree that the rod & reel combination are the greatest factors in casting distance. But, I also think having a manageable line adds distance at the margin. Currently, I'm a big fan of Gamma Co-polymer (purple box).

I was allowed to take my Father's day gift out early. I've used it a couple times. It's the 5'6" MF Casting Cabela's XMLTi with the Recoil Guides. It's very light, but that may be due to how short it is. It's does not balancd at the reel seat, but it is not noticeably tip heavy because it is so light. I'm also using a Chronarch MG on the rod, so the combo feels like a feather. I believe (this) XMLTi is more sensitive than either my Crucial or HMG. The ticks are not more amplified but do feel more detailed. I think it is at least as sensitive than my 2 Techna AV's, or may be even more sensitive. It's newness my be skewing my perception, but this little combo puts a big smile on my face. I feel like I'm holding an ultra light rod, but I know I can handle a 4 pounder (assuming I ever hook into one ;D) Leon

Assuming you're not breaking at the knot.... #10 Gamma is very manageable on spinning gear, so it should be great on a casting reel. You really have to work to break it. (I get lots of snags fishing from the banks) If you're looking to be more stealthy than YZ-US #12, it may be the way to go. The "clear" actually appears to be fairly clear and not excessively milky or gray. With the buy 2 get 1 free rebate, the price isn't quite as painful...

Exceler in 2500 size has great line management. Few tangles and excellent casting distance. Not as smooth as the higher end Daiwas, but it will get the job done. The reels seem to get much heavier above the 2500 size. For bass, you probably do not need all of that extra capacity. Cheers

Sounds like a win / win situation. ;D ;D The worst case, sticking with the Tierra is still a great choice in my opinion. ;D

X2 I fish from the banks with limited access to attractive structure & cover. The difference between my "nice" reels and my value reel is often 25 feet or more on the cast. That is the difference between landing 10 feet in front of attractive structure or going 15 feet past it. Or, even landing 25 feet short. Plus, because I'm not always that successful, it's nice to have smooooth equipment that is a pleasure to use. It makes being skunked more enjoyable. ;D ;D I should disclose that I don't think it's always about having the most expensive reel, it's about having the right reel with the most suitable design & implementation

Think about what aspect of the Revo S you are trying to improve upon. If you like the breaking system and are satisfied with the performance, then why spend the extra $$. On the other hand, if you feel a need to upgrade why limit yourself to just Revo's? There's a lot of great reels out there. For instance, I've gotten used to a centrifugal breaking system so I'm not anxious to switch to magnetic breaks. However, I've gotten much better casting distance from centrifugal reels from 2 other manufacturers. Admittedly, their retail was twice as high

A different perspective... On the value side, you might consider the Cabela's XMLTi ($99) or XML ($89) drop shot rods while they are on clearance. General Purpose models are a few dollars less. I only have experience with the XMLTi 5'6" MF Casting rod that I got last week. So far I'm quite impressed. I believe it may be more sensitive than my Crucial and is at least, if not, more sensitive than my Techna AV's. Its newness may still be skewing my perception. However, using a weightless Senko I felt the fish bite before I saw the line move. I didn't believe it the first time, but it also happened again on the next two fish. Leon

This is where the discussion gets interesting for me I'm most concerned about the loops that develop deeper in the spool and may not be noticed after a cast. Where in the cast do these deep loops occur and what technique / brake systems are best for limiting them. I'm using centrifugal brake reels. Thanks!

When 6lb Yo-Zuri is your standard for light lines, almost all other thin lines will be unreliable in comparison ;D ;D ;D I didn't notice much difference in strength between 6lb Floroclear and 6lb Trilene XL (meaning both resulted in lots of lost baits ). I like CX Premium in 8lb as much as I like the 6lb Floroclear. However, I have a couple spools of 6lb Gamma ready next time I need to respool. I think Floroclear would appeal to old school anglers who like stealthy lines and who think it is sporting to play a fish rather than winch it in at warp speed. (like me until a couple years ago )

Floroclear is supposed to be about 10% stronger than CX Premium (per FAQ). I like the 12lb; it's pretty stealthy and at least as strong as 12lb mono. It's a little slippery, so you need to pay attention to your knots. To me, it's more manageable than Yo-Zuri UltraSoft (untreated) and gives much better casting distance. However, Yo-Zuri is significantly strong (and thicker & more visible). I just sprayed a spool of YZ-US with KVD L&L, so my opinion of it is subject to change

Currently, I favor Daiwa spinning reels. The Tierra (and evel Exceler) are great values. They have fantastic line distance and casting distance. I have not used the MG version of the Stradic, but FOR ME, the Tierra consistently outperforms my Stradic FH. The 1/2 oz. weight savings does not excite me as a reason for getting the MG (vs the standard Stradic). The Quantum (on paper) seems heavy to me. I did not want to throw a different brand into the mix because it was not part of the poll. Also, I had not used the particular models you asked about. However, I have used and respected Shimano reels for more than 25 years and my recent experience with Quantum has been positive. Unless you have extensive time on the water and have very specific needs, I believe you would be pleased with either of your selection (The point of my original post). Your choice here is to go with a classic like the Stradic or to take a chance as an early adopter. Cheers!

I abstained from voting because I have different biases when it comes to spinning reels However, I think I'd be very satisfied with either of your choices.

Length, Power & action depend upon you specific needs, but the obvious model choice is a Crucial I have a Crucial and it's very nice. Leon

Great information, thanks

I used the quick fires as a teen back in the '80's. I thought they were awesome. In hindsight, now I understand why I had trouble setting the hook. Sometimes it was almost a full rotation before the anti-reverse kicked in...

Just to add to the misinformation will any of the other Loomis clan members with ATC experience move over as well

I have not used YZ-US in#10 (so I cannot address it specifically). I have used it in #6 and #12. I did not care for the #6 on spinning gear due to twist that I did not get with other lines (my experience only ) I took a gamble and put #10 Gamma copoly on my Tierra 2500 this year. It is now my favorite line. In my experience, it is more manageable than YZ-US in #6 and is extremely strong. If I could use only one line for all situations, Gamma #10 would be my choice. However, it is expensive and tough to find. I've already saved several baits that would have been lost to other brands, so it has paid for itself. Do not try to pull snags free with your bare hands

For me a MF spinning rod works great for cranks within the lure rating. My MF rod (1/8 to 1/2) is a bit light for spinner baits in the 1/2 oz range. I use Daiwa Exceler & Tierra spinning reels. Personally, I prefer faster action rods, so I do not consider dedicated crank rods.

Muddy, where'd you dig this thread up? :) Even though I received confirmations at the checkout and by email, ultimately XML was out of stock. So, they sent my the reel without a rod... > After annoying about 5 idfferent Cabela's reps with calls, they finally took the whole order back on their dime. So, I never got to try the XML. However, that gave me the opportunity to try a Techna AV instead ;D I'm still intrigued by the XML, but I'm sure that by the time I have discretionary income (in a month or two), the clearance sale will be over Cheers! Leon

Great Bait, Great Value