LAO162

Thanks Micro, that really helps me to position the TAS. I picked up the 6'0" HMG spinning rod this winter. but haven't used it yet. If it works well, the HMG triggerstik may be the route to go. Early on, I plan to use my new Chronarch MG on my 6'6" MH Techna. If I can live with the length, I may just go with the 6'6" MF. My main concern with the 6' M MF Triggerstiks is that I'm thinking plastics and would prefer a fast action. BTW, do you use a Browning Midas? I don't think about my much anymore because my father has pretty much adopted it as his own Anyhow, I really appreciate everyone's input. While I have enough functional equipment, I'm trying to narrow down the alternatives in case I come across an exceptional bargain the suits my needs. I'm finally learning that a great bargain does not necessarily mean money well spent. ;D

Thanks Cart7t, I hoped you would chime in. With some of Japanese offerings going up in price, and rods like AllStar and Powell moving down, I think the relative values in the $80 to $150 have shifted. For instance, the Crucial at $129 seemed like a better value that the Platinum at $149. With the flipflop in pricing, the AllStars are a lot more attractive. At $80 I can sneak a TAS into the family budget , but to consider options in the $120 to $150 range I need to save in a more disciplined manner My standard reference is the Fenwick Techna AV which I can usually find for about $150 or less. However, they don't offer a 6'0" MF casting option (only MM). I could probably live with the 6'6" MF which weighs <3.7 oz, but I'd like to go a bit shorter - hence AllStar consideration. To much information... Problem with analysts is we like to talk things out loud Leon

I'm looking to try a 6' casting rod. How much difference is there between the different levels of AllStar rods? I only have access to the "Dick's" versions for $59. Comparisons to common brands discussed on the forum would be helpful to understand, i.e BPS Extreme, Shimano Crucial etc. Thanks!!

I called Cabela's yesterday. They told me that the 6'2" MF and 6'6" MHF both weighed 4.8 oz. Does that sound about right? I was hoping they would weigh less. Thanks

This topic has been on my mind... Although my Crucial is very nice, it did not quite meet my admittedly high expectations in the sensitivity area. With the flip flops in pricing, Powell & the Crucial are priced similarly. I've been wondering if a Powell should be next on my to-try list.

Sounds like you're doing well. I'm still more comfortable casting side arm. However, you'll do even better with more experience. Practice changing the spool tension with different weights and you'll get even better distance & accuracy (and fewer backlashes ). I'm so accurate now that I can reach and hit the side of a barn from at least 25 feet away ;D It's fun learning.

That can be great news for patient value shoppers looking for closeouts. I had to wait too long for my most recent Shee-Man-O closeout

Sounds like bad news I'm used to seeing them my local Dick's, but last time I was there the GYBC section looked smaller... I'll have to look more closely next time. Was there a Kinami version?

If your getting adventuresome, and you have a combo for spinnerbaits & cranks, why not throw a topwater every so often. Last year it took me about 15 minutes to learn to "walk the dog" with a Rapala SkitterWalk. I found it made a great compliment to cranks. The SkitterWalk is often the first lure I throw in the morning. Because I fish mostly in shallow water, I like shallow diving cranks like Mann's Baby Minus 1 and Bandit Footloose. This year Spinnerbaits & Jigs will be my areas of concentration. Cheers

No confirmation from TW yet, but it looks like I'm hanging with the Shimano Posse again My last 3 reels were other brands, but it was too hard to pass on the Chronarch MG 50 from ***. Thanks to threads like this, I took the plunge as well ;D as part of my negotiations though, the baitmonkey has officially been deported back to banana land until 2010

I think "bargains" are simply a justification As I'm awaiting for the confirmation from TW for my just ordered Chronarch MG 51, I'm trying to figure out how I will use it this season. At this point I think the timing, availability of disposable income (rare in this economy), and a bargain were enough to let the baitmonkey out of the cage I think I hit the right balance in this instance

A point that is hard to dispute ;D ;D Once in a while I see VMC hooks on sale. It's good to know that they are getting a strong endorsement.

Thanks, one other question... Is the Crystal Minnow better as a jerkbait or on a more steady retrieve with occasional twitches.

Hi, My name is Leon and I'm a bargin shopper. :-/ That said, I'm trying to convince myself that I should not be purchasing new gear unless it is a significant upgrade from my current gear. For that reason, I'm asking questions this year for next year's purchases. I want to be prepared for next winter's holiday gift certificates and closeouts. However, if a see a very special bargain on gear I will try to negotiate with the family if it will result in an upgrade Although I have a couple BPS Extreme level rods, I don't regret purchasing them, because at the time I didn't have enough hands on experience to know what actions and powers I preferred. They were great for learning.

Wow, that's quite an endorsement. I've been thinking that the Powell Max might be the best value for my budget. I might have to save a bit longer

I just picked up a couple Floating Crystal Minnows (F8) while they were on clearance. I'm planning on using them in shallow water since X-Raps tend to get hung-up on the bottom where I frequently fish. Any tips on using the Crystal Minnows? Should I pick up more if I still find them at $3.97? Thanks

I'm also intrigued by the Cumara, but I did not see any at the show. I'd also like to try the new Dobyns, but since the company does not have a long track record yet, I'd be a little hesitant to pull the trigger. I do believe that Gary has the best intentions, though. At least with Daiwa, I'm comfortable that the firm will be around to meet the lifetime warranty. I think the Powell Max has been around long enough to prove it is reliable

Thanks, sounds like they're both winners

I finally had a chance to handle Powell & Zillion rods this weekend. I can definitely see the appeal of the Zillion. Very svelte & fashionable. On the other hand, the Powell seemed more blue collar, having a stout base and less gloss. However, it still felt great in my hand. A little pizazz is great, but I prefer function over form. When I'm in the market again, I'm thinking these may be alternative options to the Fenwick Techna AV's that I have been enjoying. For those who have used both Powell & Zillion rods, does the Zillion have any meaningful advantage in performance? Cheers! Leon

Sometimes you can find a Fenwick Techna AV <$150 (or even $<$130) or the HMG <$90 (or <$75). They are classics with lifetime warranties hand handle a wide range or lure weights (if you are looking for 1 rod to handle a lot of different duties).

#8 CX seems to be about the same diameter as #6 Flouroclear. The P-Line website says the Flouroclear is about 10% stronger. I would probably use #8 CX over #6 Flouroclear, but I cannot find CX locally. I think the CX is slightly more manageable that Flouroclear. Both are far more manageable than #6 Yo-Zuri UltraSoft, but neither is as strong. Leon

I think your hand travels further per turn, but there is no change at the spool.

IMHO #8 CX Premium doesn't seem as strong as #6 YZ-US, but it's a lot more manageable. Of these two CX is better for MY use.

Great Info, thanks for sharing

I think I stole my 1171 from Cabela's before Christmas I'm anxious to use it this spring. Although its larger than my Revo, I think it balances better on my 7' rod. Last year, I saw them in a number of places for $99.