STBen1215

There is a reason manufacturers make multiple multiple different models as the excel at different tasks. There is no need to sell the reels all for 1 model. The Bantam is an excellent heavy cover reel, where as the Curado K is a workhorse reel, and the Metanium DC serves a lighter duty reel due to its overall construction. As long as its the same brand setting the brakes will be identical. It's good that you are trying multiple different reels so you are getting practice with the centrifugal brakes, DC brakes, etc. You have excellent reels!

They feel nice!

OnThePotomac nailed it regarding oil. Different oil viscosity works better with different bearings. Shimano adds in Bantam oil as it was developed to be used with their bearings. While some may use gun oil it with success, there may be better options for optimal performance. Each oil Bantam oil (Shimano) and the 2 different Hedgehog Alchemy Oils I use were all designed for optimal performance in there bearings. Ultimately, it most important to oil and grease regularly.

Been very happy with Shimano. Only issue was a a/r bearing went out after years of use. Got it all fixed and happy. Shimano has top notch products and by no means do I think they have poor QC. I think its excellent product and quality control

I don't think Shimano has any more or less problems than anyone else. It's still manufacturing a fine tuned product. Things will happen...

Personal preference and recommendations doesn't mean the best. Giant difference. I never said they were liars. I'm saying they endorse products. They are being paid by a handful of companies to advertise and promote the sales of there product, which they seem to be doing a good job of. Fishing is a lot of promotion as you see with the pros of all levels pushing product. Me and my buddies could put a post saying the best rod of all time is a Cherrywood, but that doesn't make it true. You notice how the pros get caught claiming they won on a DT6 and someone will notice it's a completely different brand. You have to be careful on what you hear and not always believe it. Same for fishing, fish your strengths not what you heard is working. Moral of the story: Dont believe hype. Try a ton of different rods and find what feels right to you, not what people claim they like. Best of luck buddy

Absolutely not true. Because 2 youtubers use Dobyns means nothing about the rods. They also have G Loomis/Shimano/Daiwa rods as well. They get free product trust me in return for favorable publicity through their channel. This is not indicative of the quality of the product. I could pay them to say anything

I think you will be very happy. I think Garmin is the best in electronics in terms of customer service, value of units, and quality/performance of units. IMO the 73SV/93SV/etc is superior to the Helix units.

Garmin all day!!! I have the Force trolling motor, the Ultra 126 SV, and the 102SV. So user friendly, easier to operate, amazing picture quality, etc. Easily would buy again

Treble hooks baits mostly is what it was designed for. Crankbaits, topwater, jerkbaits, etc

MB Flatside Special, IMX 845 CBR are my two favorite. I think you'll be very happy.

Should be back around May, from what I have heard

Yikes, Lews……. Come back to Shimano or Daiwa.

I'm willing to bet it comes back to a warranty issue in terms of they want to insure the guide is properly reguided so it's not a reoccurring problem (then they would have to keep paying to provide more guides and ship them).

I'd be willing to bet its a AGS guide. Isn't it? They must have a logical reason. I have heard of them doing that. Daiwas customer service is good and there products are as well

IMO I'd take a look at Phenix, Shimano, Megabass.

Yes in most cases a longer rod would cast lighter lures better but it's also important to have a rods power (ML,M,MH,H,etc) and lure rating that its supportive of the intended bait. This both ensures great, long casts

Curado. Easier to sell and will likely arrive much quicker.

$299-$319 was achievable as the reel was 4-5 years old. Plus, people knew a new reel was coming. When it comes out, there won't be as good of deals.... I tried already hahahahaha. There will be a ton of demand for the reels. Over time and the reel has been out longer, prices will go down. It will be an awesome reel though

Definitely! ?

I'm going to have a full deck of them! Im going to buy them up lol

Bantam MGL as well. Sweet combo!

Legendary comment!!

Wanting a new rod. Haven't decided what rod yet

IMX Pro is a fine rod! Youll be happy with both. Follow your gut