Randy Price

Does anyone have the newer Shimano SLX A baitcaster and if so thoughts? I'm torn between it and the Daiwa Tatula even though the Daiwa is $ 40.00 more. Recommendations?

I agree with @PhishLI. None of my fishing buddies (I'm in a club with 60 guys) and only a couple of them pay any attention to anything on the 'net.

@Reel, I agree. I felt I had to try NRX+'s to see if the hype was real and it was but to me it wasn't really any better than the Legend Elites or Extreme's that I had been using. I mean no disrespect to other rod manufacturers. We are lucky to have so many good ones. I do really like G. Loomis and SC's rod warranties though. Hard to beat. I've heard Dobyn's is good too.

@roadwarrior, yes I agree. I have not even had the chance yet to try some of the rods you have mentioned. I wasn't trying to start a wizzing match, just stating my experiences. There are MANY great rods out there and I think people respond to them all differently. Best wishes, Randy

I mentioned this in an earlier thread. I'm not a rod expert or have a huge number but have learned that all of the higher end rods are amazing and the ROI really starts to get small after $ 300-400.00. The PODR really starts to kick in.

I know I'll get tarred and feathered for blasphemy for saying this BUT FROM MY EXPERIENCE, SC LE's are just as sensitive as the NRX+ and for less $$. Fire away.

@MiceNReets, no issues with SC whatsoever! I just watched too many Tactical Bassing videos and they're always praising the NRX+ so I had to buy a couple to see. IME, I do not feel any differences in sensitivity between the NRX+ and my Legend Elites. Build quality on the SC is superior to the G. Loomis/Shimano rods IMO and at a lower price. No, I'm not leaving SC. I visit their factory at least once a year and like the fact that they're American made and have an outstanding warranty.

This week I bought a spinning Expride and a casting Zodias rods. Didn't need them but purchased them used and thought they would be fun to try out.

Not too muddy the waters but have you looked at SC Legend Elite or Legend Xtreme?

Thanks @PBBrandonand @rangerjockey for the replies. I've been a SC rod guy for >25 years using them exclusively. However, I recently purchased a few G. Loomis rods and the two Shimano rods I was asking about. I'll have to try them out now that I have bought them to determine if I like them of not. The good news is that for what I bought them for I can sell them and not lose any $$ hopefully. I agree with @PBBrandon that SC has an incredible warranty and I too really like the fact that they are American made.

Guys, I have a chance to buy a Spinning 7 MF Expride A and a casting 72 MF Zodias A. I'm assuming the Expride would be comparable to the Avid/Legend Tournament line and the Zodias would be Comparable to a the Avid??? These rods are the older model but LN. Thanks, Randy

Getting the 843C MBR after several folks highly recommended it.

Guys, I'm considering purchasing a NRX+ 842C MBR as an "all purpose" rod. I have a Mojo Bass 71 MHF that I just purchased that I can use for heavier stuff. Those of you that have this rod how do you like it? The other option is a 903C MBR which I have heard is a great rod just a little to long for my personal preference, but if it's a better "all around rod" please let me know. Thanks again to @FishTank for all his advice!!

I grew up in central IL where CAT is king. My Dad worked at CAT for more than 40 years. Made good money and provided a nice middle class lifestyle for our family. I just assumed after HS I would go to work at CAT also but that was '83 and CAT and the economy were on the skids. Went to a jr. college trying to determine what I wanted to do. Tried some business classes but that wasn't my thing. I was always pretty good in Science so I studied Bio/Chem. Transferred my AS degree to a 4 year school and graduated with a BS in Chem/Bio. Worked in labs for a couple of years and then by accident got into environmental remediation. Been doing it for 34 years. Would love to retire but too young and insurance is a killer. Not what I thought I would do when in HS but not too many people do.

Thanks guys for the feedback!

@MiceNReets, thanks for the reply. I am a little surprised that no one has any experience with this rod on here. I generally like the longer rods that most guys recommend but transporting a rod over 6'10" in my Forester is kind of a pain unless I put it in the front seat.

No one? I searched the site prior to asking this question. Hasn't anyone used one?

Cabela's/BPS has the old model for sale for $ 100.00/w a old rod trade in. I was looking for an "all purpose" casting rod that would be easier to transport in my compact SUV. Have any of you guys used one? Thoughts?

I could and did for years. I use spinning gear so any 6-6- 70 MF rod with a 2500 Stradic will bring in most of the fish I try to catch.

I agree with @FishTank. Another minor gripe was the aluminum cap on the bottom of the grip. When holding the rod vertically it wanted to slide all over the place. Oher than that I think they are awesome.

I own/have owned several SC Legend Xtremes. Personally I can't tell the difference in sensitivity btwn it and a NRX+. I know others will disagree with me but that's just my experience. I also prefer the build quality of the SC over the Loomis as I'm not a fan of the recoil guides.

A 2500 Shimano Stella has always been on my wish list. I have a two Metanium's and they're nice enough for me. IMHO once you get past a certain price point for rods and reels the ROI gets so small I do not know if I could tell a difference at my age. My hands aren't as sensitive as they used to be so I may not feel a difference between a $ 400.00 rod and a $ 1,000.00 rod. I ran into this recently. I had my Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD field glasses out and a friend had a less expensive pair of Vortex Razors and I couldn't with my almost 60 YO eyes tell a difference. Now in fairness my Swaro's really shine in low light conditions and we didn't test them in that situation.

Thanks guys for all the replies. I purchased a 2500 Stradic FM.

I've always been primarily a Shimano guy but have purchased a few Daiwa spinning reels and liked them too. Between the Tatula MQ LT and The Stradic FM in a 2500 size spinning reel what would you guys recommend? I have a lot of experience with the older Stradics and it has been VERY positive but I read a few reviews where people were not happy with the FM model???

Does anyone know where this line falls in SC family? Is it between a LT and Elite? What SC grade is the blank?