FrogMann

Correct.The boat industry is the most interesting to me regarding innovation. 100%. Fish what you like, no company is the best. Different applications call for different tapers, so I fish about 5 different companies rods as they accommodate my preferences. I like G Loomis, Shimano, Daiwa, St Croix, Megabass. Support the companies you like (it doesn't have to be the one I like or your buddies like), it ensures they are around and continue to make the product you like so much. Fish on and support these great companies that love the thing you love.

Ultimately, the quantity of the rods you make is going to result in a lower cost of goods. For example, Shimano pays less than Irod, etc for components (cork, guides, reel seats, etc) due to there scale. Ultimately, the bigger companies have most of the advantage as they have more money for research and development, newest and most efficient machinery. However, smaller companies definitely have there place. What I will note is that just because that company has a price advantage doesn't mean they make the best product as that price, it just means they are capable of maintaining a price advantage at that price.

ALX doesn't make their own blanks either. So they are not a manufacturer. They source there blanks as well. Very few companies make blanks as it requires way too much capital. They source there components and assemble. Companies like Shimano, G Loomis, Phenix, St Croix (any blank manufacturer) have a way bigger advantage than the competition as they manufacture their own blanks in their rods thus keeping there cost of goods lower. For example if I don't manufacture my blanks I would approach a blank manufacturer (lets say and have to buy their blanks) thus the bigger companies make $ off of me, I have more cost in my rod. So, ultimately the big guys have a big advantage as they have scale so they can also purchase components in larger quantities.

Spec wise the Kage has more bearings and is smoother

Tatula Elite. I don't like the older model Aldebaran, the new one is much improved. Also, I prefer the Tatala Elite for that task.

Can't go wrong with either of them. DCs are great reels. I suggest getting one of each, if possible. You will be impressed

MBR and the Dobyns rods are very similar

Zodias wins with being lighterweight. However, the Evergreen has the cool factor. Both are sweet though

Expride!

Legend Xtremes are extremely nice. From my understanding it's the same blank with an upgraded guide train. We shall see though. Cant wait. Never had an issue with the SK2 reel seat either... Will be a great rod

No problem buddy lol. It happens to the best of us.

The rod is rated as a Heavy power, fast action. It's rated to 1 oz. Dobyns is known for a slightly more parabolic taper. Its an awesome versatile rod. Awesome rod

Curado K

The benefit to a jon boat is having multiple people capacity plus ability to have outboards. However, the kayak push is for real. Its one of those things that hard to understand until you do it

Hobie and Jackson are heard to beat. The others just don't look the same after comparing to the top dogs.

It will be worth it!!!!

Probably right. It all depends on how well the will sell. We will just have to wait and see

Titan Up! Hope Titans win the Superbowl! Fingers crossed

I can't recommend it enough!!If you are on the fence, get one and see how amazed you are. Amazing!

Recently bought a 6'7 ML Poison Adrena spinning rod. It came in today and all I can say is WOOOOOOW! Took it fishing this afternoon and couldn't put it down. Never have I been more pleased with a rod. So impressed I had to make a post as its among my favorite rods I have ever fished and it's not the most expensive rod I own, which speaks volumes to how well Shimano did with this rod. I have a Daiwa Ballistic LT on it and it's perfection! Highly recommend!

Bantam MGL. It was designed for your exact purpose. A 1 piece aluminum reel, brass gear that is ready for anything you throw at all. Will be a sweet combo!

Yes sir!!! Lol. Required under all fishing rule hahahaha. What reel are you looking at?

I tried to explain that its the monkey ?. Anyone else get this feeling? I NEED lol. Last month was new reel for dropshots. Anyone looking at anything new?

Baitmonkey is getting me on some new rods. I want some new ones but unsure of what rods yet. Anyone else going through the same and which rods are you wanting? My wife tells me I have issues lol....? Just love to fish like all of forum members so I figured y'all would understand lol.

Heard from my local shop the same as you. Said he heard a rumor is they weigh around the same as the previous model, so most likely the gears won't be brass as that would be a heavier reel. Overall, it will be an excellent reel. Can't wait to use them