newapti5

Actually because I assumed the OP is an occasional fisherman, I suggested the Chronarch. Occasional fisherman doesn't have to buy half a dozen of the same reel like tournament fisherman does; usually one or two is enough. Why not save up and get the Chronarch so that you don't have to keep wondering "what if?" Regarding Chronarch MGL performance, it can cast almost as far as the last gen Metanium MGL, which was the pinnacle of Shimano casting performance before the new version came along. And it's not just the distance; it's also the range of lure weights it can handle. From 1/6oz Ned rig to 3/8oz jig with trailer, or 1/4oz to 3/4oz jerkbait, it can handle them all, WITHOUT changing much of the brake setting. My Chronarch brake setting is always set at 2 on 2, and that setting could pretty much handle all the above weights and lures. I only need to occasionally change the outside dial a bit when windy, but no need to open the side plate and change the brake shoes. Also the casting of Chronarch is very user-friendly and stable. I could pretty much cast the 1/6oz Ned rig thumb-free, and that is with 12lb fluoro. Not many reels can do that while still maintaining a great casting distance. Chronarch MGL is carbon frame + brass gears, and Curado 150 is aluminum frame + brass gears(?). Yet they have the same weight. I don't know how Shimano keeps the weight of Curado 150 down, maybe smaller frame? One of the reasons for Chronarch (and last gen Metanium) great casting performance, is the long distance between spool and line guide, which is made possible due to its larger size frame. Some may not like the bigger size; it's a trade-off no doubt. I am sure Curado 150 MGL is a great reel that performs, maybe as well as the Chronarch. But again, since the OP is probably only getting one reel, why not get the Chronarch so the bait monkey would shut up for a longer while.

I would go with the Chronarch MGL. Despite the carbon frame, it's really smooth thanks to the micro gear, and the casting performance is amazing without any upgrades. I don't have Curado 150 MGL, but the casting performance of Scorpion MGL 150, although impressive, is not as good and stable as the Chronarch. The only thing with Chronarch MGL is that it's a 5 years old reel. Pretty soon Shimano will probably push out a new version of it.

I'd suggest spend ~$200 on the rod, preferably a Shimano Expride 7'2 MH or a Dobyns Champion, and then spend the rest of budget to get a Tatula. There're many after market spool options for future Daiwa reels upgrades; for an extra $35 you can get a nice finesse spool.

Yeah, the 17 price bounced back up to ~$250. The 17 doesn't have micro gears, but it's still quite smooth. Regarding casting distance, Curado DC, 17 Scorpion, 21 Scorpion... I don't think they have much difference. Maybe a little, but not gonna have much realistic impact. DC reels are not about casting further, but having a more stable casting experience. For that much money, if you don't want the Scorpion, there's also this saltwater version Curado DC to consider:

I think I saw the 17 on Amazon Japan for ~$190? But that was a couple months ago. The prices on that site fluctuate greatly. Regarding the casting performance, it's interesting to know some feel it getting worse, because it should get better on paper. I only have the 17 version, but a YouTuber, Reeltest, did his own casting comparison between these two, and found no noticeable distance difference.

Yeah, for the prices right now, I would pick the Alphas as well. But after all, it's a JDM reel - no warranty. Some might want the USDM 80 or 70 version for that reason. Warranty or not, another reason for choosing the Alphas over the Tatula 80 or 70 is the overall quality of the reels. Even though a Fuego, a Tatula, and an Alphas don't feel much different at first, some quality differences are not so easy to discern. I used to have a Fuego CT, the line guide fell off during the first trip, I had to superglue it back.

Not trying to defend 13, but I've tried some 13's entry level reels, like the Origin C. It's not bad, not bad at all for that price.

To me, DC reels are a novelty thing. Once the excitement passed, it's not much different than other reels. Now I mostly just use my Scorpion DC for windy conditions. But if you do want to get on the DC wagon, I'd suggest the new 21 Scorpion DC. It has the same IDC-5 system, a MGL spool, and some other upgrades. It's not much more expensive than the 17 one.

Yeah, I guess we got our hopes too high. But Daiwa did occasionally present some value-packed quality reels, for example, the BG spinning reel. It should not affect the casting performance much, and I think even with one less bearing, the pinion gear is still relatively well supported as other Tatulas, especially given the light duty this reel is designed for. What I am trying to say is, it's still a great reel for its price, if you don't already have the Alphas.

It's ready for preorder at Amazon Japan.

A real fisherman buys both. But seriously, I would choose DC for a do-it-all setup. Despite the toughness and smoothness of 18 Bantam, it doesn't handle light lures that well. But the new 22 Bantam might.

If you don't mind lingering strong scents, JJ's Magic can change skirt color permanently. You dip the end of green pumpkin skirt into the pink color JJ's Magic, you get some nice orange tips.

Look to the right, the literal right. Siebert tungsten jigs are great choices with reasonable prices, no matter skirted jigs or jigheads.

7 is the new 6; the gear ratio is getting higher and higher everyday. Personally I still like the 6 gear ratio best - good for almost everything, but a 5 gear ratio is really fun and powerful. Congras on your upgrade!

Not many as far as I can see. Probably smaller knobs on the JDM version. Better spool(MGL III), frame(core solid body), line guide(cone shape), winding power(Infinity Drive), and tolerance; More bearing as well.

It'll probably have similar casting performance but cheaper price, and it has "Infinity Drive," which the Metanium doesn't have.

MGL III spool for better casting performance. Line guide is moved a bit forward like the Metanium, also for better casting performance. "Infinity Drive" that no one knows exactly what it is but somehow does increase the winding power, as much as "26%," Shimano proclaims. Also a darker paint job.

If you don't mind the CC accident last year, TW is doing a sneaky sales right now: a lot of things 25% off, including Steez CT SV, Steez Air, St.Croix rods....

It's mostly cosmetic and the "limited" name. That has always been what Daiwa does to their limited version reels.

From what I heard or observed, "soft tip" is usually associated with MH or H rods. You don't hear people talk about a ML rod with a soft tip. There's really no clear definition for what "soft tip" means, but I think people keep mentioning it and desiring it because you need a soft tip to 1. cast further; 2. cast more accurately; 3. properly set the hook; 4. keep the hooked fish pinned. For me, a broomstick with no soft tip is mostly for, like you said, flipping and pitching, when no casting is required and you're winching the fish back to the boat with force.

The 2022 new Pro Qualifier Reel looks interesting, but seems a little plastic-y. This series used to be the spotlighted product during the Spring Classic sale.

I like Keitech just as other guys, but I recently found this to be an effective alternative for smallies, especially if you want a bit tighter action in cold water.

As far as I know, it's the same. I like the fact that its viscosity is right in the middle, but it does dry up fast and require more frequent re-applying.

Here's what I have now for freshwater reels.