newapti5

Interesting. One of the model # is DOB-SWS703C, so, "Dobyns-Sportsman's Warehouse Sierra 703 Casting"?

Got this from email. I don't know if it is a promotion for every registered account or accounts that "invest" a lot, but it works on everything, including Megabass stuff. Placed an order yesterday with free shipping, and got it today; their shipping speed has been significantly improved, apparently.

A 34mm spool Daiwa reel could be so much more versatile than any single Shimano reel. We have 1025 spools, 1016, 1012, BFS, Mag-V, Mag-Z, SV, SV Boost... and tons of aftermarket spools. For all the 34mm spool platforms, IMO SV103 is the toughest and most durable.

Rod shipping cost from Japan could be a bit overwhelming. I once scored a $100 Shimano Expride, but had to pay $70 shipping.

Daiwa SV103, aka the TD-Zillion with a 34mm spool. I'd choose it over the new Zillion.

They are not. According to Shimano website, '20 Metanium is 12lb-100m. Spool size is the only difference between '20 and '23.

I used 18lb and 8lb Xplasma. The lines were super slick before the coating faded, but I did have some break-off, mostly due to abrasions. To compensate that, I'll need to either use a higher test # or check the line more often. As for the coating/color fading, I don't feel like it's faster than others.

I have been curious about Abu's new offering of their top tier low-profile casters, and finally got a JDM version of Zenon MG7 with a good price. This thing is super lightweight for sure, but the magnesium frame feels pretty sturdy. It doesn't have that usual hollow sense, and it's quite smooth out of the box. It's a general purpose reels with a 100 size spool, but the spool weigh only 9 gram with the bearing. Impressive, and a bit confusing to be honest. Haven't got inside of it yet, but I can see the pinion gear is finally dual supported with a bushing and a bearing, similar to Lew's so called P2 design. For $200 or below, I think this is a very solid reel, but for $300~350, it's a little overpriced.

The Aldebaran DC is the newest with MGL 4 spool, and the Aldebaran MGL is with a 30 size older MGL spool. They are for heavier lures compared to BFS, but their spools are still about 30-50 size, designed mostly for light lures. I mean, you can still use them for heavy lures like 1/2 oz jigs, but the whole line of Aldebaran is never meant to be general purpose reels. Antares is a different story. They are mostly general purpose reels, designed for heavy lures with 100-200 size spools, except the 19 Antares, which has a 70 size spool.

I mostly use Seaguar Blue Label and STS (very similar to Pounce but cheaper). For <15lb lines, Blue Label has a smaller diameter than STS, but STS is more abrasion resistant. Gold Label is superb in every aspect, but so is its price.

Out of the listed options, I'd take the Tatula as well. But may I suggest take the JDM used market route? It's much cheaper, even after shipping.

Don't forget to check the rod guide inserts, especially the tip guide. A damaged insert can shred the line quickly.

Duel Hardcore jerkbaits are one of my favorite as well. For $3 or $5, that's just an offer I can't refuse.

I have broken an Expert rod ("Hudson Special" I think) a few years back, while setting hook on a 2lb smallie. It was only a few month old, so I got a replacement for free. The replacement has been in good shape so far.

I have the "sensitive" version of a 7' MH Black Label. It's sensitive all right, but too stiff IMO, more like a H power rod ideal for 1oz lures.

Yep, my thought exactly. Not often enough!

I know it's an old model, but still, this is lowest price I've ever seen on KTF spools, which IMO is a hype I'd probably never understand.

I think the new Zillion would be a new design, ready in 27-28. They haven't milked out enough of the current Zillion yet - we have only seen a couple of variants. There'll probably be a limited version of current Zillion in 26 though, or a 10-speed one.

Yeah, you'll need to order the whole roller/AR bearing. The collar is very likely considered part of it. If you have no luck with Okuma, try Dream Tackle. I am pretty sure they use the same part.

Same thing with Apple products. When your products are good enough to dominate the market, you don't need other gimmicks for sales.

Not a sale, but what a bargain for right-handed baitcasters. A mint condition Daiwa Z for about $220 to-your-door after Buyee's coupon discount.

It could be the pinion bearing, as many "geary" feeling cases result from that. But it could also be other bearings. One of my Abu reels developed geary feeling because the small bearing at the bottom end of the main shaft went bad. Changing it fixed the problem. I also had a geary reel because the two ceramic hybrid spool bearings were worn out. Changing them back to SS bearings fixed the problem as well. And then of course I had some geary reels because of the gears were worn out, but IMO discolored gear grease doesn't necessarily mean the grease need to be changed or the gears have gone bad. I used to have new gear grease went dark right after several trips. Saying "I have a geary reel" is equivalent to saying "I heard noises from my car engine" to mechanics. There could be many reasons, so if the culprit couldn't be pinpointed, sending it to professionals like DVT here may be a good choice.

For that kind of budget, you can get the brand new Shimano Antares in Japan local shops. But I personally would take this opportunity to get a JDM rod or two, which normally cost an arm and a leg to ship.

The jighead is 1/4oz stand-up football head with 3/0 hook, ordered from eBay. The skirts are living rubber, and silicone skirts ordered from Aliexpress, which are not available to US market currently.

It's quite common for crawfish here have black/blue/green pumpkin color combination. Even if there aren't many baits with that combination, I'd definitely try to make some my own.