SproDD79

I saw that, that's why I'm interested, but when they offer such a deep discount on a brand new reel, it makes me wonder why.

Looks like Six Gill is coming out with a new reel (Arrival) anyone have any insight or experience with their reels. I would be interested in the 5:5:1 lefty for cranking, if it's comfortable to palm while fishing. https://sixgillfishing.com/arrival-series-casting-reel/

Shimano Miravel , specs look good, but they are may not be readily available yet. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Miravel_Spinning_Reels/descpage-SMSR.html

Definitely one to consider in that price range, many models are currently out of stock at TW , but you should be able to find them on the internet. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_NASCI_FC_Spinning_Reel/descpage-SNFS.html

Thank you for the thorough review! I called St.Croix to inquire about the differences between cranking rods in the new Legend Tournament Bass. The rep on the phone was a very nice lady but didn't seem to know much about the rods, she kept putting me on hold to find out the differences, eventually the rep on the phone told me the 7'10 big cranker and the 7'10 mag cranker have no glass , they are graphite rods, I am interested to see how they compare to the power glass cranker.

I like low inches per turn(ipt) when it comes to cranking, much less tiring if your fishing all day. I use a Bantam PG 5:5:1 (23 ipt) for most of my cranking ,I have a Daiwa Catalina which is 4:9:1 which I throw really big cranks on. Good luck with the Zodias let's know how it works out.

AJs review is spot on, when it comes to cranking, personal preference plays a significant role. I personally do not like glass or composite rods for cranking, I like a graphite rod with moderate taper. Take a look at the Dobyns 805CB(non glass) its a great stick for cranking 3/4oz-1.25oz baits,

Take a look at the Curado 200K PG(5:1:1) also the previous generation Bantam PG (5:5:1) would be excellent candidates.

The NXS is a great crankbait. They are definitely getting harder to find, the Spro DD 60 isn't exactly the same but I like to throw the DD 60 when they are not fully committing the the NXS. Another good one, if you can get your hands on them, are DD 14s, Norman discontinued them ,but I have picked up quite a few from e bay. Looks like e bay has 2 lots of NXS cranks available. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=norman+nxs&_sacat=0

Uni and palomar knot, Alberto for braid to leader.

If that's for all three models, that is a considerable difference for the 6:2 and the 7:1. Thanks.

Anyone know the handle lengths for the US Bantam MGL A models, I found the info for the JDM models on the Shimano Japan site, but I want to know if there are any differences with the US models. I can't seem to find info on the handle lengths for the US models.

I just got this reel in the XG for heavy jigs in the junk, the infinity drive has definitely improved casting performance , thou I really don't need casting distance for throwing jigs in heavy grass. The previous model had the line guide positioned very close to the spool, this one has corrected that issue. I have two of the previous generation PG models, the line guide is close to the spool but it still casts 3/4oz and heavier crankbaits a country mile. If you are getting the reel for deep cranking you may want to consider the previous generation PG models. Looking forward to the rod report.

Will do, thanks!

I was not aware that J&H has the reels available to hold, next time I'm out there I will stop by. I think I'm going to pick up the Steez A, if I sell the Catalina, you will be the first to know, thanks again.

I'm looking to pick up a lefty cranking reel. I currently have a Catalina TW 100PL (4:9:1), it is a great reel for cranking, but its a little on the bulky side for my hand grip. I am considering picking up a 17 Steez A TW 1016L-CC (5:3:1), I am seeking info on the reel frame size/ergonomics, is the Steez A TW 1016L-CC a smaller profile than the Catalina in terms of griping the reel ? any info or feedback is appreciated, thanks in advance.

Diawa J Braid Grand, 3000 yards 30lb dark green $185 on Amazon. Looks like only 30lb test is on sale. https://www.amazon.com/J-BRAID-GRAND-000YDS-SPOOL-GREEN/dp/B07G8QXFF1/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=YYU6W0DJF2LU&keywords=j+braid+x8+grand+30lb+green+3000+yards&qid=1659550283&sprefix=j+braid+x8+grand+30lb+green+3000+yards%2Caps%2C54&sr=8-3

Berkley Ficker shad 1/2oz size gets them good on the troll. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Berkley_Flicker_Shad/descpage-BFSF.html?from=gshop&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JiXBhCFARIsAOSAKqA7ESug9aWGYjeix4UMoloWGjfnVv7SD4_gUsRYfiYAUnMvnAdjTCwaAtRUEALw_wcB

I can send in the logo section of the blank for $90 each, they will allow me to upgrade to another series as well. Before I decide to continue with them for cranking , I wanted to see what else is out there in regards to graphite cranking. The Imx pro cbr looks nice but I would like a shorter handle. I'm open to trying new rods, the Falcon Experts have me intrigued, I just need to confirm they are graphite blanks, it seems like the Falcon Cara deep runner is a graphite blank, I may go that way.

I have been using a Dobyns Champion 764CB and and 805cb for my cranking needs, I broke both of them in the rear trunk door. I have not had any positive experiences with glass or composite crankbait rods in the past, issues with weight and sensitivity, I would like to stay with graphite if possible. I was happy with the 764 and the 805, the 764 was excellent for light small profile deep divers and the 805 was great for deep divers in the 1oz range. I am open to trying something else in the non glass cranking family before making the decision to replace the 764 and the 805. Suggestions and or recommendations are appreciated, thanks in advance.

Gin and Tonic is my favorite drink. Tanqueray Ten is a winner, 1 part to 2 parts tonic works out just right. I find the secret is a good high quality tonic, I like Fever Tree Indian tonic water or Betty Buzz, instead of a lime I use a pink grapefruit, start by squeezing the grapefruit, making sure you have some nice chunks of pulp at the bottom of the glass before adding the gin and tonic, it is sublime(no pun intended).

Blue Fox Foxtail #4 is a winner for brown and green fish. https://www.rapala.com/blue-fox/spinners/classic-vibrax-foxtail/classic-vibrax-foxtail/Classic+Vibrax+Foxtail.html

I use the 18' Bantam 5:5:1 PG for cranking and find it is very ergonomic, I can crank with it all day with no hand straining, the extra weight is not an issue at all.

Shout out to DVT Mike, I sent him a reel that was giving me trouble, it came back casting better than when it was new. Looking forward to having Mike service future reels. Thanks again.

I did the see the clearance sale , but I want something 7 - 7'3 in length. Thanks for the heads up.