QED

So why aren't the subject brakes called "inertial" or "centripetal" brakes? Centrifugal force is a fictitious force used in weird, non-inertial frames of reference and leads to un-rigorous mental models of how physics actually works. An explanation would take too long here but below are some concise references: https://www.britannica.com/science/centrifugal-force https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fictitious_force https://www.wired.com/2009/04/centripetal-vs-centrifugal-word-origins/ There, rant off - I feel better even though I'm sure no one else cares!

I second this recommendation. The Lew's Custom Lite can usually be found at a discount so it would only be a little over your $200 target. It is built in their super low profile (SLP) form-factor (which is very compact) and is very light. I have a bunch of high end Shimano and Daiwa casting reels and while brilliant (in the UK English sense), they suffer from the law of diminishing marginal returns.

It's like computer or other tech gear. Each product generation, there is something much improved. But for the moment, yes - I have enough.

Toray is among the top carbon fiber manufacturers. Google them.

Nebco/Blue Fox Vibrotail Minnow on a jig spinner. No longer made but sometimes available on the auction site(s). I'm a big fan of Beetle Spins, but these worked better for me in the SJ County delta system.

The Beetle Spin is a classic!

Practice plugs cost almost nothing and you can use them anywhere. No excuse for not practicing.

Wacky rigged 4" Senko, drop shot rigged Z-man TRD, and spinnerbaits. Then we had a toxic algae bloom and a possibly related fish die off at my nearest lake, so I haven't seen a bass since. But I did manage to catch a large bullfrog on a spinnerbait!

Sigh... Availability date at TW has been pushed back to 12/15 (from 12/1) so I'm no longer expecting to receive this by X-mas. This is the second date slip of which I am aware.

In the precision shooting disciplines we use the term "aim small, miss small" to express the same concept.

Silicone adhesives/fillers seal gaps well and typically are easily removed without incident.

Sincere question - does acetone work on cured epoxy?

Agree with @smallies regarding using the large auction site for obscure lures or lures out of production. I have had good results with all the major fishing tackle websites, so I just use the one that has the items that I am looking for in stock. Given the current supply chain issues, availability trumps pricing right now.

The snaps I use have a pound test rating, so I make sure that the snap exceeds my line test rating so that the snap doesn't become the weakest link. After that, I use the smallest size that works with lures that I plan to use. Again, I mostly use 0 and 00, so they are small enough not to be problematic, especially after you remove the split rings from the lures. If you throw baits like inline spinners, then you might need to use ball bearing snap swivels.

Snaps (i.e., just a snap such as a duo-lock without a swivel) on hard baits work great and allow you to even delete the split ring, if any. Plus the mass of the smaller snaps (e.g., 0 or 00) is probably less than a typical split ring, so no issue there, but much improved convenience in changing lures. I even switch between wacky rigs and drop shot rigs using a snap. No downside that I have observed.

Here in CA, we have literal Black Friday looting!

I've been fishing one for a while and in my opinion, it is a nice-to-have feature but not a must-have feature. YMMV.

I wouldn't worry about it. The CT SV TW has a similar dial placement. I took it apart and the dial has a spring loaded pin/detent system so it is unlikely to move as a result of accidental brushing.

I haven't had any issues with the 2019 CT SV TW XH at all and really like it. The new 2021 reel seems like more of a refinement rather than a major upgrade. Longer default handle and finer pitch gears that purportedly are smoother are the main improvements. I'll have to wait till Dec to do a hands-on comparison.

2021 Daiwa Steez CT SV TW. Pre-black Friday purchase but shipment has been delayed and I didn't want to lose my place in the queue. Subtle gearing improvements and possibly other stuff but I won't know till I fish it.

Thanks, didn't know that Bill Lewis brand made light/UL (1/4 and 1/8 oz) lipless crankbaits! Bought a few and will report back - maybe next season.

Reel weight and bearing technology have improved immensely on the high end, so if you are a tech buff, then the newer reels are pretty cool. In terms of basic functionality, old reels will work fine. In bike racing technology (my favorite pastime ahead of fishing), FEM developed carbon fiber frames and ceramic bearings have made notable improvements to the gear. There are similar gains to be had in fishing gear.

Since they appear to be a private company, they don't need to report financials and their financial health would be confidential information, so unless dealers/distributors/industry analyst, etc. can glean the information from publicly available sources, it's not helpful to speculate.

I like the Shimano Poison Adrena series due to the carbon monocoque handle and the exceptionally light weight. Although the PA series is the top of the US line, they have a couple of even higher end series in the JDM market, though those have cork handles. To get a decent selection of PA casting rods, one might have to purchase them from one of the JDM vendors. One of their BFS, ML, or M action rods could suit your purposes though it would likely have some compromises at one extreme of your cited use cases.

Daiwa Steez CT SV TW, either the current one or the soon-to-be-available 2021 version. Similar in form factor to your Aldebaran which you apparently like and a fairly low mass spool which works well for skipping. It's a brilliant reel. The Aldebaran BFS works well for skipping too. Skipping implies low mass spools and line length isn't an issue, so similar requirements to BFS. Or you could just get a lightweight spool and bearing upgrade and race out your existing reel...