QED

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful input. You've all pointed out some interesting decision variables. In the end, our personal decisions depend on how we assign weights to those decision variables so I'm going to continue using both pistol grips AND split grips, depending on use context.

The split grip absolutely has an advantage for casting distance and for hook setting leverage if you jam the proximal end against your torso. For UL/BFS fishing, I cast with one hand and palm the reel on retrieve, so I find the extra grip length (in the split grip case) superfluous and even unwieldy. But to each his/her own...

I took a LONG hiatus from fishing due to grad school and career stuff. When I restarted fishing earlier this year I found that the typical pistol grip handle had been displaced by longer split grip rod handles. I understand the benefits of the longer split grip handles for many use cases, but for UL/BFS I don't see the benefits. But the market has spoken. I'm having a custom UL casting rod built on an old Fenwick pistol grip casting handle. Is there a reason why the modern split grip handles are better for UL/BFS casting stuff?

Torque is τ = r × F (bolded variables denote vectors). Hard to see how having a handle closer to the reel centerline affects any practical torque effect on fishing rigs, if the reel configuration is in the normal range.

Just ordered some service parts which was a bit of a chore since this parts diagram doesn't seem to appear on Daiwa's public facing website. So if you need some routine maintenance parts, this will make it easier to order.

The build quality on the Stellas is exceptional and they are comprised of top quality materials, so they hold up well to use. Downside is that they are somewhat heavy for their respective form-factors. Oh, they are also a bit pricey! ?

Re: Aldebaran, seems like the 30/50 MGL were from 2018, so they are overdue for an update.

The 2021 steez ct sv tw has nosebleed high pricing and availability has been pushed back, so not an option right now. Available for pre-order but availability, in view of the current supply chain issues, might be problematic. My order was placed a month ago and was recently pushed out a month from the previous estimate.

Does anyone currently make a silent lipless crankbait in a <= 1/4oz version? A quick google search didn't show anything and my stash of old Cordell silent lipless crankbaits is running very low.

Just picked these up for $20, so now I'm fully stocked up on Rebel crankbaits! ?

I second the vote for the Lew's Custom Lite. 4.9 ounces!

Mid-priced is a vague term. Perhaps you might cite a price range. Compared to the newest 2021 Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW, you might consider the top-of-the-line Lew's casting reels to be "mid-priced."

Had to climb up a tree to obtain these. The notable thing about this discovery is that these are lures of the size and type that I would buy. Since these were hung up on a tree, the lures only suffered modest sun discoloring but otherwise are as new.

I am a big fan of the Aldebaran series, but make sure the form factor works for you, since these are pretty small reels. I fish mostly UL/BFS so I'm using Aldebaran BFS XG and MGL 30HG reels. Highly recommended if they work in your intended application.

There is more than one way to skin a cat (it's just an idiom, so PETA fans, go away). I prefer one hand casting techniques, especially in tight quarters, so using the casting hand forefinger works very well for me. If you want to stop the line, just press your finger against the spool lip.

You can do it. Just buy an appropriate practice plug and refine the technique in your yard. Like many things, once you get enough practice, it becomes part of your muscle memory and you can get some of the line control benefits of bait casting with your spinning rig. But since your control can be continuous with bait casting, whereas your control is once per line/spool revolution with spinning gear, the fine control is not as good as the case with bait casting gear.

Stella then. The other stuff isn't sufficiently better than the Vanfords to justify the prices.

High sticking a snag or hung up fish? Sorry to hear about the injury.

In the Shimano line, I like the Vanford series best for value and light weight. For context, I have 1000 and 2000/2500 form factor Vanford, Twin Power, and Stella FJ reels and use the Vanford most often. More specifically, the Vanford C2000HG (higher gear ratio) weighs 5.3oz and is a fabulous finesse reel. Haven't tried an Exsence, so I can't opine on that one. The Stellas are built with the precision of Swiss watches, but they aren't particularly light.

Kudos indeed. Even when we disagree, we aren't disagreeable. Thanks Glenn, et al.

The roll cast works with spinning gear too. Make sure you learn to feather the line with your forefinger to achieve the same results. Light/UL baits help with a relatively quiet presentation.

The SLP series is pretty compact and the form factor is similar to the 19 Steez CT SV. I have the Custom Lite SLP, the Pro Mg Lite LFS, and the Pro-Ti SLP. The two former reels are in the same weight class as the CT SV and are very good for their price points.

I bought these from the large auction site. Rebel sold so many that these don't command much if any of a premium. I still have some from my middle school days, but those have sentimental value that these don't have, so I'm happy to fish and possibly lose these.

Thanks, that's good to know. Right now, it doesn't appear to be the golden variety, but it is causing bad results regardless.

Update: An additional, fish die off factor can be algae toxicity: "More directly, fish can be killed by exposure to HAB toxins in the water, or in prey consumed by fish." https://hab.whoi.edu/impacts/impacts-wildlife/fish-kills/ Regardless of the dominant cause of fish die off, conditions will be tougher at Grant Lake.