NavyToad

Dobyns has some rods at 20-50% off. * https://dobynsrods.com/specials/?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_campaign=Dobyns_awr_sales&utm_content=all_sale_prospecting_engaged&utm_id=120239805162630504&utm_term=120246782261770504&fbclid=IwY2xjawSaWgVleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqzRD4kVfWHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7zN0ooFkXsXo-PakW9IAHBh59MHf-qOqkzdPJDgipwq3nkfAWnqBH7ChY5fw_aem_LN-AVUtppxOoqF7EvtTHSQ

Other than the considerable price difference I couldn't say without doing some research. The JDM Stradic at $150 is probably the best reel you'll find under $175. I have 2 or 3 JDM Caldias. I chose them over the Stradic - Shimano makes bicycle parts and I'll never get over it. LOL!

@Glenn The Baltimore Orioles and Colts were both World Champs in 1970. I had it great as a kid being a Baltimore fan.

JDM Stradic from Digitaka. https://www.digitaka.com Many people on the forum will vouch for them.

Hot. A miracle that I survived childhood. My parents actually allowed me to be outside all day long.

Whatever's in my pocket. I always carry a knife of some sort.

Heat index originated in 1979. Hmmmm. It's Summer and it's hot. As usual.

Right now I have more reels. Some deals I couldn't pass up and it's not like I'll never need them. Ask me next year and it might be the opposite.

I don't think there's an advantage in using one over the other. I'm right handed and I cast right, reel left. I bought my first bait caster at 40 and using a left handed bait caster was most natural for me after using spinning gear for 30 years. I don't give it much thought.

@throttleplate Spot on. We're fading fast. We might make the playoffs, but beyond that I think we're toast.

@JQ-92 100% legit.

@PhishLI I'll have to take a look at the spool bearings. I bought 2 Zillions over the winter and I'm not impressed. They're not bad, I just thought that they'd easily outshine my Lew's Custom Pros. I'll withhold final judgement for now. My Custom Pros are effortless and a pleasure to use - the best I've ever had.

LOL! I saw "dried fish" and knew it was you. I'm a big fan if dried squid.

Without Ray Scott most people would have never heard of Clunn, Martin, Brauer etc.... Rick Clunn Roland Martin KVD Ray Scott

It's not the reel. YouTube has videos on how to set up a bait caster. Forget side to side spool play and just adjust your brake for fall rate. Your brake adjustment will be different for 1oz than it is for 1/2oz. YouTube is a beginners friend with bait casters. Used to have to wait 'til Saturday morning for Denny Brauer to demonstrate on TV.