T2DM

Nothing like a decent Bass on a new rod!

Shimano need to release a Bantam 300 or 400 for you big swimbait guys! I bet that would be cool.?

I'm with you on this one dude! I like the old "Quick Fire" thumb bar design...

I used to have 3 DC reels, now I only have 1 and I rarely use the darn thing. MGL reels are way better 99 percent of the time!

I'm a right-handed, but for some reason I'm just not comfortable with right hand reels...

Dobyn's 704C are typically a MH IMO so maybe a tad too heavy for weightless Senko?

I'm a long time Sunline user but I can't wait to try the new Mastiff when it becomes available.

I've been wanting to get the PA 7'2H for a while now but was wondering about what it's like in the real world, now that I have a pretty good idea of what it's like based on your input, I might go ahead and buy one. I currently have two of the 6'11M+ and I really like them a lot. I also have the Zodias 7'MH, I like it but can't stand the EVA handle.

I've had the same issue a while back with a Shimano Zodias 610M, sent it in for a warranty and an "expert" called me to inform me that there's nothing wrong with the rod, when I told him to whip it up and down to replicate the click noise, he claimed it's a normal "wear and tear." I was so disappointed; I didn't even argue, got the rod back and I can re produce the click noise pretty easy, went to Goodwill and donated the darn thing along with some Shimano rods that clicks but out of warranty. Bought an IMX PRO and guess what? it clicks too! I just don't put up with any of it anymore and I just keep sending them back for an exchange or refund. Hopefully Shimano take notice of these issues because it does exist! Here is an example @ 2:16

I think Shimano still keep them in stock cause I'm almost certain the current Chronarch MGL uses the same bearings. Both of my 17 scorpion DC came with those as well. BNT3627 for $16.26 a pop!...Yikes! Awesome bearings though...spins like forever. Edited: Nevermind Shimano changed the part number to 105C0 @ $6.75 a pop and made in Thailand now so maybe they are discontinued and currently out of stock. ereplacement parts also sells them but also out of stock.

They're the exact same reel seats, Dobyns just put those "Fish 2 Win" stickers on their rods, if you remove those, it'll say the exact same thing on the right "Quality Fuji Products". Mine came off and that's why I know. Those kinds are my favorite Reel seats though!!!

If money is no problem, then skip a few Shimano reels and just go Metanium B or Bantam A.

If you stay with Shimano then, I would think Vanford 1000 or 2000 (basically same body size just deeper spool for the 2000) would be the better choice IMO.

I am fully aware of the whole dry and lightly oiled AR-B, I was recommended by a trusted source to just run the AR-Bearing dry, and it didn't last (depending on the reel model) at least for me, if you ever open or disassembled a new out of the box Shimano reels you will notice that the internals are packed with some sort of grease all the way into the AR-B and you can never replicate the smoothness of a Shimano reels out of the box after a full teardown and cleaning, re-lube etc. Shimano seems to use some sort of grease from the factory that even Bantam1 can't explain, and Super Lube stuff is the closet I can compare to their factory grease. http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=29350&start=30 http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?t=39959 All my Bantam, Chronarch, Metanium, Curado MGL 70k in my arsenal all seems to be okay with just the Bantam 100 oil in the AR-B, but for some reason my 17 Scorpion DC AR-B do well with the Super Lube Oil and quite a bit noisy (squeaky) with the Bantam 100 oil for whatever reason. I also noticed that the Super Lube Oil seems to quiet down the AR-B on all of my reels including eggbeaters. I've cleaned and re-lubricated one of my Scorpion DC, then put it in a freezer to "simulate wintertime" and the AR-B never slip, will have to wait till this coming winter to see how the super lube lubricants really performs though. Just sharing my experience that's all...

Hey guys, Just been happy using these stuff and just want to share the experience. I hope it helps. From left to right: Grease for the gear set and sliding parts, Oil for the AR-B, Grease for Drag and Bantam 100 for spool bearings.

Another vote on the 1000 size.

Caught this plus a few using Mini Max with a Dobyns Kayden 714C. I really like it for Mini Max and Jackhammer. Specs on this rod does not make sense for chatter baits but it works really well for me. It's "fast action" but more of a mod fast MH action.

Jared Lintner went from Shimano/G Loomis Rods to Ritual Angling, not so sure why, this was a while back though.

Miravel does not have: Long Stroke Spool Worm Drive Oscilation One piece Bail Aero Wrap Micro Module Gear X-Protect S A-RB Cross Carbon Drag from 3000 and up on both or maybe 4000 and up on the Miravel??? MIRAVEL: MIRAVEL (shimano.com) ULTEGRA: ULTEGRA FC (shimano.com) Exsense BB: Exsense BB | Spinning (General Purpose) | Reels | Product Information | SHIMANO SHIMANO

I believe Ultegra FC is worm driven, any model below Ultegra isn't at least in USDM.

Yes, it does make a difference. For me anyway.

My 3000 kind of did the same thing when I first got it, I exchanged it for another one and it was the same thing so I figured it's just a new reel and I just need to use it and after using it for a while all the 'weird noise' went away. Mine now is so smooth I bought another one but in a 1000 size, exact same thing with my Vanford 3000. New reels need a little break-in period IMO.

I've read plenty of posts here that says, "Buy X-brand and get it over with". I only use Shimano for reels, Shimano rods and a few low-end Loomis and Dobyns and lately a pretty decent St Croix rod. I use them and I only share my experience with the products I use, Are my experiences with these products perfect? Heck No! I try the best I can to share or maybe recommend products based on my experience like most here do and I would never ever push someone to buy products I or someone likes just because it's what we use.

My bad Bro!