Patrick Oliver

I have the rapid viper and swamp survivor. I find these rods are a big step up from the Orochi XX if that helps. The Rapid Viper is an interesting rod to say the least. I use it exclusively for mid sized crank-baits (up to 1/2oz). Its quite moderate in action so I can't see using if for anything that doesn't have small hooks. Too sloppy for a jerkbait unless its really small. With this this said, its amazing for square bills and other shallow crankbaits. I caught 2 PBs on this rod this past summer, a 21" smallmouth and a 52"musky. Both on a MB Sonicside in Secret Gill. I have several MB rods and the one thing that impresses me the most is how you tell what the bait is doing and how much power they have down low. The 3 models you list are all moderate action and I'd recommend getting all 3 :-). Otherwise, the Elseil and Bandersatch look to be quite close and you may want to feel them in your hand to decide. I wouldn't go over 1/2oz on the Rapid Viper and leave the moderate and deep divers for the higher powered rods.

Depends on the weight of the spinnerbait (pair it to the rod rating) personally I prefer a fast action baitcasting rod for SBs as the moderate action rods bend to deep to effectively set the large single hook.

P5 Flyssa gets my vote as its the only one on your list that I own. Beautiful and sensitive rod will abundant power down low (Megabass trait). I use the rod for a crazy number of techniques incl. hair jigs, finesse football jigs, small underspins, MB screw-heads and small swim-baits, drop-shot, unweighted plastics, and spybaits. I would also consider finesse rigs with weights below 1/8 oz if you do that sort of thing. That said i'm sure any of those rods would work for this as well, if its got an xfast tip it would work for strolling as well.

Sounds like a fun project :)_

Congrats! What are the specs? Engine and battery maintenance is important for trouble free use. I've had boats all my life so if you have any specific questions or would like to talk some things through pls send me a PM. Love to help!

Great suggestions everyone, thank you. Considering how old these are they do perform extremely well and I'd hate to replace them I have a few Mets and Bantams and they've got nothing on these. Cant see that there's a bent spool shaft, likely a bit of lube on the brake drum will do it as this is something ive never done.

I have 2 (Circa 2014?) Chronarchs (one std, one HG) on med/heave moderate action rods that I use for Crankbaits and Chatterbaits. They don't see a ton of use and they are regularly serviced. Also, I've upgraded the spool bearings a few years ago. Issue is that one of them started buzzing during a cast. I checked all the breaks (I have 2 turned on) to make sure nothing was stuck. Any ideas? TIA< P.