Kasrkin

Yeah, maybe I am weird. It’s a “feel” thing. the Bantam on the other hand, feels like a Brock Lesnar handshake.

I bought several 80s and 100s for around $100 shipped from Japan in 2024. There is a seller on eBay that has 80s in 6:1 for $119.99. The 80 is an absolute gem of a reel. Solid, tiny, huge spool capacity for such a small reel, and it launches light baits a country mile. The SLX and Curados are good reels, but feel plasticky and cheap to me. There are better more solid options for the price.

I’m the complete opposite haha. I don’t like cork grips.

I usually take out the side plate, grease the gears, and put a drop of oil on all the bearings.

I haven’t seen any videos breaking down this lineup. Is anyone fishing these?

The entire Tatula XT line is outstanding. Light, sensitive and tough. The only 2 exceptions would be the 7’3”H and 7’6”H models, which are too tip heavy for my liking. I own 5 XT sticks and use them interchangeably with my Rebs. The glass XTs are the real darlings of the line up. Incredibly light for a composite rod.

Every 3 months or so. I like fresh line.

What I wanna know is if we’ll ever get those new black label rods in the US. 6’3” frog rod. Sign me up.

I got my Zillion HD around a year ago for $275. For the money it’s hard to beat. the mag-z boost on that reel is my absolute favorite braking system ever. I hear the Bantam is pretty good too. But I just don’t like the flapper brakes

Pitching a 3/16oz t-rig on a flipping stick and big line with a big straight tail worm is hard to beat for me. least favorite: weightless anything. Flukes, senkos, etc. Don’t have the patience.

Zillion HD

The tatula 80 is an incredible reel for $120. It launches baits a country mile. I would pick it over the 70

I used to use KVD LC on fluorocarbon. I stopped using it some time ago and see no difference in line management.

I don’t ever want to fish a really nice rod, because I’m afraid I might like it. Most all my rods are under $200. I spend premium on reels, but rods I bang up too much to shell out $1000 for a rod that I’m gonna snap in half with my fat foot.

I think it all comes down to personal preference. I couldn’t really tell a difference in sensitivity with Sniper, but I also don’t own any high end rods or finesse fish. I live in 15lb-20lb FC 90% of the time