I have had plenty of time to think about what rod and reel would be best for this type of versatility. I have pretty much decided on a dobyns 766 micro guided rod and a shimano chronarch with a 7.0:1 gear ratio. I feel this combo with some heavy braid and a leader line would be ideal for flipping and punching heavy matts and throwing smaller swimbaits in the 1/2-2oz range.

I was hoping some of you dobyns and shimano users would have some thoughts on this setup? Even if you don't use these brands I want to know what you think of my decision. I feel its the best possible setup for the money and offers the versatility I am looking for to throw on a punching/flipping bait or a swimbait. I plan on waiting until black friday to buy this so I have a little more time to think about it and consider other options.

Some compromise will be necessary to cover those two applications with the same setup. If you lean more toward the punching I think you're on the right track. A 1/2 oz bait might not cast real well but the heavier ones should be ok. I don't think 11# of drag is a handicap at all but Revos do test out higher. If you like the Chronarch invest $8 in a Carbontex drag upgrade and run them dry.

I use a Curado E for jigs/punching. Never had a problem pulling fish out of slop. The Shimano drag is underrated.

If you like the Chronarch invest $8 in a Carbontex drag upgrade and run them dry.

That's exactly the set up I use. I have three of them, and they're fine with 40-65# drag. Want to make it even more powerful, add a Hawgtech handle.

The most drag power I've ever been able to get is out of a Zillion with a dry Carbontex upgrade. That said, I've never really needed more than the usual 8-10 lbs. most stock reels are capable of. I generally prefer smoothness and consistency, though punching milfoil and coontail on a short leash is one where I'll almost lock it down.

One of the main reasons I want to use a chronarch over an abu garcia right now is to try a reel I don't have already. I currently use an abu garcia premier 2nd gen and a lews tournament pro. I figured its time to try a shimano brand reel considering how closely similar my other two reels are. If I were to buy the carbontex drag washers to upgrade my shimano do any of you have a reliable website for that?

One of the main reasons I want to use a chronarch over an abu garcia right now is to try a reel I don't have already. I currently use an abu garcia premier 2nd gen and a lews tournament pro. I figured its time to try a shimano brand reel considering how closely similar my other two reels are. If I were to buy the carbontex drag washers to upgrade my shimano do any of you have a reliable website for that?

Smooth Drags: http://www.smoothdrag.com/

Delaware Valley Tackle: http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

Smooth Drags: http://www.smoothdrag.com/

Delaware Valley Tackle: http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

thank you!