Hey everyone,

 

 

I’m looking to get some new casting rods/reels (2k budget) I’m currently throwing mainly Cashion/Original pro qualifier reels.

Kistler is running 50% off and thinking of getting 5 helium rods for under a 1k. (I’ve read the posts here) what are your thoughts? 
 

For reels I’m thinking of:

Tatula, Slx and upgrading bearings and 1 high end reel. (Metanium mgl) 

 

Thanks for any reply 

 

 

Before you upgrade bearings, flush out the factory bearings and add a drop of good oil and see how you like them first.  I find factory bearings to be sufficient in most reels.  The only times I really recommend upgraded bearings is if you're running a surf fishing outfit where swinging for the fences is the norm or for fishing ultralight (see BFS).  Most reputable reels have decent bearings out of the factory in my experience.  Bearings can be an expensive black hole with diminishing returns.  Lord knows I've been down that road lol.

 

On the reel end, maybe consider a trio of Fuego CTs one each in the 6.3, 7.1, and 8.1 ratios.  That should cover all of your bases.  The Fuego CT is very similar to the Tatula CT but without the T-wing.  Some people love the T-wing but I find it too fiddly from a maintenance standpoint.  From there maybe add in an Alphas CT SV 70 for more finesse applications, then splurge on the one high end reel you want. 

Bit slow on the reply -
I have a stack of the kistlers and at 1/2 off they are amazing. I'd buy them again for sure.

Don't overlook the LMH version, it's a really nice rod.

And a stack of Tatula SV (2020's) - I have the 100, 150, last model tatulas, and HLC Elite and P/F Elite. 2020 SVs are my favorite of the bunch; someone on TT suggested the HLC version of the elite gets a few more yards. The elites are nice enough that peope are talking about selling off their higher-end reels because they are too close. But with a couple of exceptions (heavy baits on mod or mod/f tapers like the kistler FNR) I just really like how much margin for error I get with the tatulas... a bunch of the places I fish have regular 20+ MPH wind, so I need all the help I can get.

I'd avoid the Kistlers. I had bought them awhile back, and ended up selling them all.

 

The Tatula SV TWS are killer reels, and you can get them for less money right now.

 

What about Dobyns fury, get a bunch of em.

 

as for reels, look at the Curado ka and tatula sv. those two reels you could do anything.