7 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

I have a first generation CI4, had to retire it some years ago.  Started making noises, premature bail trip, the bail is bent so it feels out of balance and the line lay is rough but man I love that reel.  I liked the EVA knob wish they had kept it or offered it aftermarket.   

There are Yumeya knob that exact the same as stock one with EVA or Cork. I replace mine long time ago to regular shimano knob.

1 hour ago, mrpao said:

I'm a shimano fan boy but I think daiwa spinning reels look so much better. To me, most of shimano's current line up is ugly and heavy compared to my daiwas. I am a fan of the smaller daiwa LT reels. I only have 1000 and 2000 size reels in both shimano and daiwa.

My reels with the lowest start up inertia are my two stradic 1000ci4+ 5.0 gear ratio. Turning their handles require little effort.  My tatula 2000 LT is also very easy to turn. 

I want to try some JDM daiwas but I'm not crazy about their spool sizes. It seems most reels from Japan are shallow spool versions. I don't want a deep spool but don't want a shallow spool either. I wish more reels came with a medium depth spool.

Last time I looked at the models of Luvias reels offered there was a bunch of different combos offered.  Check out Digitaka.com find a reel you want and click the more info link to go the respective reels specs.... I was team shimano since the stradic FJs but Daiwa offers more for less $.  I would take my ballistic any day over my Ci4 FB.  I even prefer the overall feel of the Daiwas now.  6 months after getting my first LT I knew shimano had there work cut out.  I didn't buy an FL or preorder a vanford.  I got use my buddys FL and I wasn't blown away but I was impressed. Im sure the vanford will be solid but for a few more $ will get you a JDM Luvias.  I just got a 20 Metanium and IMHO The MQ and or CoreSolid body is the future and its no coincidence Daiwa and Shimano are just putting out designs in one type of reel respectively.  There has to be some kind of agreement between Shimano and Diawa, I would have loved to been a Japanese speaking fly on the wall at that meeting.  

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

There are Yumeya knob that exact the same as stock one with EVA or Cork. I replace mine long time ago to regular shimano knob.

TY, ill check it out. 

9 hours ago, mrpao said:

shimano's current line up is ugly and heavy

That’s exactly my problem with them. The more budget friendly Shimano’s and also some of the higher end ones, are ridiculously heavy to me. They’re smooth, rugged as hell, but just way too heavy. I find they completely throw off the balance on shorter, lighter powered rods. Since this thread was originally about the Fuego, let’s stay in that price range.  Say you want to to put a Nasci 2500 on a ML rig. Thats an 8.8 oz reel. Heavy. If we take a look at similarly priced competition (all between $80 and $100), it’s a different story: 

Fuego 2500: 7.2 oz

Pflueger Supreme 30: 7.5 oz 

Okuma Inspira 30: 7.4 oz 

Lews Mach Crush 20: 8.4 oz

Revo X 20: 7.7 oz

 

Yea, I concede that the Nasci has a sealed drag and other features which the competition do not have. This can be the reason it’s a little heavier but the features are not worth the extra weight in my opinion. For a spinning rod, a light and comfortable setup is key. You can repeat this test with the Sedona, Ultegra and so on...

 

 I tend to shy away from Shimano spinners because of this but I might drastically upgrade and drop the big bucks on the Vanford when it finally gets in shops here in Canada. I actually own a Sedona 2500 which is currently on a 7’2 M rig. I’m going to finish the season with them but come Black Friday or Boxing Day both rod and reel are being replaced. I’m really interested in the Fuego (hence why I’m closely following this thread), Pflueger Supreme and the President XT. I’m looking for something lighter than the Sedona or Nasci. Just doesn’t feel right throwing finesse baits on a clunky, heavy reel. 

18 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

Look on ebay, you can get them for about $80

hi Rusty

 

 i did check ebay, you must be referring the fuego at 80 dollars from china

42 minutes ago, Chet Cognigni said:

hi Rusty

 

 i did check ebay, you must be referring the fuego at 80 dollars from china

Before COVID, you could easily find them for under $80.  Now, most are selling for retail and some for more.   Wait until next year, I am hoping things get really cheap with much of the market saturated and companies fully stocked again.  

my son picked one up for me yesterday locally. he paid 88 bucks.

 

Chet

On ‎9‎/‎7‎/‎2020 at 10:16 AM, Chet Cognigni said:

hi Rusty

 

 i did check ebay, you must be referring the fuego at 80 dollars from china

Yup, that was the reel you inquired about in the OP.  My fault, I could have been more descriptive.  They often go lower, but you have to be Johnny on the spot to get one before they sell out.  

 

10 hours ago, Chet Cognigni said:

my son picked one up for me yesterday locally. he paid 88 bucks.

 

Chet

Hard to beat that price...Hope you like it, tight lines. 

On ‎9‎/‎7‎/‎2020 at 11:00 AM, Fishin Dad said:

Before COVID, you could easily find them for under $80.  Now, most are selling for retail and some for more.   Wait until next year, I am hoping things get really cheap with much of the market saturated and companies fully stocked again.  

Your absolutely right, everything took a jump in price.  I cant remember where but I heard someone say tackle sales were way up in March April and May.  With the demand being higher and availability/supply situation being uncertain prices took a jump.  I could believe that being the case,  with many people not working and fishing being one of the only activities you were permitted to do.  Its hard to say when everything will be back to normal.