anyone here have experience with it? i'm loving the idea of having the oversized handle and knobs for wrenching those bass out of thicker cover opposed to using the rod as much to do so

I have one that doubles as my frog reel. It is absolutely amazing. I can skip a frog or jig with ease and yet turn around and bomb a light frog with no backlash issues. I use 30# Power Pro on it year round. If I am jigging clearer water I will use 25# Shock Leader with an FG knot to the Power Pro. The reel has good power and the handles are addicting. 

 

It did develop a bit of a snarky attitude when I mounted it on an Expride rod, but after a few fish it calmed down and they get along really well. 

1 hour ago, Big Rick said:

I have one that doubles as my frog reel. It is absolutely amazing. I can skip a frog or jig with ease and yet turn around and bomb a light frog with no backlash issues. I use 30# Power Pro on it year round. If I am jigging clearer water I will use 25# Shock Leader with an FG knot to the Power Pro. The reel has good power and the handles are addicting. 

 

It did develop a bit of a snarky attitude when I mounted it on an Expride rod, but after a few fish it calmed down and they get along really well. 

awesome thank you for the info! i can't believe you allowed a daiwa and shimano to mingle you sly dog!

55 minutes ago, EWREX said:

awesome thank you for the info! i can't believe you allowed a daiwa and shimano to mingle you sly dog!

LOL! The Expride 7'3" HVY is an awesome frog rod and works really well with jigs too. I frog fish more than I jig fish and really like the ability to skip lighter frogs with the Tatula Elite F&P. Even though I made the terrible error of crossing brands they do pair really well together. 

I like mine. I really like the handle. Enough in fact, I am constantly checking Tackle Trap looking for more of them for my other reels.

 

Mine has 20# Tatsu on it. I cast it more than I pitch, because of where I fish. 

I have an Elite P/F, the handle is a standout and would buy more handles if they were in stock.

https://www.hawgtech.com
 

my preferred aftermarket handles

Have my P/F paired with a Dobyns Champ xp736 with 50 lb Seaguar Smackdown. Love the combo