The older and current Luvias models do have bushings that can be replaced with bearings to bring the bearing count up to the level of the Exist line. There will still be other differences but if price is a factor, they are great reels. Once you go to longer rods than the normal 4.5-5.5 foot UL rods,...

It does appear that the guys in OZ figured this out first but the USA guys weren't far behind.

Both of your choices will work for 1/16+, given correct rod, line and caster. Both will work better with a bearing upgrade. I have the Aldebaran BFS XG with upgraded bearings and a spool and casting 1/16 baits is a breeze.

With all due respect, you tell me you replaced 2 gear sets. Now, salt corrosion probably causes more gear replacement than anything I have witnessed. Gear replacement from wear is a rarity. You must fish more than just about anyone I deal with. If wear is the cause for replacement, polishing will mo...

I don't expect the reel manufacturers will confirm any of my thoughts but here goes. Aluminum gears may be cut from 7000 series alloys. That level of machining usually results in precision results with small tolerances. Gears, like these, have a half life measured in thousands of hours in continuous...

The new Saltiga 3500H weighs 455 grams. If you want power in a smaller package, look at the Morethan 3012H, weighs 280 grams.

Probably more about water color/clarity than other things. If you fish a body of water enough, the fish will tell you if the reflective nature of the line makes a difference. I always prefer green over other colors.

Look at a C2500. 2000 body paired with the 2500 rotor and spool.

You waited all of 25 minutes before you,...................... never mind.

Easy to do but not me.

Well, at least you ordered the one that is being discontinued and saved some money.

If you use light line, you are going to love it. Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding [IOS Factory] Line Roller Air & Line Roller Impact, those items are to improve the sensitivity of retrieving lure through line, especially when using 1 to 1.5Lb test line. Line Roller Impact is the advanced versio...

This question really comes down to your definition of ultralight and your choice of rod. Good mono in 4 pound test or less does NOT need a reel with a large OD spool. I use a Symetre 500 with Stroft 4 pound mono for big smallmouth.

I used to work on a bunch of SS700 and SS1300 reels. Tuning was simple bearing replacement/substitution, along with drag washers. As I recall, the knobs are held with rivets, so knob changes required finding suitable new knobs, popping the rivet, drilling and tapping for a custom shaft. Doable but n...

Beautiful fish. Line still sucks.

Not much difference on the spool sizes you are considering, so smaller stripper guides should be fine, as long as the spacing is correct. Shimano 1000/2000 reels have spool ODs of 42mm. 2500 are 46.5mm. Not familiar with most factory rods but my customs use Fuji KL-H 16s as strippers 16-18 inches fr...