If I Ever paid that much for a reel and they told me to replace the pinion and drive gear every time I cleaned it. Well I would get banned if I said what I would tell them to do with the reel. I service all my spinning reels and have never run into this unless it was misaligned from factory. JMHO Wa...

I agree with the above statements. I have 5 Compre's and 4 Crucial's and love both. I do find the Crucial slightly lighter and much more sensitive. I think everyone has a different feel so how you would compare them might be a little different and think you would be very happy with either. Are they ...

I have to agree with Rjo. I just sold my last two Stradic's today and they were a year old. I have two Energy's and now four Catalyst Pti20's and they are just as good as the Stradic's, plus a lot cheaper. JMHO. I do love the Shimano rods,Three Crucial's and three Compre's.

Wayne

I have been using the Crucial 6'8" DS rod for a year now and love for SM. A very sensitive rod for the price,and nice when paired up with an Energy or Stradic.

Wayne

I used the Cabelas rod socks last year and won't go without them, no more tangles. Just make sure to get the large, my rods are all 6'6" and they work great.

Wayne

I'm with Lowmonte on this one and I own both.JMHO

Wayne

I got mine from Cabelas and love them, protects my Crucials and no more tangled rods in the rod locker.

Wayne

Go with the Sensation,Vanish is horrible on spinng reels,tried it last year. Used to use XL and XT now I use Sensation only for my spinning reels and some PowerPro in extreme situations.JMHO

Wayne

I Scotchgard mine every spring when getting the boat ready. Works for me and is great for not staining and easy clean up.

Wayne

Yes to all your questions. They work great for me, put them on my rods that are in the rod locker. I take them off as I use them in tourneys and out them back on at the end of the day,they really protect and save on the tangles especially when pre rigged. I got mine from Cabelas. I use the advanced ...

I agree mostly with Flippin, also don't forget rake and cup also are very important. Some of the new 4 blade props from P/T are proven out to be as fast on top end as the 3 blades. There is a lot of info out there on props and every boat likes something a little different. Just my thoughts.

Wayne

In that price range I would lean towards a Shimano Compre IM8.

Wayne

I have used the bobber stops for years and never had a problem and they don't damage the line and are easily adjusted by sliding up or down the line.JMHO

Wayne

I seen it advertised at 3.4 or 3.6 ozs.,forget which one. I picked up two yesterday and they are very nicely balanced. This series of rods could help Shimano get into the rod market a little better if they fish as good as they feel.JMHO

Wayne

I fish smallmouth tournys and trout and use the the PT 20 series in both the Catalyst and Energy with no problems. Also use the Pt 10 on my brook trout rod. Really think the Pt 30 would be overkill. I also use the 2500 Sahara (shimano) which compares with the PT 20. Hope this helps.JMHO