Oh, thanks guys! I didn't even know this was here.

Fast payment and communication if questions arise.

John is an excellent buyer.

I just took a few quick comparison pics for you. The AL version is a little heavier, but the weight difference may be offset when spooled because it holds less line. Another difference is that the aluminum version is drilled between the shaft and spool surface, which can be seen in 2 of these photos...

I just bought one from them a couple of weeks ago. They had to wait for shipment from the manufacturer, but it was only a couple of business days before it shipped. This was the aluminum version. The older MG version is getting more difficult to find.

Good to know. Thanks, Bantam!

If I order the Chronarch CI4+ spool assembly (BNT4651) from Shimano, will it come with the SVS Infinity brake assembly?

If not (or even if so), can the 4-brake SVS Infinity assembly be bought separately?

Thanks in advance.

I own a couple of Stradic CI4+ reels. Never had a problem, and the light weight is fantastic. I'll take my chances with 4' drops onto concrete.

Right there with you. I have an ALX Grind (7'10", Moderate, 1/4 - 1 1/4 ounce) for deep cranks. That leaves me needing a rod for long distance casting of lipless and mid-depth cranks. Preferrably something a little faster than a true moderate action, like the Dobyns 764 CB RM (with a little more pow...

to each their own Indeed. I'm in the camp that likes spending money and time researching/experimenting in order to improve my abilities, equipment, and the enjoyment of my fishing experience. For example, I change the spool bearings in all of my baitcasters to either OS7's or HH Airs. Been doing it...

I asked a similar question about that same rod over on BBC recently. Here's the response I received: When compared to the KLX Crank-Rip-Twitch, the 7'-6" Mark Rose series has a similar action at the tip (perhaps slightly stiffer) but the remainder of the blank to the handle is different. The blank i...

True, but that's model-dependent. The PP balances better than the EMTF and probably the Spec R also, by design. I have a couple of H3's that balance better than them all, but they're both shorter than 7'. In the past six months, I started testing the "table leg caps with quarters" technique to balan...

I had an EMTF. Sold it in favor of more Helium 3's. The XX rods are nice, but I was disappointed after reading all the glowing reviews. The EMTF (and, presumably, the DSR) line up more closely to the 4-power H3's. My EMTF weighed 5.9 ounces, and my 7'4" Helium 3 weighs 4.35 ounces. To my tastes, the...

Update: Got the Z Bone, mounted IP79R, swapped in PE Long Cast spool, loaded with 40 lb. Samurai, tied on 5" Swim Senko. No bites, but casted the 9 gram lure well enough for a rod with a 3/8 - 7/8 ounce lure rating. Took the Swim Senko off and dunked the hook in the water to wash salt off, and notic...

Customer service is a big turn off, even if they were as beautiful as an MB rod, I wouldn't buy one. Something that is always said when anyone brings up Kistler rods. I've bought about 20 Z Bones, H3's, and KLX's in the past year, most directly from Kistler. My experience with the customer service ...

See, my opinion is nearly the exact opposite. I really like their clean builds and simple styling. Part of that is because I prefer rods to be somewhat understated and complementary of the reel's aesthetics. Kind of like an engagement ring: the reel is the diamond, and the rod is the band. I especia...