I did read this as well on another forum but since both reels are aluminum and aluminum alloys vary very little in terms of density I don't think it can explain the large difference in weight. Maybe a stronger alloy allowing extra machining? I'm not aware of a precedent for this in the Daiwa line-up...

The Ryoga 2020 is said to be 295 g (10.4 ounces) and the Pluton is 12 ounces (335 g or so). The only clear explanation I have found about this weight difference was from a Norwegian angling forum ( http://www.norwegen-angelforum.net/showthread.php/35299-Daiwa-Ryoga-vs-Pluton!-What-s-the-deal ) where...

I'd be curious to know how the JDM FW series compares to the FE.

Not sure if this is related but my Sahara reels have displayed a very similar problem consistently after about one year of use even though I routinely loosen the drag after fishing. Obviously the Vanquish should be a different reel altogether.

I think the primary goal of this aggressive policy is to boost Japanese domestic consumption by creating the modest inflation (2%) that most other countries always aim for but that Japan has been unable to attain through conventional policy (i.e. interest rates near zero). Believe it or not, deflati...

I find the PX-68 spool to be somewhat unforgiving in terms of line management (with very stiff line or very light lures), though not to the extent you describe. For 15 lbs Halo I use a PX-68 spool with the inductor fixed (thanks to e_bassfisher for the tip) and it works superbly.

I haven't tried the Boomerang tool. I have a somewhat similar retractable tool from Daiwa called Petit Riggor PS46S and I would rate it as OK, mostly because of how portable it is. But for ease of cutting I would have to go with the Owner or Snowpeak scissors available from TW and Japan Tackle, resp...

In stock for $209 at Japan Tackle. Thank God the Yen is going down in value It certainly looks great witout line but I'll let somebody else take the plunge. Most likely I will stick with my Pixy Finesse special and Curado 50 with avail spool. However, I will order an SV spool for my T3

For spinning I would get an older model (lighter and cheaper) Steez 2508 and buy an extra RCS 2506 or 2508 Air spool from Japan Tackle as spare. I can't really comment about the Stella and Certate, but the Sustain does not even come close to the Steez IMO. I'm sure the Stella is great but the older ...

Don't believe your eyes. That bait is junk!
Now can we talk about something else?

Thanks for all the comments. I feel more confident about the experiment now. I may have to eventually tweak my choice of FC finesse line (brand and lbs category) but for now I just hope to have enough time on the water to test the ones I already have in my possession.

I've had very few break offs fishing trout with 2 and 4 lbs Maxima Ultragreen and 4 lbs Berkley XL but I wonder if I should try my luck with similar caliber FC to (hopefully) increase depth of presentation with small crankbaits and microtubes. For the upcoming trout season I've purchased Toray super...

At first I thought this might be fused line fraying but this stuff is in fact a FC monofilament (or it's supposed to be). Wow! Hard to believe that junk like this could make it to market.

Steez in 6.3:1 ratio. For the weight, the refinement and the assortment of available spools. This reel can excel at almost everything in freshwater fishing (except musky).

The arguments I have been hearing from experienced and smart anglers on this forum about the advantages of FC for some techniques are persuasive. So it would indeed be misguided to label such people as fools. However, if Joe Sixpack out there (non-TT member presumably :lol: ) is stugling with major ...