Gen 2 premier (6.2:1)with long carbon handle. Straight 30lb braid or sometimes i us 15-17lb sniper leader.

My go to jerkbaits consist of 110's, pointers, and the OSP rudras.

Look for a new lineup of megabass rods in the $200-$300 range.

what guides?

favorite are craw, ghost minnow, perch, firetiger, and sexy shad.

one companies MH can be anothers H, it is very hard to tell the action without testing it out.

i seldom buy rods without feeling it for this reason.

Sunline braid is the roundest and most durable braid i've used. I used FX2 for 2 years and got a bunch of SX1 to try in 2013.

i'd say NO. Although both gen 2 and 3 are dual casting the new gen 3 brake system is designed slightly differently.

I really like my Fenwick SMB 6'9" but i'd also look into the new Phoenix m1 in 6'9" ml.

Wow...For that price i'd maybe look at full custom rod.

90mm minimum! the longer the better, i prefer 90-100mm handles.

The 100 size reminds me of a Zillion in size when I've handled one. I have a Tierra which I agree is pretty big, and would opt for a Lexa 100 size given the choice. The 100 seems robust enough to handle most mainstream baits used for LM. My only question with the Lexa is long term durability since ...

Bling bling....

Revo Winch, lews speed spool, chronarch 200e5, or daiwa Lexa. All are good.

Beauty!!