okay its up on the Daiwa US page. $750 :shock: :crying: The line capacity is larger. 14lb/100yds. JDM is 12lb/80m. Maybe a deeper spool? Cant see it being wider... Wish the JDM had the US line capacity! I'm ok with the JDM line capacity. I'll be using braid, anyway. Heck, if it us as I suspect, 32m...

I ended up ordering AE Hybrids as I was very unhappy with the performance (freespin, feel choked off at the end of the cast throwing 1/4 oz stuff with braid) of the stock Alphas SV TW 800s ones and Hedgehog doesn’t have the right size for the one on the spool. Dry, the AE bearing itself spins forev...

Just got a Tatula 80 and picked up a cheap carbon handle with long EVA knobs. Reel and handle was like $130 total. Reminds me of a mini Zillion HD. https://i.ibb.co/Qnk9sFv/Screenshot-20240106-114446-Gallery.jpg https://i.ibb.co/hfJqJYf/Screenshot-20240106-114319-Gallery.jpg Sweet. The tat 80 is th...

The current Zillion HD spool holds 20 yds more of 14# line than the standard zillion spool. It is really special with 1/2 oz and up.

A Shimano Pro staff mentioned Ci4+ side plates on US version, both side plates or just palming side plate? Screws going into a handle side Ci4+ side plate is a big NO NO for me. It would be madness for them to abandon a practice that's 30+ yrs old. All the reels I've seen that have screws going int...

I'd say a good, old-fashioned magnifying glass and a bright flashlight would help. I use a small, lit magnifying glass with an articulating arm on my workbench now. My 50 yr old eyes just dont cooperate as well as they once did. Thanks Tim, I’ll give this a try. If you remember, this is the same ro...

I'd say a good, old-fashioned magnifying glass and a bright flashlight would help. I use a small, lit magnifying glass with an articulating arm on my workbench now. My 50 yr old eyes just dont cooperate as well as they once did.

A small can of aerosol anti-perspirant works great to waterproof flies(must contain an aluminum compound). It never washes off and is 100% hydrophobic. Aerosol silicone spray for tent waterproofing works well as a pre-treat, also.

Since you mentioned it above, I have and love love love my Gekkabijin X. It has quickly become my favorite eggbeater. I have it on a 2 pc ML rod that stays in the xterra. I've used it extensively, and I've caught some 4-6# fish with it. I have zero complaints, and it is still as smooth as day one. I...

Was always curious about this specific model. Watching for responses here.

So, in another thread I had asked whether the Dobyns Sierra 682c would make a good power bfs rod for finesse jigs, small paddle tails and T-rigs, mini-max 1/4 oz chatterbait, 1/4-ounce squarebill, Lucky Craft Pointer 65, etc. Mostly for small pond near me with light cover. Got one positive reply. R...

Update on the Dobyns Kaden 713: Loving it! Great all-rounder for lighter presentations. Definitely a fast action but still a soft-enough tip to load finesse jigs, mini-max chatterbait, small T-rigs, paddles tails. Best $80 I’ve spent in a long time. Same dude I bought it from now selling a Kaden 68...

They have looked like bankruptcy for at least a year now. Most stuff is discounted, but nothing is in stock, website hasn't been updated in over a year. I've been concerned myself, because I love their quality and consistency.

Lol @ Van!

That's a no for me. I hate gimmicks.