My guess is $199 on the casting reel based on the STX frame with a carbon handle and bushings in the knobs to reduce the elusive bearing count.

PLEASE do not put the ALX braking system in that piece. That alone makes the reel drop by $100 as it is the worst braking system I have ever used.

My partner has one. It is a pretty nice reel. It feels solid (more solid than the Team Lew's anyway). It fishes similar to the Revo Rocket but it is noticeably lighter. The gears feel smoother too. I fished it a couple of times and would buy one at the right price (just not MSRP ha ha).

I got the Curado K and my partner has the SV Tatula.

I really like the Tatula platform and would never say anything bad about it. That said, the curado is better for cranking or moving baits. The SV kills it though on pitching or flipping. Take that for what it is worth. Both are solid, solid reels.

I would like more information on who is rolling their blanks. As far as I know, Purefishing does not have any US factories making rod blanks (I obviously could be wrong).

That said, the rod clearly states made in America, so I would like to know exactly where.

I am currently using a St. Croix Rage 7'6" MH Moderate for my chatterbait and so far so good.

I would like to upgrade this year to maybe a Dobyns 734 or 744.

More than likely Shimano has it listed as it's flagship. Gloomis is and will always be about the NRX. The name is a staple for sensitivity in the industry. Now Shimano has upped the game and made their name a home run in the rod game as well. My opinon obviously, but it sounds like a smart marketing...

Thing looks outstanding. I have the original type R and it has never let me down.

These have been out for some time now. How do they compare to the big boys in the rod game? The graphene technology is something to marvel.

I think they were to make room for the Tatula Elites with AGS. That doesn’t mean they won’t have some more released at the classic or Icast.

I am waiting eagerly!

I have several Dobyns and five Abu fantasista rods. I can say to go with the Dobyns. Both rods are good but the Donny’s just provides that something extra. Not sure what to call it, but it does feel more refined.

VMC finesse rugby jig is my go to.

I have the 7’2” moderate action for cranking. So far I love the action, and I really like the blank. It fishes comfortably and pairs nice with Curado E. I haven’t loaded a fish on it yet.

I actually prefer my Whopper Popper Rod to have some flex to it. I run a medium heavy cranking stick (Veritas).

I use the Ike Series 6'4" jerkbait special rod. It has a moderate action but is stiffer than your standard crankbait rod. I can throw a spook a mile with it.