Most refined t3???

[ss30378]

I'm wanting to get another t3, I've only been exposed to the 1016 and ballistic variants and wasn't overly impressed with those. I hear high praises of the MX and sv t3 variants as well as the megabass versions but would like feedback on which one is the best out of the box? I'm sure africanbass can answer this one and hoping he will chime in. Thanks everyone!

[Silas]

I had the 1016, and like you, was not impressed.

Then I bought the red FX73SV and was REALLY impressed. A jewel of a reel and an effortless caster.

[Fishing4Fun]

Africanbass is quite the authority on all the flavors of the T3 platform. He would be a great source to ask. I believe he has various SV, MB, MX, and standard models of the reel and has done a few modifications to a few of them.

I have used the T3 1016 and T3 MX. I personally though I was getting better distance with 1016 while I thought the retrieve of the MX was a bit smoother.

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

For me, my T3 AIR was fantastic. I did mod it to accept an SV spool. I used it for T rigs and other light-is bass stuff. Super refined, connected and smooth. Too bad it was stolen among other possessions while I was in Orlando. I "replaced" it with a Steez SV TW 8.1.

[Hogsticker2]

I've owned a 1016, MX and FX68. AB says the FX68 / 73 is an MX with the MB bling. It did feel a tad more refined and connected than the MX. Of all 3, the 1016 felt like it had the tightest tolerances. . . Call me crazy. I literally just ordered a T3 SV today. It's going to be a project reel even though it's mint. I got plans baby. I hope, really hope it feels better than the MX did. We shall see.

[africanbass]

If I had to keep just one it would be the fx73sv
Then I would slip in a Mago when nobody was looking

[spencerinstl]

What about the T3 SV? It has 9 bearings vs the 7 bearings of the FX and the 6 bearings of the ballistic.

[africanbass]

The T3 SV is one of the few T3 variants I have never owned
Sure it's a good reel especially at the clearance prices available these days
The fx reels are missing the 4 bearings on the knobs,an easy upgrade
Manufacturers feel the overall reel weight is a bigger selling factor than bearing count
They new aluminum steez with its bearing less knobs is a great example
Add 4 bearings and suddenly the reel weighs over 7oz.....
The Ballistic does however lack a drive shaft bearing,this makes a considerable difference in my view
Level wind bearings however don't concern me at all.

[Cracker]

Love my FX68L and T3 SV, great distance casting reels.
You can add 5 bearings to FX68L and 3 bearings to T3 SV as I recall I did.

[LowRange]

Lets say a guy wants to smooth out and shut up a Balistic before it becomes a door stop. What parts should I be looking at geting?

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

Lets say a guy wants to smooth out and shut up a Balistic before it becomes a door stop. What parts should I be looking at geting?

I had a Ballistic. I really liked it. I added bearings everywhere bearings can go. I also added a shim under the drive shaft as well to tighten it up. That reel was super connected and smooth. Too bad it got jacked.

[LowRange]

Mine sounds like some one poured sand into it. Been that way since day one. I assumed they were all like that based on what I have heard.

[africanbass]

Lets say a guy wants to smooth out and shut up a Balistic before it becomes a door stop. What parts should I be looking at geting?

Have 2 of the limited Aussie ballistics that got the treatment,
MX gear set
MX drive shaft /with bearing
Dump the heavy handle /knobs

This sorts it out mechanically,and lightens it up substantially
A 1016 spool can be added as a finishing touch
If you are crazy swept carbon,zaion star and hedgehog ccc

[ss30378]

Are the ballistic and mx gears different?

[africanbass]

Are the ballistic and mx gears different?

Yes,that's the main difference
The mx and 1016 have digigears,I presume the quality/tolerances are better
The Ballistic also has the heavy brass drive shaft
They rest have the significantly lighter composite drive shaft (plus bearing rather than bushing as seen in the Ballistic)