Delaware Valley Tackle

I don’t see a 7108 but the other 8 powers are heavy jig blanks 3/8- 1 1/4 the ds721 is a good drop shot or all around finesse blank 661 is an ultralight

I experimented today with throwing a chatter bait on a Med mod fast cranking rod and it threw the bait as previously suggested it would. Hooksets were sluggish and it was difficult getting the traction needed to get the wobble started. I’d throw your chatter baits on a scale. A 3/8 plus blade, skirt and trailer you could be pushing 3/4.

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For sure. It’s vital that a rod load well with the weight to be cast. The sweet spot usually lies near the middle of the range. Keep in mind casting weighs are total weight not just the lead/jig. For example 1/8 jig with skirt, and trailer could be 3/8 or more actually weight. One more thing, slower action rods are incorrectly perceived to load better and have more power, the opposite is actually true but in a fast action the release must be near perfect. A slower action is more forgiving so if your timing is off slightly you won’t notice. If you have a well designed guide train, properly loaded rod, good form, light supple line, evenly and tightly spooled to just below the bevel on the rim you’ll get max distance and accuracy. Some baits are limited in casting distance by shape and weight. A wiffle ball will never fly as far as a baseball no matter how much force is applied.

Common Cents is a replacement for subjective terms not a definition of them. Rod ratings used by manufacturers are totally subjective with no industry standard or definition. The best way to get any understanding is to read the power rating and associated lure weight and line # ratings of different power rods from different manufacturers and models within manufacturers. Only with familiarity and experience will you begin to get any understanding. You’ll hear opinions of who makes a “true med Hvy” etc but there is no such thing.

The reduction guides are the typically 3-4 guides from the reel. The first and largest sometimes referred to the Stripper guide (technically a fly rod term but commonly applied in spinning). The size, height and spacing affect affect how well or poorly they tame the line coils coming off the reel. On a typical bass rod you want a stripper of 1/2 the diameter of the spool on the reel you’ll use spaces approximately 20” from the spool face with 2-3 gradually smaller guides leading to one size of runners out to the tip. A good custom build is substantially more technical but this gives you some trouble shooting back ground. The last thing you want is an old cone of flight system where every guide is graduated all the way out. Far outdated technology.

It’s the reduction guides on spinning rods that determines how well they cast , not the running guides in this case micros. Finesse spinning rods are a prime application for micros

Fwiw I’ll third Mick and Scott’s advice. Replacement is the preferred fix but nothing to lose by trying.

Yes, my reply is specific to the VSS. Measuring to the stem for other seats accomplishes the same thing in taking hand position into account.

Uplocking works great if you prefer a more forward grip and shorter butt. You don’t technically need any cork behind the seat. The nub at most. If you prefer a more rearward grip say with the stem between the pointer and middle finger, install down locking.

I had an archery pro shop but my bow in a vice and forgot to let the tension down. The bow exploded while I was watching. $*** happens. In my case the guy was embarrassed took an identical bow off the rack and said sorry brother, here ya go. I’d relay my experience to the manager in an fyi manner. If I’m him , you’ll leave happy or at least satisfied.

Just because they’re similar doesn’t mean they’re the same. NFC makes good blanks but they don’t have any magic. You can get as good or better elsewhere

Really guys? Lol I would have walked you through that fix for free.

Deep cleaning addresses 99 % of issues. If you get stuck contact me and I’ll help you troubleshoot.

If you’re treating yourself and want to explore a custom build, I’d be happy to talk with you. PM me here and I’ll get with you. Reel wise it’s hard to wrong in the top tier reels. I like the Zillion too.

I’m having some technical difficulties but they’re being worked out. Email is working phone is always an option. Please help me assure everyone that the site is safe once back up. Thanks everyone

You might be fine or experience some vibration or poor casting. Bend a staple to fabricate a clip. Easy hack

I’m not familiar with the exact features of those two off the top of my head. Look them both up and compare and see what’s of value to you personally. Any questions on what you see post back here

Thanks I’ll keep you in mind and reach out when I get an opening in the schedule. Likewise if I can do anything for you let me know. I’ve handle plenty of BFS reels in the shop and built some BFS rods. I’m trying to get a better feel for what’s most common among self proclaimed BFS anglers. So far it looks like 1/16-1/4 oz with 1/8 being most common.

A misconception about grease is that the thickness should be used to “fill” gears to make them feel smoother. In some cases this works short term but it only masks issues. Grease is merely a carrier. The actual lubrication is film thin. The soap or “thickener “ is just meant to keep the infused oil in place from falling out or flinging off. As for the OP, in a fishing reel, painting a film on contacts surfaces suffices in most situations. I use a craft brush trimmed short to be stiff. If the young man wants to contact me directly I don’t mind helping him out.

Revos are quality reels. You can typically get Lews or other Doyo variants at better prices or as suggested, wait for sales.

Those that are into BFS: what baits and weights are you throwing for bass and other species?

E replacement parts is 100% legit. I use them all the time

It’s fine to spool spinning reels straight off the filler spool but the line must come off the BOTTOM.

BFS is an enthusiast endeavor, practically speaking I don’t see a clear advantage over spinning tackle for finesse fishing. That said, fishing is supposed to be fun. That’s why I enjoy mastering all different types of tackle: spin, casting, center pin, fly, even spin cast. I see a BFS setup in my future for personal use and more for R&D for customer builds.