Delaware Valley Tackle

You’re too hung up on the High Modulus aspect. Just because a blank isn’t marketed as HM doesn’t make it a dead stick. You’ve gotten some good suggestions. There are sooo many blank options nowadays I rarely if ever chop anything any more.

Sensitivity where the blank is concerned is a function of stiffness to weight ratio, hence the high modulus graphite. Next, the guide train should consist of the smallest lightest and least number of guides that will hold up to the application, pass connections and distribute stress correctly.

Ya NFC blanks are good but not head and shoulders above others if at all. The service hassles have turned me off completely. Only way I’ll build one is if the client supplies it.

There is no formula or rule of thumb and can’t be. Too many variables. Mainly, how you grip the rod. Moving your hand forward or back moves the fulcrum changing the balance feel. It’s 1000% personal preference. No right or wrong. I tend to hold a spinner with the stem between my ring and pinky finger, pretty much center mass of the reel so its weight makes little or no difference where balance is concerned. Same when palming a caster.

I’d go with felt as well.

M, MH etc are all subjective labels. If the rod loads, casts and sets the hook appropriately you’re good.

Email me what you’re looking for and I’ll don you a quote.

I don’t see how using a DC reel as a beginner does anything for the learning curve if you don’t thumb the spool or do so sparingly. I think you’re better off with the growing pains learning on a centrifugal reel then move on to a DC to maximize performance. I hear this a lot along with complaints of ceramic bearings being too loud. Curious if any of them are the same people.

PVC is the best but not at all cost effective for big shippers.

They’re good for the price. No problems. They are as advertised.

Ceramics are really only an advantage in specific applications like BFS and saltwater. A main advantage is ability to run dry. As for the noise, it’s a little overblown in my experience but to each his own. Unless they’re worn out, Shimano’s bearings are good and just need flushing and light oil.

Your spool is under filled. Spool it to just below the bevel and you’ll get better results. Keep in mind the rod has more to do with casting than anything else. Makes it loads correctly with the weight you’re throwing.

Odd, nylon mono is more elastic than fluoro. Fluoro is generally more vulnerable to weakening after stretching.

Just curious, what does “crapped out” mean re the PQ?

Number of bearing definitely does not make the reel. Quality bearings in key locations is much more important. Don’t get sucked in by high bearing count.

It’s all opinion. There’s no right or wrong. Personally I prefer the fast, soft tip. Try it and see.

The Lews, Revo and PQ are all built in the same factory and share tooling and many parts. Nothing inherently wrong with any of them. The PQ is a great bang for the buck on sale <$100. It will hold up fine if cared for at all.

They’re both well made. Comes down to features preference and deals. The PQ on sale is probably the biggest bang for the buck.

Order 1 size small and ream gently to perfect fit. I’d like to slide a foam arbor into the threaded barrel too. Your call.

Whoa. So sorry. Prayers from our family to yours.

In general I’d skew the budget toward a rod for “feel” techniques like plastics and jigs and toward the reel for moving baits like cranks etc. You don’t have to spend a lot.

If it does let me know.

Length, power and action are separate attributes that compliment but not necessarily affect one another. Which combination of the three suit your application and preference can only be determined by trial and error while other’s opinions may help narrow down options.

Darren, the binding is an easy fix. Hit me up when you’re ready.

Disregard the power rating for a second and look at the lure weight range. The sweet spot is usually near the mid range. Then think about the cover and how much power you’ll want in the butt. Look for something that’s fills both requirements regardless of the subjective label.