Delaware Valley Tackle

No need to get so bogged down with the finer points initially. Fish it hard out of the box then have it serviced after a season. Load the spool with cheap 10 lb mono leaving room for 75 yards of braid. Skip the leader. Peel off 120' of line and put a piece of electrical tape around the spool. This will keep backlashes from getting too deep. Google the thumb pressure method of removing a backlash. Line ratings are useless on fresh water rods, ignore them (within common sense). Tie on a 3/4 oz weight or casting plug. Master light side arm lob casts progress to overhead and roll casts and pitches. Keep varying thumb pressure as the line feeds stopping the spool before touchdown. The goal is not "thumbless" casting, rather control and accuracy.

Whatever anecdotal evidence you may have witnessed or heard , cold has no affect on rods.

Awesome reels.

Any time.

Use a popscicle stick to scrape it off.

Only time will tell if the blank is compromised. That is the kind of thing that can raise Caine with a high modulus blank though.

Zero anti reverse is just marketing speak for anything with a roller clutch. Any back play is likely due to the fit of the roller sleeve on the main shaft. Normal and won't hurt a thing.

They don't. No harm in little extras even if it's just a confidence thing.

You can use straight braid too.

The drag has nothing to do with the AR or spool turning backwards. Likewise the weight of the bait has nothing to do with the AR. I think Reason was right, the reel has multiple issues.

Close tolerances and new lube. Nothing to worry about but if comparing will give you peace of mind no harm in it.

That's not indicative of anything, positive or negative. If it feels good cranking normally like you would fishing, you'll be fine.

Maybe I misinterpreted the comment and took offense at all Rod builders being classified as know it all. My main point was that CCS is intended to eliminate subjectivity. I think manufacturers prefer the subjectivity to aid in marketing.

On a more relevant note, don't confuse fast action with a stiff rod. That's the uniqueness of some of the blank suggestions.

"Know it all" rod builders huh? School that fool by pointing out that arguing CCS is like arguing inches or ounces, an objective measurement.

All the brand names are good. I have them here.

Just a Fluke. Replace it with an ABEC5 stainless after market and move on.

I'd try cleaning it in place first. Let us know how you make out.

Edit them together and present it as one episode. Common practice in fishing shows.

The aero seat is a favorite of mine. Standard uplocking also works well.

The nice thing about the MHX shooter blanks is that you get the short length without sacrificing any power by trimming. Whatever you choose needs to load well with your bait choices. If you're working with a builder doesn't he have recommendations?

I'm not sure. I know of him from several online platforms and doing business. Even if he's not registered here he's an avid angler who suffered a tragedy.

I just saw on Facebook that Clayton George has been severely injured in a work accident. Struck by a truck while operating a tow truck. If anyone has more info or is in contact with his family please pass along our well wishes. There's also a go fund me account

High end rods are often intended for "feel" presentations like jigs and plastics hence the fast actions

You need to have the origin tip that broke off. You're not going to be successful making a Frankenstein rod. If you have all the parts they can be successfully spliced but the material must be appropriate: low modulus and sanded thin enough to hold yet flex.