new2BC4bass

Same here. Paid south of $275 and was still a bit rich for me, but I gave in anyway. Glad I did. Very nice reel. Thanks for the link. The new Exsence definitely has a different braking system than my older model.

I feel bad that you had so much trouble with the reel. It takes some time to learn. More for some than others. I was in the "more" camp. Although I grew up using spinning reels, I enjoy using a baitcast reel much more than a spinning reel. I was 61 before learning how to use one. I still think if you could try a couple of my reels, you would do alright with a baitcast reel. However, I realize they aren't for everyone....even if I wish they were. My oldest grandson has no desire to try one. A brother-in-law that I fish with feels the same way. My daughter's ex-fiance only likes to use spincast reels. I offered to let him try one of my spinning combos, but he wasn't interested. On the other hand, my daughter started with spinning reels. She hasn't touched them since I bought her a baitcast outfit. To each his own. We like what we like. If using a baitcast reel takes the fun out of fishing, then I say forget about it. We are all out there to enjoy ourselves. I have a nine-to-five if I want to work.

I know I do.

I have a Gen1 STX. Have made some of my longest casts with it. Very good reels. I've read that the Gen2 reels were even better partly due to their dual braking. Gen1 is magnetic only. I switched to baitcast reels when I got back into fishing in '09. I have a few more than that.

As fishnkamp (a good guy ) said, many of us are willing to meet up with you for some one on one. It helps to know the area of the country you live in. I could supply an example of each of the reels I mentioned in my post for you to try. Plus a lot more. Heck, I could even bring a few different rods for you to try if you wished. I have no idea why someone mentioned that a Fast action wasn't good to learn on. A combo I haven't backlashed yet is an older Trion with 17# mono on a 6'10" HF. It was a backlashing machine when loaded with light braid on a MF rod. Some reels do better in different lure weight ranges. For me this reel does much better with a heavier weight. Of course a lot of that is due to my lack of skill.

I have zero experience with any KastKing reel. Therefore I have no idea how well their magnetic brakes work. I can suggest several reels that should help you to have fewer backlashes. Any Daiwa with 3D Magforce. These will be used reels in the T3 series. They were the first reels I ever used where I didn't need to apply thumb pressure somewhere in the cast. I have an older Shimano Exsence that is nearly impossible to backlash as long as you don't go below Max on the Max...Min setting. Max and any other setting need no thumb....and this is with loose spool tension. Even used the Exsence is expensive. Probably can find a T3 for $140 or less. There are a couple older gold colored Carbonlites for sale on another forum for $55. These have a dual braking system and can be set up to be almost backlash proof. I imagine most other dual brake reels are similar. An older Patriarch XT is another dual brake reel that would be a good choice. My last one cost me $65....it was a $250 reel when new. It is very important to know that you can't cast a baitcast rod like you are use to doing with your spinning rods. Smoothness is critical. Are you using a side arm roll cast? If not, I would highly suggest you do. It helps a lot to smooth out the rod reversal. Jerks here cause an immediate backlash if not very careful. Even for people use to a baitcast reel.

High praise indeed.

Thanks. Will check it out to see if there is anything local. Didn't know such a thing existed.

All the kids in those age groups should be able to handle spinning reels. I would go that way. Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock rods. The Berkley Cherrywood series is a pretty good rod for the money at about half the price of a Lightning. The Pflueger Trion is a good reel in its price range. I have no idea how good the Shimano Sienna might be, but is is $10 cheaper. Okuma makes two reels for $40. I know nothing about them, but the few Okuma reels I have (baitcast) are very good values. Based on ww2farmer's opinion of the Aird X baitcast rods, I'd be taking a look at the spinning models if you can come up with $55. I don't normally recommend an Ugly Stik, but it might be a good choice for the younger kids. Check FFO for rods and reels. Some very good deals can be had there. Especially when they run their buy one at regular price, get one 50% off sales...which happen more than once a year. This is 50% off asking price, not list. I got 2 Aetos casting rods ($199 list) for $75 + $37.50 plus tax and shipping). You don't get free shipping with this deal. Of course you may already be aware of how it works at FFO.

Too bad if they are gone. I have 3 of their Primmus reels. Really like them.

DVT is a site sponsor. You can contact Mike here: http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

I'm amazed you still have it. Mine probably got thrown away as soon as I got the spinning reel.

I wasn't enamored with the original Villains. My spinning model...okay, casting model...bad taste in mouth. However, the 2.0s seem to be another animal. Excellent reviews on TT. TW reviews also good. Picked one up, but fish outings this year has been few and far between so no comment on how it performs. Based on what I have read, I wouldn't mind having another Villain or two.

He probably did do a lot of research. Heck, even at my age I have come to the point where I seldom buy anything without first researching.....whether it is fishing gear, knife sharpener, portable heater or a dishwasher, etc.

Is there an article detailing the different kinds of DC systems Shimano uses and which reels get which system? A little research turned up I-DC5, 4x8 and I-DC+. I didn't see any specification for the new Curado DC. I would assume it is not as sophisticated as the others considering the price of the Curado DC. Although the Exsence DC is the saltwater version of the Antares DC, there apparently are some differences in the braking profiles. https://japantackle.com/reg0000217.html I have an older Exsence. I don't know what the differences are between it and the new one. Waiting to see comments from users. I know I really like mine the little I have had it out.

If worse comes to worse, send it to DVT.

I started at 5 with a cane pole. Next year my father got me a Mitchell 300 spinning reel. Had it for a good many years. No problem learning to use it. I'd like to say that any 6 year old should be able to step right into a spinning reel, but I know that wouldn't be the truth in all cases. Depends on the child. OP, I like my HMGs. It is not only a good rod for beginners but for anyone AFAIC. No experience with the Black Max, but I tend to think that the Daiwa Fuego CT would be a much better reel. I have seen them for less than $60 on ebay. Think lowest was $55 plus change.

I held off on Ambassadeur 2500C reels and lost on both.

Call Gary at the Tackle Trap. He can answer a lot of your questions.

I found some spacers a couple months ago when I was cleaning my desk. I'd have to measure them to make sure they are the right size. I originally made some so I could put a Presso spool in my Sol. I have some Teflon bar ends sitting under my desk. Plan on making a few spacers.....eventually....from them to see if that material will work. Unfortunately the company I work for didn't replace the other lathe programmer when he quit in June 2015. We have lost 6 people since a year ago last December. Five of them this year. None have been replaced. I'm the only guy left in the shop that currently can set up 4 of the lathes. As you probably can imagine, I am swamped all the time. We have 27 lathes and I am the only programmer. Plus I now spend a lot of time setting up. Don't know when I can get to run off another batch. Or if I'll ever get the time. If those spacers I found are the correct size, you are welcome to have a set or two...or three.

XXX is listed at .20mm (.0079 inch).

I should sell a few reels, but can't bring myself to do it. EDIT: This particular Alphas was for sale on at least two forums for a few days. You should have bought it if you were looking for a Purple Alphas.

Sounds like I need to invest in another one........................or two.

Rods: Vinnie B custom 7’ LF 1/16-3/8 oz. HM-SJ841-MHX blank Falcon Expert 6’9” L 1/16-3/8 oz. Phenix Recon2 7’1” MLF 1/8-1/2 oz. Unmentionable Black 6’10” MLF 1/8-3/8 oz. Abu Villain 2.0 6’10” ML-EF 1/8-1/2 oz. Crankin’ Stick 7’ MLF 1/16-1/2 oz. Reels, my initial selections: PXL Type R Airy Red- Ian tuned & upgraded, 7.2 gear Scorpion 4X4 SVS PX68L Sol- ABEC9 & Presso spool Purple Alphas- ABEC7 & 6.8 gear Additionally have an ET Smallmouth 6’10” MF 1/8-5/8 oz. Great rod. Other possible reel selections: TD-Z 105H (2)-Ian tuned, Curado 51E (2) one DVT tuned, one stock, stock Sol, stock Purple Alphas, Alphas F- Ian tuned and upgraded-6.8 gear, Carbonlite (2) gold ones-easily handle #5 Shad Raps, Ambassaduer Black Max 1600C (3) Helios Air is suppose to handle fairly light weights, but I haven’t tried any yet. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to select lines, pair combos, name lures. This post will self destruct in 5 seconds.

Quite often I fail. Hard to pass up such a deal. I need no more reels. Unfortunately I keep looking.....and occasionally buying.