new2BC4bass

6.3:1, 7.1:1, 8.1:1 in both LH and RH. 12/150, 14/125. Since it isn't an SV, and is more than $100, I am going to assume it has Magforce Z braking although the Daiwa website only mentions 'Magforce cast control' so maybe it isn't Magforce Z. BTW, TackleWarehouse is a good place to start at when looking for information like above. Can also find reviews on many of the products they sell.

I think many under-rated the TD Fuego....other than those that actually fished one. Given a choice of the same reel with a T-Wing or without it, I'd chose the one without the T-Wing. The TD Sol was out at the same time and seemed to be preferred over the Fuego. I have 2 of the Sol reels, but for some reason prefer my other Alphas reels. Can't pinpoint a reason why.

As Mr. Bricker said 'original'. The TD Fuego mentioned in the post above yours was the original Fuego and listed for $229.95. The later Fuego CT listed for $99.99. I haven't touched a CT, but had 3 of the TD ones before giving one to a brother. Purchased 2 new ones on closeout in March, 2009. Lovely reels. Won't be selling or giving away the two I have left.

As I mentioned....I don't recall what he did to the reel. I have the information in a file on my laptop that I haven't been able to use for about two years now. I do remember his mentioning working on (or changing?) the spring to reduce braking force. I don't think it was the brake causing the backlashes/overruns. I doubt the glue lost its effect on a brand new reel. EDIT: This happened from the first time I used the reel.

Was a brand new reel. Ian went through it for me. Forget what all he did. One of the things he did was reduce the braking force. It's a fine reel now.

Nor am I. Have braid on 3 spinning reels. 30# on my MH rod ain't bad, but I prefer mono/co-polymer otherwise. Guess I'm one of the very few that feels like I get better distance with mono/co-polymer with the light lines I normally use on spinning rods. Also not a fan of small guides on spinning rods. Returned two to Cabela's and brought casting rods home. I like braid in the nasty stuff. In open water, I prefer something else.

Absolutely adequate. Loved the TD-Z 105H. Bought 2 more. Have 3 of the Purple Alphas reels, a Type F and an SV105 (which I sent out as it backlashed too easy). Use my Pixies. My Curado 201E7 is on a dedicated frog rod. The Chronarch 100B is a great caster as are the TD-X and TD-Z reels. Who doesn't like the TD Fuego? Two old gold colored Carbonlites were used to learn casting a #5 Shad Rap. The Ambassadeur Black Max 1600C series reels aren't the tightest, smoothest reels on the block, but are a lot of fun to use. They do great with lighter lures in the wind. I've already mentioned a few other reels. I don't think I'd miss a thing if I had to stick with my older reels. I don't see myself learning to skip as a shore fisherman, so an SV spool isn't an absolute necessity for me. However, I do have an older SV105, or an older Exsence DC, should I want to learn. No need for a new reel for that technique.

Bought a custom jig rod and the reel the seller used with it. I figure if the TDX 103H Airmetal was good enough for him, then it's good enough for me.

The two original reels were tested by TT. The Type R has a lighter spool so it should be able to cast lighter baits and casting distance should be better. They were able to cast down to 1/8 oz. with the regular reel. Same for the Type R although casting was a bit easier. Distance about the same. They didn't feel real world results were worth the extra money. I have both but have never made a side-by-side comparison. I agree you might want to look at the JDM reels. Prices on them are great right now. Not used a new Alphas, but love my old ones. I assume the new ones are even better.

I have 10 different brands. Eleven if you add in spinning, and 13 if you count fly reels. My cheapest baitcast reel is a Daiwa Procaster 100HN on closeout. $69.95 new...$30 on closeout. I've never paid full price. I don't agree with Abu is overpriced either. Love my Helios Air and Primmus HS Xi reels. None of my reels see heavy use (and unlikely to) so I can't speak about longevity after heavy usage. My old Trion with 17# mono on a 6'10" HF casts great. No backlashes since spooling this line and moving it to that rod. DVT deep cleaned it and made the suggestion about using heavier line. Whenever I visited Florida, it took time and minor adjustments to re-dial my reels in. All except the Primmus. Even my Curado 201E7 required minor adjusting. That's because I went from casting standing up with no one around to casting from a Ghenoe with my B-I-L. Casting stroke had to be adjusted in the boat. Took a little time (and patience) to smooth it out. Some of my longest casts have been made with a Gen1 STX. The Helios Air and Primmus also get excellent distance. The 50th Anniversary Zillion (with 12# Elite) on a Zillion 7'6" HF rod casting a 3/4 oz. spinnerbait ain't too shabby either. I am slightly biased towards Daiwa...both in casting and spinning. Most of my spinning reels are Daiwa and almost half my casting reels are Daiwa.

Congratulations. I am sure you will enjoy both. Good fishing.

Vast majority of my reels are OG. Morrum Mag SX 1600 series Revo STXL and Premier Gold Carbonlites Pflueger Trion and Patriarch XTs Shimano Curado 51Es and 201E7, Chronarch 101A and 100B, Scorpion 1001 4x4 SVS, Exsence DC Lew's Tournament Pro Concept A Helios Air TDXs, TDZs, Tatulas, Alphas, Pixies, T3s, Steez, Zillions, TD Fuegos, Sols, Prodigy (Daiwa), Procaster Pinnacle Primmus HS Xi (plural) I like um all. Haven't used my TDS in some time as I prefer a thumb bar. Reel casts great, tho. OP. Are you suffering from cabin fever?

No. But I believe in certain lures. Living in Florida, I will never be without a rod with a 10 or 10.5 inch weightless ribbontail tied on. Normally in Junebug, but black is okay, too.

Normally I would have agreed with you....but believe it or not, there comes a point when you realize you have too many choices. You can spend more time deciding on what to take than the amount of time you spend on the water. OP, I grew up on spinning. Once I tried a baitcast reel, I didn't want to go back. I say give it a shot. You might wind up loving it. I picked up finesse spools for a Steez, Pixy, and Alphas. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't tried one yet. Although I retired to Florida about 2 years ago, I haven't been fishing in months.

Nope, but I have a Limited Edition OG Tatula (Type R? Don't remember). Beautiful red. Only been out of the box to look at. Getting reels painted is a rabbit hole I don't want to go down.

I broke an original Expert. Totally my fault as I fell face first in a rock pile. I called Falcon and told them about it. They sent me a new Cara (Experts were out of production) for $80. I feel this was above and beyond their responsibility.

Don't own one (too pricy), but from what I read, the Expride is a great rod even above its price. I'm a fan of Falcon rods. Also like my Fenwicks, but have nothing below the HMG and mine are older models. At the $300 price point, you might want to also look at Kistler Helium rods I'm interested in what suggestions you will get. You have a wide open field given your price range.

None of my reels see heavy use. I have both of these reels. The Helios has seen less use. Not because of anything to do with the reel itself. I kept purchasing rods and reels to keep my interest up enough to avoid quitting again. I've used my Helios Air more and it is one of my favorites. here is a review of the Helios rod and reel. https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/okuma-helios-reel-rod.html

I put together an inexpensive casting combo for my oldest grandson to learn on. He wouldn't even try it, so I delegated it for short range spinnerbaits. It's a 6' MH Lightning. A 1/2 oz. with Colorado blade is a bear to fish. I'd rather use one of my 7' rods. Very hard on the wrist with the whole rod shaking.

I've bought a few reels from Aliexpress and a couple other Japanese sites. All reels were legitimate.

Immediately noticed, but you read it before me. Outright blasphemy. OP, let us know how it works out. I have 2 older Exsence DC reels, but my plans are to use them on MH or Heavy rods. What line will you be using? Took my first one on one of my visits to Florida. As long as I didn't put it on a number below max braking (5, I think), it never backlashed regardless of which other setting it was on. MH rod, 12# AN40 or Siege. Forget which. Spool set loose.

Did you offer the Bait Monkey a room of his own?

I'm not fond of spooling a reel. Among other things, kills IPR.

And who doesn't like bling?

I've standardized on 12# line for MH rods, and 8# for Medium and ML casting rods. I have 17# mono on one Heavy casting rod. Obviously braid doesn't follow this rule. 8# is the heaviest on spinning except for my one MH rod where I use 30# braid. I dislike stringing a rod at home. Forget about it on a boat. Even as a shore fisherman (now) I would dislike string a rod at the lake. I load up what rods/lures I plan on fishing that day. I don't get out much, so I prefer switching rods even though it might mean a walk back to the car. Rarely carry more than 2 with me while walking the shore. More in the car, tho. Leaders? Almost never except for thin braid if it's an area where abrasion is a concern.