MediumHeavy

Compared to a shimano curado 200HG with same rod, line and bait, I didn't see much of a difference in casting distance using a standard Tatula. However, for pitching I think it's more effortless. Can't go wrong with either brand, like folks have stated, but I actually prefer the Tatula. My only gripe is with the finish. Got some boat rash on two of mine and I am pretty gentle with them.

I'm going to build on a Rainshadow Revelation for my next build this fall. I built my first stick on a Phenix M1 and I can say that building your own and catching fish on it is a very rewarding experience.

I picked up a 6'6" MH casting rod when they were on sale a couple weeks ago and it snapped on a cast. Only rod I've ever broken. I returned it without any problems. Seemed like a nice rod, crisp blank and light. This was not one of the red or green ones, but the regular graphite-color, unfinished sticks. Hopefully breakage not a common thing, though I declined to try another.

You would do really well with the X4 Super Orochi. It would handle 1/2oz jigs, plastics, squarebills, etc. That's what I used it for. I prefer the X4 sticks over the XX, personally. Either way, once you go MB you won't want anything else. The only reason I don't have any MB sticks is because I've built my own rods. However, I kinda wish I never sold my X4 Rattle Viper Technical Game. That one is magical.

I've had both and now only have Tatulas. The Curado has a lower/smaller profile, but the size and weight of the Tatula do not bother me. Both cast about equally as well, in my opinion. I prefer the color scheme of the Tatula and the fact that they are a good bit cheaper if you search around. Both are a really great choice that you can't go wrong with.

I use Sunline SX1 in 16lb hi vis yellow for just about everything.

Much appreciated, thanks! Gonna try to keep the first build simple, but I'm sure I'll have a question or two. Looking forward to trying out a Phenix, too.

I've decided to do the build myself, going with the M1 69ML. Depending how this goes, I may be in touch about future custom, though.

I'd use it for weightless plastics, 1/4oz. jigs and some topwater lures up to 1/2oz. I'm having a build made and was trying to decide which blank to get since I can't step up to a K2 just yet.

Can folks comment on which they think is more sensitive, the Recon2 or M1?

The MB Orochi XX PP is a great stick. You can't go wrong with MB. It will handle pitching, for sure, but if you want an all around, the EMTF might be better. I've not used an EMTF but it's lighter in power than the PP and longer, which might help if you only do shore fishing. Lots of folks rave about the EMTF.

I have no experience with the T3 but I'm sure it's fine, unless you get one like the previous poster mentioned. They're fairly popular reels. I have 2 Tatula's and they are great. Some complain about the size and weight, but it's not a problem for me. They can be found for $105 around the internet and with upgraded bearings and a type R or JDM spool, they are a casting machine. Either way, you can't go wrong with the Daiwa reels you are interested in. Good luck!

Wouldn't mind seeing some more lengths/actions added to the lineup as well. A sub-7ft M/F would be nice.

I have the Flat Side Special, Spinnerbait special and Perfect Pitch. Right now, the FSS is my favorite. It's not a true parabolic cranking rod by any means. I've used it with Vision 110 Jr's, chatterbaits and weightless Texas rigs so far and loved it. The Spinnerbait Special would also be a very versatile choice, but has more of a fast action. If you're going to use 3/4oz. jigs or Texas rigs, you might want the SS over the FSS. The FSS seems more versatile to me, though. But I rarely go over 1/2oz. Lots of power on tap with these rods, too. And they're some of the nicest sticks I've ever used. They all pair great with a Ci4+ or Curado I 200 HG. I use 30lb braid on them and it's been fine for me.

Vision 110 in Elegy Bone using a MB XX Flat Side Special with a Curado 200 I HG and 30lb SX1. Caught three bass and one trout that day. Wasn't trying for the trout, but it was a pretty nice rainbow.

Yesterday I was casting a weightless 4" senko with my Curado I HG mounted on a *** *** black M/F and 20lb power pro in my yard. Got around 30 yards out of it fairly consistently. I can say it casts about the same a my Chronarch Ci4+ to be honest.

And maybe the Curado I when it gets here.

Are the Shimano handles pretty much a universal fit for recent production reels? I want to try a swept and a straight on a Chronarch Ci4+ and Curado 50E.

I'm getting really impatient to get the shipping confirmation on my HG from TW. Nowhere near open water up here, but I need something to tinker with while I'm house-bound due to crap weather.

Whoa, awesome. Thanks for the pics! I'm even more excited to get mine now

I've had no problems with SS8 in 20 and 30lb on baitcasters. The only braid I like as much or more is Sunline SX1, but I prefer the visibility of the aqua green SS8. I've tried other braids, but just realized I've never tried regular PP! I should probably do that.

Looks awesome! Definitely interested in width comparisons between 50/200/Ci4+. I have one on (back)order.

No 50 size in 2014 for the USDM. There are apparently more reels being released this year. Not sure about the JDM. This info is coming from Bantam1 on another forum.

If any of you guys haven't had a chance to cast those Chronarch Ci4+ reels yet, just wait until you do. You think you like it now... just wait

People would still buy the Ci4+ because it's that good. It's light and casts light lures very well. Hopefully Shimano doesn't neglect the $150 price point, otherwise they're missing an important demographic. All of this speculation was exciting but now it's just getting annoying hahah