Jiggen

I guess i am the only one that owns Pinnacle Perfecta rods.and I own almost every other. For the money I don't think you can buy a better rod. It is as good as some of my Loomis rods. Don't buy without trying different brands yourself. Not all rods fit everyone.

Modified Uni. Since I started using it I have never broken off at the knot. It gives a hole new meaning to using Fluoro and gives you all the benefits without the worries of break offs. Just and amazing Knot with Fluoro. Still use Palomar for everything else.

Modified Uni for fluoro. Just a uni 2 times threw the hook eye. Tested this knot against many. The line will break most times before the knot. Berkley Braid knot seems a bit stronger, but large and difficult to tie. Palomar for everything else.

I seen some very good reviews about the Pinnacle Perfecta rods from you previously. I believe they are one of the best rods out there for the money. My Glx's and my Perfecta rods are my most used. I would like to know if you have changed your opinion of the Perfecta, because I thought your review was dead on. Jim

Braid is only more sensitive then Fluoro on a taught line. Just for a test try experimenting by holding the line when you pull over the bottom and see if you feel a noticeable difference. I believe you will. If so it is most likely your rod. Pinnacle makes a great rod for the money. Jim

I have not used Fluoroclear, but I can tell you knot type is critical with any type of Fluoro line. Also the best knot varies from Fuoro to Fluoro. I like P-Lines 100% Fluoro, and I use 8lb test for Dropshotting Perch in deep water. Now you know I am using a Polamer Knot and guess what? If I do not retie after a good day it will break at the knot. Now as a leader I use a modified Uni and I can pull my boat with it. Don't consider that line is junk with out trying numerous knots. Jim

I second the Pinnacle Rod. My 7' heavy is 4.2 oz. Great rod for the money. Also the Shimano. Crucial

As far as rods go I do not feel much difference if any between my GLX, Perfecta or my Crucial rods. I think once you get rods down in weight the playing field gets a lot closer then everyone realizes regardless of cost. Modulus ratings mean little to me. How you build the rod can make up greatly for a lesser quality blank. Sensitivity is an equation. You have a lure, line, rod, reel and lastly yourself. The only variable is the angler and also the weakest link. Jim

I have an XT and have fished it a lot. I am also a shimano believer, however for the money I don't believe you can buy a better reel. Actually most other reels I have in that price range don't even come close to the Optimus. I have heard pro's and cons on their spinning reels, but nothing but positives on their baitcasters. Jim

Modified Uni Knot

It is true in most cases braid is not as abrasion resistant as fluoro, however some fluoro's have no better or worse abrasion properties then a good Mono or Copoly line. One thing to remember Braid vs Fluoro. If Fluoro gets nicked by anything or starts to fray it will break with little effort. If Braid frays it will hold up quite well for a long time so you have more then adequate time to retie. Not so with Fluoro. Jim

I had both. Either is a good choice. You need to get both in your hands before you buy if that is possible. In my opinion their is quite a difference in the reels. I sold my Curado's and have upgraded some of them to Chronarchs. I still own my Optimus XT. I use it on my Dropshot rod. I will be upgrading some of my older reel to the Optimus if that tells you anything. In either case the curado is a good reel, just overpriced in my opinion unless you get some of those killer deals on the older model close outs. Jim

Toray Super Hard Upgrade is hard to beat, however if the pocket book is a concern use P-Line 100% Pure Fluoro. I have used and tried most. I prefer Fluoro with lower stretch. Less manageable, but more sensitive. Also with these types of Fluoro your knot becomes very important. Use a modified Uni and you will not break off at the knot. The biggest fault people make with fluoro is to up their line size to compensate for break offs. Larger lines less fish. Debatable, but true. Hope this helps. Jim

Pinnacle Perfecta or the Shimano Crucial. Both great rods for the money. It most likely will come down to the handle you prefer. Jim

Here are two. I will weigh the rest of my rods at a later date. Pinnacle Perfecta 7' Heavy Baitcaster 4.2 oz. Powell Max 7' Heavy Baitcaster 5.8 oz. Jim