kschultz76

Dont second guess this, that’s a hell of a deal and the IMX Pro line has gotten good reviews by users here and elsewhere. Get some U40 cork sealer on them, then get out and fish the crap out of them. Differences between those IMX Pros and some of the other models you listed are going to be marginal to nonexistent. Will an NRX be more sensitive? Maybe, but build quality will likely be crap and you’re gonna spend 4x as much. The IMX should be plenty sensitive and between those two rods you’ve got the techniques you mentioned covered.

Way under your budget a Fuego CT. A bit better and in your budget any Tatula CT variant.

Thanks Mike! I almost ordered Flex Coat but the ProKote was gonna ship faster. For the $40 Mudhole wants for a power rod dryer may just order. Likely not the last time I’m going to bust a guide. Should learn how to repair em.

Thanks for the advice shared so far. One last question - can I pull this off by letting the epoxy set for 10-15 min after mixing then turning the rod 180 degree by hand every few min for the first couple hours since I’m doing light coat? Or do I really need a rod dryer to do this right?

Thanks that’s what I figured I needed to do. No no need to prep it anyway? Just carefully recoat the entire wrap in a couple light coats 24hrs apart?

So doing something dumb in the garage I managed to bend the stripper guide on a spinning rod down a good bit. I was able to carefully while supporting it bend it back into position without over flexing it. However the epoxy around it cracked a bit and there’s now a gap between the back of the guide and the epoxy between it and the rod. Pictures below. Im worried that over time and use and flex the epoxy will crack further and break out. Should I carefully brush on a layer or two thread finishing epoxyon those cracks and behind the guide? Also don’t want water getting in there. Or should I just leave it alone? If I do try to fill and secure the cracks do I need to scuff existing epoxy up with sand paper or gently open the crack with a razor blade? I ordered some small brushes and 2oz of ProKote Med build thread finish just in case. Thanks in advance for any advice offered, and please laugh quietly!

You can get a Daiwa Tatula LT 2500 from American Legacy eBay store for $136shipped right now. Don’t know the specs on or any experience with that Gander Mtn rod, but assuming if it’s ML F it’s got your dropshot really light stuff covered. Now get a M/F spinning for things like weightless senkos, shakeyheads, wacky rigs, etc. Usual suspects are St Croix Avid, Avid X or LTB in your price range. I’d also suggest looking at a Kistler Helium 3, or wait and see what the new Megabass Levante lineup looks like. And the new Daiwa Tatula rods look good, and read many positive things about the Daiwa Tatula Elite spinning rod options as well.

If they’re in excellent condition that’s a great buy. I’m very happy with my Chronarch CI4s, mine have all been professionally serviced and super tuned which really made them shine. My Chronarch MGL is also excellent but I actually found my original CI4s easier to dial in the brakes.

If you search my prior posts you’ll find a thread where this was discussed That said American Legacy has the Zillion TW SVs on sale on their website for $230, just for an email from them today advertising it. At that price they’re definitely worth it.

Their listing for the 2000 size was $149, but the 2500 is $136. If you can’t find I can send you a link.

Guys just wanted to share that I just got a great deal on 2 Tatula LT 2500D-XH spinning reels from American Legacy from their eBay store. $136 each, free shipping. Listing is still up if anyone is in need of one. Theyre gonna go on 2 new spinning rods we got for my wife. Heck Im debating picking up a third to get something lighter weight for one of my rods.

Before it ships give them a call and see if they still have the 7’0” or 7’3” Light Medium Heavy Fast available, they’re rated 3/16-7/8 oz, and are not as fast as the MH/XF. Would be better suited for your stated purpose. They recently updated the the website and that model went missing. But I literally just order a 6’8” LMH/F spinning rod for my wife 2 weeks ago before they update did the website.

Kistler Helium 3 7’0” Light MH/F. Really fantastic rod.

The SC Mojo Yak Rods are essentially a Mojo Bass rod with very short handles and Winn grips. To me honestly they seem pretty gimmicky. Maybe it’s bc of the size of my kayak but I don’t a shorter handle helpin me in anyway.

Besides the ones mentioned, Falcon makes several and Kistler has a couple Mod fast in the KLX line. Hammer Rods has a few too. If you can find a gen 1 Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot Rod it was a Mod fast taper as well. Theres not not a ton of the, but there’s a few out there.

Then I think any of the rods I mentioned from St Croix or the Kistler are definitely going to work for you then.

What weights/lures are you pitching and what kind of cover? If you like your Mojo, theres a 6’8” MH/f available in the Mojo, Avid X, and LTB series. I have a 6’6” MH/F LTB that makes a good pitching stick in tight quarters. Kistler also has a 6’9” MH/XF in the Helium 3. No experience with them but the new Daiwa Tatula Rods with cork handles have a 6’10” MH as well.

I was looking for a excellent to near mint used Core 51 a couple months back, the ones I found went for close to or over $300. These reels are legendary and seem to really hold their value. I have a Chronarch 51E and a Scorpion xT 1001, I couldn’t justify that price used for the Core.

Sorry this is not quite accurate, the Curado DC like the Curado K, Bantam MGL and the Chronarch MGL have brass micro module gears.

Thanks A-Jay! Appreciate the great info, you went above and beyond. Thanks everyone for tolerating the three hijack.

No experience with the ML power but just got a 6’8” Light MH Helium 3 spinning for my wife. Like my other Helium 3 rods it’s really well finished, quality, lightweight and pretty balanced. Blank has a fantastic feel and taper. Can’t wait to fish it. I do personally wish wish they’d use the Fuji VSS seats, but you can’t have everything. And like every other cork rod made today the cork is not the highest quality. But I still prefer cork so it is what it is.

Happy with them so far? How’s the line management?

A-Jay can I ask which reels and what size those are? They look like the silver Tatula LTs. I need to get a couple new spinning reels for my wife and I’m leaning towards Fuego LTs or Tatula LTs in the 2500 5 gear ratio. If I go Fuego I’ll add a bearing under the line roller.

If swapping the handles made a difference take the knobs off and check the bearings and plastic collars to be sure they’re clean and properly lubed. The Chronarch is a composite frame, tends to Telegraph more vibration and feel then aluminum framed reels. Something folks commonly complain about, has at times been called hollow. My Chronarch cI4 and MGL reels are all very smooth and perform well.

Thats very interesting...