offsidewing

Expect to pay full retail on JDM pre-orders. With patience and timing, street price will likely be in the low $300s even at launch. In the past new reels have launched at street prices. That being said this is - for all intents and purpose - a Core 70. I wouldn't be surprised if street price is full retail.

Who asked for an SLX DC?

Shut 'er down folks, this guy wins the internet today.

Yep. Steez SV TW, Steez A, SV103, SV105, Alde 50, Core 50, Scorp MGL, Curado, Curado DC, Chronarch MGL, Met 13, Met DC, Met MGL, Bantam MGL, and Anatares MGL. I own or have owned them all in the last 5 years. The JDM Bantam is a tough reel to beat for black bass fishing. Another member posted that the knobs on the Steez A were less than ideal. I can confirm, indeed, that they suck. I'd choose the Steez A over the SV TW. I'd choose the Bantam MGL over both, unless you have a large investment in Daiwa 103 sized spools.

I like the Bantam MGL slightly more than the Steez A out of the box. If you're into swapping different Daiwa spools, that is something to consider too.

6'10" St Croix MLXF rod either Avid X, LTB, or Elite. Will also double as an excellent Ned Rig rod. Also work well if you're into hair jigs.

JDM Bantam MGL uber alles at that budget. Love it better than Curado MGL, Curado K, Curado DC, Curado 70, and almost as much as my Antares MGL.

People buy lightweight Mg framed reels with aluminum gears and expect them to “feel” like an 9oz aluminum reel with brass gears. I used to do the Met MGL with the Curado gear swap. Then I realized it weighed a few tenths of an ounce lighter than a Bantam MGL, I bought a JDM Bantam.

I've owned some many rods over the past 5 years. At this price point I would suggest thr St Croix Legend Tournament Bass in 6'8" MXF. Great for finesse applications with fluoro and plenty of backbone for 5/0 Gammys on braid or mono. I can't overstate how quick, painless, and polite the warranty dept is if you ever have an issue with the rod.

I've owned both. The Stradic Ci4+ feels solid, smooth, and light. The Patriarch didn't.

The Vanquish is my favorite spinning reel ever. The 19 Vanquish somehow feels even better than the 16 Vanq. It will haul in 5 and 6 lb bass with no problem. Its lightweight but under load it feels somsolid. Mine is used for Ned Rig and drop shot duty, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on more powerful rods with heavier presentations.

I occasionally will tie 50lb PowerPro to a 12lb flouro leader using a double uni knot on a St Croix Avid X. I have never had a problem with the knot casting through the micro guides. I seldom use a leader tho, typically straight braid. Reels: with a little patience, great deals on reels can be had on a popular auction site from very reputable sellers. Don't get too hung up on gear ratios and IPT. Get a reel that is suited to the purpose you need, fits your hands when seated on the rod, and fits your budget.

+1 for Roboworms and Yamamoto Shad shaped worm drop shotting for smallies.

The Antares MGL! ??? I'd like to see a Curado 70 with a dual bearing supported main shaft and MGL spool.

The trigger fire spinning reels you can close by reeling. All others close by hand.