wet_dream

What would you do with the Ultegra if you were to purchase an FK? If it becomes a shelf queen, then no, it wouldn’t be worth upgrading as you have a fully functional reel that becomes a paperweight. But comparing the 2 reels and the prices that they can found for on eBay, I personally feel the Stradic is a better buy. A friend of mine purchased an Ultegra when they first released (paid full retail) and then bought an FK on eBay for a crazy deal. Sold the Ultegra not too long after. He thought the Stradic just felt like a sturdier reel. Going head to head, the Stradic wins all day considering you can get an FK for about the same price you can get an Ultegra on eBay. As we speak, lowest price for a 2500 size: Ultegra - 129.90 FK - 143.99 (w/ 20% coupon) At a $50 difference (MSRP), it might not be worth the upgrade for some, but for $15 more why wouldn’t you get a Stradic? And in your case, it’s definitely not worth a $144 upgrade.

No first hand experience with the Ultegra but I own the Stradic FK’s in a few different sizes and they are my go to Inshore reels. If you keep your eyes open the FKs can be had online for less than the Ultegra. But you have to time the sales just right.

Thanks for sharing your experience, and I’m glad it worked out for you. Gives me some hope. A couple questions for you since you’ve had first hand experience: Did you have the buyer mail the damaged rod back to you? If so, did you wait until the claim was resolved before having them ship it back? I’ve read some posts online about how USPS may request to inspect the rod before deciding to accept/reject a claim. I do not want to hurt my chances of them accepting my claim, so I’d like to do everything by the book. I am planning to stop by the Post Office on my next day off but wanted some input from someone who’s experienced the process. I’ve read some stories of people receiving conflicting information depending who you speak to at the Post Office. I don’t mind waiting a month and a half if things eventually go my way, but also don’t want to burden the other person in this trade by having them hold on to the damaged item for a prolonged period while USPS review my claim. I’m hoping to salvage the rod somehow, it looks like it broke pretty close to the handle so maybe I can get it repaired.

I can’t seem to understand it either. And no, this was not a thin walled PVC pipe. Here’s a picture of the PVC pipe from a separate incident when I was on the receiving end of a damaged rod. Someone had to have witnessed that along the way.

From my understanding, that area would fall under “All other marine waters” which would open on March 1st. Call a local bait shop, they should be able to answer the question with more certainty.

I’m glad it worked out for you. And, 1 week doesn’t seem too bad, it’s the horror stories of having to constantly pester to get a positive outcome that other’s have experienced which has me worried. In your case, what was your proof of value? Was it a PayPal invoice from the sale or an original receipt from the original purchase of the rod? I really appreciate everyone’s input so far. Looks like an uphil battle.

I bought the rod second hand from a local fisherman, so unfortunately I’m SOL as far as providing a receipt. It’s frustrating that I tried to be as thorough as possible in packing the rod, making sure it’s wrapped in bubble wrap and even securing the butt of the rod to one end of the tube so that the tip doesn’t bang into the other end. I understand accidents happen but I haven’t bought or sold many rods that have needed to be shipped and I try to keep it local to avoid this. But this is the 2nd time it’s happened in maybe he 8-10 rod transactions I’ve had.

Thanks for sharing your experience and it’s a shame they made you jump through hoops just to be reimbursed for something that was clearly damaged during shipping. I’ll try to constantly hound them if they don’t reply in a timely manner. Thanks for the tips. I’ll make sure to document everything along the way.

I’m not sure if it’s a common occurrence but this is the second time it’s happened in the last couple months. 1st time I was on the receiving end of a rod. I just submitted the claim, we’ll see what happens. Makes sense, I was wondering what could have happened to bend the PVC.

Sorry if this is not the right section of the forum to ask, I didn’t really know what other sub-forum would have been more appropriate. Moderators please move/delete if inappropriate. Long story short: I shipped out a Megabass XX Orochi EMTF as part of a trade and the rod was damaged during shipping. There is a visible dent on the PVC which aligns with the area where the rod broke. I insured the rod for $300 but do not have an original receipt. On the online claim form, USPS is asking for “Proof of Value”, so I attached images of various sites showing MSRP of the rod, as I have no other way to show the value of the rod. Has anyone here had to file a claim and had success or do they make it difficult for the customer? Anyone have any tips on increasing my chances of being reimbursed? Thank you guys for any input you might have. To add salt in the wound, I was initially going to purchase the rod I traded for but offered up my EMTF as a last second trade. Had I just bought it outright, I wouldn’t be in this mess. WARNING: Graphic pictures attached...

I am primarily an Inshore fisherman so my input may not directly apply to you and your fishing needs. My Hobie Outback has allowed me to do more actual fishing compared to when I was paddling. But I am fishing tidal bodies of water and have to contend with moving water. The mirage drive has allowed me to hold over structure without the need to readjust by paddling. I can also retie rigs if I need to while moving from spot to spot. I have been a more efficient fisherman since switching to a pedal kayak. As far as fishing skinny water, the drive pops right out so you can utilize the included paddle to maneuver through shallow areas without risking damage to the drive. It is a big investment, and you have to take into account accessories (fishfinder, PFD, crate, leashes, etc.) that you will need/want to purchase in addition to the price of the kayak. It can add up very quickly. Do you need pedals? No. Do pedals make you a better fisherman? No. I’m sure there are guys who paddle who will outfish guys in pedal kayaks. But it has made fishing more enjoyable for me, and it’s been worth it 100%. Kayak fishing has been very enjoyable and I don’t think you’ll regret it whichever direction you go. Ask your friends if you can test drive them and get a feel for each. Maybe that’ll help you make a decision. Good luck!

I don’t think it matters unless you’re throwing the exact same lure, on the exact same rod, with the reels being the only difference. Only then will you have to be cognizant of which reel you’re throwing. But you probably already have the reel adjusted to throw that particular lure, so it shouldn’t be that much of an adjustment. I will say I started with Daiwa’s before venturing into Shimano. Daiwa’s braking system was a little more forgiving for me to learn on and it took a little bit of time and a little more thumb once I picked up my first Shimano.

Thanks! I’ve read nothing but great reviews. Spring can’t come soon enough.

New combo! So ecstatic about it that I had to share it here in addition to the “Show off your stuff” thread. Steez SV TW on a GLX MBR 842c I can’t wait for the spring!

It’s a below freezing Saturday in NJ and my new set-up just got delivered. I can’t even test cast it at my local pond because it’s likely frozen over. Steez SV TW on a GLX MBR842c (Thanks @Cyacnba for the beautiful reel!) I can’t stop playing with it, and I’m stuck in the house watching Netflix...

I thought I was the only one...

@Delaware Valley Tackle What is your current turnaround time? I have a couple reels that could use some love.

He was referring to price. The JDM model can be found a lot cheaper than what the USDM is going for at retail. Also, I’ve read the spool on the JDM is slightly shallower. Aside from that, they are the same reel.

Thanks for the feedback on the IMX @PatrickKnight. The GLX is the nicest rod I own, just a little out of my range unless they show up on the secondhand market for “cheap”. Anyone else have experience with the IMX Pro?

Thanks, I’ll keep my eyes open for that review. Yeah, I’m not going to pay MSRP for the IMX, especially after I scored a like-new GLX MBR 844c for less than that not too long ago. I’ve used utilized the used market and taken advantage of sales for a lot of my gear. I just wanted to get opinions on the IMX Pro as I can score a new one for $200 shipped to my door.

Bumping an old post, looking for more feed back on the IMX Pro and I can’t seem to find too much info comparing the two. @NHBull I’m curious about your final thoughts on the IMX Pro vs GLX. And also what rods in each line you were comparing? Thanks.

I tried to make some casts this weekend. Wasn’t expecting to catch anything but really just wanted try out some new toys I bought this winter. Water was still iced over.

Is it spring yet?!? Nice warm winter day here in New Jersey so I decided to make some casts at a local pond. Wasn’t expecting to catch anything but I was just itching to make some casts. Pulled up and the water was frozen over . So I drove to Dick’s and splurged on some stuff in the clearance section: Buy 5 get 5 free, turned into buy 15 get 15 free haha. Nearly bought all the Yamamoto plastics they had out. And my “new to me” Chronarch MGL came in today too: Is it spring yet?!?

So I guess the real question is, would it still be called a drysuit in the summer? I think it would have the opposite effect.

I live in the Northeast and was finally able to find a Kokatat drysuit (2nd hand) that I could afford this season. It has allowed me to fish in the snow and in subfreezing air temps, extending my season. It would probably be too hot to wear in the summer though. As far as my PFD, I wear it over my drysuit.