Vermelho

Despite what the so-called "Pros" do on the fishing shows, I am inclined to use a net whenever possible. It's a more sure way of landing the fish, and it puts less stress on the fish. Also, it's a more sure method of keeping hooks out of your fingers.

I agree 100%....just buy it. It's a great reel and an incredible deal. And...if you don't like it, then my offer still stands and, I'll pay for shipping, too. Verm

If you buy the reel, I will purchase from you for $80. Verm

USA-RET, I agree with everything you say for I have done some research and talked to Shimano Reps and they say the same thing. Here's what I learned: The Citica 100 DSV is constructed in Japan in the same plant as the Curado 100 (the reel foot aand the box say "made in Japan"). The Citica is especially targeted to saltwater fishermen who need the extra line capacity for casting to Reds, Specks, Snook and such. (actually, I think the Curao 100D line capacity is just fine - but there are just so many barnacles and oyster reefs to break a line that the extra capacity in the 100 DSV comes in handy). The Citica 100 DSV has brass gears in order to be more "Saltwater Friendly" (i.e., this inhibits corrosion). Also, I have learned from my experience and that of others that the Citica's spool bearings are pretty-much packed with silicone grease and that the insides are also packed with grease. For example, before cleaning my nearly-new citica, I noticed a "ever-so-slight" slight backlplay on the handle. I cleaned the reel - and this meant flushing the spool bearings and ridding the innards of excess grease. I also cleaned and re-lubed the one-way roller bearing. As a result of the cleaning, the Citica casts and reels as smooth as any reel and the "ever-so-slight" handle backplay is gone - this sucker is exceptionally tight and smooth. So...looks like Citicas are packed with grease and this is probably because Shimano feels (I'm guessing) that anyone buying a reel at this price point doesn't really perform good maintenence - and the extra grease provides additional protection to overcome the abuse. Verm

I use Big Game 12# and have been very pleased with it. It's the only brand I use. However, unlike Suffix (really great line too), it has more memory so you've got to wait a few casts until the line gets wet and "un-coiled" for it to work its best. I use Berkely because my fishing situations cause me to change line as often as most people change socks (I nick the line a lot on rocks and shell) - so I need an inexpensive but very reliable line. However, for some of my apps - flats and freshwater apps - I think I'll move to Suffix this year, but I'll still always use the Berkely. I hope this helps.

Great post ww2farmer - I couldn't agree more! Also, I'd like to add that no matter what reel you buy, it's performance and reliability can probably be significantly enhanced with good general maintenence and cleaning technique.

The last time I check Woodland, Wa was part of the USA Yeah...but this doesn't make Loomis any more American than Toyota. Last time I heard ownership discussed, it appears Loomis is owned by a overseas company. Loomis is just the American name.

Exactly...and that stuff will harm the line.

G-Loomis? Wouldn't you rather buy an American Rod?

I actually use a common - and sometimes very dangerous - chemical to soften my line: Dihydrogen Monoxide. Dihydrogn Monoxide has been known to cause death by asphyxiation (inhalation) and retention of bodily fluids. But...used with care, there is nothing much more effective, or cheaper. I reccomend Dihydrogen Monoxide - but be careful. Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the unstable radical Hydroxide, the components of which are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol. http://www.dhmo.org/

Reel Magic and other silicone sprays might make your line more mangeable but, then again, so will getting the line wet - (ya'know - in the water).

Why does it matter? Thanx.

The best manufacturer is the one that can give you what you need at the price you can afford - most of the manufacturers will fit the bill from time to time. My advice: find out what you really need: then you will know.

Using a soft, clean line and spooling smart will definetly help, but will not elminate wind knots, and that's why I don't even bother (except not to put too much line on). I use Berkeley Big game (stiff stuff) and have no problems. Long ago, I found out that wind knots are mostly a product of casting/retrieving technique.

For a freshwater reel, I think it can safely be assumed now that the Revo is one hell of a reel. Lots of people have used them and reported excellent performance and the review on Tackle Tour was exceptional. If I were going to buy a freshwater-only reel, I'd take a hard look at the Revo. Since Shakespeare has owned ABU, they seem to have been doing some great design - unlike the aborted attempts that Garcia was doing all these years. And I think Shakespeare wil stick with it - they seem to have a philosophy of wanting to do it right. Also...interestingly enough, the Revo has been getting raves from saltwater fishermen, too. Now, normally, I wouldn't pay this too much mind, but some of these reports have been coming from some very credible people - who have fished a lot of Shimanos and Daiwas and, thus far, it appears the Revos are superior. One guy on a Texas Saltwater Kayak Board has been running a test for six months pitting a Revo vs Citica vs Daiwa Coastal vs Okuma Nemisis. I'd like to see what the ultimate results are - see how well the Revos internal parts handle saltwater exposure. Thus far, however, the Revo is far ahead of the pack. Just some info for thought.

No...I think your concern is just fine. If you are dealing with two great reels (i.e., Symetre and Stradic), then why not get what ya' like to look at, too? The Symetre is a very nice reel and, as far as I'm concerned, every bit as performance capable and reliable as the Stardic - and has about all the same features. I think the Symetre is one of the best values out there - at least that's been the experience of my local fishing club (who fishes a mostly saltwater, too). Stradic, Energy, Catalyst, Tierra, Symetre: all of them great reels that will offer you a lot of service: if you take care of them. If you don't take care of them, all of them will be junk very quickly. So...go with what ya' like. Take care of it - and learn how to do it (i.e., general maintenece and cleaning). Enjoy it for years. And..remember, if you take care of a reel....you'll probably do something terrible to it that will destroy it long before it's lifespan is reached. For instance, 6 months ago the tailgate of my Ford SUV popped open and my Curado and Accurist - and thier rods - hit the pavement at 30 mph. Everything ended up o.k. - both are good as always and I can't even find a scuff mark! Nevertheless, one day I'll probably drop them into the water or run over them, or slam a tailgate on them....or something. In short, as long as I take care of my equipment....it will probably die at my hands long before it wears out. And this is good. Hope this helps.

I didn't infer that the Quantum was a stronger reel, I stated it as fact and my testing has bore it out. Also, no one said that the Quantum had a Titanium Frame, but I did say it had a Titanium Coating. Also...I know a lot of people who fish them in both fresh and salt and thier finishes remain pristine. You say the Stradic doesn't rely on "cosmetic gimmicks to catch the Angler's eye" - what so-called gimmick are you talking about, the Titanium Coating (ion vapor deposition coating)? If this coating is such a gimmick, then why has Shimano also started using a similar ion-coating on thier higher-end Calais and Chronarchs? Is this a gimmick? What about the Shimano "Oil Port"? Isn't this a gimmick? I don't know about you, but I don't put oil in my reel's gearbox - ever - and I can't imagine any kind of effective greasing being done through the oil port.

Well, the Quantum got better reviews simply because it's simply a better reel. I took an brand new '06 Quantum Energy (2000PTi) and brand new Shimano Stradic (2000FG) and ran them through the ringer so-to-speak. Fished them heavy in Salt and Fresh water fo a year. Contrary to what many people might think, the freshwater was the killer - that part where I was horsing bass out of heavy surface weeds (had to crank the line tight at all times). Although I only fished the stradic 25% of the time, it showed wear - a bit of handle slop. The Quantum - used three times more often showed no wear whatsoever. Advantage Shimano: 1. Lighter 2. A bit faster on the retrieve Advantages Quantum 1. Stronger by far 2. Beautiful titanium finish which just doesn't scuff (incredible) 3. Bail closure without manual tripping - so cool! 4. Smooooooooooth Now...both are great reels, but I prefer the Energy. For the Shimano, I'd just buy a Symetre instead od a Stradic next time - it's just as good and rugged (a really great reel). For the Quantum, I'd go with the Catalyst Inshore. Not only will it save you money, but it's got the older bail system which my '06 Energy uses - proven to absolutely reliable as opposed to some complaints about the newer bail system. In fact, minus the TVD Coating and a couple of spool-shaft bearings ya' don't need, the Catalyst Inshore is the '06 Energy. Go with this one for the best deal and sweetest performing reel.

You mentioned that you were using a Shakespeare reel - exactly what model were you using? Thanks.

Hmmm...are the places that you get the blisters comming in contact with the reel-seat trigger? Thanks.

Hmmm...in order to give the best answer, here's some questions that we might need to know: Exactly what reel are you using? Are you palming the reel? Exactly Where are the blisters occuring? Does this occur most when you are engaged in long "walking the dog" sessions with the spook? Do you have other skin problems? Thanks.

For an inexpensive yet very good reel, I suggest considering the Quantum Accurist 2 (AC500CX). They come in three colors (which is pretty cool), they are built solid, palm well, have an excellent braking system (externally adjustable), are smooth, cast well, and tough as nails. A review on Tackle Tour listed them as a "Best Value": http://www.tackletour.com/reviewquantaccurist2.html They list for 79.95, but you can find them on sale much cheaper. Currently, I use the saltwater version of the Accurist and I am quite impressed. I like it better than my older Curados. I hope this helps. Verm

Thanks! This looks like a great place. Verm

In the $80-$100 there are a lot of reels that are very good. Both of these reels are good and will last you almost forever. The only deciding factor I could see is palming comfort - which one feels the best on a rod for you. To determine this, I suggest going to a Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, etc.. to evaluate the reels as they are mounted on those short reel seats. Verm