p111

ok, getting closer. Well, the list is becoming shorter. Does anyone have experience with the Abu Garcia Salty Stage Kurodai? I have seen a few posts by @bulldog1935 which, due to its huge window of weights, may be good. I think I'm between that and Expride, as they both are rated above 1/4oz on the top end, which is where MajorCraft falls short.

both

Interesting thought on the fly rod, thanks.

Thanks!

Hi All; I have a Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 ML. It is a great rod, but I need to be able to comfortably throw 1/8oz lures; this rod is 3/16-3/oz - it is stiff enough to make 1/8 too unforgiving on top of crappy distance. Soooo... I'm looking to add a BFS rod. Here are the must haves: -2 piece (or 3) -throw 1/8oz lures reliably -backbone (target species: smallies, largies, and crappies) -no cheap chinese rods/alibaba I'm leaning toward a JDM rod and the budget is flexible (willing to spend Megabass money if it is truly worth it - the jury is still out). I will put an Aldebaran (18?) on it. It will be my 'do everything" rod - I don't ascribe to the multiple rod mindset. This has led me to consider the Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 UL/BF. While the low end is 1/32oz, the upper end is only 1/4oz. While this may likely work for 75% of my fishing, I'm intrigued by rods with a little more room on the upper end. Here's my short list. I'm willing to consider others. Brand model length lure wt lure wt specific model abu garcia eradicator 6'6" 0.8-14g 1/36-1/2oz not available? diawa blazon 6'4" 1.8-11g 1/16-3/8 oz C64L-2 BF too soft? shimano zodias 6'4" 2-7g 1/16-1/4oz 264UL-2 shimano majestic 6'5" 2-7g 1/16-1/4oz majorcraft benkei 6'5" 0.88-7g 1/32-1/4 oz BIC-652 UL/BF abu garcia salty stage 6'3" 0.8-8 1/32-9/32 XAJC-632ULS-BF KR-X majorcraft speedstyle 6'4" or 6'8" 0.88-7 1/32 - 1/4 SSC-S642UL/BF or SSC682L/BF megabass Levante 6'4" 1.8-11 1/16-3/8 oz Levante F2-64LV 2P megabass orochi xxx 6'8" 1/8-1/2 F2.5-67K black themis megabass siglett megabass triza sparna 6'6" 1/8-1/2 F2-66XTZ Sparna daiwa tatula 6'4" 1.8-12g 1/16-7/16oz 642LFB CS-Q 2 piece Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with any on the list? Are there others I should consider? Thanks!

Hi All; In the world of seemingly obscure JDM rods, I have come across these 2 models. Does anyone have any experience with them or know the difference(s) between the models? Thanks!

Update: The vendor wasn't much help beyond sending it back on my dime. So, I opened it up, and lo and behold, it was dry! I greased the innards, and she's smooth and quiet now! Thanks to everyone!

BFS set-up. Likely a Calcutta Conquest BFS, just don't know which rod yet. Looking forward to researching the JDM rod options!

Where do you suppose it needs oil?

That was my initial thought, but disappointing for a new reel. I was concerned opening the reel may violate warranty - especially since I haven't even put any line on it yet. north-one.jp I bought a rod there a few weeks ago. Their selection and prices are great and shipping is insanely fast. I have emailed them, but have not received a response yet. I really wanted to use it this weekend.

So I just received a brand-spankin' new Aldebaran. I take it out of the box to feel how smooth it is and this is what I hear: https://youtu.be/I8ODwekCmtU I can't believe this is normal! Free spool is quiet. Adjusting the spool tension doesn't help.... I can't believe this is normal for a $300+ reel! Does anyone have any ideas to remedy? I don't want to open it and void the warranty. Can anyone confirm if this is abnormal? Thanks!

Thanks All! I ordered a Major Craft Benkei! Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Levente rods in stock.

any brands or vendors in particular?

Does anyone have experience with quality ML 2-piece casting rods preferably ~6' with fast or xfast tips? I'm looking for one and I'm surprised how few there are - I figure I must be missing some of the smaller makers. Thanks!

I was throwing 1/4oz weight with limited range and success yesterday on the MH rod, so I think there is hope. If not, I'll look into BFS!