T2DM

If you stay with Shimano then, I would think Vanford 1000 or 2000 (basically same body size just deeper spool for the 2000) would be the better choice IMO.

I am fully aware of the whole dry and lightly oiled AR-B, I was recommended by a trusted source to just run the AR-Bearing dry, and it didn't last (depending on the reel model) at least for me, if you ever open or disassembled a new out of the box Shimano reels you will notice that the internals are packed with some sort of grease all the way into the AR-B and you can never replicate the smoothness of a Shimano reels out of the box after a full teardown and cleaning, re-lube etc. Shimano seems to use some sort of grease from the factory that even Bantam1 can't explain, and Super Lube stuff is the closet I can compare to their factory grease. http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=29350&start=30 http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?t=39959 All my Bantam, Chronarch, Metanium, Curado MGL 70k in my arsenal all seems to be okay with just the Bantam 100 oil in the AR-B, but for some reason my 17 Scorpion DC AR-B do well with the Super Lube Oil and quite a bit noisy (squeaky) with the Bantam 100 oil for whatever reason. I also noticed that the Super Lube Oil seems to quiet down the AR-B on all of my reels including eggbeaters. I've cleaned and re-lubricated one of my Scorpion DC, then put it in a freezer to "simulate wintertime" and the AR-B never slip, will have to wait till this coming winter to see how the super lube lubricants really performs though. Just sharing my experience that's all...

Hey guys, Just been happy using these stuff and just want to share the experience. I hope it helps. From left to right: Grease for the gear set and sliding parts, Oil for the AR-B, Grease for Drag and Bantam 100 for spool bearings.

Another vote on the 1000 size.

Caught this plus a few using Mini Max with a Dobyns Kayden 714C. I really like it for Mini Max and Jackhammer. Specs on this rod does not make sense for chatter baits but it works really well for me. It's "fast action" but more of a mod fast MH action.

Jared Lintner went from Shimano/G Loomis Rods to Ritual Angling, not so sure why, this was a while back though.

Miravel does not have: Long Stroke Spool Worm Drive Oscilation One piece Bail Aero Wrap Micro Module Gear X-Protect S A-RB Cross Carbon Drag from 3000 and up on both or maybe 4000 and up on the Miravel??? MIRAVEL: MIRAVEL (shimano.com) ULTEGRA: ULTEGRA FC (shimano.com) Exsense BB: Exsense BB | Spinning (General Purpose) | Reels | Product Information | SHIMANO SHIMANO

I believe Ultegra FC is worm driven, any model below Ultegra isn't at least in USDM.

Yes, it does make a difference. For me anyway.

My 3000 kind of did the same thing when I first got it, I exchanged it for another one and it was the same thing so I figured it's just a new reel and I just need to use it and after using it for a while all the 'weird noise' went away. Mine now is so smooth I bought another one but in a 1000 size, exact same thing with my Vanford 3000. New reels need a little break-in period IMO.

I've read plenty of posts here that says, "Buy X-brand and get it over with". I only use Shimano for reels, Shimano rods and a few low-end Loomis and Dobyns and lately a pretty decent St Croix rod. I use them and I only share my experience with the products I use, Are my experiences with these products perfect? Heck No! I try the best I can to share or maybe recommend products based on my experience like most here do and I would never ever push someone to buy products I or someone likes just because it's what we use.

My bad Bro!

Glad it all worked out for you! no more buyer's remorse I hope?

It may not be the reel if it's not making any kind of weird noise while casting. Plus, it's likely a totally different braking system compared to what you're used to. Try: Turn on all the brake blocks. Wipe the brake pipe clean. Turn the external brake dial to max. Eliminate the spool side to side play (apply more pressure if needed) Start with 3/8oz or 1/2oz non bulky lure, like a lipless crankbait. Give it a go then slowly dial down the external brake after a few casts to get some distance. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Another one is the SLX 6'-10" medium....

With my experience with the Casitas 150 which the SLX replaced, I've promised to myself I would never buy another Shimano with no double pinion bearing support ever again, but that just me though. If the budget is an issue, then go with the SLX 70. But if you can spend the extra money, then just go with the Curado 70 MGL, it's just simply a better reel overall and a good resale value. it's all up to you.

I've gotten used to these handle knobs on my bait casters, so I've replaced all the factory handle knobs with BNT5768 on my spinning reels, just feel natural to me. BNT5768 is a LH. Gives you an idea on what's possible I hope. 2x Spheros SW 3000 (came with T-handle) 1x Stradic FL 1000 (came with Stradic FL 2500 knobs) 1x Stradic FL 3000 (came with T-handle) 1x Vanford 3000 (came with T-handle) Exscence should come with 2 handle knob bearings already so you should be good there, I think. Don't forget to get shims (BNT6555) and the end caps (BNT7074) if you decided to use Shimano handle knobs. There's a ton of options out there though.

LOL! was fishing for crappie but 2LB ish Bass on 10LB braid with 6LB fluorocarbon leader is really something else!

Most Honda are made in the USA too.

Daiwa, Shimano and other foreign reel company have a lot of employees here in the USA too. Just a thought......

So technically I can call Lew's and they should have parts that would fit most Shimano or Daiwa reels right?

My first ever St. Croix Rod (Premier Bass Pro Exclusive 6'-6" Med light). It's not a high-end rod or anything but man this thing is pretty dang sensitive. Paired it with Stradic FL1000 and I loving this setup!

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the only difference between the Scorpion MGL and the Curado 200k is the Spool and other parts should be interchangeable, Kind of like, I've replaced parts out of my 2017 Scorpion DC using the Curado 200i parts except the DC side plate and spool of course. Yes USDM Bantam are the same as JDM pretty much.

22 Bantam cast almost as good as the 20 Metanium and it's darker but not glossy finish like the 18, I hate to say it cause I love my Metanium, but the 22 Bantam is a better value for me for the time being IMHO. It gets pretty cold in the hands during the wintertime though that's why I have the Chronarch and the Metanium for really cold weather.

22 cast better than the 18 for sure, 18 looks better, infinitydrive a bit noticeable. overall it's worth the upgrade if you don't mind the weight.