what is based off the alpha? Not familiar with diawas. How do they compare to the shimanos for size? How do the shimanos perform? The Alphas is in the smaller class of Daiwa baitcasters. A 50 sized Shimano will be slightly smaller. Usually for finesse/smaller lures. Usually the comfortable low end ...

Alphas platform of your choice, plus SV spool to fit said platform. Steez SV TW is another great option with stock spool or aftermarket options such as the SLP G1 1012 or new Zpi shallow spool. To go off that, usually, it is cheaper to get the Alphas SV or SV105 instead of buying an Alphas and plug...

https://youtu.be/VKmKgwWG0RY

For the Tatula SV TW:

Heavy stuff in the beginning, BFSish stuff near the end.

Any reel with an SV spool, a dream with newbies.

I do however, tend not to give someone a reel with expensive fluorocarbon. One good blowup and it's done for

I use 2lb Nanofil at the moment. I use a 4lb leader on it and it is fine for gills and such.

I prefer faster reels for sure. I own 1 below 7.1 and that is a 12 Antares that is 5.6. I use that for deep crankbaits. Other than that, I use 7.1 other hard baits and I use 8.1 or higher for plastics and jigs. You will notice the difference when you reel down to set the hook when fishing a jig or p...

If you're having issues with the brake settings, I'd be looking into one of the Daiwa SV reels. They're very forgiving! I agree with the SV reels. Super forgiving without hindering disrance too much. The Tatula SV TW can be had for 135ish if you shop around. Great reel with a variety of gear ratios...

Same frame, but slightly different tolerances around the spool. The Tatula SV is slightly smaller to fit the smaller spool (millimeters in differences) only in the raceway area that holds the spool. I have been amazed by the videos of people throwing tiny and lightweight lures with the Tatula SV, j...

A video that shows the Tatula SV casting a variety of lures:

https://youtu.be/VKmKgwWG0RY

I don't understand why these reel manufacturers don't offer different spool sizes, handle lengths, etc. Shimano is totally lacking in this department. Shouldn't have to buy a different kind of reel to get a bigger spool, or different parts. They definitely should have a custom shop. 13 Fishing is d...

I have done the same, pitching is no problem. I pitch more than cast. The reel setup is just as important as the rod. The challenge is getting the spool rotating with lite lures. How do you set up your reel? Do you use any aftermarket things such as shallow spools? Is your reel super tuned? No supe...

Thanks man. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes. I got an Antares 12 I'm getting super tuned also and gonna get it on a St Croix Legend Glass crankbait rod. The Antares V2 is going on the last version of the Legend Elite. Pretty excited to get these done. Funny. I have a 12 Antares and it i...

I've used down to 1/8 with my 893 no problem with Aldebaran. How does it work for pitching? I have done the same, pitching is no problem. I pitch more than cast. The reel setup is just as important as the rod. The challenge is getting the spool rotating with lite lures. How do you set up your reel?...

I am still testing out a custom K2 714 with an 8.1 Steez SV TW. I'm running 14lb Shooter on it. I can go weightless up to about 3/8oz plus bait comfortably with the rod. Has a more moderate feel on the hookset than I was expecting but, it's been treating me well so far. The NRX 852c is pretty good ...

Assuming traditional bearings get noisy, rusty or size up because of the saltwater, how would the same saltwater affect the czb? Any foreseeable issues with salt crystallisation and smoothness? Just like a plastic water bottle that washes up on some island in the south pacific...unscathed. who's go...