A genius is who Ian Shields is.

I still love my core's, but if you are looking for something newer and better then I would suggest the Metanium's.

Well I guess it depends on which reels you're talking about. I do like my Curado I reels but I wish I didn't sell off (almost) all those Chronarch D's. There was just something special about them. I keep thinking about trying a Metanium. The price scares me though.....if I like it too much it could...

I don't own an Aldebaran. I do own 2 Core's and love them, but the Metanium seems to be a better reel. And the longer handle seems on the XG does seem to long, until you go back to a shorter handle. I also wouldn't hesitate to put either reel on any rod.

If I am using trebles, the ST-36 have been good to me, especially the red ones. I have also been using the Owner Single replacement hooks and have been pleased with their performance up to this point.

I thought the standard answer was 1/8 inch. I even think Shimano use to put that in their literature. However, I do sometimes "overfill" the spool because I think it does give a little extra distance. The price to pay is the potential for overruns.

Well, that does indeed suck. And I salute you for your honesty.

Some of the best lens I have ever used, but those glass lenses are heavy, heavy, heavy.

Awesome report. I would never have thought that little rod would have held up to that. I get to hit the coast in two weeks, but I will be down further south chasing snook. Thanks, it surprised me as well. It's hard to stop using it as its so much fun on light tackle. Very nice, snook are some aweso...

Awesome report. I would never have thought that little rod would have held up to that. I get to hit the coast in two weeks, but I will be down further south chasing snook.

I am torn between the two. The simplicity and reliability of the VBS was awesome. On the other hand, the casting distance I can achieve with my Met is impressive. Yes, for me, there was a short learning curve and no, I don't like having to periodically oil the brake drum. If I could only choose one,...

Only dealt with Samurai Tackle once, but they were very good to deal with. Good communication and fast shipping.

Awesome. Thanks for the response.

I have an XG and a brand new HG that I haven't even spooled with line yet. The XG was very impressive out of the box, but there was a faint vibration that I noticed especially when casting. I sent it to Ian (e_bassfisher) and I don't know how it could be any smoother at this point.

It was in the June issue of Bassmasters. GON had something about it as well. Apparently, the lake gave up 4 fish over 15# in a 4 week period.