I have to say I'm very surprised. I didn't weigh the handle on my Alphas, and haven't weighed a carbon handle either, but I have handled both, and the stock forged handle seemed like it could have easily weighed an ounce, and the carbon handled felt ultralight. I'm shocked and disappointed it only s...

I think you all are crazy. I'd take my alphas over my mg50's anyday!

In the weight department anyway. I am in the market for two more reels for a pair of steez rods, and I've been contemplating going for a pair of Steez, or just purchasing a couple more alphas. My alphas with Ize' spools cast great, are very light, and are a great value (I know...who cares about valu...

I don't stain my cork, I just wrap the trigger handle with rod wrap, and then use a Tackle Junky foregrip cover on the forgrip (except on my steez rods :)). Keeps the cork chalky new until I am ready to swap rods. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/mpratt/IMG_0741.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/...

Tectan Premium Plus is indeed the strongest line per diameter I have ever used, but I wouldn't say it is a low memory line. It seemed to have memory on par with the Pline CXX I normally use, granted I don't think the memory of either line is horrible.

I forgot to mention I was referring to the medium diver crankbait That and the shallow running crank are the only Frenzy's I use.

The Frenzy baits excel in the colder water of early spring...I honestly think they are one of the best cold water baits out there. Cabelas has them on sale for $1.99, and I'm about to order 25.

I agree on the Crucial, or Compre if you can't afford the Crucial.

I use 8 and 10lb CXX for open water/deep divers, and bump up to 12 or 15lb CXX for shallow crankbaits.

I used it for a while...seemed to have more stretch and less abrasion resistance than my Pline CXX, although it did have very low memory and great castability.

Hehe...I wasn't much help, but that is a great lookin' rod you are sporting in the pick. Good luck...

As far as fishability of the Megabass and their power ratings; I can't help you because I don't own any . I know Dan and a few others own the Elseil, and probably could help you make some comparisons.

I always recommend the Compre when anglers ask for a recommendation of a >$100 rod, although the Crucial is worth the extra money if you have it to spare. The Crucial is not noticeably lighter, but the sensitivity difference is noticeable, and the guides are better.

When I looked at the Megabass lineup, I thought "Do they not use 7' rods in Japan?!", and then I just saw those new longer models, designed from imput from their U.S. pros. I bet Randy Blaukat and Aaron Martens said "Hey...these 6'8"ers aren't going to cut it!" That series of Megabass doesn't have t...

Sure...I had 20lb fluorocarbon on one for a while