Thanks for clearing this up for me. I was kind of surprised that Japan Lure Shop is still selling this reel for $259.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if the SS SV was the same as the SS SV 103.

I need a little clarification. What's the difference between the original Daiwa SS SV and the Daiwa SV 103 (shown on the Japan Lure Shop) website. Sorry if this question has already been asked. I couldn't find any info.

Just received and read the September Dobyn's newsletter. The newsletter states that a new series called XTASY will soon be released. The series will initially consist of 5 casting models and 5 spinning models. The newsletter stated they'll retail for $549.99. The rods will be constructed from Toray'...

I'm not sure of your preference (spinning vs casting), but you don't have to use a spinning rod for your shakeyhead combo. The NRX 852C is an excellent choice for a shakeyhead rod if you prefer a casting rod. You just have to have a good reel and use the correct size line. Plenty of people have gone...

Does anyone have any first hand experience with this rod company and the Enox model line? It appears that TT has never done a review of one of their rods.

You're already using one of the most sensitive rods on the market. I'm not sure you'll be able to equal that with a Megabass unless or willing to spend some serious coin.

I agree with most of the comments regarding ICAST. Pretty darn disappointing! A friend and I were talking the other day and we came to the conclusion that we personnally witnessed the best period (heyday) of great new fishing gear about 3 - 5 years ago. Back then I couldn't wait for ICAST and to wat...

To the original post:

My main reason for losing interest is the lack gear of ratio's being offered for lefty's. If you're not interested in a high speed reel, oh well. I guess 13 Fishing wanted to see how the Z was going to be received before they offered more options for lefty's.

Might be interesting to pair it up with one of the older Powell Endurance (purple) rods if you're into that kind of stuff.

Maybe these questions should be directed to Bantam1 under the Shimano Product Support. Couldn't hurt. The kicker is that he's out of the country until later this month.

When you previously owned the Winch did you fish it with stock bearings or were they upgraded? That could explain your distance issues.

Take a look at the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and the Orra Winch. The guys at Tactical Bassin rave about the Orra Winch even though it's inexpensive.

If you think your product is the next BIG thing in fishing reels, you shouldn't have to wait to see how the first reels sell. I doubt seriously if Shimano and Daiwa operate that way. Hell, even Abu sells cranking reels in the 5's. Oh well.

Disappointing to find out only 1 left hand gear ratio being offered. In addition, no low gear ratio's (5's) being offered for crankbaits. Could possibly hurt sales.