Reel Suggestions for 754c Rod

[Drakestar]

I was lucky enough to get an Xtasy 754c during the Dobyns sale, which has been good so far. Looking for a reel to pair it the rod.

I currently got a Curado 70HG on it which looks good (silver on silver/black/grey), balances well (6.7oz) and has the right gear ratio for such a long rod (8:1). But it's undersized - looking for a larger reel with the same characteristics. The logical step would be to get a bigger Shimano reel, but I'm interested in suggestions for other options. Wouldn't mind trying a Daiwa reel but I do braid to leader - I think that rules them out?

[Drakestar]

Looking around TW a bit, I guess my default replacement option would be a Chronarch MGL in 8:1.

[white84z]

If you're looking for a non Twing reel the Sv103 would be awesome on that rod. These however are discontinued so you would have to buy used. I recently bought an Xtasy 753 during the sale, I ended up with a OG steel on mine and love it.

[freelancer27]

Higher end: Daiwa Morethan, Steez A

Mid leve but still great: Daiwa Tatula Elite, Daiwa Coastal SV TW

[Drakestar]

I read up on the Daiwa t-wing line release and it looks like my fears of leader knots not working well are overblown. Especially when using the FG knot, which I tie religiously. So I’m putting a Tatula Elite on the table, as well. (Probably nothing fancier than that, I like to cut my reel budget around $300 and invest in the rods).

Gonna see if I can figure out a way to pair the reels in person to help me decide, it’s a bit complicated with social distancing and shop closures in effect.

How much do Daiwas feel like typical Doyo reels? I actually like them (have a bunch of ABU and high-end Pfluegers). Just wondering if those reels are indicative of what to expect.

[white84z]

My Daiwas feel nothing like a doyo reel. I can't speak for the tatula elite but all of my other Daiwa are OG zillions, steezs and alphas platforms. The one Doyo reel I have is an ALC BF7 and its a great reel, just not as solid feeling.

[Drakestar]

Thanks. Mostly referring to the fact that Daiwa, ABU, Pflueger, Lews and BSP reels are made in that same Doyo factory, so they have some commonalities. That said, Daiwa might not manufacture their higher-end reels there(?) Reason I asked

[Big-Bass]

SV103XS. Balances on my Xtasy 754C perfectly. Purple parts match too and some OG corks with a CF handle make it look great as well.

[MaxZmus]

I currently have a Tatula Elite mounted on my DRX724C and it looks awesome! I haven’t used it yet so I’m very concerned about my fg knot passing through the top 4 guides as they seem to be semi-micro. I’ll be using 30lbs braid to 15-17lbs leaders. Any of guys have problems with leader knots with the Xtasy series?

[Drakestar]

I currently have a Tatula Elite mounted on my DRX724C and it looks awesome! I haven’t used it yet so I’m very concerned about my fg knot passing through the top 4 guides as they seem to be semi-micro. I’ll be using 30lbs braid to 15-17lbs leaders. Any of guys have problems with leader knots with the Xtasy series?

I've been throwing various 1/2oz setups on mine with no issues. Usually 40lbs Maxcuatro to 16lbs Sniper via FG knot, goes through smoothly and casts well.

[Drakestar]

So I was all set on getting a Tatula Elite and figured out a way to check it out on my rod. Reel & rod did indeed look killer as a combo, but then we realized that the only model that was there was a 7:1. I really wanted an 8:1 for this rod - it's long, I rip my baits out of grass and tules a lot, and when stuff comes flying towards me the high gear ratio helps.

So, seeing how coronavirus is making it hard to go shopping, and because I wanted a reel there and then - a Chronarch MGL XG *was* available, and I went with that reel instead. Looks very nice as well, grey on grey, shiny on shiny:

chronarch2.jpg (114.23 KiB) Viewed 5597 times

I definitely see a Daiwa in my future after trying it out, tho.

[bassm1n]

Hard pressed to find a reel any better than the Daiwa Zillion SV for all around performance and use.