Looking for people who have used either of these Reels. I'm Abu guy not opposed to trying new gear. But generally I always go back to Abu.. I'm looking for a good finesse reel to pair up with a 743dx. Not trying to start a brand war. So please constructive
I have had many different reels but very rarely does Abu compete with Shimano.
I guess I am the other guy, just traded a nice Core 100mg for an Abu MGX, I much prefer the MGX. It was the last Shimano I had, all others were replaced with Abu Gen 2 Premier.
Ok i personally didn't like the mgx I prefer the premier.. But thanks for posting.. Again not trying to start a brand war. Just want to make a good selection.
I've liked the Shimano reels over the Abu reels in the past
On 5/14/2014 at 8:47 AM, AbuCroixGuy said:Ok i personally didn't like the mgx I prefer the premier.. But thanks for posting.. Again not trying to start a brand war. Just want to make a good selection.
Not sure what you didn't care for with the MGX but the LTx is a similar reel, has a shallow spool and magnetic braking , maybe enough for you to like it.
I have the same rod with a 50mg7 on it. It's a sweet combo. Never used the Abu, so I don't know how it compares
On 5/14/2014 at 9:00 AM, aavery2 said:Not sure what you didn't care for with the MGX but the LTx is a similar reel, has a shallow spool and magnetic braking , maybe enough for you to like it.
That's some good info. I just didn't care for it. I bought 4 at once and I did have the gen 1s I want to like it. Just didn't..
Maybe it was the shallow spool. I just didn't like the casts I made with them. I tried for 3 weeks.. Is there a difference between the gen1s and this year's model?
This isn't what you're asking, but for finesse reels I would go Daiwa. I also don't think you need a finesse reel for a DX 743. What are you plotting to throw on the rod?
It's not a brand war, many moons ago I was an Abu guy, actually I still keep those reels and continue to fish with them buuuuuuut, nowdays I wouldn't even consider getting another Abu reel, Shimano and Daiwa spoiled my taste.
On 5/14/2014 at 9:53 AM, Raul said:It's not a brand war, many moons ago I was an Abu guy, actually I still keep those reels and continue to fish with them buuuuuuut, nowdays I wouldn't even consider getting another Abu reel, Shimano and Daiwa spoiled my taste.
Raul, I would agree, the Gen 3 reels have left me disappointed and I continue to fish my Gen 2 Premiers, I hope ABU steps their game up or I will increase the number of Daiwa reels I own.
See now for me I like the gen 3premier better than the gen 1s I have.. Never fished the gen 2s. But would love to here your guys opinions on the Daiwa stuff. I looked at a few and just didn't like the flip up on the top of the reel.. And it's not definitely going on the 743 might end up going in a 742.. Gonna be throwing shaky heads drop shot light stuff. Trying to get away from spinning gear..
Pixy, Presso, Alphas, TDZ, Sol, Fuego and don't forget the Steez all good finesse reels, some require a little modification to make truly great finesse casters while others like the Pixy have long been the standard.
On 5/14/2014 at 10:26 AM, AbuCroixGuy said:See now for me I like the gen 3premier better than the gen 1s I have.. Never fished the gen 2s. But would love to here your guys opinions on the Daiwa stuff. I looked at a few and just didn't like the flip up on the top of the reel.. And it's not definitely going on the 743 might end up going in a 742.. Gonna be throwing shaky heads drop shot light stuff. Trying to get away from spinning gear..
Gen 1 Premier - magnetic braking, Gen 2 Premier- dual braking, Gen 3 Premier - dual braking with new form factor and large gearbox.
For finesse it would be hard to be a Daiwa T3 with a finesse spool, and upgraded bearings, the 60 position breaking system is awesome for dialing in light baits... 50 core is another great option... even the tatula type r should work great, especially with a bearing upgrade...
Mitch
On 5/14/2014 at 11:00 AM, aavery2 said:Gen 1 Premier - magnetic braking, Gen 2 Premier- dual braking, Gen 3 Premier - dual braking with new form factor and large gearbox.
Ty.. I dont keep up with the new stuff ill buy new stuf every 2 or 3 years then im good for awhile. Dont even look to see whats coming out. My way of keeping the bait monkey at bay.. How about this budget 1200.00 for 2 or 3 reels. Plus i have 2 BN gen 3 premiers thant are unused that i could take back if i like what i try out. Keep in mind only 1 will be finesse the other two will be cranker pitching top water spinner bait.. I have 6 premiers a rocket and a SX gen 1 rite now. Rods are a
Dobyns
734c
745dx
766c
Ive got both, well actually Ive got the Revo LTZ Which is a special edition LTX(mechanically the same but the LTZ has a fancy paint job and upgraded bearings and knobs) Ive also got a few 50 size Shimano LPs. What are you wanting to know? With the right rod the normal Shimano 50s like the Core/Curado/Chronarch E will throw 1/8th all day with no issue, the Aldebaran BFS with the shallower spool will throw 1/16th and maybe slightly lower. The LTZ/LTX will also do this. Ive not tried to lower but at 1/8th and under the performance between the 2 seems to be about the same. But the Aldebaran is noticeably smoother on the retrieve.
On 5/14/2014 at 11:23 AM, bootytrain said:Ive got both, well actually Ive got the Revo LTZ Which is a special edition LTX(mechanically the same but the LTZ has a fancy paint job and upgraded bearings and knobs) Ive also got a few 50 size Shimano LPs. What are you wanting to know? With the right rod the normal Shimano 50s like the Core/Curado/Chronarch E will throw 1/8th all day with no issue, the Aldebaran BFS with the shallower spool will throw 1/16th and maybe slightly lower. The LTZ/LTX will also do this. Ive not tried to lower but at 1/8th and under the performance between the 2 seems to be about the same. But the Aldebaran is noticeably smoother on the retrieve.
1/8th is good i will throw anything lighter 1/16th on shimano CI4 spinning reel on Croix avid 68mXF. Ive always thrown finesse on spinning gear and wanting to switch to casting set up..
On 5/14/2014 at 11:25 AM, AbuCroixGuy said:1/8th is good i will throw anything lighter 1/16th on shimano CI4 spinning reel on Croix avid 68mXF. Ive always thrown finesse on spinning gear and wanting to switch to casting set up..
Finesse on baitcasters is fun. If you like Abus I don't think you will be disappointed with the LTX. *** did a nice review on it.
Daiwa T3 Air would be another reel to look at with your budget, good comparison of it and the BFS on another fishing board.
On 5/14/2014 at 11:34 AM, aavery2 said:Daiwa T3 Air would be another reel to look at with your budget, good comparison of it and the BFS on another fishing board.
The Daiwa Airs(SS and T3) are nice but you have to take into account the limitations due to the fragile spools they have for what appears to be no performance gains over competing brand offerings.
On 5/14/2014 at 11:31 AM, bootytrain said:Finesse on baitcasters is fun. If you like Abus I don't think you will be disappointed with the LTX. another site did a nice review on it.
Honestly i have always liked abu and they have always treated me rite. The only problem is i havnt gave the other brands a chance to see if i like something better. I think i am selling my self short by not trying different brands. Honestly what pushed my to Abu over shimano was all the fan boys.. Got tired of hearing about it and decided to go with Abu.. Same with Daiwa.. Im not really a advicate of bragging about my brands are the best nothing else matters. And to me allot people act like that with those two brands..
I thought Croix rods were the best thing since sliced bread till i picked up my first dobyns and not that croixs are bad or anything i still use 3 LTBs and avid for spinning but they are slowly going to the ol lady and getting replaced with dobyns. Well not slowly cause i have bought all 5 dobyns in the last 2 weeks. But from the second i fished with them i fell in love with the way they felt in my hand. Maybe it wa going back to a full cork handle i dont know. Just can say they are the best feeling rod i have touched in awhile. Not to mention the pain scheme on the extremes is the sharpest looking rod i have ever layed eyes on..And after talking with Gary for awhile about rods helped me make my choice. He is a awsome guy to talk with and flat out said i had a well rounded line up and didnt need anything else. made a few suggestions and then we BSed and talked fishing. To me that sealed the deal.. I will be brand loyale in the rod catagory..
On 5/14/2014 at 11:36 AM, bootytrain said:The Daiwa Airs(SS and T3) are nice but you have to take into account the limitations due to the fragile spools they have for what appears to be no performance gains over competing brand offerings.
I hear people say they are fragile but I have seen nothing from owners indicating that is the case, as far as performance some say it's the very best finesse reel on the planet others follow your line of thinking.
I've had both and the core 50 or chronarch 50 would be a much better choice.
Whats the hype over the steez? and What makes it worth 599? prestige what just to say you have one? Cant see where any reel should cost that much if it isnt made of solid gold.
On 5/14/2014 at 11:41 AM, aavery2 said:I hear people say they are fragile but I have seen nothing from owners indicating that is the case, as far as performance some say it's the very best finesse reel on the planet others follow your line of thinking.
The spool limitations come from Daiwa themselves. And while I don't have an Air the only site that did a head to head comparison with the same rod and line and lures between the T3 air and Aldebaran BFS XG, the XG was easier to use casting ultralight weights. Granted those are only TTs results, but Ive not seen any other direct head to head comparisons so it holds a lot of weight with me.
On 5/14/2014 at 11:53 AM, bootytrain said:The spool limitations come from Daiwa themselves. And while I don't have an Air the only site that did a head to head comparison with the same rod and line and lures between the T3 air and Aldebaran BFS XG, the XG was easier to use casting ultralight weights. Granted those are only TTs results, but Ive not seen any other direct head to head comparisons so it holds a lot of weight with me.
I can't debate that, I don't have a dog in the fight because I don't own either of the reels , I just thought that the Air was worthy of consideration for a guy with his budget and inquiring about Daiwa reels. If it was my decision to make I would probably go with the PX-68R and call it a day. I can see where braided line may damage the spool on the air, but I would think that 6lb FC line would be fine.
Ok have to head to bed played a double header tonight & work at 4:30 in the morning. Wont be buying anything if i cant get my but up for work. Anyone can chime in and by all means keep discussing what ever im open to suggestions and i will reasearch further after i get more ideas. Thanks for your time.
Ok a update I cant get my hands on a LTX the place im going through does not have them and cant get them. I went and played with MG50 its a nice small reel light and i did like it. How ever i was told to step up to metanium.. I would like it better. Any body have and thoughts on the metanium? returning two of the premiers. I will need 4 reels Looking for a finesse reel 1/8th oz and up looking for a good reel for pitching and the other 2 just all around good cranker or spinner baits jig ect... I have 2 6.1 premiers and 2 7.1 premiers and the rocket 9.1 considered returning the rocket for 8.1 metanium.. just not a 100% sure what to do. So any advice is welcome thanks
I also looked at a ci4 and liked the feel of that reel. The daiwa in my area are not on the upper end at all the top one they have is the T3 balistic. So cant really say what i think about them. Outside of the fact i do not like the pop up top on them...
I read some reviews on pixi type R another sweet looking but havnt touched it. I have bumped my budget up to around 2500.00 max dont have to spend that much and keep in mind i am buying 2 more dobyns thinking a 743DX and a 736c or a 744DX really not sure yet on the route im gonna go. I will be getting 20% off the whole order. I love these guys they always hook me up and have been amazing about answering all my questions. But still want real world users to give there feedback. Thanks and have a great night.
Rods i have
Dobyns
I tried to make myself like Abu, I really did, just didn't work for me. I have a buddy that loves them though. I used to be a daiwa guy and I wouldn't touch a shimano because of fanboys. Then I got a few curado e series reels and I will never use anything else. If I were you, I would buy a shimano chronarch 50e, send it off to Dan at ReelEx and get it super tuned and abec9 bearings put in (around $44 total), then install carbontex drag (around $8). I would also put a yumeya bfs finesse spool in it (around $100), then get a 94mm carbon fiber handle with cork knobs from Hawgtech ($90). You would be getting the reel for $160 with your 20% off which would put your total around $400, which is $40 more than a core 50mg7. Or $20 more than an LTX which wouldn't have a chance of competing with the chronarch 50e with those upgrades. You would have the best finesse reel for $400 you could ever dream of fishing with. I have a curado 50e with stock bearings that was super tuned by Dan at ReelEx and it casts farther than my stock 50mg7...
Oh and I would definitely go with the 744DX over the 743DX, but I like to fish up a power from what I am supposed to.
Thank you for the input. Whats the turn around time on something like this?
So are you wanting this to be a dedicated finesse reel or are you going to be throwing regular baits on it too? On Rakuten you can get LTXs for 280 plus shipping. Or if you want, get an LTZ for about 350 which comes with ZPI bearings and knobs and an extra deeper spool. Looks cool as hell too.. The Metanium can throw 1/8th but not nearly as well as the LTZ and Aldebaran BFS. There are a couple of shallow spool options available though.
On 5/15/2014 at 8:36 AM, JGBassinAL said:I tried to make myself like Abu, I really did, just didn't work for me. I have a buddy that loves them though. I used to be a daiwa guy and I wouldn't touch a shimano because of fanboys. Then I got a few curado e series reels and I will never use anything else. If I were you, I would buy a shimano chronarch 50e, send it off to Dan at ReelEx and get it super tuned and abec9 bearings put in (around $44 total), then install carbontex drag (around $8). I would also put a yumeya bfs finesse spool in it (around $100), then get a 94mm carbon fiber handle with cork knobs from Hawgtech ($90). You would be getting the reel for $160 with your 20% off which would put your total around $400, which is $40 more than a core 50mg7. Or $20 more than an LTX which wouldn't have a chance of competing with the chronarch 50e with those upgrades. You would have the best finesse reel for $400 you could ever dream of fishing with. I have a curado 50e with stock bearings that was super tuned by Dan at ReelEx and it casts farther than my stock 50mg7...
Im gonna have to disagree with you on this one guy, I have an Aldebaran BFS with Hedgehog BFS Air bearings and my LTZ/LTX easily hangs with it.
Thats a sharp loking setup train.. 1 will be just a finesse setup. Still reading and reading and watching reviews to decide what route. The other 3 reels will be just cause i feel like giving soemtjing else a try and want a higher end reel. Metanium is what im leaning for as of rite now. But the pixy typ r has been crossing my mind as well. I have to head to bed work at 4:30 and gotta make some cash to feed the bait monkey.. He is eating like a horse..
Head over to TT. BFS reels are common there. BTW you will be blown away by the Metaniums performance.
To each his own bootytrain. Shimano has just always treated me good even compared to higher end abu. But hey whatever gets your line wet. And turnaround on that would be about 2 weeks probably. Depending on how long it takes to get your spool in from Japan.
Just a update ended up pulling the trigger on 3 metaniums. 2 dobyns 744dx & 743dx and two 15lb spools of Tatsu OT 1672.00 saved 415.00 grabbing 2 chronarch Ci4s to try out also For 200.00 a piece so saving another 140.00.. But will have it all tomorrow when I get home from work can't wait.. Christmas in may..