Budget Combos, searching for deals...

LgMouthGambler · November 19, 2019, 06:31:19 PM

So here is the "ultimate" score for budget combos so far. They have been mated together, and feel great in hand. I will elaborate more in the SLX XT thread, but this has to be put here based on what this thread is. $150 shipped, its probably my greatest score yet.

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LgMouthGambler · November 21, 2019, 07:14:19 PM

Funny...I'm sitting here browsing through YouTube...Tactical Bassin 13hrs ago doing a "Best casting rod and reel combos under $200". Lol

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Capt. BassinLou · November 21, 2019, 07:28:27 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on November 21, 2019, 07:14:19 PM
Funny...I'm sitting here browsing through YouTube...Tactical Bassin 13hrs ago doing a "Best casting rod and reel combos under $200". Lol

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It's been a trend on YouTube lately.

LgMouthGambler · November 22, 2019, 04:40:15 AM

Quote from: Bassinlou on November 21, 2019, 07:28:27 PM
It's been a trend on YouTube lately.

Yeah, Tactical has been doing it for a few years now about this time. Just thought it was funny when I seen it. Lol

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LgMouthGambler · January 02, 2020, 07:29:50 PM

So I decided to give another Banax reel a shot. I bid on a Quantum PT Icon, and won the reel for $44 shipped. This is a reel that MSRPs for $120. I want to se how it compares casting to the Lews Tournament MB. I'm gonna do a comparison of the Tournament MB and the SLX XT this weekend on a C FL lake. So I will be able to see what reel comes out on top casting/retrieving/performance wise.

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TWBryan · January 06, 2020, 10:03:47 AM

LgMouthGambler, I'm very interested in hearing your review of the quantom pt icon. I was considering it before I decided to go with the Tatula. Either that or the Pflueger President..

LgMouthGambler · January 06, 2020, 12:08:15 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 06, 2020, 10:03:47 AM
LgMouthGambler, I'm very interested in hearing your review of the quantom pt icon. I was considering it before I decided to go with the Tatula. Either that or the Pflueger President..

If its anything like my Smoke Speed Freak, I will be impressed im sure. Ergonomics are the same, spool looks to be the same design, and brake system is still the ACS3 style. Having an aluminum frame, brass gears, and 18lbs of drag, it should be a solid platform. There are mixed reviews online about many liking them, and duds/failures.

On a side note, I got to spend some time with the SLX XT and the Tournament MB. Using the same baits, and same rod, the Tournament MB was outperforming the SLX. I was actually quite surprised myself. Both reels are bone stock as far as internals/performance pieces.

TWBryan · January 06, 2020, 06:17:54 PM

The tournament mb is a bass pro shops reel? Yes I also read about the Icon having an aluminum frame that's why I was eye-balling it. If it's good I might shell out the $60 it's going for,in a couple months...

SteveTX · January 06, 2020, 07:07:07 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 06, 2020, 06:17:54 PM
The tournament mb is a bass pro shops reel?

The Tournament MB is a Lew's reel

LgMouthGambler · January 06, 2020, 08:57:44 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 06, 2020, 06:17:54 PM
The tournament mb is a bass pro shops reel? Yes I also read about the Icon having an aluminum frame that's why I was eye-balling it. If it's good I might shell out the $60 it's going for,in a couple months...

Like Steve said, the Tournament MB is a Lews reel. Lews is made by Doyo who actually makes the reels for BPS as well. Now, keep your eye out on Ebay for the auctions, because I have got mine for about $45 each.

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LgMouthGambler · January 06, 2020, 08:59:43 PM

So here are some internal pictures of the Icon. It has dual pinion support and a hybrid carbon ceramic drag with brass gears. Also, the driveshaft is brass, and dual bearing supported. These are the kind of things you find on higher end reels.

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LgMouthGambler · January 07, 2020, 05:20:27 AM

So here is what I'm gonna try and do with this Icon. A smaller swimbait that I found at Bridgemasters in Lake Wales this past weekend (I bought 5lbs of them), rigged weightless. I mounted the Icon on the Halo Daylite (rod and reel total about $105!), and I'm gonna see how well this combo will cast this weightless swimbait. The line is 30lb braid, so hopefully this reel can handle the task at hand. If so, its gonna be a money combo for sure.

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TNDiver · January 07, 2020, 09:00:21 AM

Great info Matt! What sites do you trust for rod/reel reviews? Just curious

LgMouthGambler · January 07, 2020, 10:10:26 AM

Quote from: TNDiver on January 07, 2020, 09:00:21 AM
Great info Matt! What sites do you trust for rod/reel reviews? Just curious

None.

I dont trust anybody but me, but I do Google the particular reel and just read everything there is available at random. Just to see what is being said. Then I will decide if Im gonna give it a shot.

LgMouthGambler · January 07, 2020, 12:41:35 PM

Success! This reel can cast this light lure just fine. Plenty of distance, and I even got a fish!

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TWBryan · January 07, 2020, 05:06:01 PM

Sounds nice,how good is the braking? Is it easy to adjust? Did you find it needing lubricant when you took it apart? See anything that wasn't good? Inquiring (and cheap) minds want to know.

LgMouthGambler · January 07, 2020, 08:12:22 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 07, 2020, 05:06:01 PM
Sounds nice,how good is the braking? Is it easy to adjust? Did you find it needing lubricant when you took it apart? See anything that wasn't good? Inquiring (and cheap) minds want to know.

Braking is great, as I'm used to it with the Smoke. It's easy to adjust as it's a simple click of an external adjustment. Didnt see it really needing any other lubricant, but I did add some Shimano Star grease as it's what I like on my gears. Everything internal looked good to me. So far I like the reel, and we shall see how it pans out in the long run.

You have to understand, I own a lot of reels (which I need to purge some), so one reel might only get used here and there. I dont abuse my equipment, as I'm very meticulous about care.

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TWBryan · January 07, 2020, 08:46:07 PM

It sounds pretty good. If you feel the need to purge it and give it away to the great unwashed, I'm always available. J/K :D I'll keep the reel in mind for a couple months from now,could always put it on the Daiwa 2x4 for pitching...

LgMouthGambler · January 08, 2020, 08:41:56 AM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 07, 2020, 08:46:07 PM
It sounds pretty good. If you feel the need to purge it and give it away to the great unwashed, I'm always available. J/K :D I'll keep the reel in mind for a couple months from now,could always put it on the Daiwa 2x4 for pitching...

I have reels for sale in the classifieds right now actually.

TWBryan · January 08, 2020, 02:29:24 PM

I checked there ,but nothing I can afford. Will be in Daytona Beach tomorrow and will stop at bps there to reconnoiter .

apiazza · January 08, 2020, 05:22:57 PM

Let me know when you want to unload that xt real cheap lol

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Smallie_Stalker · January 08, 2020, 05:44:05 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 07, 2020, 05:20:27 AM
So here is what I'm gonna try and do with this Icon. A smaller swimbait that I found at Bridgemasters in Lake Wales this past weekend (I bought 5lbs of them), rigged weightless. I mounted the Icon on the Halo Daylite (rod and reel total about $105!), and I'm gonna see how well this combo will cast this weightless swimbait. The line is 30lb braid, so hopefully this reel can handle the task at hand. If so, its gonna be a money combo for sure.

.

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Don't want to get the thread off-topic but what is that braid you have on the reel?

LgMouthGambler · January 08, 2020, 05:44:31 PM

Quote from: apiazza on January 08, 2020, 05:22:57 PM
Let me know when you want to unload that xt real cheap lol

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I was honestly thinking about it, but then I'm stuck with a Shimano SLX rod. Lol

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LgMouthGambler · January 08, 2020, 05:45:37 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on January 08, 2020, 05:44:05 PM
Don't want to get the thread off-topic but what is that braid you have on the reel?

That is Spectra. Braid that is straight from th production source. I get 1000m for $20

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Smallie_Stalker · January 08, 2020, 05:49:05 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 08, 2020, 05:45:37 PM
That is Spectra. Braid that is straight from th production source. I get 1000m for $20

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Thanks. Sending you a PM.