I have an affinity for blanks made in the USA.

I have worked as a professional rod and reel technician and trained as a warranty tech for numerous brands, but I find that mid line Shimano gives me the performance I want and reliability I need as well as access to parts no longer in production, but can be found in the numerous reels sold over the years, so I can keep mine in tip top shape as I watch the trend towards more plastic and cheaper construction is never ending. My spinning reel preferences are for Shimano Stradic reels in the FG to FJ range. My preference today for baitcast reels are the Shimano Curado i series. I post this thread as a curiosity to see where custom rod building members of this forum stand on this issue.įor me, I am nearly 60 years old so I have been fishing since the late 1960's and I have lived through many phases of the fishing tackle changes over the years and decades and I have seen things come and go and some stick around.Īnd it is precisely all those years- my younger years mind you- that has developed within me a passion for vintage gear. Include your actual First and Last name and a correct email address when registering Registration is now required in order to post. Posts whichĪre inflammatory, insulting, or that fail to include a proper name and emailĪddress will be removed and the persons responsible will be barred from further

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