Broke the bank account

[Ken]

Well...I just made 3 impulse buy within the last 48 hours that resulted in $500 out of my bank account in a hurry... All were pretty good deals though...so I just had to jump on the opportunities I need a second job to pay for all of them

#1

Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor V

Backing capacity WF-7 200yd, WF-8 175yd, WF-9 150yd (I'm going to use gel spun line...so I can get 200+yd with the WF-8)

Brand new...bought it off a forum for US$135 shipping and insurance included! (Retail US$200+)

Here's a picture taken by the seller. I should have it in less than 10 days.



#2

Thomas and Thomas XL2 3-piece 8-wt

Was told it was brand new...but the aluminum case looked a bit battered. The cork on the rod still has plastic on it though...so it looked as good as new (the rest of the rod looks new as well). Moderate-fast action suitable for saltwater fishing. This rod is in the same class as a Sage VT2.

Bought it off a local fly fishing forum for CDN$200 (retail US$420)...picked it up today

Love to show a pic...but I'm still hiding it from my mom.

#3

Orvis Battenkill Big Game Large Arbor VI

Again, brand new according to seller with box, pouch and papers. It is suitable for line weight from 10-13.

This is still pending shipping charges confirmation from the seller on eBay. But I won the bid at US$175 (Retail US$250 + Shipping). Even if shipping is $35, it's still a good deal.



Now all I need is a 10-wt rod...maybe this summer

Can wait to fish the flats next time in Hawaii. Yay!

[skunked]

The stupidity bug must be going around because I too have just blown Mucho Moolah on a fishing gear purchase. At least you can make use of what you bought, but I probably won't use this reel until I go to Texas in march!
This is what I bought a couple of days ago.

This is the Japanese market version of the Shimano Calais DC (digital control). I just couldn't resist after seeing how "low" this guy was selling it for. The US version retails for $649!! I have been wanting to just try it out, but here in Hawaii, we can't just walk into a store and look at, touch, and try out freshwater fishing gear, so if you really want to try it, you gotta buy it!
Should receive it within a few days. Hope it lives up to the hype. A Daiwa Steez is calling my name too! Make it stop!

[Ken]

Nice reel! Better yet, it's the Japanese version (made in Japan I guess?) Now...how much was it?

The only set up I can use is the 8-wt here...unless I start fishing muskies with the 10-wt Maybe that's a good idea

[kahuna bass]

Skunked,

Your my hero!!

Excellent reel. I got a couple of the Antres, but not the DC version.

Your becoming a tackle ho!

Kahuna bass
Dark side live baiter
Tackle ho

[FishinFrenzy]

Yo Skunked, that's a crazy reel...Now if you will only USE it!

[Ca_Bass]

Skunked is that the reel with the micro chips in it? It looks a lot like the Calias.

[skunked]

Yes, it is the Japanese market version of the Calais 201DC. The reason I got the JDM version was solely due to the lower price. I saved about $180 off the retail price of the CalaisDC! I do worry about the warranty, or if I even have one. That's the risk I took and I hope it doesn't bite me in the (B)ass!
The US version does have a longer handle though. If this thing is anywhere as good as my Antares AR (Calais 100A), it is gonna be awesome!
I guess I am a "tackle Ho"
Next on my list: Shimano Metanium MG7 (CORE equivalent)

[Lrry93]

Make sure to write a review on that reel!!!

[skunked]

I finally got to try out my new reel today. I also used my new Pflueger Supreme spinning reel for the first time.



Expensive rod and reel paired up with a $1.69 crankbait and cheap BPS Excel mono. Something is not right here.

This reel weighs only about 7 oz. due to its magnesium body.

First fish caught with my new Antares DC7. Not quite what I had hoped for, but oh well.

Someone asked for a review of my reel. I only stayed out for about an hour until it started raining buckets. Now I know how June Jones felt when they poured the Gatorade on his head!
Pros:
It casts incredibly far with little effort.
No backlashes, which is almost a miracle for me.
I love the whirring sound it makes when casting. Cool!
Very smooth, although not quite as smooth as my Antares AR (Calais 100A)
Cons:
Pricey
Heavy at close to 10 oz.
This JDM version has a smaller handle than the US version. Makes it hard to crank with its 7:1 gear ratio. It should come standard with a longer handle. (There is another model, the Antares DC7LV which has the longer handle but it costs more)
Long term reliability of the DC chip is still a concern.

Overall, I am happy with it. I just hope I get to use it more often. Lately, I've been just whipping with little 1/16 oz. road runners and such.

Pflueger Supreme 8030MG spinning reel
Pros:
Looks nice
Very light weight due to the MG body.
Bail trip action is best I've ever used.
Smooth drag
Cons:
Not as smooth as I had hoped for. There's a clunky feeling while reeling.
Reeling effort is higher than most other reels. I will break it open to see if they are using some really heavy grease or something in there.

[Boatless]

wow, the first ebay picture doesnt do that reel justice. In real life it looks awesome! No backlash too? Good buy! Congrats on the red devil too.....