Monday, 25 March 2013
Sunday, 3 February 2013
shimano's NO different from daiwa ...
for shim fanboys ...
reproduced from Tackletour forums courtesy of a Louisiana angler jpd0144 (credit must be given where rightfully due):
Shimano ...lets make a new reel = Core = New design.
Shimano ...lets make a JDM aluminum frame version from Core. Keep all bearings S- ARB but go from 9 to 7 bearings and use graphite side plates instead of Mg to cut cost and plastic drag star and use regular level winde insert oh and make main gear from brass in a diff ratio. paint it metallic maroon to keep with tradition of Scorpion = Scorpion 1000xt= New reel.
Shimano...leats make a USDM since alumin JDM is doing well. Well due to exchange rates we have to cut the cost some to bring it to US. Lets change the reel componet from S-ARB x 7 to S-ARB x 2 and 5 SS bearings and keep the rest the same paint it green = Curado 50E=New reel.
Shimano... we have to cut cost so we make a new Curado G and now need a new Chronarch. We already have a 50 Curado. Lets NOT change the frame, gear materials, bearing configuration, side plates or ANYTHING. Talk about save money ! All we do is send it to US with only repainting of the CU50 and anodize the handle/spool and put the big grips the Americans like already and we have a reel we just have to print Chronarch on it. Done deal ...its just the CU50 repainted. They didnt have to make a NEW reel from Core as you state. It was already created. They changed nothing but paint, anodizing andd grips. Nothing mechanical changed but grips. =Chronarch CH50E = Nothing changed ... just cosmetics=No new reel.
Unless im looking at this wrong but how will u get performance form no changes from reel componets but those I just listed. They didnt make a new reel from a Core from scratch. They took what the had already and just repainted it.
there are friends and acquaintances who swear by or wax lyrical 'bout shimano reels.
some of the same also diss daiwa for their blatant variant rehashes ... i wonder if they're aware their fave does the same ... or just blindly loyal to the point of ignorance or indifference?
i don't diss shimano or their reels though i have had less then inspiring experience with their reels.
fwiw, the curadoE does not inspire confidence in me. yes, i tried it and seen my friend go through repeated spool overruns or short casts before i saw one really long cast.
gimme consistency any day. angler shortcoming? mebbe.
what i do like is the 2012 JDM calcutta D. fits my hand comfortably, reasonable line capacity, fresh& salt friendly. priced too high.
and many rave about every shimano release.
i have ABU, daiwa and shimano reels be they spinning or baitcasters.
i choose reels based on needs, followed by what the pocket can afford me, and finally ... wants.
obviously not all my wants can be met due to pocket restraints.
reels that meet my needs:
1. possess higher drag, eg revos and their 20lb-24lb drags, or the SOL with 7kg drags
2. dual purpose, ie fresh & salt compliance - i don't want to fork out anymore by buying a separate set for salt ... should I make it out to sea. if i don't, i know my gear can handle what i dish out, subject to proper maintenance.
3. preferably all metal, despite their weight .. .up to a point.
4. ergonomics - must fit my hands
5. medium ratios of 5.2:1 to 6.4:1 - i can crank faster if needed; the power that comes with a lower ratio compared slightly less power with higher ratios is preferable. relatively lower ratio reels appear to have slightly higher max drags compared with higher ratio reels. might need to get a 4.9:1 for cranking when i get out to the briny deep.
tho' i like daiwa reels very much, they're way overpriced.
daiwa, do you want to kill your own market share?
old stock is marked up overnight with an average 30-35% increase.
and tackle prices increase every year .. what gives?
anglers are handed cheaper and/or increasingly inferior materials at higher prices ... it's about time the world angling community teach tackle manufacturers and retailers a lesson.
i'm one of those who find shimano reels ... less solid, for want of a better phrase.
some reels feel hollow, too light, plasticky, too smooth ... yes, there's that.
their twinpower is very tempting but at more than RM1000 a pop ... it takes careful planning to acquire.
ABU & daiwa reels give me a solid and connected feel.
to each their own.
reproduced from Tackletour forums courtesy of a Louisiana angler jpd0144 (credit must be given where rightfully due):
Shimano ...lets make a new reel = Core = New design.
Shimano ...lets make a JDM aluminum frame version from Core. Keep all bearings S- ARB but go from 9 to 7 bearings and use graphite side plates instead of Mg to cut cost and plastic drag star and use regular level winde insert oh and make main gear from brass in a diff ratio. paint it metallic maroon to keep with tradition of Scorpion = Scorpion 1000xt= New reel.
Shimano...leats make a USDM since alumin JDM is doing well. Well due to exchange rates we have to cut the cost some to bring it to US. Lets change the reel componet from S-ARB x 7 to S-ARB x 2 and 5 SS bearings and keep the rest the same paint it green = Curado 50E=New reel.
Shimano... we have to cut cost so we make a new Curado G and now need a new Chronarch. We already have a 50 Curado. Lets NOT change the frame, gear materials, bearing configuration, side plates or ANYTHING. Talk about save money ! All we do is send it to US with only repainting of the CU50 and anodize the handle/spool and put the big grips the Americans like already and we have a reel we just have to print Chronarch on it. Done deal ...its just the CU50 repainted. They didnt have to make a NEW reel from Core as you state. It was already created. They changed nothing but paint, anodizing andd grips. Nothing mechanical changed but grips. =Chronarch CH50E = Nothing changed ... just cosmetics=No new reel.
Unless im looking at this wrong but how will u get performance form no changes from reel componets but those I just listed. They didnt make a new reel from a Core from scratch. They took what the had already and just repainted it.
there are friends and acquaintances who swear by or wax lyrical 'bout shimano reels.
some of the same also diss daiwa for their blatant variant rehashes ... i wonder if they're aware their fave does the same ... or just blindly loyal to the point of ignorance or indifference?
i don't diss shimano or their reels though i have had less then inspiring experience with their reels.
fwiw, the curadoE does not inspire confidence in me. yes, i tried it and seen my friend go through repeated spool overruns or short casts before i saw one really long cast.
gimme consistency any day. angler shortcoming? mebbe.
what i do like is the 2012 JDM calcutta D. fits my hand comfortably, reasonable line capacity, fresh& salt friendly. priced too high.
and many rave about every shimano release.
i have ABU, daiwa and shimano reels be they spinning or baitcasters.
i choose reels based on needs, followed by what the pocket can afford me, and finally ... wants.
obviously not all my wants can be met due to pocket restraints.
reels that meet my needs:
1. possess higher drag, eg revos and their 20lb-24lb drags, or the SOL with 7kg drags
2. dual purpose, ie fresh & salt compliance - i don't want to fork out anymore by buying a separate set for salt ... should I make it out to sea. if i don't, i know my gear can handle what i dish out, subject to proper maintenance.
3. preferably all metal, despite their weight .. .up to a point.
4. ergonomics - must fit my hands
5. medium ratios of 5.2:1 to 6.4:1 - i can crank faster if needed; the power that comes with a lower ratio compared slightly less power with higher ratios is preferable. relatively lower ratio reels appear to have slightly higher max drags compared with higher ratio reels. might need to get a 4.9:1 for cranking when i get out to the briny deep.
tho' i like daiwa reels very much, they're way overpriced.
daiwa, do you want to kill your own market share?
old stock is marked up overnight with an average 30-35% increase.
and tackle prices increase every year .. what gives?
anglers are handed cheaper and/or increasingly inferior materials at higher prices ... it's about time the world angling community teach tackle manufacturers and retailers a lesson.
i'm one of those who find shimano reels ... less solid, for want of a better phrase.
some reels feel hollow, too light, plasticky, too smooth ... yes, there's that.
their twinpower is very tempting but at more than RM1000 a pop ... it takes careful planning to acquire.
ABU & daiwa reels give me a solid and connected feel.
to each their own.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Friday, 1 February 2013
infant/toddler life jackets ...
malaysia sucks when it comes to child safety ... among many other things
malaysia also sucks when it comes to infant or toddler friendly sunglasses, read readily available and SUITABLE stuff for their age group
Life jackets/life vests/bouyancy vests or devices or garments generally refer to items such this:
.JPG)
They carry different ratings for different purposes: PFD1, PFD2, PFD3, etc. It helps to know what to look for when choosing or shopping for one.
life jackets in S carried by local vendors don't come close to providing adequate safety and/or flotation for infants and toddlers.
mudah.com had some last quarter but stock ran out quickly. RM50/pc is quite good.
unfortunately, the vendor has absolutely no idea when the next shipment is expected to arrive.
.JPG)
the Salus Baby Bijoux and Sub Zero are what's needed. they come with padded head/neck collar and are designed to turn the child face up in the water. neck opening is not too loose, where it may ride up and the child's head disappears into the jacket. not too tight either to constrict. comes with a handy single handed carry strap sewn behind for convenience. crotch strap does away the possibility of the jacket riding up and over the child to come loose. saw something like this worn by some children during my last Kenyir outing at Bewah Cave.
.JPG)
finally found it at Ocean Sea for RM45; well worth it. proprietor says not to worry as he has stock. it has the padded collar, not all the way though; an adjustable torso belt and crotch strap - strangely, it comes with a whistle, too. guess it'll come in handy for the adult accompanying the infant/toddler.
glom this family that believes in infant life jackets. good on them.
as for children's shades ... sighhhhh ... NOT one vendor, opthalmologist or optician I know of carry anything remotely similar to Julbo. Not even Singapore, 's far as I know. Real Kids is another purveyor of children's shades.
we have to make do with frames that offer extremely poor side protection and aren't infant or toddler friendly enough; read infant/toddler/child proof. should anyone wish to conduct product testing, submit it to children; you'll find out soon enough if your toughest is tough enough. Julbo has a wrap around that puts the Silhouette titanium to shame. Had, maybe, as it's been three to four years since I popped into their site.
much of the readily and cheaply available "sunglasses" could be landmines for our children's eyes as their lenses may not be up to requisite standards.
speaking of child safety, we continue to see an alarming rate, trend, percentage, number ... take your pick ... where parents do NOT seat their babies, toddlers and children in car seats. many continue to hold their newborns or toddlers in their arms, seated in the front passenger seat. others allow their children to stand on the front passenger seat, in the vacant slot between the two front seats, on the back seats, stand through sun roofs. some go as far as allow their child to lie sandwiched between the rear windscreen and headrests. ironically, most of these can afford a reasonably good car seat. some make do, understandably so.
they believe as slow and "safe" road hogs, nothing will happen. many of these drive without their seat belts and talk on their cells or text or surf on their smartphones. timebomb waiting to go off. yes, they are the kurang (bel)ajar trend setting example for their children and menace to other road users.
it's gonna take a concerted effort by many, IF they're willing, IF they care enough. Western and Singapore hospitals insist on a child carrier or car seat without which you ain't leavin' the hospital with your newborn. wish it was implemented here, too.
so far, we found The First Few Years forthcoming, upfront and reliable. there's usually something that'll fit one's budget. do not confuse them with the First Years brand.
good hunting.
malaysia also sucks when it comes to infant or toddler friendly sunglasses, read readily available and SUITABLE stuff for their age group
Life jackets/life vests/bouyancy vests or devices or garments generally refer to items such this:
.JPG)
life jackets in S carried by local vendors don't come close to providing adequate safety and/or flotation for infants and toddlers.
mudah.com had some last quarter but stock ran out quickly. RM50/pc is quite good.
unfortunately, the vendor has absolutely no idea when the next shipment is expected to arrive.
.JPG)
the Salus Baby Bijoux and Sub Zero are what's needed. they come with padded head/neck collar and are designed to turn the child face up in the water. neck opening is not too loose, where it may ride up and the child's head disappears into the jacket. not too tight either to constrict. comes with a handy single handed carry strap sewn behind for convenience. crotch strap does away the possibility of the jacket riding up and over the child to come loose. saw something like this worn by some children during my last Kenyir outing at Bewah Cave. .JPG)
glom this family that believes in infant life jackets. good on them.
as for children's shades ... sighhhhh ... NOT one vendor, opthalmologist or optician I know of carry anything remotely similar to Julbo. Not even Singapore, 's far as I know. Real Kids is another purveyor of children's shades.
we have to make do with frames that offer extremely poor side protection and aren't infant or toddler friendly enough; read infant/toddler/child proof. should anyone wish to conduct product testing, submit it to children; you'll find out soon enough if your toughest is tough enough. Julbo has a wrap around that puts the Silhouette titanium to shame. Had, maybe, as it's been three to four years since I popped into their site.
much of the readily and cheaply available "sunglasses" could be landmines for our children's eyes as their lenses may not be up to requisite standards.
speaking of child safety, we continue to see an alarming rate, trend, percentage, number ... take your pick ... where parents do NOT seat their babies, toddlers and children in car seats. many continue to hold their newborns or toddlers in their arms, seated in the front passenger seat. others allow their children to stand on the front passenger seat, in the vacant slot between the two front seats, on the back seats, stand through sun roofs. some go as far as allow their child to lie sandwiched between the rear windscreen and headrests. ironically, most of these can afford a reasonably good car seat. some make do, understandably so.
they believe as slow and "safe" road hogs, nothing will happen. many of these drive without their seat belts and talk on their cells or text or surf on their smartphones. timebomb waiting to go off. yes, they are the kurang (bel)ajar trend setting example for their children and menace to other road users.
it's gonna take a concerted effort by many, IF they're willing, IF they care enough. Western and Singapore hospitals insist on a child carrier or car seat without which you ain't leavin' the hospital with your newborn. wish it was implemented here, too.
so far, we found The First Few Years forthcoming, upfront and reliable. there's usually something that'll fit one's budget. do not confuse them with the First Years brand.
good hunting.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
The Asian Angler
a friend decided to leave an established position to concentrate on a FREE online angling publication ... amongst others
The Asian Angler is the result and October 2012 saw its inaugural issue. Chockful of matters angling - tackle gear reviews, angling destination reviews, tips, advice, different layout style and pix with a different flair from the usual - it runs more than a hundred pages per issue for now.
Inaugural issue
Second ish
3rd ish
4th ish
Can't wait for the CNY issue to hit the net. It even has the sound of turning pages which I find to be pretty cool. Informative, good back to basics reference and guide.
All nascent publications face a tough infancy and toddler stage. It is my hope the Asian Angler grows to be Asia's answer to TackleTour.
Tight lines, mates!
The Asian Angler is the result and October 2012 saw its inaugural issue. Chockful of matters angling - tackle gear reviews, angling destination reviews, tips, advice, different layout style and pix with a different flair from the usual - it runs more than a hundred pages per issue for now.
Inaugural issue
Second ish
3rd ish
4th ish
Can't wait for the CNY issue to hit the net. It even has the sound of turning pages which I find to be pretty cool. Informative, good back to basics reference and guide.
All nascent publications face a tough infancy and toddler stage. It is my hope the Asian Angler grows to be Asia's answer to TackleTour.
Tight lines, mates!
Saturday, 26 January 2013
first 2013 visit to Ocean Sea ...
first 2013 visit to Ocean Sea today 26/1/2013
found the life jacket we needed ... rm45 ... reasonable
the new calcutta D 100 is out of stock ... only the 201/301 is left
almost every other baitcast reel is a lefty *sigh*
their selection of used rods&reels have become extensive to say the least, including vintage reels
saw some nice rods as usual ... wot's new?
yamaga blank 6-12lb ( I think) RM1390 before the 15% discount
Majorcraft Giant Killing 5' 8" (I think) RM780
an acquaintance is selling his practically new 7' PE1.5-3.0 version for RM620
lotsa Viper Venom II rods
they have about 8-10 STORM Gomoku Erito light jigging rods in white and red livery
not my cup of tea
some acquaintances say its the best but looking at youtube vids, I'm inclined to think it may not have sufficient lifting power
1 piece rods with a RM321 sticker price
the new STORM male mojo rods were eye catching in bright lemon/corn yellow
BC and spinning versions come in 6-foot 6-12lb and 8-17lb versions
both come with micro guides and the spinning rod has 3 K guides as initial stripper guides
the BC reel seat is the split type that exposes the blank for better feel
sticker price is RM322
hope to upload pix soon ... meanwhile
found the life jacket we needed ... rm45 ... reasonable
the new calcutta D 100 is out of stock ... only the 201/301 is left
almost every other baitcast reel is a lefty *sigh*
their selection of used rods&reels have become extensive to say the least, including vintage reels
saw some nice rods as usual ... wot's new?
yamaga blank 6-12lb ( I think) RM1390 before the 15% discount
Majorcraft Giant Killing 5' 8" (I think) RM780
an acquaintance is selling his practically new 7' PE1.5-3.0 version for RM620
lotsa Viper Venom II rods
they have about 8-10 STORM Gomoku Erito light jigging rods in white and red livery
not my cup of tea
some acquaintances say its the best but looking at youtube vids, I'm inclined to think it may not have sufficient lifting power
1 piece rods with a RM321 sticker price
the new STORM male mojo rods were eye catching in bright lemon/corn yellow
BC and spinning versions come in 6-foot 6-12lb and 8-17lb versions
both come with micro guides and the spinning rod has 3 K guides as initial stripper guides
the BC reel seat is the split type that exposes the blank for better feel
sticker price is RM322
hope to upload pix soon ... meanwhile
Monday, 21 January 2013
1st jotting for 2013 ...
there's always more than enough about resolutions all over the place ...
Have always been on the lookout for AJN (All Japan Network) rods but to no avail. AJN is apparently a joint venture between a Singaporean and a Japanese. Thin but strong rods that bend to a 'U', just like the unbreakable Ugly Stik. Solid carbon shafts are by no means any tougher than carbon/graphite rods; the same degree of care applies.
Found out about AJN rods via SG forums such as fishingkaki and wat-the-fish. Would just love to get my hands on half a dozen and thrash 'em to the max to see how much punishment they'll take. Youtube vids are testimony to the resilience of these rods; grand trevally (GT), barras (barramundi/siakap), etc, in SG payponds have put the AJN Stealth rods through their paces.
Even emailed them ... to no avail. They're either too busy attending to business and R&D, or not bothered about expanding their business into the Malaysian market or are ... 'prevented' ... from entering the our market. Even so, it is not unreasonable to expect some professional courtesy since they're doing business. If they only knew - I find it hard to believe they do not - the ultra light angling slice of pie here. I know of one angler who goes to sea with a Cherrywood 1-6lb ultra light rod for Spanish mackerel (tenggiri)!
Finally came across a simulacrum of the AJN at Red Hot Anglers, PJ. Caught my attention almost immediately as I scanned the rod racks. Dashed off as I had errands to run. Returned the next day to take a better look. Even wifey's eyes widened when I asked Sam (Red Hot's co-proprietor) to do a flex test again. 'Light and strong,' were her words, and for RM90, it certainly seemed worth it. It was the last piece standing, and another angler had bought two before me.
Well ... 5' 6", 1pc solid carbon shaft, 7 guides, rated 7-14lb. Comes with its own rod bag. AJN's Stealth are rated 4-10lb for the 5-footer and 8-15lb for the 5' 6". Will most probably bag me at least another 1 ... or two .. when the next batch comes in. That definitely means another rod rack ....
Nice, fuss free tip ... remains to be seen if line gets tangled easily.
Stripper guide .. seems pretty small but it's an almost medium light in ultra light dressing. The latest batch of AJNs seem to have bigger stripper guides.
Nice matt finish with just a dash of red for colour.
Even the butt and reel seat appears to be a close clone of AJN ... like the smoke or gun metal coloured spacers.
Found about the Eupro Salty Fighter PE 0.8-2.0 6' butt joint rod from the forums (where else?). Looked for it but found it not. Finally saw someone letting go of one in mudah. Met up, negotiated and got it for RM90; nice chap, sez the rod is new and unused. Would like to have the time to fish with him at a restricted area only he has access to. Good buy but spent RM300 to convert an inline BC rod into a spiral wrapped BC rod. Talk about inflating the cost ...! The cost included new guides all the way, sigh. It'll come up to RM150-200 if existing guides are usable. Saw another piece at Sam's at the same time I saw the AJN clone. At RM120, it was going at the old retail price! Into the bag as well, then.
This exposed portion of the rod blank plugs into the handle
There was a Gawas rod with similar properties but it was going for RM340 ... what gives? Sam said the Gawas four10 is supposedly made in japan ... hmmmm .... regardless, I don't like red, and that Gawas rod had more red than the AJN clone. But I like its K guides very much.
Have always been on the lookout for AJN (All Japan Network) rods but to no avail. AJN is apparently a joint venture between a Singaporean and a Japanese. Thin but strong rods that bend to a 'U', just like the unbreakable Ugly Stik. Solid carbon shafts are by no means any tougher than carbon/graphite rods; the same degree of care applies.
Found out about AJN rods via SG forums such as fishingkaki and wat-the-fish. Would just love to get my hands on half a dozen and thrash 'em to the max to see how much punishment they'll take. Youtube vids are testimony to the resilience of these rods; grand trevally (GT), barras (barramundi/siakap), etc, in SG payponds have put the AJN Stealth rods through their paces.
Even emailed them ... to no avail. They're either too busy attending to business and R&D, or not bothered about expanding their business into the Malaysian market or are ... 'prevented' ... from entering the our market. Even so, it is not unreasonable to expect some professional courtesy since they're doing business. If they only knew - I find it hard to believe they do not - the ultra light angling slice of pie here. I know of one angler who goes to sea with a Cherrywood 1-6lb ultra light rod for Spanish mackerel (tenggiri)!
Finally came across a simulacrum of the AJN at Red Hot Anglers, PJ. Caught my attention almost immediately as I scanned the rod racks. Dashed off as I had errands to run. Returned the next day to take a better look. Even wifey's eyes widened when I asked Sam (Red Hot's co-proprietor) to do a flex test again. 'Light and strong,' were her words, and for RM90, it certainly seemed worth it. It was the last piece standing, and another angler had bought two before me.
Well ... 5' 6", 1pc solid carbon shaft, 7 guides, rated 7-14lb. Comes with its own rod bag. AJN's Stealth are rated 4-10lb for the 5-footer and 8-15lb for the 5' 6". Will most probably bag me at least another 1 ... or two .. when the next batch comes in. That definitely means another rod rack ....
Nice, fuss free tip ... remains to be seen if line gets tangled easily.
Stripper guide .. seems pretty small but it's an almost medium light in ultra light dressing. The latest batch of AJNs seem to have bigger stripper guides.
Nice matt finish with just a dash of red for colour.
Perspective ... that's how thin the rod is.
Found about the Eupro Salty Fighter PE 0.8-2.0 6' butt joint rod from the forums (where else?). Looked for it but found it not. Finally saw someone letting go of one in mudah. Met up, negotiated and got it for RM90; nice chap, sez the rod is new and unused. Would like to have the time to fish with him at a restricted area only he has access to. Good buy but spent RM300 to convert an inline BC rod into a spiral wrapped BC rod. Talk about inflating the cost ...! The cost included new guides all the way, sigh. It'll come up to RM150-200 if existing guides are usable. Saw another piece at Sam's at the same time I saw the AJN clone. At RM120, it was going at the old retail price! Into the bag as well, then.
This exposed portion of the rod blank plugs into the handle
There was a Gawas rod with similar properties but it was going for RM340 ... what gives? Sam said the Gawas four10 is supposedly made in japan ... hmmmm .... regardless, I don't like red, and that Gawas rod had more red than the AJN clone. But I like its K guides very much.
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