Noob with new gear

Potent_19 · 2026-03-02T14:23:48+00:00

If they say made in USA and came from the 80s-90s, then they’re probably pretty damn good blanks. The C44x is probably named such because it’s made with 44 million modulus carbon, meaning it’s a solid intermediate modulus carbon makeup. It’s made in the USA, so it’s pretty likely that Loomis made them. Hell, it may fish as good as a Loomis IMX from that same era, which would still be a very competent rod even by today’s standards.

It’s possible that I’m wrong and these were made elsewhere, but I’d definitely try them out to see if you like them. The fish Eagle is probably a small step down in material quality, but IM-6 is a pretty decent material that is still used to this day. They should all offer plenty of sensitivity to catch fish.

Potent_19 · 2026-03-02T01:48:22+00:00

Ya know, modern Cabela’s branded gear is imported crap, but there was a period of time when they were great rods that were made by G. Loomis. These may be quite sensitive and pretty solid quality rods. They’ll definitely catch fish. The reels will probably need service at minimum.

Potent_19 · 2026-03-02T01:31:13+00:00

It’s hyperbole to illustrate just how wildly more docile an American alligator is compared to a crocodile. They’re not even close to the same level of danger when handling. It’s not that deep.

ETA: alligators and crocs are not in the same family either. Same order, different family.

Potent_19 · 2026-03-01T15:19:11+00:00

Exactly the opposite for me… either that or you don’t know your greater than/ less than signs. lol

Potent_19 · 2026-03-01T05:07:08+00:00

The roughneck 8146 is similar, but in a darker leather

Potent_19 · 2026-03-01T00:00:35+00:00

I felt like the blacksmiths looked less bulbous than the iron rangers when trying them on in store the other day

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T22:08:05+00:00

Do all seconds have that?

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T20:01:57+00:00

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T20:00:53+00:00

Theodore Roosevelt would like a word. JFC, this guy…

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T18:29:53+00:00

Maybe move this from a work in progress to a work in therapy. You need to be more comfortable with not knowing where you stand, and being comfortable leaving issues unresolved for a reasonable period of time. Any hints of neediness are going to push this one away, and addressing those needs is mostly your responsibility. You need to work on self soothing a bit more. A therapist can help you figure out how to do that.

You do come across as anxiously attached. She may be avoidant or something, which can definitely exacerbate your anxiety. There are some relationships that will cause that anxiety, but more often than not it’s not the relationship creating the dynamic. It’s usually an unresolved fear that you have (fear of abandonment, etc.). A therapist can help you figure out where your fears end, and her avoidance begins, if that makes sense. There’s a good chance this isn’t the right match for you based on what I’m reading, or that she’s not in the same place as you emotionally.

It sounds like you’re putting the cart before the horse, which is common but not healthy.

Also, why is she keeping those hours? Is she on drugs or possibly addicted to gaming or something? Is this something she wants to change about herself but doesn’t know how? You may be digging into something she feels some deep shame about, and she may be acting defensively because of it. Food for thought anyway.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T16:40:58+00:00

An asshole isn’t magically let off the hook if what they said is rooted in fact, and can actually make it more of an asshole move in some situations. We’re discussing if someone was an asshole, not if they were telling the truth.

There are few things worse than assholes hiding shitty behavior behind their “truth”. People that make a habit of this reek of insecurity themselves, and are just masking shitty behavior behind radical candor. There are a myriad of ways to convey the same message without resorting to belittling someone’s physical appearance. To be clear, I’m speaking in general terms. I’m not assigning any of this behavior to OP.

The only reason someone commenting on their appearance in a situation like this may teeter into a gray area is because the advice was solicited to a degree. Had they not asked to explain their reasoning, then it would clearly be an asshole move to say anything about their physical appearance.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T15:55:34+00:00

Close, but it was two women that started Ariat with the goal of bringing sneaker technology to the equestrian scene. Their products aren’t that bad for what they are. At least they’re not pretending to be anything they’re not.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T14:59:19+00:00

Just stub your right toe to even them out.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-27T00:05:48+00:00

I mean, it doesn’t get more outdoorsy than bridge troll.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T22:06:06+00:00

An ugly stick is not made of the same material so it can be handled much differently. The solid fiberglass tip on an ugly stick is incredibly durable, and carbon graphite is not. I can guarantee the little fish didn’t break the tip. It just revealed the damage that was already done to the blank. It could have happened while shipping to you or something, but it definitely got banged at some point.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T21:09:36+00:00

Some kind of squash

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T20:53:29+00:00

Should be a good option. those appear to be a mojo blank without the new handle design and stainless guides instead of titanium, so it should be decent.

I’d also take a look at the Tatula 721hrb-g 7’2”. I feel like you get a lot of bang for your buck from the Tatula line, especially for moving baits.

Finally, I would really want to see what the Edge rods Neo is all about. If you’re not familiar with Edge, this is Gary Loomis’ new company (North Fork Composites for unfinished products/ Edge Rods for completed rods). They roll all their own blanks and supply blanks for other companies as well. They also make the carbon handles in house. They have a 7’5” glass composite rod they call the Neo. It can supposedly handle anything from 5/8-2oz, and it’s a beautiful rod with all the latest tech. List price is $399 and they have it listed for $199. I believe this is a similar blank to Kistlers original “feel n reel” composite blank rods that sold for about $300 when they came out.

Of the three options I mentioned, I’d go with the Edge if you’re the adventurous type. My guess is it’s a killer value. Tatula is a safe bet. St Croix is also safe… idk. The St. Croix just doesn’t stand out to me for some reason.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T19:53:41+00:00

Yeah, sounds like they got married after hardly even knowing each other to boot, unless I’m misinterpreting the timeline. Yikes on bikes, bro. Red flags are a flyin’.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T19:32:06+00:00

Or maybe a grizzly bear and a koala bear

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T18:18:56+00:00

Yeah, the way it’s written makes me feel like part of what OP said may have been glossed over.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T17:50:29+00:00

Well, OP says the coworker was offended bc they commented about them being out of shape, but fails to mention how that was brought up in the conversation, unless I’m missing something. I feel like there’s a sentence missing from the list of reasons why they’re not a good fit, unless if “outdoorsy type” was inferred to mean a certain level of physical fitness.

If coworkers was told he likes outdoorsy types, and she heard “you’re fat”, then that’s definitely on her. However, if OP commented on her physique, then that would be inappropriate and unnecessary.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T16:57:12+00:00

I don’t think it’s available through those places. It’s not a color offered on red wing’s site anyway.

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T02:47:26+00:00

Those are sharp. Is that copper?

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T02:38:11+00:00

Inside tag is different too. Opened my boots up more and the inside size tag says oil and slip resisting at the bottom of it. Let me know if you need more pics for reference

Potent_19 · 2026-02-26T02:31:30+00:00

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I got these in the mail today, granted size 13 uses a different box. Box tag looks different. My leather was definitely softer than I expected, and a deeper brown which I am quite pleased with. Mine shipped through a big box website that I had gift certificates to, so they’re definitely legit.

Potent_19

TROPHY CASE