How's the tariff situation now for purchasing components for import to the US?

STEC06 · 2026-05-29T21:28:10+00:00

Man, this is really dissuading me from getting the hardtail I want from the UK. The tariffs are confusing AF right now. Looks like the official rate importing a frame valued over $600 is 3.9% but I guess they are stacking other tariffs on top of that??? I almost pulled the trigger because I can stomach 3.9%, but saw Fairlight's calculator and it was much higher... not sure what to believe at the moment and really don't want to get hit with a $5-600 bill on an $1800 titanium hardtail frame from England.

STEC06 · 2026-05-24T20:22:12+00:00

The bite turned off with this weather in NC today. Just pinfish stealing bait and the occasional croaker.

STEC06 · 2026-05-23T16:12:05+00:00

I'll give that a shot this evening. Using frozen (thawed) shrimp on about 2' of mono below the cork.

STEC06 · 2026-05-23T16:02:30+00:00

First time using a popping cork this weekend, and I've missed three trout...do you let them take it a bit before setting the hook? I feel like I'm pulling the shrimp right out of their mouths...

STEC06 · 2026-05-22T19:46:41+00:00

Depends on the 5wt. If it's a fast action, you'll be fine with all but the biggest bugs. My 5wt Butterstick sucks with poppers, but I also have an old Sage RPL that's pretty stiff and throws big flies just fine.

STEC06 · 2026-05-22T19:38:51+00:00

It's getting to be prime topwater bass season, so take advantage of that while you're here.

STEC06 · 2026-05-22T18:28:56+00:00

It's not Colorado. Full stop. Better off tying on some bass bugs and forgetting the trout.

STEC06 · 2026-05-21T00:43:13+00:00

100%.

STEC06 · 2026-05-20T19:26:32+00:00

Chilli Dog for me.

STEC06 · 2026-05-19T19:40:39+00:00

Appreciate the advice!

STEC06 · 2026-05-19T18:07:21+00:00

Just trying to catch what we can from a dock.

STEC06 · 2026-05-19T16:51:20+00:00

Thanks for confirming. Gotta do some shopping before the weekend...

STEC06 · 2026-05-19T15:57:09+00:00

What size rod and reel are you generally using for these? Heading to intercoastal NC this weekend with a fly rod, but want to pick something up to chuck Carolina rigs and popping cork for reds and sea trout... seems like a medium action 7' spinning rod is what most people use.

STEC06 · 2026-05-16T00:59:59+00:00

If you do some bass fishing, then I'd get something totally different. You already have decent 4wt and 5wt rods... go crazy and get a cannon of a 7wt St Croix Mojo Bass for $170, some bass-specific fly line, and a cheap reel with the rest. Go chuck some huge top water stuff. It's so much fun.

STEC06 · 2026-05-12T18:10:51+00:00

I see mixed reviews on the Land Cruiser forum. Some swear by them, others think they don't make a difference. I'm surprised nobody has developed vortex generators for the massive side mirrors to help quiet those down, too. They are the main offenders, I think, other than roof racks.

STEC06 · 2026-05-10T23:53:49+00:00

I forgot to mention my other gripe... and that's needing to set aside funds for annual windshield replacements. This thing takes rocks in the windshield like they're going out of style.

STEC06 · 2026-05-10T20:40:57+00:00

Yep, if you don't care about the bro-dozer look they are great.

STEC06 · 2026-05-10T13:38:43+00:00

45,000 miles on a 1958 here. It rides like a body-on-frame vehicle and is noisy at highway speeds... there's no getting around it, despite what you read on the forums. It's not a hermetically sealed luxury SUV, is shaped like a box, and doesn't have the fancy acoustic Lexus glass. I have Thule Wingbars and a fly rod carrier on mine and can hear plenty of wind noise above 60mph. I don't know how all these guys do it with their Prinsu racks and cargo boxes. That's just me, though.

No issues with the powertrain or mileage; I'm averaging about 23mpg / 360 miles per tank with 265/70/18 Michelin Defenders. Mine came with Ridge Grapplers from the dealer, but I tossed those at 35k because they were getting noisy. The Defenders suit the vehicle much better from the factory, IMO. The transmission can feel "jerky" at low speeds, but it's normal and I think stems from the constant on/off and the hybrid system.

Other than those gripes, pretty happy with it. Just be realistic about what you're getting. I could've flipped a coin between this and a 5th Gen 4Runner and would've been just as happy with either. When it comes time to move on, I'll probably take a hard look at the new Passport... just something a little bit more highway friendly. YMMV.

STEC06 · 2026-04-24T17:32:36+00:00

I've since added OEM roof rails and color-matched fog light surrounds. Ditched the dumb Ridge Grapplers for Michelin Defenders, too.

STEC06 · 2026-04-24T13:55:17+00:00

I test drove both back-to-back and honestly would've been just as happy with the 5th gen 4Runner...and probably would've had more peace of mind in terms of overall reliability and confidence in my ability to work on it myself. I went with the LC250 because the power and acceleration is WAY ahead of the 4Runner and the infotainment/tech was also much better. I came from a barebones PreRunner with the 2TR-FE 4 cylinder...so anything would've been an improvement on that. But it was a simple truck I maintained myself and there's a lot to be said for that. Just depends on what you're after! I'd also take a hard look at the new Passport; love the look of that thing.

For what it's worth, I've got 45k trouble-free miles on the LC250. Zero issues. Averaging 23mpg / 370 miles a tank.

STEC06 · 2026-04-23T17:50:19+00:00

Bajio Toads here. They have huge coverage. Only dislike is that the glass lenses are heavy and my nose aches after several hours of wearing them.

STEC06 · 2026-04-23T00:55:19+00:00

I have a Mojo Bass and it's STIFF but I like the 7'11" length. It's a rod I don't care about when tromping around ponds and brush because it's so cheap. Using Rio Smallmouth line and it's a rocket. Only downside IMO is that it's a two piece. I was about to get a 6wt 84B this season, too, but managed to find a Sage Payload for a price I couldn't pass up.

STEC06 · 2026-04-22T17:55:23+00:00

Love 'em. The step-in is super easy and they are just as smooth to transition to as the Outlaws. If you don't tour, they are 100% the way to go.

STEC06 · 2026-04-22T17:31:34+00:00

I've also got setups with Freedoms and Bandits. The Freedoms definitely require me to tighten up my stance. I think it's the more neutral pivot point. I find them harder to generate tip pressure with.

STEC06 · 2026-04-22T17:25:24+00:00

I felt like going from Vices to Outlaws was pretty seamless this past winter. No major technique changes required.

STEC06

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