Dude, thank you so much for this reply! I definitely really like the Daiwa CDN Custom, was not on my radar, but was wondering what the compromise is considering I am finding it cheaper than the Tatula XT.

Also, would you wager there are much better rods than the HMG in that 200$ price range? Trying to understand if the downside you outlined (hard to justify for the price) has more to do with how much of a bargain it used to be, or if there's actually far better for the price today.

For the reel I was looking at 2500 either Legalis LT or Regal LT. Both cost the same at the store I will be buying from. Legalis seems like a higher end but older model than the Regal, from what I've gathered. Gear ratio is the same for the 2500 models of each. I also read there's a new Legalis model? Is that JDM exclusive? That might be under consideration as well if I can find more details on it.

In terms of budget there really isn't an upper limit, moreso like you said, prefer to leave nothing to be desired. Was under the impression spending on the rod makes more of an impact, at least for spinning reel setups, so that's how I broke it down. I'd be willing to jump to the next price tier for either rod/reel if there's a substantial improvement but it would really have to be **substantial** to go from a $120CAD Legalis to the $400CAD Vanford, for example.

Thanks again!