Mail calls from 2021…

Slowed down just a bit this past year to focus on the online store and getting the new sites launched, but still picked some nice stuff to add to the Arsenal.

Gonna post up what showed up, in 2021. Will start with beginning of the year (December 2020) and end with most recent.

Mail call.

Can’t get enough of that Studio Composite goodness. Even better when it’s a limited run/collaboration. I was fortunate enough to come across a stash and picked up a group of (5) Backlash X Studio Composite RC-SC 96mm/R25L Carbon-Knobbed handles. Easily my favorite size in these knobs, but honestly, all of them are outstanding.

A Livre LTD. Mad BP 95mm handle finally arrived after months of shipping delays. Stunning handle, as usual from Livre.

Picked up the final parts for my Ambassadeur 2500C build, including a Valley Hill level wind tube with bearing and the new AMO, aluminum, black, offset frame. This frame offsets/raises the reel foot, lowering the reel just over a 1/4”, which is a HUGE improvement over the stock frame. Lowering the overall profile and improving palming comfort, changes the ergonomics a great deal. Not to mention..it comes in at under half the weight of the stock metal frame. Very excited to start/complete this build next weekend.

Next, a very unique set of corks, that are IMO...some of the sexiest I’ve come across. These are the BRIM “Sanctus Brave 350” round/raw cork knobs. The rustic, raw cork is stout and by no means fragile, while the “floating” center knob caps are unlike anything I’m aware of/have yet to see, and the black/gold trim make these (IMO) some of the coolest corks out there. Can’t wait to add these to one of my builds.

Picked up another Gan Craft 100mm and a Studio Composite RC-SC 90mm handle along with (3) 92mm ZPI CF handles, some ZPI knobs and a purple Weldact CCC for ABU.

And....4 reels along with more tuning/custom parts were added to the stable.

Like many of us...I couldn’t pass up the Milly deal from Plat. I went with the SH

An absolutely mint condition J-Dream 6.3 finishes out the J-Dream family in my collection/lineup.

Been on that ABU kick and I couldn’t let a like-new ABU Revo Elite Aurora 64 Ltd. pass me by at the price I got it for. Of course...I couldn’t leave it as-is, so I found a like new, discontinued ZPI 932HD deep spool for it, so that I have two spool options to play with. The HD spool will hold plenty of 18-20lb test, should I need it to handle fairly large baits for long distance casting. I also ordered black parts for it, so that I could get rid of the chrome nose piece and thumb bar. At the same time, I ordered a couple of kick levers so that I have them on hand, if the clutch takes a shit on me, as that’s the part needed to get it operating smoothly again. Big thanks to Kane (a member of our group) for all his help/taking the time to point me in the direction of the part(s) I would need to remedy this problem. He is well-versed when it comes to the ABU offerings.

Last, but CERTAINLY not least...something special.

A new in box RYOBI Varius F200.

Absolutely gorgeous with its PVD finish and incredibly well built...this gem is Made In Japan. Honestly...it feels just as, if not, more solid than the Millionaires, Monoblocks and Conquests.

It’s small and capacity is great for its size. The thumb bar is truly unique in its shape and function, as it rotates downwards, instead of “sliding” like most other baitcasting reels. The stock drag is buttery smooth as is handle rotation. I’m incredibly impressed with this reel. As a kid, I owned Ryobi’s low pro reels, but it’s apparent that they were still making some seriously quality stuff later down the road. This thing is legit.

Below...Some very interesting info on this reel I found/modified/translated from Japan Tackle’s archives.

The Varius series was made from 1996-2000. It retailed at 39500 JPY for the standard versions and 43500 JPY for the limited Spectra version. It was considered to be the top of the line, with a machine-cut aluminum frame and lots of cold forged aluminum components. Both side plates were made from titanium. The Varius came in 2 brake models, “F” and “M”. The “F” utilized a “flying arm” brake system (centrifugal), and was THE FIRST externally adjustable centrifugal brake system on the market. The “M” models incorporated a conventional magnet brake system. Stock, non-Spectra models were made in silver and gunmetal finishes, depending on the braking system.

This limited Spectra model was a limited released in 2000. The side plates were treated with PVD (ion plating) and no two reels were the same in colors/patterns, as a result of this treatment. The Spectra was also, only offered with a centrifugal brake system.

Size of the Varius 200 is similar to a Shimano Calcutta 100, and it’s quite small in hand. The larger F300 is similar to a Calcutta 200.

Gotta love the stuff they were doing back in the golden years of JDM Tackle...god I miss it.