Piper,

Nice work! Man that last one has my kinda Trigger and grip. Guess I am to lazy to do it myself. It's just so easy to go in the store and pick one.lol

AKKings,

My fishing buddy has had trouble with his STR 1025C IMX handle and reel seat. He applauds me for not taking on the problems that he has with that same type 12 handle. You also could have something there about Shimano now being in charge of quality control. Just hope that they are listening, because we fisher people are serious when it comes to loyalty and we hate to be taken advantage of. Again I am not intending that this become a flame or bashing, but a vehicle of discussion regarding the importance that the handle and reel seat have on our decision to purchase or choose a Rod.

Jigman,

You gave them great advice. They should have listened to you. It's us user's and tester's that can appreciate the quality and comfort of a handle. This is where hands meet rod. Our hands and fingers stay in one position on the reel for long periods of time and it's just as important of a concern as how many grams are saved by X, Y or Z material in decreasing the weight of the overal rod. Like throwing out the baby with the bath water.