In reply to Post #6
Agree with you but for me (in EU) is very affordable price for non Pro model (300€ for 3+1 Set), and that model have everything what any angler need on the bank.

I have 2 sets od Carp sounder bite alarms (old serie SUPER IT) . Since 2015 I don't have any trouble with them in ALL weather conditions-rain,snowing, freezing and hot temperatures,they never missed a beat. Quite simple functions but so reliable. My next set will be their last model -Age one. I was never thinking about Delkim,Nash or Fox bite alarms and in the last 10 years od use it was my best decision.

In reply to Post #4
From many sides I heard how good blank it is. It is not not a stick but very capable for many situations in fishing. Mostly I will use them for long range carp fishing and for fishing in medium distances with heavy pva bags

In reply to Post #2
I have Ballista's in13ft 4lb option. Set up will be 6+1 guide set, first 40mm and tip ring 12mm
First two guidess double step,all other single step +tip guide

Is SiC guide worth extra money (almost double priced) in comparasion to model with alconite center?
I have a set od Harrisons with FUJI SIC K guides and zero problems with that but for new custom build set (Ballista) I was thinking to build them with guides with alconite center to save some money. SIC guides set up is few grams lighter than alconite set but almost double priced. I am not interested for any other guides than Fuji.

Any advice is more than welcome.

In reply to Post #33
I paid 220€ for set 3+1(sale price) but their new alarm range (Age One) is usually under 400€.
Like I said before, 8 years on the bank in all weether conditions- +40C, storm rain, foggy weather, snowing and freezing temperatures below 0C...never felt sorry for buying them instead Fox,Delkim or Nash bite alarm

I have 2 sets of Carp Sounder bite alarms and they are simple but so reliable.
For me, drop back tone is not essential. On the first place is reliability in all weather conditions and battery consumption. In the last 8 years I did not have any problems with them and battery replacement is one 9V Duracell every 2,5-3 years .

I am not sure that my reply will help you, but I will give you my opinion about this thread.
In my collection I have Power aero XSB and Shimano medium baitrunner ci4 xtra reels. Between this two reels I prefer baitrunners because they are also lightweight, no instant drag like on Power aero and simply I like that kind of mechanism. Also they are very solid built.
My casting distance is up to 100 meters and baitrunners in medium size do that job without any problem. Now I am not pretty sure why I bought Power aero few months ago (maybe I wanted something "new" in my reel collection). Power aero xsb is very good big pit reel for short and log distance but I do not prefer that kind of instant drag. Last few days I am thinking to sell them and buy Shimano Big baitrunner XTB in ci4 form. It is lighter, better/smooth work than regular-non ci4 model. In both options they are not so lightweight like my Power aero xsb. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that xtb baitrunners are not on the same level of quality like previous model (my xtra model is 8 years old, no problem at all)

So, if you like that kind of mechanism (baitrunner) and aesthetics buy it in ci4 form (if you can afford it). I think they are still more durable than most of available reels on the market (no included some top end Shimano or Daiwa reels). Sorry for my bad english.

Shimano TX2 Intensity is one of the best (if not the best!) blanks for casting and saving money in the same time. It is hard to imagine brand new rod in the hands for that price-enough power for most situations and still affordable for most pockets. Most of Shimano blanks are very good for their value/price, especially when casting is on the first place.

Forget Shimano rods above 3lb if you want to play fish (especially with smaller one). For medium distance casting and playing fish feeling, choose blank with parabolic action like Century FBS, Harrison Ballista,...they are not cheap but for long term use they are lifetime rods.
My friend have tx7 intensity-that rod is a casting tool, more weapon in hands than playing rod but for some anglers they are perfect for their needs (casting is on the first place).
I had tx5 intensity in my hands and for fish above 25 pound they are quite good, affordable and it is possible to hit some serious distances with them.