I am looking to build a 6'10" Mag-Lite XF High mod for drop shotting. I have the blank in hand and am adding components to my cart. I am going with a split grip with Winn 2.5 fighting butt and 4" front grip. The last few builds I have used the Fuji TVS and been pleased with the outcome, The feel is good but I have been reading about the Alps MVT Rapid spin and Tex touch hood. Just wanting to get your thoughts on either or both reel seats. I do not much care for the SKSS skeleton reel seats and have only built with the TVS, AT Aero comfort and standard Fuji . Would appreciate any feedback on likes, dislikes and personal preferences.

It is you own personal preference as to what you desire in comfort and how it fills your hand kind of like putting custom grips on a hand gun it is what fits you best and gives you the best comfort /control when fishing hard and not getting fatigued or hand cramps.
most of my latest builds for a couple of walleye guys that jig fish with plastics want either the aero uncoated and then have me gussy it up or the GBS and add to the hump it to fit their hand and gussy it up with marbling or color texturing.
that is just what my customers want .

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

Thanks Matthew.. I looked at the GBS also and what I may do is order one of each since there is not a store anywhere close here in the mountains of WNC that I can walk into to try any of these. The big retail stores only have the standard seats or the skeleton seats which is not my preference. I want to have a variety of different styles onhand when buddies come by and are trying to decide what they want to order. Thanks again for your feedback.


Buy a man a fish, feed him for the day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend hours and hours blissfully not working on his honey-do list.

With most seats they may be installed up-locking or down-locking. One advantage of up-locking is that you can build a short ramp out of rigid foam reel seat shims, making the OD just smaller than the OD of the hood. Seamless, comfortable hand contact essentially with the blank. Ideal for drop shot. Don't go smaller than 17 on the straight seat Better for ergonomics, important on a long day on the water.

ever give a thought to using a tennessee stye handle ? they are much more comfortable imo. although not as versatile with using different reels.

I like the Fuji DNPSSD18, or 20 reelseat, ergonomic and it's long enough that I don't need a grip behind the reelseat, just something to finish it off nicely. Comfortable and inexpensive, I build it threads forward.