Hi,
i have a blue reef, and have paired it with a stella 10k with 80lb or 100lb power pro - cant remember.
i took it with me to southern Oman, in hope of catching a monster on it. i aimed to use 100-150g lures, and it cast all of these with incredible ease! - the best being the Siren lure, and 120g cubera popper.
i had lent the rod to Saoud our Omani Captain - and he hooked monster, but was unable to stop the beast before it found the reef.. perhaps my fault as i had loosened the drag to protect my new rod! i had another sizable fish hit a lure when i was casting, with probably 3/4 drag and me leaning full weight into it - no issues, until it spat the hook and i met the deck!! and last week, the Captain on a charter in Musandam caught this fish on it:
its now my standard in my arsenal - really enjoy the rod. - just need to catch a good fish on it!! haha
i fish with FG knot, but always have the knot outside the guides when i cast.
and to make those feel better - i broke a Komodo Dragon whilst casting last year... right where the shaft enters the butt piece - Smith graciously replaced it.
Matt