Advice on Shimano Raider

Cortinaboy · #1 06-04-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi guys. Am thinking of a minor upgrade from a Berkley dropshot. Haven't got a heap of cash so can't go to Tcurves or Loomis etc. Am considering a 2pc Shimano Raider Finesse bream 762 2-4kg. Has anyone got any knowledge of that rod and do you think it would be a step up from the 6ft6in Shimano dropshot I'm now using? Would be used 80% for hardbodies from river edge and 20% soft plastic. Matched to a stradic 2500. Thanks.

namyau · #2 06-04-2009, 08:53 PM

if its the old raider finesses then imho quality wise its about the same as the dropshots and worth getting if your after something longer. i had the raider finesses and rack raider from the previous series (not mexican fire) and i loved them. i have played with the new mexican fire in the shops and didnt like it compared to the old ones. i dont use any raiders anymore cos ive upgraded.

end of the day its gonna be your decision so maybe go in and have a play and see if you can test your reel on it and see how it feels. or open up your options to some other brands - the new tierra rods are quite nice and so are the pflueger trions, and they are both around the same price bracket

LastnameWhiting · #3 06-04-2009, 11:02 PM

yeah mate ive got a raider rod by ian miller and that has a very nice action its gold in colour. not sure if its the same rod your lookin at? mine was bout $150

breambuster7 · #4 06-04-2009, 11:13 PM

I like the dropshots better then the raiders (old Models)
mabey try something different like a Pflugear Trion. they are around the same price as the raiders

Cortinaboy · #5 06-04-2009, 11:28 PM

Yeah, I asked a similar question a while back and a few people mentioned the Trions then. Other suggestions were Nitro Powerbream Finesse Spin and a TD advantage or zeros. Of those, the Nitro sounded the best, but was a bit expensive. Had decided to save up for one though and then saw these Raider rods mentioned and wondered what they were like. I guess I'm better off patiently putting the pennies aside and getting a proper upgrade to the Nitro than what sounds like a minor upgrade to a trion or a tierra. Thanks for all the advice though -its a big help.

nereus · #6 06-04-2009, 11:54 PM

I,ve got the 7.2" in the older model and like it but i found the 7.6" a bit too sloppy.But that was only in the shop.
cheers Nereus

kolp · #7 12-04-2009, 07:43 AM

Dunno if it'd be much of an upgrade, I dont think the new Raiders even come with Fuji guides anymore?? I might be mistaken though, correct me if im wrong. I have a Berkley dropshot 2-4kg which I find pretty versatile. I even use it for squiding and havent had any problems lobbing out 16gm squid jigs.

Wizz · #8 12-04-2009, 08:18 AM

yes raiders still come with fuji components.
they are the best value for money rods on the market hands down.
but hotrods are sick

thejuniorangler · #9 12-04-2009, 08:25 AM

yeah they still come with fuji guides and reel seat. good beginners rod

forsterfisho · #10 26-06-2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejuniorangler

yeah they still come with fuji guides and reel seat. good beginners rod

haha yeah, excellent rod for you wizz....you beginner you...
OI when u showing me this raider u wanna sell me???
ff

palaran · #11 26-06-2009, 06:07 AM

I have the 7'6" 2 pice and use it for HB with a sol 2500.
landed plenty of fish and I like the lenght. I am 6'4" so it suits me.

As wizz says good quality rod for the money
for tight applications I like the trion 7' one piece split butt. another quality rod for the money.

I have a berkley dropshot but only use if for deep SP and not for HB.

forsterfisho · #12 26-06-2009, 06:30 AM

yeah, im trying a raider on sunday so i can report back after that
I can say though that the trion split grips are a fantastic rod for not much money! I'm gonna buy a few more trions i think, great rod indeed.
ff

crusty · #13 26-06-2009, 07:09 AM

I don't think the new Mexican Fire rods have Fuji guides. If they did they would be pushing them in their advertising. Don't know that it is an issue, cause the guides look OK, and look like they should do the job.

They do have a good quality fuji reel seat though and I think the new reel seats and grips are better than the older models.

I have a 3 piece raider travel from the old series 6'6" and not a bad rod but it doesn't have the lightest tip. The new 3 piece travel spin seems better for lighter lures but I haven't cast it.

The 7'6" seems like a good idea from the shore but seems a little tip heavy.

I have a Trion tournament 7'2" 2 piece that IMO a much better rod, although would prefer a cork grip.

try to fish · #14 26-06-2009, 10:29 AM

hi,

in regards of all of the rods mentioned earlier,nitro would be the pick of the bunch.understand that its a bit pricey,but do not forget about their lifetime warranty of something like $60 per section replacement and no question ask!!!.somehow,im sold on it and reckon that the deal is better than loomis and whatever out there.