Alternatives to Smith Dancing Bream

DaiwaFreak · #1 07-06-2011, 02:11 AM

Hi guys, I am looking at buying an all round 2 piece rod. I am able to get a decent condition Smith Dancing Bream for a good price. I have used the rod before, it feels very nice, but the only thing that puts me off is the weight of the rod, it is over 130g.

Are there any other alternatives that I should look at? I like the Smith Dancing Bream because of its length, power and the fact that it is a 2 piece, very versatile rod. I wouldn't mind something that is a little more crisp, and of course a little bit lighter. I was looking at the Graphiteleader Vigore 722L, but that is over my budget.

Rod must be around 7 foot, give or take a few inches. Light or Medium Light powered, and 2 piece.

Cheers,

Daiwafreak

yakkindan · #2 07-06-2011, 02:16 AM

nitro powerbream, 7ft nitro vapor

boris · #3 07-06-2011, 06:37 PM

luvias or interline???

Stealth · #4 07-06-2011, 06:54 PM

Have a look on plat.co.jp so many rods that would fit the bill.

Emo · #5 07-06-2011, 07:28 PM

Whats the top of your budget?

breamanater · #6 07-06-2011, 08:46 PM

samurai 101

DaiwaFreak · #7 08-06-2011, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emo

Whats the top of your budget?

$300, possibly more if I really like the rod.

kakaryan · #8 10-06-2011, 06:00 AM

Smith Dancing Bream is a nice rod mate. I know all Smith's rods tend to be built quite heavy but that's for getting better balance in the designer's mind. Their Eging rods are all around the 150g marks which is heaps heavier than other competitors which are usually around the 100g mark. However, the balancing points of all their rods are built to be very close to the grip even without putting the reel on it. So practically you wouldn't feel their extra weight.

If you prefer light weight than Graphiteleader would be the deal considering their rods are designed with light weight in mind.

Besides the Vigore which is blackbass rod, the Tiro should also fit you which is exactly designed as bream rod, and "a little bit" cheaper.

http://www.olympic-co-ltd.jp/g_rod/tiro/gots_762l.html

Look around other online stores or rakuten you would usually find better price. Btw Dacing Bream is a great deal if you can get it around $300 considering it is actually more pricy than the Vigore or the Tiro.

kakaryan · #9 10-06-2011, 06:18 AM

Varivas made budget light weight bream rods too. 6'8" weights only 78g and 7'11" weights 94g, very closer to Vigore. But I think Varivas is more famous for their lines....

http://www.varivas.co.jp/morris/03_v...te_lite_f.html

spoonta66 · #10 10-06-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kakaryan

Varivas made budget light weight bream rods too. 6'8" weights only 78g and 7'11" weights 94g, very closer to Vigore. But I think Varivas is more famous for their lines....

http://www.varivas.co.jp/morris/03_v...te_lite_f.html

They are heavily discounted at plat.co.jp at the moment as well!

mushy78 · #11 10-06-2011, 08:21 AM

Went to my local tackle shop the other day and checked out a few rods the Daiwa gekkabijin looks sweet , three lengths 6ft.6 , 6ft.8, 7ft.4 all two piece well priced under 300 hungy

DaiwaFreak · #12 10-06-2011, 10:24 PM

Ok, I've narrowed it down to:

-Graphiteleader Veloce 642L (Brand new)
-Smith Dancing Bream 72 (Good condition)
-Megabass XOR Silver Shadow 66L (Fair condition, the slantbridge part has a bit of corrosion, but the rod itself is still good)

I can get these for the money I am willing to spend. If you have used any of the above, let us know what you think about it. Thanks for all the help guys.

The G factor · #13 11-06-2011, 01:01 AM

why would you choose a veloce at that size? 6'4" is a fair bit smaller than 7 foot. I dont know what your planning to use it for, i guess i assumed flats or something.

I reckon get the dancing bream and chuck a super light reel on it or something mate, they are sweet rods and if you can get one for a decent price then i think go for it.

Have you looked at a megabass shoreluck or is that stretching the budget too much?

DaiwaFreak · #14 11-06-2011, 01:56 AM

I've had a ML veloce before in 6'4", and I absolutely loved it. I am just looking for a good allround rod, something that I would take if I could only take 1 rod. The shoreluck is too light for me, I want a light or medium light rod. The dancing bream definitely looks like a good option, but it is not as crisp as the veloce. As for the XOR silver shadow, I had a play with one ages ago, don't really remember what its like.

kakaryan · #15 11-06-2011, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiwaFreak

Ok, I've narrowed it down to:

-Graphiteleader Veloce 642L (Brand new)
-Smith Dancing Bream 72 (Good condition)
-Megabass XOR Silver Shadow 66L (Fair condition, the slantbridge part has a bit of corrosion, but the rod itself is still good)

I can get these for the money I am willing to spend. If you have used any of the above, let us know what you think about it. Thanks for all the help guys.

I haven't had the pleasure to own any Megabass yet so no comment. For Graphiteleader and Smith, Dancing Bream is definitely in higher class than Veloce. But which is better, it depends..

Smith's rods are more robust and forgiving, and have better balance so they are heavier in weight.

Graphiteleader's are lighter but would break relatively easy under misuse, or keep landing bigger fish/squid directly with the rod without using any landing net or gaff (the cost of using thinner blank). I have already seen broken Bosco, Vigore, and Calamaretti Tipo L. But on the other hand, I know a friend who still buy his 3rd Calamaretti after breaking two of that series. You can tell how he loves the feel and sensitivity of Graphiteleader's rods.

So it depends on the style you fish usually and whether you use your rods roughly or not. Personally I used to treat them good and use carefully so I don't have breaking issue with those "light weight rods" so far. Hope this helps. Cheers.