Trion vs Raider vs Dropshot

[Graeme76]

I'm after experiences/opinions on these three rods please:

Shimano Raider Mexican Fire 762bream (2-4kg)
Pflueger Trion SP702M (2-4kg)
Berkley Dropshot DS46102-24 (2-4kg)

I'm going to match it to a Shimano Sahara 2500 & I mostly throw hb's around or occasionally bait fish, I'm not a fan of sp's.

Thank you.

[slim_jim]

I've got the Raider and the Pfluger,
I use a 2500 on the Raider and a 1500 on the Pfluger
They are both a bloody good rod, hard choice.

[forsterfisho]

Hey,

I've used all of the above, although different year models.

The trion is great for hardbodies such as Cranka's and surface lures but I didn't like mine for Vibes as it was too soft for my liking.

The Raider is a great allround rod, mine is a few years old now and is fairly heavy compared to my latest samaki rods. Horses for courses though, the Samaki's are in a different price range and are newer technology. I do have a soft spot for my raider and I'm going to have my re-furbed so it keeps on givin'

My 2-4kg gen III dropshot is my least favoured rod, I dont know why as it does everything I ask it to do. It's a little stiff for my liking but my mrs loves it.

If you want a rod for topwater lures and crankbaits only, I'd reccomend a Trion matched with a 1000 shimano
If you want an alround I'd recommend either the Raider or the Dropshot, both do a great job but the Dropshot is lighter. Both were fitted with 1000 shimano's.

As a recommendation, if you can stretch the budget to $180-$200. check out the Samaki Zing, 2-4kg 6ft 10. Perfect alround rod for breamin'.

[Graeme76]

Thanks Slim Jim & Fosterfisho.

I'd like to stretch the budget further but I'm already pushing it as is.Not working at the moment so stretching dollars isn't as easy as it usually is.

90% of my light tackle fishing is flicking hb's around. I only baitfish when I take the little ones out otherwise I'm fishing heavier gear for bigger stuff. I tried the Sahara 1000 & 2500 in store on all 3 rods but couldn't pick a clear winner rod wise without more space to swing them around a bit. Perhaps I'll have to go back & see if they'll let me take the rods outside where I can go through a proper casting motion with them. The Sahara 1000 didn't feel quite right for me though so I'm definitely going with the 2500.

[Bobby Bass]

Aus tackle have some nice looking rods out.

I have had all the rods you talk about (older models) the raider is the best allrounder IMO

[Breamobsession]

I've owned all three and still have an older model Raider and Trion. Not a big fan of the Trion personally even though i own one but as forsterfisho basically shared they all have their place.

[Dave66]

We have 2 raiders here, an original and the new soft plastic version. The difference in these rods is huge, the Mexican Fire seems "sluggish " compared to the Soft plastic model which is crisp and casts lures well and I feel it is really good value for the money.

Forsterfisho, I checked out the Samaki range the other day, very nice rods indeed.

[driftcorp86]

raider hands down

[Nuggert]

have a look at the samaki skitch for 99 dollars they look good

[Garrett]

Graeme I have the Trion in 6'6 and use the Sahara 2500 for HB lures as well as soft plastics. That rig has caught quite a few flathead from the Swan as well as plenty of good whiting and herring on poppers or small metals. Handled some moderate sized bream in Esperance also.
I try not to use the Sahara for bait fishing, but throw on a 3000 Fin-Nor Rampage, but to me the rod still handles it quite well, as I found out last week with that 34cm bream from the upper reaches.
Not sure how much different the 702 would be mind you. I don't know that I notice a difference between casting minnows, plastics or small surface lures.

[chanlo]

I just bought the 1-3kg trion and love it... I was looking at the Samaki Stitch, Raider/s and starlo sticks but trion was recommended here and by the sales rep (m o tackle)... 1st cast flathead... 4th cast tiny jewie... it had to be a good omen

[beechey]

http://www.austackle.com.au/wp/?page_id=29

If you like using hb the dominator rod is perfect and has a nice soft tip for the odd bait fish, fishin.com.au has them they go for around the 130 buck mark!

there are a few models but my fav would have to be the dominator, killer looks aswell! give them ago you wont regret the buy.

[Graeme76]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Beechey I like the look of the dominators but I'm not considering any 1pce rods as they just are not practical for my situation (lots of kids, standard sedan). Whatever I get has to be able to fit in the boot.

It's beginning to look like a toss up between the Raider & the Trion. They were the two I liked the most when I checked them out but the Dropshot was still a nice rod & there's lots of good review of them so I'm reluctant to rule it out.

decisions decisions....

[Breamobsession]

Go Raider mate, the new Raiders look and feel great for the price, you can't go wrong.

[brg]

+1 for trion fuji guides and reel seat.