HB Rod to match TD Sol II 2004

snagsbream · #1 08-07-2014, 02:57 AM

Started a new thread because my budget is a little more flexible now. Had a feel of a Loomis DSR820S today in a local tackle store. Can't be sure, but I THINK it was the GLX blank, and they wanted $359. Please correct me if this sounds ridiculous.

Basically I'm looking for something of this ilk, hopefully not quite that much money. It felt very crisp and sensitive, the tip was sharp but folded away nicely under load. It felt like it had a lot of grunt from mid-blank down. I'm new to judging rods like this, but it just felt fantastic.

Needs to be under 7 feet, was originally looking at around the 2-6lb mark but up to 8lb might be alright (like the Loomis).

Needs to match my existing reel, TD Sol II 2004, and will using it for hardbodies as well as other stuff like topwaters. Possibly FC straight through, or maybe 2lb Fireline Crystal to a leader? I really loved the feel of that Loomis, it was amazing, and I had my reel on it in the store. Seemed to balance really well because the reel is quite heavy for its size. Open to all suggestions. Will be buying it in about four weeks!

Yak_Hak · #2 08-07-2014, 03:12 AM

Hey Mate, have you tried the Lox Yoshi? I'm not sure how they feel compared to the loomis but they're a great little rod for hard bodies and surface. Mine balances well with a 2004 Caldia.

snagsbream · #3 08-07-2014, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yak_Hak

Hey Mate, have you tried the Lox Yoshi? I'm not sure how they feel compared to the loomis but they're a great little rod for hard bodies and surface. Mine balances well with a 2004 Caldia.

Hey mate, I will have a look at the Yoshi tomorrow, ideally in the 6'6.

The boss pretty much shot down any hope of a $350 rod. $250 is my ceiling!

tobythehobie · #4 08-07-2014, 06:37 AM

Id go the gen black itchy twitchy. a lot cheaper but great value.

snagsbream · #5 08-07-2014, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobythehobie

Id go the gen black itchy twitchy. a lot cheaper but great value.

In terms of value for money, people seem to come back to these Gen Blacks a lot. Bloke in the tackle shop is also a rod builder, showed me the Gen Blacks but also the Shimano Raider 'Lure Project' rods. He said the components are cheap but the blank is very good for the money.

It's amazing how the Loomis just felt so good in the hand, but I just can't spend that much. The gen blacks don't feel great to me, just in terms of feel in the hand. The Crucis rods feel better in the hand to me. The 6' Aegis isn't as tip heavy as the longer models, felt quite good to be honest. Tough decision.

bamm · #6 08-07-2014, 07:37 AM

Nordic
Samaki k2 c12
Major craft volkeys emotion
samurai reactions
Daiwa black labels

My mate has a black label he's selling inbox Me if Ur keen

HB tragic · #7 08-07-2014, 07:57 PM

If you liked the Loomis DSR 820S and it was not the GLX check R&A's online site. They are advertising a couple of models that might meet your needs. Good luck with your choice. Regards, HBt.

snagsbream · #8 09-07-2014, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB tragic

If you liked the Loomis DSR 820S and it was not the GLX check R&A's online site. They are advertising a couple of models that might meet your needs. Good luck with your choice. Regards, HBt.

Hey mate - looks like a good deal on Ray and Anne's. Still umming and ahhing. I could just pounce on that deal and be happy. I'm pretty sure that the rod I was looking at must have been the INTL, I don't recall seeing GLX written on the blank and it's unlikely they'd just have one lying around at a store in Drummoyne given that they are so popular. It was unreal anyway. I like the short handle.

I'm still considering the Crucis Aegis 6' 1-3kg. It's short, but it feels good in that length. I wish I had them all in front of me to try then buy when I'm comfortable. It's too difficult in reality. I was unable to try the Lox Yoshi in-store today, only had heavier models.

I did try an NS Black Hole One's S-642L. Obviously 6'4, two piece. 3-6lb. Felt super nice, but very fast. Would be a fantastic rod for throwing plastics I reckon. The bloke at the tackle store is getting in the Hurricane Bass S-642L. A little bit cheaper, but might have the action I'm after.

snagsbream · #9 09-07-2014, 01:15 PM

Maybe I can narrow the search, I'm looking for something that is crisp and fast when you are casting, so it's tight and accurate, but has a softer taper under load suitable for HBs so I don't pull hooks. Am I going to be able to find this sort of action in a rod that is 6' or thereabouts?

Can someone describe the Nordic Stage Areal AR-60L for me? Little 6' sucker, I think it's the Gunslinger.

Also it seems crazy that the Aegis only comes in a two piece, even in the 6' model.

Sorry for the heavy posting.

Bronco T · #10 09-07-2014, 08:10 PM

Mate seeing your in Sydney go and have a look at the Rockdale tackle store its on the Princes hwy. They have a huge range of rods that your after just about everything you mentioned is there, makes it a lot easier to compare when you have them side by side.

HB tragic · #11 09-07-2014, 09:47 PM

[QUOTE=snagsbream;623609]I like the short handle.

Understand your point. I actually has 2" cut off of the handle of mine for this very reason. It now measures 6'8" and I find it far more comfortable to use. Regards, HBt.

snagsbream · #12 10-07-2014, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco T

Mate seeing your in Sydney go and have a look at the Rockdale tackle store its on the Princes hwy. They have a huge range of rods that your after just about everything you mentioned is there, makes it a lot easier to compare when you have them side by side.

I just left this store - what a great spot mate thank you. Was able to try most rods I'm interested in except the NS rods. Tournament Specialist Bream my pick of the bunch but I don't have $350. I liked two models for my use and budget:

MajorCraft Go.Emotion GES-66UL 3-7lb
Lox Yoshi 6623 1-3kg

Both are 6ft and around $200. Also liked the Infeet INF-68T at around $50 more.

matthewsiow · #13 10-07-2014, 02:22 AM

Infeet INF-68T is good rod for HB, The blank is sensitive and it does have the parabolic bend once it loads up.... I prefer to use it with straight through fluorocarbon because of the micro guide plus it has the bling factor...

You can read more of the review on lureandfly.com.au...the Seeto's brothers absolutely love it for crankbaiting.

The only complaint I have is that the reel seat. There is not much room without scatching your reel or in my case it cracked the paint on my reel...

snagsbream · #14 10-07-2014, 03:35 AM

I first read about it there. They have some good insights and articles, but they are also obviously very pro-Daiwa given their affiliation - which is fine.

I'd be really happy to buy an Infeet 68T second-hand if anyone is selling one. I notice I missed one recently on the classifieds.

Should I consider a second-hand Volkey? What are they like for HBs and tight accurate casting? So many models on plat.

chopperdog · #15 10-07-2014, 04:03 AM

I have two of those go emotions. U can get them delivered from Japan for about 120.