cadman Posted January 15, 2010 Report Share Posted January 15, 2010 I have a question for all of you custom rod makers. My cousin is dead set on this rod see link http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10203992_100002000_100000000_100002000_100-2-0. I'm asking you guys what your thoughts are on it. I've never used Garcia rods and I told him to get something else. He is looking at the 6'6, MH, XF model. He is going to use this for throwing a jig and pig, with a Revo Premier Reel. Couple other questions for my own info. I guess this is called a split grip rod? If so what makes these so popular now versus one piece grip. Finally EVA versus cork handles. I have always liked cork handles is there one better over the other.....................Thanks for all of your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattman Posted January 15, 2010 Report Share Posted January 15, 2010 Abu makes a decent rod (at least the JDM market ones I've seen). I suspect that for the dollar, this rod would compete well with others in its price class. Some guys like that ACS seat. Some guys hate that ACS seat. I'm not a fan of it. I don't find it as comfortable as the older ECS seat. The finger grooves in it just don't work for some. It seems like its the guys that have a lot of different hand positioning while fishing that have issues. TiCh on the guides is not really what I consider a plus either. TiCh is a coating on the ring, where materials such as Zirconia or Alconite or SiC are actual ring materials. TiCh is applied in a vapor deposition process. And since it is a coating it is susceptible to wear. Once you've worn thru the coating, you're guide ring properties are at the mercy of what ever substrate was used. They don't mention which ring is under the TiCh coating but for the price point of this rod, I would guess it to be their low end ceramic. All that being said...I'm sure this rod is going to compete favorably to others in its price class. Yes...this is a split grip rod. Popular...I'm really not sure. Mostly because of the looks I assume. Custom builders starting doing split grips a long time ago. And the factories have really picked up on it in the last few years. From my viewpoint a split grip is about weight reduction, need (since I never actually utilize any grip besides what is directly behind the reel and at the butt), and to look different than a factory built rod. Grip material...They're using an EVA foam on this rod. I haven't weighed EVA but I believe it is slightly heavier than cork. Hypalon is another grip foam is about 3 times heavier than cork. EVA is lighter than Hypalon. EVA is firmer than Hypalon. Hypalon is much more durable than EVA. I find cork to be slighly firmer than EVA. And more durable than EVA. Personally, I prefer the feel of cork under my hand. I've tried to like foams, but I just don't. Hypalon is great for trolling rods that are going in and out of a rod holder all the time. But that's about the only place I really care for it. And its also about the only time I can say that one is BETTER than the other. For the most part, choice of grip material is really in the eye of the beholder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted January 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2010 Matt, Thanks for the reply and all the good info. I personally like Kistler, maybe I can talk him into one of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGDOG1956 Posted November 5, 2010 Report Share Posted November 5, 2010 Matt, Thanks for the reply and all the good info. I personally like Kistler, maybe I can talk him into one of those. My son bought one of them for his birthday. They are sensitive but have a pool cue taper, real stiff. They are a good value priced rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick reif Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 There's a guy on E-Bay selling Kistler Heliums for $140 plus shipping. Tell your cousin to go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggun Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 There's a guy on E-Bay selling Kistler Heliums for $140 plus shipping. Tell your cousin to go that route. Ive got one of the abu vendettas with an quantum PT on it and I love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted November 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2010 Thanks guys he bought a Kistler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick reif Posted November 7, 2010 Report Share Posted November 7, 2010 Thanks guys he bought a Kistler I just bought 2 spinning rods myself. 6'6" MH for flukes and a 6'9" MH for finesse jigs. I prefer a stiffer rod for both techniques. I'm eyeballing the Shimano Stradic 2500 CI4's to match up on the sticks. $200 a piece is a little steep for spinning reels, but they're probably worth the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
