18/01/2017
Product review.
This rod was originally built as a jigging rod. But due to lack of time to go rompin, I rebuilt it to a spinning rod.
Remember that this is one of the lightest blank available.. Only 1.4oz, ie 40g. But it's reputed to lift deadweight of 1 gallon with ease (that's about 4kg).
How does it feel in actual use?
Ok it does feel light, even when mated to my Shipment Strain 2500 reel. But every seasoned fisherman knows it's about the balance, more than just deadweight. It turned out quite alright. But I'll change the cork handle to something with more grip soonest.
Castability?
It's not a casting blank. It has a little too much flex and not enough power to achieve a good distance,even though it's rated as FAST action. But casting a lure is perfectly fine. It gives a great action to the lure actually, probably due to this being a slow fall blank.
Strength?
Light though it is, it has enough backbone to play and fight the fish. Especially for those who like finesse fishing and not brute force, this really gives a good fight.
It took me 20 minutes to land the 20+kg CPC (in picture with sandal).
I used it for tamban fishing at Bedok Jetty and it conveys great sensitivity to every nibble. (I need to change better rig though. The aunty beside me was landing 10 for each one I caught. Grrr...she checked my rig and said it needed thinner line and more feathers. Lesson learned!)
Overall?
Fantastic! It's very versatile as a light luring or spinning rod, and yet strong enough for some serious play. Not exactly cheap (the blank retails for USD165, and the completed rod retails for USD400.) but really good and worth it if can custom build it for less.
