Hogsticker

I'm late to the party, but I'd go Klx first, then Zodias. They both utilize smaller caliber fuji alconite guides which is a plus in my book. You're getting a great, reputable blank with Kistler. Both leave me longing for a full handle though. I've only handled a few Zodias, but the blank felt crisp, responsive, and lively with a relatively decent amount of flex to it making it universal I would imagine. Didn't care for all the clear coat on the blank, but that's shimano for ya.

That's what I wanted to hear. I'm looking for a little heavier alternative to finesse worms to switch things up time to time.

I'll go against the grain. I prefer the 95,but then again I prefer all my hardbaits on the smaller side. The baitfish I see are lucky to be pushing 3 inches. None the less, it's a staple in my jerk box, but the Yo Zuri 3DB minnow out fished it this season much to my surprise.

Just an FYI. Those Winn grips are fairly simple to remove. Buy a full length grip like these should have had in the 1st place, ream it, slap some epoxy on the blank, and slip it in. Oops, I mean slip it on

Hey man. So does the slim Senko have a little more weight to it than your typical finesse worm of the same length? That's kinda what I'm trying to figure out here. Thx

Copy that. Think I'll pick up a pack of the thin Senkos on my next order.

What are you fishing on the 6'8 XF? I'm not to concerned about the guides. I'd base my reel size choice off the size of the stripper guide.

Mine is spiral wrapped as well. I really like the way the blank handles. I'm tempted to jump up to the medium heavy built as a spinning rod for these baits. I think it would be about perfect. Maybe take 2 inches off it.

Nice. What does tigerodz charge for a build on those revelation blanks? Ballpark anyways.

Hey guys. Is the 4" slim Senko really any smaller than a standard 4" Senko? As for the 5" thin Senko, how does it compare in size to say a Jackall Flick Shake worm? Is it any bulkier or heavier? Thx

Anyone own the Recon medium heavy, and the M1 medium heavy? Which rod has more power? Which rod is faster? I'm assuming the M1 in both categories, however not by much. I have a custom medium light Recon and like it quite it bit. I played with a medium heavy M1 in a local store yesterday, and as with most Phenix blanks I liked the taper and feel. Thinking the 7'2 MH M1 for my next custom, but just wanted to here some feedback on both blanks 1st - Thx

Thanks fellas. I'll be using some 3/0 swim bait heads smalljaw67 poured me. Likely 30 lb Seguar Smackdown as a main line. I actually drove out to Cabelas this morning. They had the previous version Avid in the same model. I'll be honest, the blank didn't do a lot for me. Not as crisp as I'm use to, and yes, I'm looking for something a touch slower. So I don't think this is the rod for me. I think to get what I'm after it shall be the custom route. Hard to find a spinning rod with just a little more power than the typical medium and a little softer tip to fling these lighter baits out there. I beat the bank quite a bit and fish tight quarters so 7 ft. is outta the question, otherwise I'd bite the bullet and get a 7 ft medium heavy Steeze XT! I guess I could step up to the legend elite for a more crisp blank, but 400 bucks is pushing it.

If I'm not mistaken, I would have thought that was more of a finesse rod. No problem with hook sets fishing them on a somewhat stout hook?

I'm looking for a spinning rod under 7 ft to toss 3 and 4 inch keitech paddle tails with. 1/8 and 3/16 Oz swimbait heads, nothing heavier - open water only. I'm using a custom built casting rod right now. It's a 2 power mhx high mod popping blank. I'd like to also have a spinning set up for this technique. The Mhx custom could use a little more hook setting power imo, so I want something with a little more umpgh, but not too much. I'm looking at the Avid X 6'8 medium extra fast rated up to 12 lb line and 5/8 Oz. I'm the type of person who will only use a rod I know something about the blank used. Do St Croixs generally fish a little heavier or lighter than advertised? I don't want to spend more than 2 hundred dollars on this particular rod. I would generally go custom, but I don't think I could get it built and shipped for 2 bills. Any other suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks guys. I was toying with the idea of having a spinning set up to fish 3 and 4 inch paddle tails with 3/16 Oz weighted heads. I already have a dedicated casting set up for this, but like the idea of having both. It doesn't sound like this rod has enough power for solid hook sets with these baits, but the tip sounds about right. Oh well, saves me 300 bucks I guess.

Who's using this stick? What are you using it for? Does it fish within its ratings? 8-14 lb test seems pretty broad, and I haven't come across many short spinning rods rated to 3/4 oz. I find it intriguing.

What feel are you referring to? Did you not like the slickness, to much stretch, or something else? Did it remind you more of a mono? In what ways do you feel Sniper is better, or are you maybe just use to it? I only ask as I want to try it, but have no issues with Sniper. Thx

No doubt. Need some specifics!

Another Senko thread? You could literally spend days searching on this site alone. I gave up trying to find a stick bait that duplicates the Senko. Going to try the sassy stick soon. My experience with the Lunker City spanky was a hunk of heavy, sinking plastic that folds in half with no action on the fall at all.

If you're looking for a rod that has a little deeper flex and will handle a multitude of things, look at a Phenix Recon. Kistler klx is another option, but doesn't flex quite as deep. Some folks are also converting to lighter powers rather than moderate fast actions for treble hook moving baits.

My only experience us with the Yumeya spool. When I bought it, it came with all smoke colored brakes. Maybe they were clear, can't recall. At any rate I could literally rip a cast with pretty much any bait weighing an eighth of an ounce with absolutely no fluff, 20 pound braid,1 brake on. I got ballsy and turned that last brake off which ended in disaster. If you already have the 50 get this spool if you can source one is my advice.

Don't forget the Phenix Ultra MBX line - Great rod blanks imo. Iv'e come across countless threads that state the Rainshadow RX8 822.5 is the best drop shot blank ever. Being out of production I assume the Eternity 610mxf would be the same thing with even newer technology built in. Personally for me, I don't much care for painted blanks, but that's a personal deal. The thing about blanks is while it may be general thought that St. Croix / Rainshadow makes the best drop shot blank, It may be general thought Phenix / NFC makes the best jig rod - or vice versa. It's really about finding the best tool for the job that fits your specs and criteria. The best way to go about this is on line research via any and all forums. That being said, I've been really impressed with what Phenix has to offer as a whole. At the price range you suggest, I haven't found one better, but I also have not tried the Rainshadow Eternity line. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Got my 1st Megabass reel! Did a little part swapping with my TDZ. Drag star and spool. I'm curious to see how the 1010 spool from the FX68 Rosso performs in my TDZ 103. Here are some before and after pics of the FX68, and the new look TDZ.

My Alphas SV casts 1/8 Oz just about as well as my Scorpion XT with Yumeya BFS spool. I've used both on a Major Craft Bfs rod as well as a custom Bfs rod. Mostly casting 1/16 Oz wacky head with 4.8 inch flick shake worm. I'll admit the Scorpion did it a slight hair better, but you're looking at a hundred dollar spool if you can even source one vs a 200 dollar reel that will perform out of the box. Drop in a set of air bearings and you should be set. That shallow SV spool is great for darn near anything.

No problems. I live with a family member who has OCD so I try to be informed and understanding. It's a very real thing on many different levels. Look at this way, either way you'll have a very universal rod. I really like the Klx rods but the one thing I could do without on most any rod are the technique labels.