What's The Word On The Shimano Clarus Rods?

[TNBassin']

I have 2 Crucials, but I'm looking for another rod for my 3rd Chronarch and I don't really wanna shell out that kind of money for a Crucial again. I found a killer deal on a Clarus, but besides RockChalk, I haven't heard any feed back from those with this rod. I fondled one in BPS the other day which was a 7'2 MH XF and found it to be much tip heavier than a Crucial, but I'm sure it will balance out decently with the reel attached. Can I get some feedback from those with this rod so I can make my decision? Thanks.

[dam0007]

Clarus is awesome. I have the spinnerbait model with a chronarch. I couldn't tell a difference between this the compre and the crucial. However the cumara is in the whole different league. I say grab it.

[TNBassin']

Is it at least as sensitive as a Veritas? I'm not sure how 30 Ton graphite compares to IM8 graphite. 

[The Next KVD]

The new Clarus is built on the same blank as the previous Compre's while the Compre got upgraded to the previous Crucial and the Crucial upgraded to the previous Cumaras which of course are now basically the new Cumulus. I wouldn't hesitate to get the new Clarus based on that its the "new" Compre.  I would say the sensitivity of the one that I own is on par maybe alittle than a Veritas based on how my previous gene Compre is.  If I was you though I'd spend an extra $20 to get the new Compre.

[lmbfisherman]

I'd 2nd the Compre honestly.  Own 2 of them and a 1 Veritas.  Both imo are about the same level with the exception that I find the Compre a bit more sensitive than my Veritas.  I do own a Clarus cranking rod, it is a solid rod so though if you can't shell out the extra 20, it is a decent choice. 

[ww2farmer]

I bought a 6'8" MH/Fast Clarus spinning rod a few weeks ago , and I like it a lot. Compared to the rest of my rods which are St Croix's, I actually think it's better than the Mojo's I have and cheaper to boot. So far I have been using it to skip assorted weightless plastics up under docks/overhanging brush, and fishing shaky heads with it. I also have a 6' UL/Mod fast Convergance spinning rod that I bought a couple months ago, and love that too. I am seriously considering replacing my old 7' ML/Fast St Croix Avid spinning rod that I use for dropshotting, with a drop shot rod from the Clarus or Compre line. Shimano won me over a few years ago with there reels, and that's all I use, now they are seeping into my rod collection too. At the very least I am going to be buying a few more and trying them.

[EvanT123]

I have a 6'6 light spinning rod that is fast becoming one of my favorites. Obviously not the rod your looking at. Since you've already handled the rod you may know better then me but I've found as you go up in rod levels the tips usually get faster. My mxf sellus is not as fast as my mf compre for example. One thing to take into consideration when comparing to other models and your desired applications for the rod.

[dam0007]

In my honest opinion, for the price difference between the clarus and compre new models you are only paying for the higher rated blank. With that said I'm using it for spinner baits exclusively and can feel a Colorado thumping the whole retrieve. If you lived in CT I'd let you use mine all you want.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I have four Clarus rods and love them all - two worm n jig casting, one worm n jig spinning and one crankbait casting.  At $79 each with a lifetime otc warranty, that is hard to beat in my book with the way rod and reel costs have skyrocketed for upper end equipment these days in this economy.  Don't hesitate if you get the chance to get one or our like I did   I've taken my worm n jig rods into the salt and can say they handle salty species as well without fail.

[TrippyJai]

The new Clarus is built on the same blank as the previous Compre's while the Compre got upgraded to the previous Crucial and the Crucial upgraded to the previous Cumaras which of course are now basically the new Cumulus. I wouldn't hesitate to get the new Clarus based on that its the "new" Compre.  I would say the sensitivity of the one that I own is on par maybe alittle than a Veritas based on how my previous gene Compre is.  If I was you though I'd spend an extra $20 to get the new Compre.

 

While their rods are now rated one IM # higher, they use different resins in their graphite, so to say the new Compre's uses the old crucials blanks is not true. None of the blanks they use for their rods now are the same as last generations.

[TNBassin']

Thanks for the suggestions on the Compre, but I'm really only looking at the Clarus. I'm going back to BPS in the morning and I'm gonna take my reel with to see how it balances out. If I don't like the feel, I guess I will pick up a 3rd Crucial.

[webertime]

Thank you TrippyJai for pointing out they definitely aren't the same blank.

[cbass12]

I've got the same exact rod and use it as my jig rod mainly. It's the second one of these I've had, the first had to be exchanged due to the glue coming undone on the reel seat when I tightened the reel down. As for the blank itself I've found it to be plenty sensitive and it has good backbone. It's a little heavier, but is well balanced. I would recommend it, and wouldn't mind having a second one myself.

[fishking247]

I recommened just saving the extra cash and go with the crucial. That rod is a beast