Berkley Lightning Rod - Shock Series

[loudcherokee]

Anybody using them? I went to look for my trusty IM6 lightning rod in 7' Medium Heavy action and it appears it does not exist.

I did come across the shock series, which is available in my needs. They seem to get pretty good reviews. 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bass pro.

I also came across the BPS Carbonlite series of rods, which do look intriguing. A little more than I want to spend, but if its worth it, Id consider it an investment.

Both rods have negative reviews where the rod has "shattered into many pieces upon hook set" but I'd assume just about any rod review is going to say that somewhere if someone is ticked off over a companies product.

I do lean towards the lightning rod because its available locally and I can hand pick one. The closest BPS is 6 hours from me.

LC

[zachb34]

I love the lightning rods all though the trigger on them can be unconfortable ( to me) when using fast moving baits.

[basshole8190]

Lightning rod shock i own 3. Two MH and a H they are strong. and sensitive and pretty light too.

and the price point of 45 -55$ you can't beat.

oh and they're amazing for using superlines or braid

[gripnrip]

I had one of their spinning rods until my fat rear sat on it! I liked the rod. For the money it is a good deal IMO.

[Diggy]

check walmart, they have both the regular and shock in 7ft mh for 40 bucks

 

I have used/owned both and have had no problems with either. Ive spent more on certain rods and have been less satisfied.

[JunkYard814]

I have a 6' 6" M Lightning Rod Shock and love it, especially for the price point. Sometimes I find myself throwing spinnerbaits and shallow cranks on it more than I use my Powell Diesel and St. Croix Mojo. 

 

Edit: Mine's a casting rod. 

[Diggy]

It can def handle a bass for those on the fence. Someone on another forum that uses them for inshore and caught a 40inch snook

 

[Dyerbassman]

I have one and love it, too! Well worth $40!

[mg4u2nv]

I have both the carbonlite and lightning shock.  NO complaints from either one.  The carbonlite is 7MH for weightless plastics, flukes, buzz frogs, senkos.  The lightning shock is also 7MH and noticebly more limber so i use that for treble hook baits, cranks, and spooks mostly.  Both are great for as much as i use them and would buy either one again.

 

Matt

[BobP]

I don't fish LR Shocks myself but repaired a few belonging to a relative, on which the guides nearest the reel seat had been broken.  I wasn't impressed with the guides on the rods but otherwise, they seemed like decent sticks - not high end but good value for their very modest price.  I do have a BPS Carbonlite ML spinning rod, which is pretty unimpressive compared to my alternate, a $150 Shimano Crucial dropshot rod.  Again, I don't like the guides on the Carbonlite compared to standard Fuji guides and the hook hanger on my rod began to rust off soon after I bought it - obviously, the Chinese factory used a non-stainless hanger.  Not a fair comparison since the Shimano is $50 more than the Carbonlite but then again, I don't condone a rusting metal part on any rod, at any price.

[loudcherokee]

cool deal everybody. looks like the shock isn't a bad choice, and I'm impressed with that picture diggy.

I may be getting one this weekend to go with my new Lews reel and replace my old pistol grip lightning rod. if I like it, my spinning lightning rod may get replaced too.

LC

[livemusic]

I bought a Shock spinning rod at Walmart for $40, 7' Med, paired with Pfleuger President 6940 and I really like it. I am using Sufix 832 Advanced Superline. I am amazed at how good I can feel every stick/stump when fishing a Texas rig worm and feel bass bites great. I set the hook hard and it does great, hookup percentage is high. I also like the flex, allowing me to fling a fluke or worm for accurate casts.

[smalljaw67]

If you use braid you'll be fine with the shock series but if you use mono or fluorocarbon you may want to ask others that use the same line. The shock is made for braid so the action is going to be a little slower in action which can make for a rod that isn't very sensitive with other types of line and it can also hurt you on a hook set. I'd ask those who use them if you will have problems if you aren't a braid user.

[bigturtle]

im pretty sure someone has made a rod "shattered into many pieces upon hook set" for every production rod out there. Can't say for sure if its operator error or factory error, but if it seems to happen to less than 5% of the rods, its fine. A friend of mine owns the normal lightning rod, not the shock, and he only uses it for bait fishing. He has landed multiple 30lb carps with that thing, so I think its fairly durable.

[IntroC]

I bought a Shock spinning rod at Walmart for $40, 7' Med, paired with Pfleuger President 6940 and I really like it. I am using Sufix 832 Advanced Superline. I am amazed at how good I can feel every stick/stump when fishing a Texas rig worm and feel bass bites great. I set the hook hard and it does great, hookup percentage is high. I also like the flex, allowing me to fling a fluke or worm for accurate casts.

This is the exact setup I have except with 20lb power pro. For the price this is a great rod.

[Darren.]

Shocks are good rods, no doubt. But I love my

Carbonlites!! Black or White models, they're both

excellent, and super light.

[OleManHiggins]

I just grabbed a 6' Lightning Shock Spinning Rod this weekend and paired it with my Shimano Sedona 2500 FD.  Hopefully, I can test it out this week.  Read tons of reviews and it seems to be great for the price.  

 

They're $50 and BPS and $40 at Wal-Mart.  I grabbed one from Wal-Mart and got the 2 year insurance for $2.  Spent abt $44 after taxes. I say grab one as they never seem to hang around Wal-Mart long where I'm at. 

[sluefootscott]

I agree at the price it is a very good rod. only downfall for me is the trigger. very uncomfortable on my index but all in all decent rod.  i give it a 7 out of 10

[Maxximus Redneckus]

That trigger can be customized .do you have a dremel??? i have 5 shocks 3 are modified not a bad rod at all.i will buy more

[ww2farmer]

I like them for what they are. Which is a good cheap,dependable, utility rod, that I fish a lot of different things on.

[jtharris3]

I've been using a Shock for my froggin' Rod. I've been very happy with it. I have a Lew's Speed Spool w/ 65lb. Braid on it. I love to throw a frog and have caught many fish on that combo. Never had any problems with the Shock.

[Kaybeeoh]

I know I'm commenting on an old thread, but I bought one of these (7MH casting) the other day and took it out on calcasieu lake. Caught (and released) about 12 redfish all between 15" and 20". Never once had a problem. I'm using an Abu Garcia Orra SX bait cast and 20 lb braid tied to an 8' fluorocarbon leader. Great rod, in my opinion. 

[loudcherokee]

I'm still using my LR Shock series rods. 6'6" medium power for my crankbaits topped with a Lews BB1 and a 7' MH with a Lews Tournament MG for my T-Rigs, Frogs, most non-finesse plastics, etc. Occasionally i'll throw a spinnerbait but i usually use my *** Black with the Lews Tourney Pro in a 7:1 gear ratio for that.

They've held up great so far. Still super sensitive and the only missed hooksets have been my own stupid fault.

 

LC

[Darren.]

4 minutes ago, loudcherokee said:

I'm still using my LR Shock series rods. 6'6" medium power for my crankbaits topped with a Lews BB1 and a 7' MH with a Lews Tournament MG for my T-Rigs, Frogs, most non-finesse plastics, etc. Occasionally i'll throw a spinnerbait but i usually use my *** Black with the Lews Tourney Pro in a 7:1 gear ratio for that.

They've held up great so far. Still super sensitive and the only missed hooksets have been my own stupid fault.

 

LC

That's good to know, LC. Thanks for your update!

[IndianaFinesse]

The lightning rods are great for reaction baits like spinnerbaits and traps.  Check FFO out, they usually have a couple for 18$.