Dx 704 & Core 100Mg Review

[Teal]

I ordered this combo when they were both 25% off several weeks ago. It is really my first step into the high end gear arena after fish the last few years with more modest gear, like the Lews TP and Powell Endurance rods. I am a jig guy so I wanted my first shot at highly touted stuff to be in an all around jig rod.

First impression- The Shimano Core 100 mg is light and it is smooth! It weighs about the same as a Team Lews Pro that I have. The core has a silkiness to the retrieve. It is a lot smoother is action than my several Lews TPs and has a slight edge on the Team Pro. (Not making this a reel competitionnbut I did want to reference to something).

The DX is an absolutely stunning rod. I love the finish. The rod is noticeably lighter than the Powell's I own. I really like the tip of this rod just messing around in the shop.

I spooled the reel with 14lb Sniper and paired the two. The combo is pretty darn light. They balance perfectly.

The balance point was just above the reel seat.

On to the fishing! I've been out on several short or half day trips with it and I was able to see what all the fuss was about. I went to an area I fish a lot with some deeper boat docks and I was able to fish this rod and my other jig rod a Powell 714/ Lews TP. On both rods I used both 3/8 and 1/2 jigs with typical rage craw trailers

I was impressed with how well the core casts on the DX. I was able to roll cast and skip the lighter jigs under the docks with ease.

Ok now to the fun part,....was it sensitive, it the 704 strong enough to fish 1/2oz jigs, ?

Yes and yes! I only caught 5 fish on that rod but, it is flat out like having x ray vision. The rod feels good. I was able to get good hook sets and yank the fish out before they got me wrapped around poles. I fished about a few trees and got the same result. Rod has plenty of backbone and the reel was able to do its job too!

Ok so would I buy another Core or DX. Maybe and Yes! I could tell a food difference with the rod over my Powell it is absolutely worth the extra hundred bucks. The Core is a phenomenal reel but o would have to catch it on sale again. I felt that differences in the Core and the Team Pro weren't that far apart to to justify the extra money. Team Pros can be had for 233 all day and most people can get a core for 370.. that's a 140 bucks for what I found to be a little difference. Now my team pros are still earning their dues, I know the Core will last me a lifetime if taken care of. That all said, if in see a pattern of the sales like that again I will absolutely capitalize.

Hope this helps a few guys. And just remember, I'm not a pro, I'm not a rep, and not a fishing gear service guy, just a fisherman. Thanks guys.

Edit- oh I forgot to mention, I love the handles on the Core far and away more than the handles and Eva crap on the Team Pro. And much more than the flat paddles of the TP. Its a lot more comfortable

[Grantman83]

Glad you enjoyed the rod and reel. Dx's are worth every penny and can become quite the addiction. I have the 704 with a t3 and it is a match made in heaven since it weighs about the same is your Core.

[MarkH024]

Awesome review and great to hear!  I'm awaiting the DX 745 and I have a Core 100Mg7 for it. Pretty close to the same set up so that is awesome to hear. This will be my dedicated jig rod setup as well.  Frog Turds talked me into the DX, so it's his head if it doesn't pan out.

 

Thanks for the review Teal. 

[Dwight Hottle]

Nice review Teal.

[K_Mac]

Nice review! I still haven't manged to move up to high-end gear. I have used enough to know I want to...