Carrot Stix

[Nick49]

I don't invest in costly baitcasting rods, but of those that I have and use (BPS Johnny Morris Sig., BPS JM Carbonlite, G Loomis 6XG, Daiwa Tatula, Ardent Denny Brauer Sig. for blade bates, W&M Skeet Reese Pitching, & Carrot Stix Wild), I have to say that my two Carrot Stix' are my favorites.  I have seen a great deal of critical comments about the Carrot Stix rods, but I have owned my two CS Wilds for over five years and they get the lion's share of use - about 70 days per year.  I use my 7' M fast for throwing weightless plastics and my 7' MH fast for pitching light skirted jigs and standup jigs with plastics.  They are the lightest and most sensitive rods in my boat, and they have held up incredibly well.  Just wanted to plug these rods that have served me so well. 

[new2BC4bass]

I've had some interest in them, but so far not enough to invest in one.  I read that the originals were very light and sensitive......but many broke pretty easy.  Maybe the newer rods are more durable.  Seem to be in your case. 

Reviews of the originals have kept me from taking the plunge and buying one.  I'm a little leery, but if you think they are a better rod than the Tatula, maybe I'll have to start looking for a deal on one.  Really like my Tatulas.

In my own case I have a few more expensive rods than the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth, but most (Mediums) don't get used as often as the Smallmouth rods.

[buzzed bait]

if you've had them for 5 years or so, you've likely got the pre-e21 versions which were much better rods in my opinion.  my buddy still uses his to date and it's a pretty good stick.  i had purchased 2 of the post-e21 series and they were not all that, sold them pretty quickly, thankfully before either of them broke.

[Nick49]

Buzzed Bait - might be the case.  The Carrot Stix were relatively new in the market when I got them.

[Dye99]

I tried a friends out, and LOVED it. But I could not pull the trigger on purchasing one and went with other brands.

I think it was the hundred upon hundreds of bad reviews that kept me away.

[Fishes in trees]

If you haven't broke your carrot stix yet, even considering that they've seen considerable use, it is probably because you take care of your gear and don't over stress it.   You probably don't nick it or ding it when transporting them either.  You are probably one of those guys who generally just takes care of his stuff.

All that being said, when they were built, Carrot stix basically sacrificed strength for sensitivity and light weight.   Sooner or later that Carrot stick is going to break.   It is in its nature..  This is coming from a guy who had and uses 2 of them - 4 or so years old now - haven't broken them yet, but I have buds who've broken half a dozen of them.    So, anyway, I hope you continue to take care of it and it continues to last.

 

[buzzed bait]

11 hours ago, Nick49 said:

Buzzed Bait - might be the case.  The Carrot Stix were relatively new in the market when I got them.

i'd almost bet you that's the case...  look it over pretty good and if you don't see any e21 stamps or logo on the butt or anything, you probably got one of the early models, the good ones.

[FordsnFishin]

I own two.  Both fairly good rods. Very light and pretty sensitive. 

One is a 7 foot mh, the other is a 7'2 medium parabolic. 

I bought them when they first came out,  so they were the pre e21. Although I ended up breaking the medium powered one.  Although it was slammed in a tailgate...by a buddy. 

However the company was quick to send me a new one with the warranty.  Last I heard it was pretty hard to get them to warranty rods anymore?