Lews Custom Speed Stick VS Custom Speed Stick Lite HM85

[tje0705]

Whats up guys. Im looking at these two rods and was wondering what your guys opinion of them was. I was thinking about getting the regular custom speed sticks for moving baits and the lite HM85 rods for anything bottom contact. I was wondering if you guys that have either of them can tell me if the HM85's are really that much more sensitive? The rod that im looking at is the mag hammer which is a 7'3" MH rod that I want to use for jigs in sparser cover and soft plastics. Both the regular custom speed stick and the lite HM85 have this model so im just wondering which one to get.  Also I would just like you guys opinion of these two rods in general. Im looking to get these to upgrade some lower quality rods that I have. Thanks for all the info guys. 

[WPCfishing]

The HM85 is a lighter rod with a smaller diameter Winn grip and higher end guides. They balance a bit better than the Custom which has a chubby EVA grip. My experience with them has been interesting. I find the HM85 will cast a little more accurately with less effort but has a bit less setting power than a Custom at similar ratings. ( the customs are under rated ) The HM85 ratings are more accurate or true.

If I had to choose between the two it would have to be the HM85. You can always add hook setting power by buying a second rod with a little more rating for the task at hand. Get the HM85's, buy as many models as you can. 

The Grass model is great for any Jigs and frogs/toads. The Rod is Super versitale and very sensitive. I pair mine with a Lews TP with 65lb Power Pro or my MB with 40lb Power Pro. I do not use leaders.

[tje0705]

5 hours ago, WPCfishing said:

The HM85 is a lighter rod with a smaller diameter Winn grip and higher end guides. They balance a bit better than the Custom which has a chubby EVA grip. My experience with them has been interesting. I find the HM85 will cast a little more accurately with less effort but has a bit less setting power than a Custom at similar ratings. ( the customs are under rated ) The HM85 ratings are more accurate or true.

If I had to choose between the two it would have to be the HM85. You can always add hook setting power by buying a second rod with a little more rating for the task at hand. Get the HM85's, buy as many models as you can. 

The Grass model is great for any Jigs and frogs/toads. The Rod is Super versitale and very sensitive. I pair mine with a Lews TP with 65lb Power Pro or my MB with 40lb Power Pro. I do not use leaders.

Thanks for the info man. If you don't mind me asking do you have anyother models? If so what are they and what do you use them for. I kind of want an idea of the versatility of the offerings they have. Thanks. 

[racedad]

I have the mag grass for frogging exclusively, the mag bass for large spinners/chatter baits and a spinning model they call shaky head for finesse presentations. I am happy with all three, but I also have Dobyns Champions for other specifics. The Custom Lites are great rods with plenty back bone and are sensitive. You can't go wrong and as someone else said, the power rating is pretty spot on. My Dobyns I had to go up in ratings as they tend to be rated on the lite side.

[WPCfishing]

4 hours ago, tje0705 said:

Thanks for the info man. If you don't mind me asking do you have anyother models? If so what are they and what do you use them for. I kind of want an idea of the versatility of the offerings they have. Thanks. 

The 6'10" spinner bait Rod is a MH and works well up to 5/8 oz.

The 7'6" is a great flipping Rod and will bomb cast frogs and toads. 

Any one of them that meets your needs will become your favorite rod. You can trust the lure weight ratings on all the rods so you won't have to worry about buying the wrong rod. Also, Give them a call and ask for Bill, he's there product development engineer. He will be glad to speak with you.

Call Swanson's, they will usually offer you a discount on a higher priced rod.

Based on what you said you were considering I recommend the Grass model.