Name Brand vs Specialty Brand Rods

[Catt]

My issue aint cost, it's all about feel!

Before I buy a rod I put my reel on it, string it up, 1/4 oz bullet weight, 3/0 hook, & worm. Now I know how it's gonna balance, cast, everything but how it'll handle fish.

I've had custom rods built, took em to the lake, & returned em Monday morning.

I don't look at name on the side, technique specific, recommend line, or lure weight!

[kickerfish1]

18 hours ago, Sam said:

I currently only have off the shelf rods, now I am not familiar with MHX rods, is this like Doybins or some of the smaller stick makers on TW, or are these truly guys making a few sticks a year? - I HAVE  NO IDEA.

Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing. - DO YOU THINK GLENN WILL SEND ME $1,000 FOR POSTING THIS TOPIC WHEN I DID?

Not trying to be mean but you keep using the phrase "MHX rods". Just to be clear MHX are rod blanks made my Mudhole. They are sold as blanks only.

Do I think they are good? Yes, they are a really solid blank for the price plus with most sizeable orders you can 10% off your order from Mudhole. Yes, there are nicer blanks to use but for right around $100 or less they are hard to beat. Plus most are unfinished and not painted which is huge plus to me.

[Catt]

9 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

Not trying to be mean but you keep using the phrase "MHX rods". Just to be clear MHX are rod blanks made my Mudhole. They are sold as blanks only.

Do I think they are good? Yes, they are a really solid blank for the price plus with most sizeable orders you can 10% off your order from Mudhole. Yes, there are nicer blanks to use but for right around $100 or less they are hard to beat. Plus most are unfinished and not painted which is huge plus to me.

Mud hole is 1 of 5 dealers that sell MHX blanks.

http://fishmhx.com/mhx-dealers-distributors/

[blckshirt98]

Fish whatever gives you the most confidence.  For some it's the high end/JDM/custom gear, for others it's off the shelf stuff.  Like someone mentioned already a skilled fisherman with cheap off the shelf gear can outfish a fisherman with top of the line gear. Not all off the shelf gear will feel right to you (I've tried a few brands and there's a couple that just didn't feel right for me) but there are more than enough brands at different price points where you'll be sure to find something that will give you the confidence to fish.

[Rodney Smith]

On 8/14/2016 at 0:21 AM, WRB said:

My personal preference is using rods made in America by American craftsman and that limits the field for off the shelf or over the counter rods. All the rod components today are off shore, guides, reel seats, some rod blanks are still laid up in America, most are not. Both G. Loomis and Lamiglas were made in Washington until Shimano bought Loomis, then Lamiglas started using off shore rod blanks for bass rods. ST Croix top end rod blanks are American made, Dobyns are off shore.

Custom rods you can pick whatever rod blank and components you prefer and whatever and wrapped the way you want it, no compromise. No reason to pay over $300 for any bass rod when you can have a state of the art rod custom made for $250-$300. The difference is selecting a top quality rod builder who guarantees thier products, custom or off the shelf.

Tom

 

Tom,

I read your posts and appreciate the your expertise. Also, from the looks of your giant fish, I suspect you are a pretty good fisherman. I have a question. I am considering getting the ALX Toadface and Rosa rods. I am a very loyal G. Loomis user. I have NRX, GLX, and IMX. I have tried the custom route before and was disappointed in that whole process. I have good relationships with my local tackle shops and get substantial discounts on my G. Loomis rods. I don't seem to be able to find discounts on the ALX rods. When I have broken the Loomis rods  (most always my fault), I have taken it back and ended up with a new rod at no cost. With that said, I want to be open minded. You are very high on the ALX rods and even mention them being in the league with an NRX. By most accounts, the NRX is one of the most sensitive rods in the world. I am considering the Zolo series. How is a $200 rod going to compare to my G. Loomis rods? Also, if I decide to trade a rod, it is always easy to sell a G. Loomis. Would that be the case with an ALX rod?

[d-camarena]

I also used to have all high end rods, mostly gloomis, diawas and shimanos. Due to some financial troubles i sold em off and slowly bought all lews rods. Mostly their mach2 series rods. Im as happy as i was and still catching the same fish

[WRB]

2 hours ago, Rodney Smith said:

 

Tom,

I read your posts and appreciate the your expertise. Also, from the looks of your giant fish, I suspect you are a pretty good fisherman. I have a question. I am considering getting the ALX Toadface and Rosa rods. I am a very loyal G. Loomis user. I have NRX, GLX, and IMX. I have tried the custom route before and was disappointed in that whole process. I have good relationships with my local tackle shops and get substantial discounts on my G. Loomis rods. I don't seem to be able to find discounts on the ALX rods. When I have broken the Loomis rods  (most always my fault), I have taken it back and ended up with a new rod at no cost. With that said, I want to be open minded. You are very high on the ALX rods and even mention them being in the league with an NRX. By most accounts, the NRX is one of the most sensitive rods in the world. I am considering the Zolo series. How is a $200 rod going to compare to my G. Loomis rods? Also, if I decide to trade a rod, it is always easy to sell a G. Loomis. Would that be the case with an ALX rod?

Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.

Tom

[J Francho]

On 8/14/2016 at 4:52 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

Fixed it for you.

 

That's a lot of inflation for the penny for your thoughts, lol.

[j bab]

On 8/13/2016 at 5:49 PM, iabass8 said:

If I had the time, I would custom make every rod I own. All things equal, A rod built to your exact speifications and requirements trumps off the shelf everytime.

Unless a rod "off the shelf" meets your specifications & requirements... I think that argument is less and less applicable as more manufacturers have been putting out technique specific rods. There are so many options that I've never found myself needing a custom. Maybe if I only bought from one brand it would be an issue, or maybe i need more sophisticated preferences!

[Rodney Smith]

8 hours ago, WRB said:

Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.

Tom

 

8 hours ago, WRB said:

Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.

Tom

 

[RoLo]

On 8/13/2016 at 6:45 PM, scaleface said:

I paid 20 dollars for my last rod . From Gander Mountain .Lady Guide series and its not pink . Its a manly lavender .

 

I hope that rod was not for your wife, because she's going to demand a PINK shaft (or should I say pink blank)

 

Roger

[Rodney Smith]

I have a small 15 ft Riverhawk boat and carry 5 rods (3 casting and 2 spinning). I love jig fishing. My prized set up is an NRX with a Shimano Metanium. Some days, I fish it all day. Besides resell value, I am better off sticking with G. Loomis or for at least a few things like for my Topwater rod and frog rod/Carolina rig, try something like an ALX Zolo?