Possible rod switch

[Blackhawk83]

To begin with I am a long time Falcon fishing rod fan.  Now I have owned others from Loomis, St Croix, Berkeley, and Abu Garcia but I have always ended up selling or trading them to others for Falcon replacements.  i still love my Falcons but when looking at other rod manufacturers it appears that they are not really keeping up with other rod manufacturers in terms of technology and value for my buck. Do others share this idea?

[bigturtle]

You mean the manufactures you listed are using inferior technology compared to Falcon? What technologies are you refering to?

[Blackhawk83]

No I think Falcon has always made a quality product and still does but feel there are some newer companies that offer comparable products at a significant savings

[bigturtle]

But it doesnt matter if you love your Falcons so much that you keep going back, right? No need to second guess yourself if you have confidence in your rods

 

As for other companies offering better rods, I cant comment on that since iv used a Falcon rod only once. 

[fishindad]

4 hours ago, Blackhawk83 said:

No I think Falcon has always made a quality product and still does but feel there are some newer companies that offer comparable products at a significant savings

 

Am with Blackhawk on this. I have owned many Lowriders over the years and still own 4-5 Falcon Cara baitcasters. Like the OP, I own and use Loomis, St Croix, and other (***) rods.

 

Falcons are 100% made in the USA, if that matters to you (it does to me though I don't bash anyone since I own foreign-made rods and reels). Falcon has specific rod designs/actions that excel for bass fishing. Their Finesse jig rod, Head Turner, Swim jig rod, and Trap Caster can do just about anything one needs for bass fishing. I do agree with the OP that in the $200 price range, there are many competitive brands - and all are very good. Depending on what upgrade it is you want in a rod - bling or actual performance (blank, guides, handle) - you could find (subjectively) equal or better in an overseas rod and arguably, in a domestic rod.

 

FWIW, I have switched to another rod company and will eventually sell most of my dear old Caras. Only because where I live and fish for smallmouth, I predominantly use spinning rods and this is one thing Falcon does not do well compared to other companies, IMO.

[d-camarena]

I started using abu garcias when i started fishing. Then i "upgraded" to shimano rods and reels. And while they are great roda and reels i feel like i miss my abus. I miss a great rod at a great price. I regret selling off all my abu garcias. Now as my rods break or as i sell rods their replacements are gonna be abus. 

I guess its just personal preference and what you feel more comfortable and confident with. 

Id say stick with falcon. Ive had some falcons and they were great rods

[fvogel67]

On 1/15/2017 at 6:05 PM, fishindad said:

 

Am with Blackhawk on this. I have owned many Lowriders over the years and still own 4-5 Falcon Cara baitcasters. Like the OP, I own and use Loomis, St Croix, and other (***) rods.

 

Falcons are 100% made in the USA, if that matters to you (it does to me though I don't bash anyone since I own foreign-made rods and reels). Falcon has specific rod designs/actions that excel for bass fishing. Their Finesse jig rod, Head Turner, Swim jig rod, and Trap Caster can do just about anything one needs for bass fishing. I do agree with the OP that in the $200 price range, there are many competitive brands - and all are very good. Depending on what upgrade it is you want in a rod - bling or actual performance (blank, guides, handle) - you could find (subjectively) equal or better in an overseas rod and arguably, in a domestic rod.

 

FWIW, I have switched to another rod company and will eventually sell most of my dear old Caras. Only because where I live and fish for smallmouth, I predominantly use spinning rods and this is one thing Falcon does not do well compared to other companies, IMO.

Not all Falcons are made in the States,Some are made in China.

[The Next KVD]

If you know what works why switch?  Rod technology in my mind has improved but it still comes down to the quality of the components and how they are put on the rod.  The biggest jumps in rod technology today I believe is in the resins that used in the blank itself.  I still have a Lowrider and Cara that are 12 years old that I still love to use and don't feel like they are lesser of a rod than most of my newer built rods.  Are they equal to my NRX or Legend Elites, no but compared to others in their price range I think they still old their own.  Cheaper options that have equal performance than them yes, but are they build to the same quality?  Maybe, maybe not.

[rangerjockey]

I think Falcon is equal to anything thats out there. I have a dozen or so along with a couple NRX'S .

 Falcon really shines when it comes to jig rods and jerkbait rods. Although the discontinued shoal cranker was a great wiggle wart rod.

 I don't just fish for fun but to try to put a couple bucks in my pocket, if I thought a boat full of NRX'S would help me do that I would. Fact is I don't think I can catch a fish on one that I wouldn't catch on a Cara.

 

[Oklahoma Mike]

If American made is of concern to you, I would suggest you check out Hammer rods. Sensitive and light, and the Winn grips are cool. They also offer a military discount if you are a veteran (or active enlisted).

 

As far as Falcon, they are made in a nearby suburb to me but I do not currently own any of their rods. I've had a couple but just felt that there are better options at the same price point. 

[Hogsticker]

Falcon seems to like to keep things kinda old school. No fancy winding checks, trim rings, or overly detailed wrapping. Maybe this is what you're referring to? Some can still appreciate a clean, simple build. As for the blanks, I don't know if Falcon rolls their own or out sources. Back in the day I believe they utilized some Shikari blanks. I've owned and fished a few Caras. The rods did not disappoint imo. Seems like they use mostly Fuji components which is a plus in my book. 

[smalljaw67]

If you like Falcon rods then stick with them and there are a few reasons. Like Hogsticker mentioned, their builds are more traditional in styling so you are paying for components and not decoration. The reason a lot of Falcon rod users don't like other brands is because Falcon has their own actions, they are different than most other rods I've used. They use slower tapers for techniques you would normally use faster actions and if you are new to Falcon rods you kind of have to get use to their tapers but anglers who have used them for a long time have a tough time adjusting to faster taper rods. So if you are looking for a different rod similar to a Falcon I'm afraid there isn't much that you'd like, Hammer rods will probably be close but they all have the same taper so if I were you I'd just stay with Falcon, good rods with unique tapers that work.

[tander]

Still using some 2 Lowriders from the 90's. I have added 1 new Lowrider. I love Falcon rods. I guess I just old school. I like the looks of them and mainly they way they fish. I did replace an orginal Falcon with a Lews because of weight. I kind of wish I replaces it with a Cara of some kind but I do love Lews stuff. Jason Christie does do too bad using Falcons.

[Jaderose]

I've been seriously considering an Amistad for a frog rod.  Held one in my paw and it felt just about perfect

[lonnie g]

nice read gentalmen. think ill have to go see how one feels in my hands. thanks