Another Elite tech smallmouth rod discussion

[Hopslam]

I've searched through alot of threads about the elite tech smallmouth rod. However, I'm curious who still uses them and what specific techniques do you use them for? I have the 6'9'' MHF casting rod, ESMC69MH, rated 3/8-1oz. I haven't used it much, only for a 1/2oz swim jig which it worked nicely for. But when I put a 1/2oz lipless crank on it's not very sensitive. I know its a matter of preference, just looking to see who has this rod and what they have found it best suited for.

[Choporoz]

I have a 6'10' MF and absolutely love it.  It's rated 1/8-5/8 and I find that it is extremely sensitive. 

 

The relatively short handle really appeals to me, and is a big reason that it is one of my most used kayak rods. 

 

But, regardless of the platform, I use it as primary rod for 1/2oz and under bottom contact (mostly rage rig and trig), but also for small hard baits - cranks, poppers, walkers, etc. 

 

Sensitivity is huge with this rod, but I also value it for the feel/balance.  It is easily my most accurate roll-cast rod. 

[ww2farmer]

I gave mine up a few years ago. Nice rods, I liked them fine, I got them on sale so they didn't break the bank, they just didn't "do it" for me, so I moved on.

 

I had the 6'9" MH/F casting, the 6'8 M/XF spinning, and the 6'9" M/F casting.

 

I was not really impressed with the 6'9" M/F casting, I found it to be more of a moderate action rod and it didn't suit what I wanted to do with it real well ( suspending jerkbaits, topwaters) as I like a little faster action for these techniques so i am actually working the bait instead of loading the rod.

 

The 6'9" MH/F casting was a good light swim jig, and senko rod, but it was a little light on power, I would say it's more of a M power rod, which is fine, but I wanted a little more power.....that, and I had reel seat issues with this rod. Almost every reel I had/have was loose in the seat, and the cork/nut fell apart.

 

I liked the spinning rod the best. It was a very good shaky head, and flick shake rod, but I wasn't overly attached to it and it ended up being trade fodder for something else.

[Hopslam]

Thanks for the input!