Berkley Heritage casting rod, 6'6" ML/XF

[jimmyjoe]

    Does anyone have one of these rods? No one, not even our local Berkley fanatic, has one, has used one or even seen one. I can get one cheap, and later on MAYBE get a Curado 70 to pair with it. Good idea?      jj

[r83srock]

I honestly can't offer much on that model. I would assume you would be wanting to use it for dropshotting, maybe small top water or jerkbaits. Years ago my dad sold abrasives and adhesive products to Berkley, before the pure fishing days. He had many of the series one and accuflex rods, many with a small split grip Eva style handle, long before that was "cool". Very good rods at their price point in those days, I still have them and they feel nice in hand, he uses mostly Avids now. I have a friend who uses a lot of the Berkley Shock rods for moving baits, I haven't heard him complain about them and he is strong in local competition. Try one and let us know.

[jimmyjoe]

     Not dredging up old stuff, but I went ahead and bought the rod, mostly because they had a 2-pc. version. It came today, and I just got back from using it for bass, pike and crappie. 1) It's not medium light. It's regular old medium. And 2) It's not very extra-fast for an extra-fast rod. Kinda snappy, but I'd still call it just a "fast".  3) It's rated 4-10 lb. line. Just judging from my own likes and dislikes, I wouldn't put anything less than 8 lb. line on this rod. But like I say, that's just me. As for the 1/16 to 5/8 oz. weight rating ..... well, I think you can guess what I think of the low end of their "rating". It throws 1/4 ounce stuff, but no better than other medium/fast rods. Considering the price, I think it's a darn good rod. For a M/F, of course. Good handle, decent guides (for stainless steel) and decent finish. Considering that I was looking for a true ML power rod, though, it's a joke. Finesse, it's NOT. I'll keep it for what it is, and keep looking for better.     

                           jj

 

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[jimmyjoe]

  

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

Take a look at the Kuying Topcaster casting rod.  It's a ML 2 peice rod with a mod fast taper, toray blank, fuji k guides with alconite inserts rater 1/8 to 3/8.  I've got the spinning version and it is very nice and offers a lot of build quality for the money.  Another option if you want to cast even lighter would be the Majorcraft 67L 2 peice Benkei.

     Thanks for your help. I looked at the Kuying on the web, but the Benkei seems to be discontinued or some similar problem. Majorcraft lists no 2-pc. rods on their USA site. Can you tell me where I can get these rods .... especially interested in the Kuying. Thnx.    jj

[jimmyjoe]

           I see. Thank you.   jj