Alx Jig rod braid/leader question

[Bronzeback23]

Hi guys just purchased a curado 200k 7.4 hg for jig fishing. I’m looking to pair it up with a alx rod probably the Zolo Dragger but I’m told they had a semi micro guide system on them and I prefer to run braid to a flouro leader will this be an issue with these guides? I can’t stand it when my leader knot catches. Also my current highest end rod I own is a lews Mach 2 speed stick (im8 version) and dropping 200+ on a rod is kind of a big deal for me. I feel that the lews is pretty sensitive will I see a huge difference between these two rods? (Iknow it is quite subjective) or should I save my money and go with an ikos or another lews stick? Thanks!!

[d-camarena]

Yes you will see a difference, mach2 is a great rod but not very sensative. But i also think if 200 is a big deal you should try a lews tp1, falcon bucoo, dobyns fury, shimano exage or daiwa airdx. All of those are proven rods that are plenty sensative, specially when using braid. 

If you are set on the alx then i dont think you should be concerned. The knot passes fine through the guides

[Bronzeback23]

On 6/5/2018 at 4:50 PM, d-camarena said:

Yes you will see a difference, mach2 is a great rod but not very sensative. But i also think if 200 is a big deal you should try a lews tp1, falcon bucoo, dobyns fury, shimano exage or daiwa airdx. All of those are proven rods that are plenty sensative, specially when using braid. 

If you are set on the alx then i dont think you should be concerned. The knot passes fine through the guides

I actually own the Dobyns fury 704 for my cranking needs. I appreciate the suggestions on other rods and I’m actually really glad to hear that the Mach2 isn’t very sensitive it gives me something to look forward to when buying a higher end rod! Thanks for the reply. Also is the lews tp1 very sensitive? 

[d-camarena]

I have a 7ft medium heavy, in my opinion its really sensative. I use braid and a mono leader. I really like the tp1. 

[WRB]

Call Alex and ask him what size Kagin micro guides is used for the rod of interest; 5mm 1st,4mm 2nd, 2.5mm to the tip for example. Braid knots don't go through micro guides without you feeling it.

Tom

[SMITTY0045]

I understand the feeling, when you jump for a more expensive rod you definitely want to make sure you get the right one. If you’re going for something without micro guides, I ended up picking up the 7’1” MH E6X. It’s been a great rod for my finesse and lighter jigs. You can always get a different length or power if you want something heavier duty, they have a 7’5” Heavy rod that may be more comparable length and power wise to the ALX rod you were looking at. Plus they have close out pricing right now at TW, so you may be able to save some money there

[Bronzeback23]

2 hours ago, SMITTY0045 said:

I understand the feeling, when you jump for a more expensive rod you definitely want to make sure you get the right one. If you’re going for something without micro guides, I ended up picking up the 7’1” MH E6X. It’s been a great rod for my finesse and lighter jigs. You can always get a different length or power if you want something heavier duty, they have a 7’5” Heavy rod that may be more comparable length and power wise to the ALX rod you were looking at. Plus they have close out pricing right now at TW, so you may be able to save some money there

 I was thinking about going that route recently until I read some reviews claiming that the quality isn’t there with those rods which Is hard to believe with it being a g Loomis and all

[SMITTY0045]

2 hours ago, Bronzeback23 said:

 I was thinking about going that route recently until I read some reviews claiming that the quality isn’t there with those rods which Is hard to believe with it being a g Loomis and all

I've been noticing that as well, I wouldn't be scared off though. I am really happy with mine and I fish it hard

[Tywithay]

2 hours ago, Bronzeback23 said:

 I was thinking about going that route recently until I read some reviews claiming that the quality isn’t there with those rods which Is hard to believe with it being a g Loomis and all

Quality of the E6X rods isn't much of an issue. They're well built. They're just extremely overpriced given the performance. The ALX Zolo rods are more comparable to an IMX Pro or GLX in the Loomis lineup. I don't use braid, so I am not sure how well the leaders would pass through their guides, but if you are concerned about it, just have Alex make you one with slightly larger guides. Their prices for custom work are comparable to the production rods, especially if it's just changing a guide size. I had both of my Zolo (Dragger, Deputy) custom made with spiral-wrapped micro guides and full EVA handles. They're easily my two favorite rods. 

[WRB]

Don't know if you are still considering ALX rod, 15% off sale is gong on now!

Tom

[Bronzeback23]

On 6/13/2018 at 7:17 PM, WRB said:

Don't know if you are still considering ALX rod, 15% off sale is gong on now!

Tom

Man I’ve been kicking around the idea really really wanting one and this may be enough to put me over the edge glad you commented!!!

[GReb]

Really depends on line you’re using. If you are tying a 20 lb leader to 65 lb braid then the knot is going to be much larger than a 12 lb leader to 30 lb braid. I fish the later on micro guides without any issues. The clicking is annoying at first but you get used to it. Every once in a while the knot will catch and throw you a little offline but it’s not a big deal

 

Honestly I can’t tell any advantage of micro guides. The weight difference is not noticeable and sensitivity seems to be the same. Just my .02

[Bronzeback23]

On 6/21/2018 at 6:32 PM, Bronzeback23 said:

Man I’ve been kicking around the idea really really wanting one and this may be enough to put me over the edge glad you commented!!!

I think I missed the sale ?

[RyneB]

I throw braid with a fluoro leader in my Ikos Promise and hammer. I have not thrown it on any of my Zolo series. Not sure what kind of jig fishing you plan on doing, but a Zolo Deputy is a great rod for pinpoint casts to objects. Not exactly a rod I'd throw heavy jigs in heavy stuff, but almost perfect for everything else. I prefer it for the jig fishing I do over the Dragger. The Ikos Promise is my favorite rod of them all. Good luck.

[Bronzeback23]

On 6/23/2018 at 9:14 PM, RyneB said:

I throw braid with a fluoro leader in my Ikos Promise and hammer. I have not thrown it on any of my Zolo series. Not sure what kind of jig fishing you plan on doing, but a Zolo Deputy is a great rod for pinpoint casts to objects. Not exactly a rod I'd throw heavy jigs in heavy stuff, but almost perfect for everything else. I prefer it for the jig fishing I do over the Dragger. The Ikos Promise is my favorite rod of them all. Good luck.

I plan on throwing mainly 1/2oz jigs into standing reeds. 40-50 lb braid to 15lb flouro unless I get into a bit heavier cover or dirtier water then I will run straight braid. I fish the Great Lakes (Saginaw bay in Michigan) so water is usually pretty clear. 

[CUFisherman]

I just got an ALX Dragger used and it is my highest quality and most expensive rod to date. I'm using flouro on it so can't speak to braid and knot question but the rod is awesome. Newer to using jigs but this thing is very sensitive. I have an E6X 852 and the ALX is a lot more sensitive in my opinion. I also have a Dobyns sierra that I just got and I would give the ALX the nod for that as well. I like all of the rods I just was very impressed with the ALX. I also plan to use it for Carolina rigs soon.