Comparing Some Jig Rods

[Nunz]

I'm deciding between a few Jig rods in the $100-$150 range, and unfortunately can not hold most of them so I need others experience. I'm buying a 7'-7'3 MH XF/F Casting  rod for jigs/Heavy t Rigs. So far its come down to 

-Dobyns Fury (I own one and like it, but have nothing to compare it to)

-IRod Fiber (People love the genesis, this is the same blank with cheaper components)

-Cabela's Tournament ZX (sale for $79)

-Lews Custom Speed Stick

-Possibly wait for refurbished Dobyns Sierra

 

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I need to add, There is a 6'8 MH veritas on sale for $40. (I don't mind that it fishes one power up). Ive felt the veritas but thought the material felt somewhat cheap, and I've heard it isn't that sensitive. But $40 is a VERY good price...

I also am considering the DAIWA AirDX. I was going to buy it for a frog rod, but heard really good things and some swear that it fishes jigs with the sensitivity of a $150 rod. However, the very low price point makes me skeptical...It would Reallly help if someone could give their honest opinion of this rod. 

 

Thanks

[jbrew73]

I have owned a few lews custom speed sticks and like the actions/sensitivity but not the reel seat design .  I feel the cabelas rod actions are very similar to lews from handling them in store.

 

 I'd jump on the cabelas rod for $79 over lews  due to the reel seat style but that's just my preference.

Edited June 15, 2018 by jbrew73
Clarification

[Nunz]

4 minutes ago, jbrew73 said:

I have owned a few lews custom speed sticks and like the actions/sensitivity but not the reel seats.  I feel the cabelas rods are very similar from handling them in store.  If you like the zx rods reel seat and handle I'd jump on it for $79 in a heartbeat!

I have heard many good things but have never held one

 

[CroakHunter]

I fish a lot of rods in the sub $130 range. The fury or the lews tp-1 speed stick to me are the best bang for your buck. With the falcon Bucoo sr, daiwa fuego, and cabelas zx following closely behind. I have handled veritas rods but didn't care for them as I'm not a fan of the Eva foam. But to each their own. Another rod that I plan to pick up but haven't yet is the all-star nano. The 7ftmh would make a killer 1/4 to 3/8 jig and Texas rig rod.

[new2BC4bass]

Read ww2farmer's post in this thread for some good information on the Aird X rods by someone who is using them.

 

 

 

[LionHeart]

I use a Cabellas ZX Spinner Bait model as a sort of all purpose rod.  It's actually a decent stick and pretty dang sensitive.  If I had to nit  pick it, I'm not crazy about a white fishing rod and the guides seem a bit cheap.  Never had a problem out of them, but agggh, I dunno.

 

I will tell you this, that model is rated 1/4 - 5/8 ounce, but I have thrown nearly an ounce on it, and it handled that with ease.  It would do great with a half ounce jig plus trailer.

[fvogel67]

6 hours ago, LionHeart said:

I use a Cabellas ZX Spinner Bait model as a sort of all purpose rod.  It's actually a decent stick and pretty dang sensitive.  If I had to nit  pick it, I'm not crazy about a white fishing rod and the guides seem a bit cheap.  Never had a problem out of them, but agggh, I dunno.

 

I will tell you this, that model is rated 1/4 - 5/8 ounce, but I have thrown nearly an ounce on it, and it handled that with ease.  It would do great with a half ounce jig plus trailer.

I also use this rod as an all purpose,It's a steal for $79

[NHBull]

If it is possible to stretch the budget, I would do so. IMHO your jig rod should be where your money goes ......and cuts can be made on the “moving” bait side of things   The Avid x is where I would start

[rtwvumtneer6]

Hey, guys... Hoping I can tag along here and get some help.  I'm replacing a BPS JM Titanium 8 7'2 MH/F that has been discontinued. Its my do everything rod, aside from crankin, flipping and froggin.  

 

Anyway I'm looking at the lews tp-1 in 7'3 and they are listed as MH/M 1/2 to ***/8oz or H/F 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz.  This seems a little backward... Anyone have experience fishing them? 

 

P.S. not willing to go down to the 7' for MH/F model. 

 

Thanks!

[Nunz]

On 6/15/2018 at 7:07 AM, NHBull said:

If it is possible to stretch the budget, I would do so. IMHO your jig rod should be where your money goes ......and cuts can be made on the “moving” bait side of things   The Avid x is where I would start

I'm going to do so. Im saving up and have held off the purchase until next weeks paycheck. I am willing to spend up to $250 And am primarily looking for rods in the $300+ range either used or on sale. This is a big purchase for me so I am very critical about the specs I want, mainly being 1. sensitivity, 2. balance, 3. weight. After relentless research, It seems most of the internet agrees on these brands for sensitive jig rods

-Kistler

-ALX

-Megabass

-Hammer

-Dobyns? (Though they were cream of the crop, but many seem to swear that even the DX isn t very sensitive for the price) 

 

I am also considering a Daiwa Tatula. It is well within my price range and people speak very highly of the sensitivity. I recently tried some Daiwa rods and reel in the 100 dollar and below range and was blown away by the quality for the price, so I am really considering the tatula. 

 

Anyways, any recommendations and opinions based on experience of these rods is greatly appreciated. 

[GReb]

9 minutes ago, Nunz said:

I'm going to do so. Im saving up and have held off the purchase until next weeks paycheck. I am willing to spend up to $250 And am primarily looking for rods in the $300+ range either used or on sale. This is a big purchase for me so I am very critical about the specs I want, mainly being 1. sensitivity, 2. balance, 3. weight. After relentless research, It seems most of the internet agrees on these brands for sensitive jig rods

-Kistler

-ALX

-Megabass

-Hammer

-Dobyns? (Though they were cream of the crop, but many seem to swear that even the DX isn t very sensitive for the price) 

 

I am also considering a Daiwa Tatula. It is well within my price range and people speak very highly of the sensitivity. I recently tried some Daiwa rods and reel in the 100 dollar and below range and was blown away by the quality for the price, so I am really considering the tatula. 

 

Anyways, any recommendations and opinions based on experience of these rods is greatly appreciated. 

From my experience you really cannot go wrong in this price range. What types of water/cover will you be fishing? What size jigs?  You will want to find a rod that compliments these 

[Nunz]

Just now, GReb said:

From my experience you really cannot go wrong in this price range. What types of water/cover will you be fishing? What size jigs?  You will want to find a rod that complements these 

I mostly fish a reservoir with varying cover and ponds. Can be rocky drop offs or muddy bottoms and vegetative areas. Im going to get a MH or H rod, It will handle the cover i come across.  I will use the rod for jigs  greater than 3/8 oz, and up to 3/4 oz or 1 oz if the rod can handle them well. Mainly casting, pitching, and flipping jigs, some footballs and heavy finesse jigs.

 

Is there a big difference between MH and H for jigs? I cant imagine so, if not ill probably just get a H to handle very thick cover if need be  and also i like the backbone to set the hook. 

[d-camarena]

Id skip the the airdx, i ordered 2 because of the awesome reviews it has on here. Im very dissapointed, it fished one power down, the reel seat gets loose everycast, its very whippy etc. Its a $50 rod for a reason. Its also not very sensative at all, i use braid so that helps a bit. 

I believe they get such reviews because 1. Its a daiwa and theres a huge bandwagon right now

2. Its a very good looking rod

And 3. Its not a shimano.

 

Its the only daiwa product i have ever been dissapointed by. 

[GReb]

17 minutes ago, Nunz said:

I mostly fish a reservoir with varying cover and ponds. Can be rocky drop offs or muddy bottoms and vegetative areas. Im going to get a MH or H rod, It will handle the cover i come across.  I will use the rod for jigs  greater than 3/8 oz, and up to 3/4 oz or 1 oz if the rod can handle them well. Mainly casting, pitching, and flipping jigs, some footballs and heavy finesse jigs.

 

Is there a big difference between MH and H for jigs? I cant imagine so, if not ill probably just get a H to handle very thick cover if need be  and also i like the backbone to set the hook. 

Every company has a different opinion on what MH and H is. You are better off looking at the lure weight rating. For example Kistler MH is rated at 1/4-1oz and Dobyns MH 1/4-3/4oz.  You will likely want something that goes from around 3/8 to at least 1 oz 

 

Everyone has different opinions on jig rods. Personally I like a more moderate action to keep the rod loaded up. I have found that I lose less fish this way. After trying multiple jig rods I settled on the Falcon Cara. It just fit me and my style the best. Try to handle as many as possible before buying though. One will likely stand out above the rest to you.

[The Kangler]

I picked up the Daiwa Zillion 7’3” MHF jig rod when they were on close-out.  I’m pretty sure it is the same blank material as the Tatula with better components and longer warranty.  The Zillion is outstanding.  I would put it’s sensitivity above St Croixs SCIII Rods, but slightly less sensitive than my Megabass Orochi EMTF.   But the Zillion is the most balanced rod I own paired with a Revo Premier.  If the Tatula is the same blank, I would probably go for that. This is coming from a guy who owns 8 St. Croix Rods, which I love. 

[Nunz]

9 minutes ago, d-camarena said:

Id skip the the airdx, i ordered 2 because of the awesome reviews it has on here. Im very dissapointed, it fished one power down, the reel seat gets loose everycast, its very whippy etc. Its a $50 rod for a reason. Its also not very sensative at all, i use braid so that helps a bit. 

I believe they get such reviews because 1. Its a daiwa and theres a huge bandwagon right now

2. Its a very good looking rod

And 3. Its not a shimano.

 

Its the only daiwa product i have ever been dissapointed by. 

I tried A procyon rod , proteus, and Fuego exceler LT and crossfire reels and compared them to shimano and St croixs almost twice the price and have to say i liked the daiwa rods better and they were much cheaper. The reels felt way more expensive than their price range- I have to say once i felt the Fuego i regretted spending $150 on my pflueger supreme xt. It was smoother, just as light, and felt much much sturdier, also 2/3 of the price. The crossfire felt as good if not better than the pfluger president for 1/2 the price. I think daiwa deserves a bandwagon, however, the guy at the shop also said he wasnt impressed with the airdx and said its one of daiwas least respectable products and feels like a $50 rod all around. I'm only considering this rod for a frog rod now. 

2 minutes ago, The Kangler said:

I picked up the Daiwa Zillion 7’3” MHF jig rod when they were on close-out.  I’m pretty sure it is the same blank material as the Tatula with better components and longer warranty.  The Zillion is outstanding.  I would put it’s sensitivity above St Croixs SCIII Rods, but slightly less sensitive than my Megabass Orochi EMTF.   But the Zillion is the most balanced rod I own paired with a Revo Premier.  If the Tatula is the same blank, I would probably go for that. This is coming from a guy who owns 8 St. Croix Rods, which I love. 

I'm considering one, but if its the same blank id just get the tatula.

[Nunz]

24 minutes ago, GReb said:

Every company has a different opinion on what MH and H is. You are better off looking at the lure weight rating. For example Kistler MH is rated at 1/4-1oz and Dobyns MH 1/4-3/4oz.  You will likely want something that goes from around 3/8 to at least 1 oz 

 

Everyone has different opinions on jig rods. Personally I like a more moderate action to keep the rod loaded up. I have found that I lose less fish this way. After trying multiple jig rods I settled on the Falcon Cara. It just fit me and my style the best. Try to handle as many as possible before buying though. One will likely stand out above the rest to you.

This is the best route but I cant hold any of the mentioned rods besides the tatula

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Hey, guys... Hoping I can tag along here and get some help.  I'm replacing a BPS JM Titanium 8 7'2 MH/F that has been discontinued. Its my do everything rod, aside from crankin, flipping and froggin.  

 

Anyway I'm looking at the lews tp-1 in 7'3 and they are listed as MH/M 1/2 to ***/8oz or H/F 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz.  This seems a little backward... Anyone have experience fishing them? 

 

P.S. not willing to go down to the 7' for MH/F model. 

 

Thanks!

The 7'3 heavy fast is a meat stick. You could punch with that rod. I use it for frogging heavy mats.  I have used it as a jig rod and didn't like it for anything less than 3/4 ounce. The 7ft mh is a good jig rod in my opinion. The 7'3 mh/m is a crankbait rod. It wouldn't make a good jig rod 

[rtwvumtneer6]

1 hour ago, CroakHunter said:

The 7'3 heavy fast is a meat stick. You could punch with that rod. I use it for frogging heavy mats.  I have used it as a jig rod and didn't like it for anything less than 3/4 ounce. The 7ft mh is a good jig rod in my opinion. The 7'3 mh/m is a crankbait rod. It wouldn't make a good jig rod 

Good insight...  Sounds like I can move on in my search.  I guess lesson learned... When you find one you really like, buy more than one!

 

Also hope I don't get penalized... They blocked the taboo numbers in the rod weight rating.  ?

[CroakHunter]

47 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Good insight...  Sounds like I can move on in my search.  I guess lesson learned... When you find one you really like, buy more than one!

 

Also hope I don't get penalized... They blocked the taboo numbers in the rod weight rating.  ?

I use a dobyns fury 735 or a falcon bucoo 7'4 heavy for jigs. They are both solid rods. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

45 minutes ago, CroakHunter said:

I use a dobyns fury 735 or a falcon bucoo 7'4 heavy for jigs. They are both solid rods. 

I hear nothing but good things about the bucco... It's a shame I can't find them anywhere besides online ?

[LCG]

On 6/15/2018 at 7:07 AM, NHBull said:

The Avid x is where I would start

X2. I have the St Croix Avid X 6'6 Mh-f casting rod that I use for 1/2 oz jigs plus trailer for fishing from the bank in ponds, rivers, and small lakes. Very sensitive, good power, comfortable and light. I use it with a Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1:1 and have no complaints. I prefer a shorter rod due to tree limbs and brush. But they have longer versions that may suit your needs. 

[jbrew73]

8 hours ago, Nunz said:

I'm going to do so. Im saving up and have held off the purchase until next weeks paycheck. I am willing to spend up to $250 And am primarily looking for rods in the $300+ range either used or on sale. This is a big purchase for me so I am very critical about the specs I want, mainly being 1. sensitivity, 2. balance, 3. weight. After relentless research, It seems most of the internet agrees on these brands for sensitive jig rods

-Kistler

-ALX

-Megabass

-Hammer

-Dobyns? (Though they were cream of the crop, but many seem to swear that even the DX isn t very sensitive for the price) 

 

I am also considering a Daiwa Tatula. It is well within my price range and people speak very highly of the sensitivity. I recently tried some Daiwa rods and reel in the 100 dollar and below range and was blown away by the quality for the price, so I am really considering the tatula. 

 

Anyways, any recommendations and opinions based on experience of these rods is greatly appreciated. 

From the rods listed I would recommend Hammer.  I got rid of 2 Alx rods due to lack of sensitivity. I have a Dobyns DX that is ok considering I payed 1/2 price used but at full price I would be very disappointed in the sensitivity.

 

 

[d-camarena]

17 hours ago, Nunz said:

I tried A procyon rod , proteus, and Fuego exceler LT and crossfire reels and compared them to shimano and St croixs almost twice the price and have to say i liked the daiwa rods better and they were much cheaper. The reels felt way more expensive than their price range- I have to say once i felt the Fuego i regretted spending $150 on my pflueger supreme xt. It was smoother, just as light, and felt much much sturdier, also 2/3 of the price. The crossfire felt as good if not better than the pfluger president for 1/2 the price. I think daiwa deserves a bandwagon, however, the guy at the shop also said he wasnt impressed with the airdx and said its one of daiwas least respectable products and feels like a $50 rod all around. I'm only considering this rod for a frog rod now. 

I'm considering one, but if its the same blank id just get the tatula.

Yes daiwa makes awesome products, i own plenty myself. The aird x is just not one of them. In my opinion. I love my mg and saltist reels

[GReb]

15 hours ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

I hear nothing but good things about the bucco... It's a shame I can't find them anywhere besides online ?

They have them at Academy. A little heavier overall than the Fury but has a much lighter tip