Hammer vs Falcon Cara

[fishindad]

Has anyone ever fished both Falcon Cara rods and Hammer rods? Reason I ask is Falcon seems to be moving their rod production overseas so I'm trying to find a US company that makes similar action rods - meaning more mod-fast than fast. Anyone familiar with Falcon will know what I mean. I use the Cara ST and T7's now but am worried they will eventually outsource the Caras. Anyone know how the Hammer rods compare?

[dodgeguy]

where did you hear this ? Falcon rods are still made in USA.

[fishindad]

The new Expert series and the Lowriders are now made overseas in China. The Bucoo lineup used to be US made but moved overseas a couple years ago. Caras are still made in the US but I cannot find any shop (like TW) that doesn't have them backordered. My feeling is they may eventually outsource them as well.

If you can locate a retailer that has them (Cara ST's) in stock it would be much appreciated!

[rangerjockey]

Yes the Cara is the only model left that's made in the US to my knowledge. for now anyway..

I own a bunch of Cara's but only 1 Hammer that's a 7ft 3 X heavy that I picked up down at Toho ..

The powers fish a bit light as I can easily fish a 1/2 oz football head on it.

 They are close in terms of being a more moderate action.. I like the build of the Cara better.

 

[fishindad]

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

Yes the Cara is the only model left that's made in the US to my knowledge. for now anyway..

I own a bunch of Cara's but only 1 Hammer that's a 7ft 3 X heavy that I picked up down at Toho ..

The powers fish a bit light as I can easily fish a 1/2 oz football head on it.

 They are close in terms of being a more moderate action.. I like the build of the Cara better.

 

Thanks, that's sort of what I've been reading that the Hammer rods fish lighter than their rating, as do the Falcons, to me. I'm set on Cara's for now but I'll make the move to Hammer rods if Falcon stops building the Cara here. 

[jbrew73]

Hammer rods action and ratings are very similar to falcons but I think the Cara’s are more sensitive and refined.  Both rods fit and fish right in line with their respective price point.    

I don't feel the Hammers are are quite as good as the Cara but they don’t cost as much either. 

 

I have one of the new Falcon expert rods and so far I have been very pleased.  Honestly I probably couldn’t tell it from a Cara.   

[rangerjockey]

They are really close sensitivity wise. I believe they are both built at Ark Rod in Harrison Arkansas.

[dodgeguy]

3 hours ago, fishindad said:

The new Expert series and the Lowriders are now made overseas in China. The Bucoo lineup used to be US made but moved overseas a couple years ago. Caras are still made in the US but I cannot find any shop (like TW) that doesn't have them backordered. My feeling is they may eventually outsource them as well.

If you can locate a retailer that has them (Cara ST's) in stock it would be much appreciated!

Where did you hear this. According to their website the buccoo is made in USA.

[fishindad]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

Where did you hear this. According to their website the buccoo is made in USA.

The latest website will show that the Cara and Jason Christie rods are the only ones with the "Made in USA" stickers. It's on the rod blanks as well. I only see the Bucoo SR listed. The early gen Bucoo line was made in the US.

 

https://www.falconrods.com/

1 hour ago, rangerjockey said:

They are really close sensitivity wise. I believe they are both built at Ark Rod in Harrison Arkansas.

This is what I have been told as well. Built at Ark Rod in Harrison. Wish I lived closer, I'd drop in and see what's up!

[GReb]

The Cara is one of my favorite rod lines. But lately I’ve been buying Kistler rods. Their blanks are made by Gary Loomis in Washington. Actions are similar to the Cara. 

[rangerjockey]

I should take a ride down there and have a look around. It's only 60 miles or so for me.

[AC870]

I hadn’t fished the Falcons but I’ve really enjoyed my Hammers. 

[John Keir]

On 5/6/2019 at 7:28 PM, rangerjockey said:

I should take a ride down there and have a look around. It's only 60 miles or so for me.

 

On 5/6/2019 at 8:44 PM, AC870 said:

I hadn’t fished the Falcons but I’ve really enjoyed my Hammers. 

I see you have mentioned getting back into bass fishing after a long time off. I too am just getting back into it and would be interested in talking more.    j.keir@netzero.com   Put bass fishing in the topic line so I know it is you and not another junk mail.

 

[Bluebasser86]

I only own one Hammer rod but it's one of my favorite rods I own. 

[Heartland]

I have fished Falcon Rods for years, mostly Cara.  They are a good, solid, rod with fair sensitivity.   They have their own unique action and power rating, and most have a soft tip.  If you have not fished one, you will most likely want to order the action and power a little stouter than you think to bring you in line with many other mainstream models.   Some of the models that I find fish well are the, Eakins Jig, Head Turner, and Amistad.  The Swimjig and Jason Christie Frog Rod are also solid.