The Best $100 Rod

[jimmyjoe]

   " .... Carbon fiber is produced by baking polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, pitch fiber or other organic fiber in an inert atmosphere to dissociate elements other than carbon. At least 90% of commercially available carbon fibers are PAN carbon fibers .... "

 

   From  https://www.torayca.com/en/aboutus/abo_001.html 

 

  

9 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

Blending graphite with boron put gary Loomis on the map in the 70's.

   True.

 

9 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

Rods constructed with this basic process are what are commonly referred to as graphite today.

   I don't believe that the material we call graphite today has any boron in it. I believe that process has been out of favor for about 20 years or so. As in all things, though, I may be wrong.

 

  

12 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

Toray is a more pure form of carbon

   Toray is a company. No more, no less.

 

15 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

nano carbon blanks

 

15 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

"nanophene"

 

15 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

nano tech

 

   Yes, there have been a great many advances in the use of graphite materials, much of it in the uses of resins. Many companies feel they need to use catchy terms or phrases that make an impression on buyers, an impression that the rod or blank that they're buying is unique. And in a sense, it might be. In a sense, it might not. That's what I was referring to when I said "marketing incentives". The new materials coming onto the market (and nanophene is one of those with great potential) are generally available to anyone who pays the asking price. These new materials are justifiably different than what went before. 

   https://www.graphene-info.com/graphene-introduction 

   That doesn't mean that the many different companies all using the new, advanced materials are selling something that is different one from another. The marketing just makes it seem that way, which is why companies have marketing divisions.

 

   I still think that's a nice musky.   ?     jj

  

[bogfrog]

8 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   " .... Carbon fiber is produced by baking polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, pitch fiber or other organic fiber in an inert atmosphere to dissociate elements other than carbon. At least 90% of commercially available carbon fibers are PAN carbon fibers .... "

 

   From  https://www.torayca.com/en/aboutus/abo_001.html

 

  

   True.

 

   I don't believe that the material we call graphite today has any boron in it. I believe that process has been out of favor for about 20 years or so. As in all things, though, I may be wrong.

 

  

   Toray is a company. No more, no less.

 

 

 

 

   Yes, there have been a great many advances in the use of graphite materials, much of it in the uses of resins. Many companies feel they need to use catchy terms or phrases that make an impression on buyers, an impression that the rod or blank that they're buying is unique. And in a sense, it might be. In a sense, it might not. That's what I was referring to when I said "marketing incentives". The new materials coming onto the market (and nanophene is one of those with great potential) are generally available to anyone who pays the asking price. These new materials are justifiably different than what went before. 

   https://www.graphene-info.com/graphene-introduction

   That doesn't mean that the many different companies all using the new, advanced materials are selling something that is different one from another. The marketing just makes it seem that way, which is why companies have marketing divisions.

 

   I still think that's a nice musky.   ?     jj

  

  "I still think that's a nice musky." ...Thanks! I worked my butt off for that fish...lol

I deal with a company that sells both "graphite" and "carbon fiber" blanks on a regular basis. The difference between the two they always point out is the patented Toray Prepreg. Since their "graphite" and "toray" lines are about the same price it doesnt make sense that they would tell me one is more advanced and possesses superior qualities if it werent true....does it? There REALLY is a difference, I wish I had the knowledge to explain what it is from a technical point. As a rod builder and fisherman i can tell you every reason why, but unless we go fishing I cant prove it to you. If you've ever wondered how Dobyns can take a large market share away from companies like Croix and Loomis, here is your answer. Sure, they cost less, but if performance wasnt equal or better guys like Matt Allen and Tim Little wouldnt be using them. I'll contact my distributor and see if he has some literature Im allowed to share. If he does I will post it.

[bogfrog]

51 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   " .... Carbon fiber is produced by baking polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, pitch fiber or other organic fiber in an inert atmosphere to dissociate elements other than carbon. At least 90% of commercially available carbon fibers are PAN carbon fibers .... "

 

   From  https://www.torayca.com/en/aboutus/abo_001.html

 

  

   True.

 

   I don't believe that the material we call graphite today has any boron in it. I believe that process has been out of favor for about 20 years or so. As in all things, though, I may be wrong.

 

  

   Toray is a company. No more, no less.

 

 

 

 

   Yes, there have been a great many advances in the use of graphite materials, much of it in the uses of resins. Many companies feel they need to use catchy terms or phrases that make an impression on buyers, an impression that the rod or blank that they're buying is unique. And in a sense, it might be. In a sense, it might not. That's what I was referring to when I said "marketing incentives". The new materials coming onto the market (and nanophene is one of those with great potential) are generally available to anyone who pays the asking price. These new materials are justifiably different than what went before. 

   https://www.graphene-info.com/graphene-introduction

   That doesn't mean that the many different companies all using the new, advanced materials are selling something that is different one from another. The marketing just makes it seem that way, which is why companies have marketing divisions.

 

   I still think that's a nice musky.   ?     jj

  

Toray is a proprietary material available from only one company. While many fishing ROD manufacturers may very well be using the exact same product, many fishing rod BLANK manufacturers (blanks for custom rods) have their own materials, blends, modulus compositions, tapers, etc.  Of course some of these companies sell both finished rods and blanks. To say rods with toray prepreg are the same as other rods without this material is incorrect. I can suggest an experiment you can conduct, that would involve deliberately breaking two very expensive rods. Being a rod builder for over 30 years my customers have conducted this experiment for me dozens of times and I have first hand knowledge how it will turn out. A lot of the confusion on this subject may be due to efforts of manufacturers to convince the public there is no difference. Its easier to find a good advertiser than it is to find an average graphite engineer.

[bogfrog]

3 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

   In what way are Toray not graphite? I know that Toray makes composite materials, but those are usually termed as (and advertised as) "composite". Some of those are really, really nice. Were those what you were thinking of?

   Most of the advertised Toray products in this country are, however, graphite. Marketing incentives and all that. Just because a company describes their products using a different word doesn't mean that there is any major difference. That's just advertising hype .... all to common today.

 

    https://www.torayca.com/en/aboutus/index.html

    https://www.nanoalloy.toray/en/product/

 

   jj

 

   p.s. - Nice musky!   ?     jj

  

I just spoke with someone smarter than me (wasnt hard to find) and he explained it like this. To achieve the ultimate bond between graphite the two need to be bonded at the molecular level. An epoxy resin and additives of a certain size and shape of molecules will be more compatible with certain carbon molecules than it will with others. Some carbon materials have been specificallly designed to bond to the highest grade resins in a manner that resembles welded steel, while others are more like glue adhering only to the surface of the materials. In its purest form graphite is a crystal shape that resists molecular bonding and is more like the glue process. Hope I got this right. Who knew fishing rods were this complicated?

[jimmyjoe]

   I think we've derailed this thread from the OP's original question. Other than providing him (and other people) with accurate information as to the value and characteristics of some-or-other rod that they might consider buying, it's probably best that this subject not be pursued here, but under its own independent thread.     jj

[TBAG]

Heads up OP, certain site has Daiwa rods 20% off right now. Better hurry.....

 

Or I believe the Dobyns sale is still going on til the 6th, call them direct. 

[STBen1215]

10 hours ago, bogfrog said:

 If you've ever wondered how Dobyns can take a large market share away from companies like Croix and Loomis, here is your answer. Sure, they cost less, but if performance wasnt equal or better guys like Matt Allen and Tim Little wouldnt be using them.

Absolutely not true. Because 2 youtubers use Dobyns means nothing about the rods. They also have G Loomis/Shimano/Daiwa rods as well. They get free product trust me in return for favorable publicity through their channel. This is not indicative of the quality of the product. I could pay them to say anything

 

[Cityfishing]

On 3/31/2020 at 9:05 PM, kayaking_kev said:

Frog        = Fury 735c, Sierra 735c                          $72, $108

Senko     = Sierra 703c, 733c                                  $108

Jig          = Fury 734c, Sierra 735c                           $72-$108

Jerkbait   = Fury 663c, 703c, 705cb, Sierra 683c       $72, $108

Swimbait = Fury 795c                                             $72

 

+$25 Shipping for all of them.

 

I've heard good things about the Tatula's also, but I'm unfamiliar with their rod lineup and warranty. 

Also,the new St.Croix Mojo's, but I think they are over $100.

 

• I personally wouldn't recommend a Shimano SLX (balance) or a 13 Fate Black (build quality)  

Where can I get them for that price.. thanks for the help 

[bogfrog]

3 hours ago, STBen1215 said:

Absolutely not true. Because 2 youtubers use Dobyns means nothing about the rods. They also have G Loomis/Shimano/Daiwa rods as well. They get free product trust me in return for favorable publicity through their channel. This is not indicative of the quality of the product. I could pay them to say anything

 

I guess I dont know them well enough to call them liars. Do all the guys on this site get paid for recommending Dobyns too? Where do I sign up...LOL

[STBen1215]

10 hours ago, bogfrog said:

I guess I dont know them well enough to call them liars. Do all the guys on this site get paid for recommending Dobyns too? Where do I sign up...LOL

Personal preference and recommendations doesn't mean the best. Giant difference. 

 

I never said they were liars. I'm saying they endorse products. They are being paid by a handful of companies to advertise and promote the sales of there product, which they seem to be doing a good job of. Fishing is a lot of promotion as you see with the pros of all levels pushing product. Me and my buddies could put a post saying the best rod of all time is a Cherrywood, but that doesn't make it true. You notice how the pros get caught claiming they won on a DT6 and someone will notice it's a completely different brand. You have to be careful on what you hear and not always believe it. Same for fishing, fish your strengths not what you heard is working. 

 

Moral of the story: Dont believe hype. Try a ton of different rods and find what feels right to you, not what people claim they like. Best of luck buddy

[jimmyjoe]

8 hours ago, bogfrog said:

I guess I dont know them well enough to call them liars.

 

    Why do you find it necessary to put words in other people's mouths? That's not a good idea. You can disagree and still be civil.

 

  

8 hours ago, bogfrog said:

 Do all the guys on this site get paid for recommending Dobyns too? Where do I sign up...LOL

 

   Considering the things that you have printed in this thread, it's just as legitimate to ask you; Are you getting paid to recommend anything on this site?

 

   jj

[TBAG]

11 hours ago, Cityfishing said:

Where can I get them for that price.. thanks for the help 

 

Call Dobyns direct, sale goes until the 6th. 

 

Unfortunately most rod models he listed are sold out. 

[kayaking_kev]

I wish I got paid for recommending Dobyns!

 

I don't think Tactical Bassin has sponsors, but I do believe they get paid every time someone clicks one of their links and buys something, by being an TW affiliate. That's why they always link a bunch of stuff in their video descriptions and it's from a variety of companies. The brand doesn't matter as long as it comes from TW.

[NJBasstard]

On 4/2/2020 at 11:55 AM, kayaking_kev said:

I wish I got paid for recommending Dobyns!

 

I don't think Tactical Bassin has sponsors, but I do believe they get paid every time someone clicks one of their links and buys something, by being an TW affiliate. That's why they always link a bunch of stuff in their video descriptions and it's from a variety of companies. The brand doesn't matter as long as it comes from TW.

 

If you enter TW or anywhere else by clicking on the link in the video description they get compensated once you make a purchase. It doesn't have to be the product they're advertising.

 

As far as Dobyns I don't think most of us get paid to advertise. The reason their name pops up is because they offer competitive rods at every price point. Combine that with their customer service, warranty and the fact that many people like the idea of supporting a smaller company and it's no surprise they have a large following.

[kayaking_kev]

4 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

 

I think it was Flukemaster who went over this recently. If you enter TW or anywhere else by clicking on the link in the video description they get compensated once you make a purchase. It doesn't have to be the product they're advertising.

 

I didn't know that one. So, it really makes no difference if they recommend a lot of Dobyns and Shimano. And, if they wanted to just sell some stuff, they would recommend other popular brands more like Daiwa, St.Croix, & Lew's, but it's rare.

[NJBasstard]

49 minutes ago, kayaking_kev said:

I didn't know that one. So, it really makes no difference if they recommend a lot of Dobyns and Shimano. And, if they wanted to just sell some stuff, they would recommend other popular brands more like Daiwa, St.Croix, & Lew's, but it's rare.

 

Correct. So you can help support any Youtuber by just using the link in their video description to enter the site you wish to shop on. 

[LionHeart]

On 3/31/2020 at 10:11 PM, ohboyitsrobby said:

Falcon bucoo sr is a solid stick at the $100 price point. They're a little overrated on power. Plenty light and sensitive though. Lots of good options for an angler for that cost.

Gotta agree.  Very good rod for $100. Light, well balanced, sensitive.  Yes a tad lighter powered than the rating however.

[Hulkster]

i have had good results with a few St. Croix Triumph rods over the years. 

[t_bone_713]

Dobyns Fury

Fenwick HMG

[NOC 1]

On 4/2/2020 at 8:14 AM, STBen1215 said:

Personal preference and recommendations doesn't mean the best. Giant difference. 

 

I never said they were liars. I'm saying they endorse products. They are being paid by a handful of companies to advertise and promote the sales of there product, which they seem to be doing a good job of. Fishing is a lot of promotion as you see with the pros of all levels pushing product. Me and my buddies could put a post saying the best rod of all time is a Cherrywood, but that doesn't make it true. You notice how the pros get caught claiming they won on a DT6 and someone will notice it's a completely different brand. You have to be careful on what you hear and not always believe it. Same for fishing, fish your strengths not what you heard is working. 

 

Moral of the story: Dont believe hype. Try a ton of different rods and find what feels right to you, not what people claim they like. Best of luck buddy

What he said. I always get a little laugh when these questions come up, as they often do. No matter the specifics of the question, the guys jump an and give the same answer they have given the last 20 times.

 

I have dozens of rods and I couldn't say for sure which is the best rod I own myself let alone what is the best rod made..I couldn't even say for sure of which rod I own is best for a particular technique, because the truth of it is I haven't tried the different techniques that I use on all of the rods I have, again let alone all of the rods that are made.

 

For example. One of the rods I like like best is a Daiwa Crossfire 6'6" MH 2 piece. It sells for like $30. I know, it has everything going against it. 2 Piece, generic "graphite" construction, too few guides etc. So why then does it feel better than all of my LT St Croix rods or most of my $200-$300 Daiwa and ABU rods or MegaBass rods?...I really don't know but it does.So should I then argue that it is the best rod made? Probably not, but it would feel nice if some other people would agree that it is a great rod.

 

I think that is what happens a lot. people throw out the names of what they have and if they have some of the most common and popular rods out there, they get a lot of positive feedback about what they decided to buy and that feels good. Sort of a mutual admiration society thing.

 

The world is full of great fishing rods from all over and I think the odds that the usual suspects, the entry level SC, Dobyns, and etc are the best at anything is slim and the odds that they are the best at everything even slimmer.

 

As far as answering the original question goes. I think that most of us know that there really isn't an answer for it better than the one that many others will give, which is "who can say, try some stuff out and see what you like".

 

 

 

 

 

[seank0429]

Nice

[Tywithay]

The best $100 rod is a  previously used $200 rod.