Spinning Rods

[lunkerboss923]

I haven't seen many reviews of the SLX, but Tactical Bassin loves them. I'm kind of weary of them, they promote Shimano way too much not to be affiliated somehow. 

 

Can somebody give me a condensed review of them. I'm looking to make it my drop shot, Ned rig, and light weight senko rod. I was hoping maybe a Sedona for the reel, as I don't want to over spend, but aesthetically the combo may not look the prettiest. What specs do I want on the rod mentioned above (ML or M)? 

 

I'm considering other rods as well, trying to stay below $100. Any help would be appreciated, especially if you've fished any of these below. Reels have been narrowed down to Shimano NASCI, Shimano Sedona, and Pflueger President.

 

• Dobyns Fury 

• Dobyns Colt 

• St. Croix Bass X 

• Duckett Silverado 

[DitchPanda]

33 minutes ago, lunkerboss923 said:

I haven't seen many reviews of the SLX, but Tactical Bassin loves them. I'm kind of weary of them, they promote Shimano way too much not to be affiliated somehow. 

 

Can somebody give me a condensed review of them. I'm looking to make it my drop shot, Ned rig, and light weight senko rod. I was hoping maybe a Sedona for the reel, as I don't want to over spend, but aesthetically the combo may not look the prettiest. What specs do I want on the rod mentioned above (ML or M)? 

 

I'm considering other rods as well, trying to stay below $100. Any help would be appreciated, especially if you've fished any of these below. Reels have been narrowed down to Shimano NASCI, Shimano Sedona, and Pflueger President.

 

• Dobyns Fury 

• Dobyns Colt 

• St. Croix Bass X 

• Duckett Silverado 

Can't comment on the rods in question but I will throw in my 2 cents on the reel. I love pflueger presidents and own probably half dozen..5 that are 5 to 10 years old and one newer one. I do not like the newer one near as much. My newest spinning reel is a daiwa rg 2500 I've had a couple years and I love it. I feel like right now daiwa and shimano have the best reels even at budget price points. That's where is look for a reel.

[walleyecrazy]

I think the SLX rods are great for moving baits, but honestly would not use them for baits where sensitivity is needed. I used one last season for a variety of lures and liked it overall, but found that they lacked in the sensitivty department. I ended up settling on using the one I had for jerkbaits, that is until I blew it up while on my kayak while trying to help my daughter to shore in her kayak. Of the other rods you list I also have Dobyns Colt 702 that I used as my drop shot rod for a season. While it isn't the most sensitive rod in the world, I did like it better than the SLX. For what you are looking to do I personally would likely go with the Fury 702 out of the rods you have listed. If you don't mind spending just a touch more though I think the Daiwa Tatula 7'6" ML/M model #TTU761MLMFS would be a better option. 

[shimando]

I just recently purchased a Daiwa Procyon rod and I enjoy it so far.

 

https://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/rods/procyonseries/index.html

 

It costs $80 and it feels great  / looks great. I have it paired with a Daiwa Legalis LT which was $70.

 

I also own a Duckett Silverado which has been working great but I actually prefer the cork handles in comparison to the handles on the Silverado.

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I don't have spinning SLX, I have a 7ft MH F casting rod so take that into consideration.  Even though its not a spinning rod you can tell a few things about the SLX line from the casting rod.  The only reason I bought one was because the Zodias and the Levante I wanted wouldn't be in stock for months.  I wouldn't have considered an SLX at all if Matt Allen hadn't recommended it.  If you like to have a high grip (all fingers above the reel stem or 4 fingers above reel stem) the exposed threads make it uncomfortable and is a deal breaker IMO.  The reel seat and grip on the casting rods are poor as well.  They aren't heavy rods but I wouldn't call them light.  My SLX rod is way tip heavy, even with the heaviest model SLX(DC) the combo doesn't balance making the rod feel heavier than it really is.  My SLX is rated as a Fast speed, but is closer to XF so the rod doesn't load far into the blank even on the higher end of the lure rating which really hurts casting distance.  The sensitivity is the rods best quality,  its about similar to a St Croix Premier.  If you use a reel that has the weight to correct the balance issue, the sensitivity and ergonomics of the rod would be much better.  I really think spending a few dollars to get a superior rod would be best.  Furys are good rods but tend to feel a bit heavy and aren't the most comfortable to fish with same issue with a colt.  Not Crazy about Duckets either.  Of the rods listed I would take the BassX.  I would recommend going with a Mojo Bass 6'10 ML XF if you want a St Croix.  It weighs less, is more sensitive and is a great for Ned, DS, light neko, light shakey head, finesse keitechs and weightless senkos with lighter wire hooks.  The best bang for the buck I know of right now is the 13 Omen Black @ $130.  I have a Muse @ $185 that uses a 36T blank, weighs less than a comparable St Croix Avid @ $210 and is just as or more sensitive then the Avid.  The $130 Omen Black uses the same 36T blank and guides as the $185 Muse.  I have heard great things about iROD Geneis, but I don't own 1 and have never picked one up so I cant compare it....For a reel I would strongly recommend a Daiwa Fuego or Exceler over a Nasci anyday.  Fuego and Exceler (are the same weight) are lighter by over 1.5 oz , just as smooth, has excellent drag and has a threaded 1 piece handle that gives a superior connection to the gear then the hex handle of the Nasci.  Fuego has MagSeal, a magnetic hydrophobic liquid coating to stop water and debris from permeating the AR clutch and causing damage.  The Exceler is essentially a Fuego without the MagSeal.  You can get a Fuego on Ebay for $80 or an Exceler on Ebay for $60-$70.  Hope This Helps....Tight Lines        

1 hour ago, shimando said:

I just recently purchased a Daiwa Procyon rod and I enjoy it so far.

 

https://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/rods/procyonseries/index.html

 

It costs $80 and it feels great  / looks great. I have it paired with a Daiwa Legalis LT which was $70.

 

I also own a Duckett Silverado which has been working great but I actually prefer the cork handles in comparison to the handles on the Silverado.

 

 

At first I thought you meant you got a Procyon LT reel for $80...I was halfway through typing WHERE!!!! when I realized you were talking about the rod

[Big Hands]

I have an SLX 6'10" casting rod I use for jerkbaits, but don't really use it for finesse plastics, at least not yet.

 

That said I recently picked up a Daiwa FGO721MXS spinning rod for my daughter (who has recently been going fishing with me) to have her own rig. I really like the action of this rod, and I may try to find one for myself. The tip is a little lighter than my two medium action spinning rods (a Kage KAG6101MFS, and a another locally sold medium spinning rod), but loads up nicely. I can't find it anymore on their website, so it may have been discontinued, but if you can find one, I would recommend it for the fishing you describe and within your stated budget.

 

I think the Procyon is a nice rod too, and a local shop had the casting model Procyon on sale recently for $49 ?

[Hammer 4]

I have an SLX in a baitcater, not to impressed with it, compared to like priced Diawa Tatula XT rods.

Give the XT spinning rods a look see, good stuff imho. 

[BrianMDTX]

6 hours ago, shimando said:

 

I just recently purchased a Daiwa Procyon rod and I enjoy it so far.

 

I recently bought a Procyon PCYN661MXS and so far I am impressed. Sensitivity is very good and the cork grips are really nice. It’s a great rod for the money.