Favorite M/F 7' ~ 7'3" BC Rod Under $150 ?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 11/22/2020 at 1:42 PM, PhishLI said:

I've tossed  baits on my buddy's 7'5" MH OB3 to get a feel for it and the chunky split cork grip. I'd rather have full cork, but I'm still ordering the 7'3" MF OB3 as soon as the TW sale kicks in. For whatever the reason is F&S near me doesn't stock that model. I've been happy enough with the 7'1" MF OB2, so if the new one is superior then it's all gravy.

I thought I had heard they were coming out with full grip casting OBs, full grip spinning rods are coming this spring.  I like cork over EVA especially the lower grade EVA, I think it looks better and its easier to clean.  I had a chance to check out the MH 7'6 XF or the MH 7'5 F, I'm pretty sure it was the 7'6, but it felt a little tip heavy to me.  The 7'5 H F was a little more balanced, but I'm sure the 7'6 would be fine with a reel on it.  I was gonna order the 7'5 MH F Thursday night but I wasn't sure if that was the 1 i handled and didnt like.  I have the 7'3 MH MF and I love it so I played it safe and ordered another 1.  A local shop got a few of the 7'5s in today, Im gonna check em out tomorrow or Thursday and if I like it, I'll exchange the 7'3 for it.

The OB3s are great rods, especially for what you pay for them.  Im a big fan of SC, so its hard to admit but I think the OB3s blow both the Mojos away and are as good or better then the Avids.  The only problem with the OB3s is that the spinning rods use older looking eyes, which is just a cosmetic thing really.  

They are light, sensitive, great action and have a really comfortable reel seat.  I think your really gonna be happy with your 7'3.  They do have a metal locking nut so cover the reel foot with shrink tube or something to protect the foot from being damaged especially if its magnesium or a carbon composite.

[PhishLI]

6 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

I thought I had heard they were coming out with full grip casting OBs

That's cool. I'll wait and see. TW had several blowouts over time on the OB2s, so I picked up several different sizes. After 2 years and plenty of comparisons they're worth their retail price, IMO. I'm not going to follow the herd and apologize, or half apologize, for liking anything from 13. The 7'3" MHF is the standout for me. I'm glad I got two because I really like the way it fishes. They've all taken a beating due to where and how I fish, and have held up great. No issues after dragging in a ton of bass through dense pad fields and clipping tree branches while casting. I'm not crazy about XF actions in general, but the Fast OB3s I've handled in the store seem to be just how I like 'em. Full cork will be icing on the cake, but if that doesn't happen I'll still grab the MF eventually. My impulse control couldn't be checked and I picked up a FR733C from F&S Friday night. Expiring rewards cash, 25% off, and the promise of decent weather this past weekend pushed me over the edge.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I had the same inhibitions about 13 especially after seeing the ninja turtle green Fate Black.  It had a decent blank but the components weren't great the real seat in particular felt really cheap.  I thought 13 was just another over priced brand until i got my hands on a OB3 at Dicks and I was impressed at the quality for the price.  I impulse bought a 7'1 M F Muse last black Fri and its been great.  Its a on the light side of a M power, but thats exactly what I wanted.  The action is somewhat slower then SCs F which makes it super versatile.  Beleive it or not its a killer 1/4 bladed jig rod, especially in cooler water.  I threw MB 110s and 110 jrs on it for the first time last week and its perfect for them.

I did get to the tackle shop yesterday and the 7'5 MH F is the rod I wasn't crazy about.  Compared to the other MHs its 5 or 6 grams heavier and the blank is much thicker, feels more like a H.  Its light for its power and price but compared to the 7'2-7'4s its a much beefier rod.  The 7'4 MH ModF is considerably lighter in weight which is to be expected but the dia. of the blank is considerably thinner at the locking nut.  I haven't had a chance to feel 13s XF yet.  Even rods of the same company and action can vary so its hard to know what your dealing with until you get hands on it.  One nice thing i noticed is all the 13s were spined well which believe it or not isnt always guaranteed for rods over 100$.