World's Most Sensitive Rod?

[Gary_Snyder]

 World's Most Sensitive Rod?

 

Hypothetical situation - If a new rod was introduced that was more sensitive than anything currently on the market............would that be something you would be interested in? Why or why not?

 

I'm talking about "feel the bite" sensitivity that bass fishermen are interested in.

 

Keeping in mind that sensitivity is subjective............ I think certain people would notice the sensitivity increase, but some would not.

 

Let's say it was more sensitive than an NRX - I think that was thought to be a benchmark sensitivity rod. But again, sensitivity is subjective - some people might not notice a difference.

 

And with fluorocarbon line on the market, maybe rod sensitivity is not a factor? I remember using an IM6 rod, bottom of the line graphite, that was crazy sensitive when I first tried fluorocarbon line 20 years ago or so.

 

Keep in mind also that the rod may not be the lightest rod on the market, but might be competitive..........light weight is often associated with sensitivity, but is not the end-all, be-all cause of sensitivity. Let's just say the rod is not heavy.

 

How much would something like that be worth? $400.00? More? Or are you one of those who only buys $100.00 items and won't go over that price point?

[A-Jay]

33 minutes ago, Gary_Snyder said:

 World's Most Sensitive Rod?

Hypothetical situation - If a new rod was introduced that was more sensitive than anything currently on the market............would that be something you would be interested in? Why or why not?

 

 

I'm going with probably no on this one.

Over the years tackle has changed and improved in many ways, most all for the better of the bassheads using them.  However, I have never really asked or required

my 'rod to be super sensitive' in order to be 'effective'.

I seem to experience & detect bites much in the same manner/level with most any gear I use.

Perhaps I have hands of stone or am a little numb in the head.

Either way, I still get a few.

 

  Now if we could get a rod that casted twice as far as everything else, 

skipped docks and flipped with 100 percept accuracy,

and never allowed a reel to over run,

even when throwing straight into the wind while casting a potato chip . . . . 

Well then, I might trade in my entire arsenal for such a magic wand.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

A-Jay

 

[Fastbee]

Depends on how it fished.  I've bought and sold high end rods that just didn't suit me.  Like you said, sensitivity is subjective.  For me, the feel of the rod during the presentation is very important followed closely by how it performs during the cast.  I haven't ever fished with an NRX but have fished with rods that many consider very close competitors.  I've still got a couple but many have been sold for one reason or another.  I don't get too hung up on sensitivity as a selling point any more.  I caught plenty of bass 25 years ago on gear that would be considered junk today.  For me it's more about being tuned in to the bait mentally than what the rod alone can provide.

[Gary_Snyder]

6 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

  Now if we could get a rod that -

never allowed a reel to over run,

But we do have reels that don't birdsnest - spinning! I know, that's not what you meant!

 

Excellent post A-Jay, I agree with you.

 

 

[roadwarrior]

Rod sensitivity has moved beyond my ability to appreciate improvements.

The G.Loomis GLX is my standard, but I have customs built on Immortal and

Eternity blanks.  Supposedly the Immortal is equivalent to the NRX and the 

Eternity a notch higher. My hands just cannot feel the difference. 

 

Now I am having new rods built on another "magic blank" from New Zealand

and a St. Croix SV5.  We'll see...

[Gary_Snyder]

Hi Roadwarrior.... are you still using Tatsu line? I'm thinking the fluorcarbon line trumps rod sensitivity.

 

I think the Immortal and Eternity are Batson blanks? I think there are basically three classes of blanks.... low modulus, like IM6, Mid-modulus, like IM7, and high modulus. Once you have gone to high modulus, that's as much as you can do with a blank - today, anyway.

 

But there is more to sensitivity than the blank - ask a rod builder or manufacturer.

[roadwarrior]

4 minutes ago, Gary_Snyder said:

Hi Roadwarrior.... are you still using Tatsu line?

 Yes, absolutely! 

 

One of the main variables for me is balance.  I like my rigs slightly "tip light".

[The Maestro]

There's more to a rod than just sensitivity.  Some rods just feel right in your hands for whatever reason. I couldn't care less that it might be theoretically less sensitive than another one 

[soflabasser]

My favorite bass rods are worth less than $100 each and with these rods I have outfished many people with +$200 rods. These rods are not the most sensitive rods in the world but they are durable and strong which to me are most important attributes a rod needs. Knowing how to detect a bite and when to set a hook is far more important than how sensitive a rod is.

[Columbia Craw]

Not enough consideration is given too the brain’s recognition of what a strike feels like.  It was cool when I first tried a tungsten weight.  “” So that’s what it feels like.”  

[dodgeguy]

12 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

 Yes, absolutely! 

 

One of the main variables for me is balance.  I like my rigs slightly "tip light".

Totally agree on tip light.