Glass/Composite Rod Help

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

I’ve been looking into fiberglass or composite rods and doing research on some different manufacturers. This will be my first glass/composite rod. It will be for cranking and chatterbaits/bladed jigs. Hoping it might help me with allowing the fish to get the bait better and with fighting fish. I know that many people say glass is heavier and less sensitive than graphite. The B-Hittay from the Randall Tharp Ark series is currently at the top of my list. I’ve read great reviews and it’s hard to pass up at that price. I’ve also looked into the Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’4” MH-R glass rod. Anyone have experience with either of these models? Any other suggestions worth a look? Trying to keep it under $200. 

[Mike L]

Look at the Phenix X Series of composite rods. 
I believe they’re in your price range. 
 

They are very well balanced with good components and come with a wide range of specs. 
A 7’ and 7’6” are rated to 3oz if you need it. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

1 hour ago, Mike L said:

Look at the Phenix X Series of composite rods. 
I believe they’re in your price range. 
 

They are very well balanced with good components and come with a wide range of specs. 
A 7’ and 7’6” are rated to 3oz if you need it. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

Definitely wouldn’t need it to handle that much weight, but I will definitely check them out. I haven’t used Phenix rods as of yet, but I’ve heard good things and I hope to give them a shot at some point. The Denali AttaX series also jumps out at me. I’ve heard great things about their rods, and the AttaX line also has a great price point at $120 or so. 

[jbsoonerfan]

I throw chatterbaits on a 7'2 MH G Expride and I love it. It took me a long time to find a rod that I really liked and this one seems to be the best so far.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

13 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I throw chatterbaits on a 7'2 MH G Expride and I love it. It took me a long time to find a rod that I really liked and this one seems to be the best so far.

For some reason I’ve never been a huge fan of Shimano when it comes to rods. I have quite a few reels and I love them, but the rods that I’ve tried haven’t impressed me. Granted, I haven’t used a higher end Shimano rod like the Expride, but the SLX and the Curado rods that I’ve tried just didn’t seem to compare to other rods that I have that are in the same price range. 

[jimmyjoe]

   You might like it, or you might hate it, but you could look into this:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-DAIWAROD.html?from=basres

 

   jj

[Kevhead19]

I had the Ark Tharp B-Hittay last year. It is a little heavy but fishes really, really well. I'm a big fan of the Tharp series action but not so much the guides. I sold it due to micro guides and using braid to leader at the time. I've since reversed back to copolymer for my chatterbaits and I'm strongly considering buying the rod again. It's a sleeper. 

 

I also used the B-Hittay for 5xd cranks from my kayak and it performed well. Great rod for the asking price. 

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

 

2 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

   You might like it, or you might hate it, but you could look into this:

 

   https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_DX_Type-H_Glass_Reaction_Casting_Rod/descpage-DXT.html

 

   jj

I have quite a few rods from Daiwa and I’m happy with all of them. Only problem with that particular model is the handle. I’m not a fan of full grips or cork. 
 

 

7 minutes ago, Kevhead19 said:

I had the Ark Tharp B-Hittay last year. It is a little heavy but fishes really, really well. I'm a big fan of the Tharp series action but not so much the guides. I sold it due to micro guides and using braid to leader at the time. I've since reversed back to copolymer for my chatterbaits and I'm strongly considering buying the rod again. It's a sleeper. 

 

I also used the B-Hittay for 5xd cranks from my kayak and it performed well. Great rod for the asking price. 

I haven’t tried any of the Tharp rods yet, but like I said, I’ve heard pretty much all good feedback. I also had issues with micro guides when using a leader, but I’ve pretty much gotten away from using leaders on baitcast setups. Only time I like a leader is when throwing topwaters like spooks or poppers. 

[Kevhead19]

4 minutes ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

I have quite a few rods from Daiwa and I’m happy with all of them. Only problem with that particular model is the handle. I’m not a fan of full grips or cork. 

 

I haven’t tried any of the Tharp rods yet, but like I said, I’ve heard pretty much all good feedback. I also had issues with micro guides when using a leader, but I’ve pretty much gotten away from using leaders on baitcast setups. Only time I like a leader is when throwing topwaters like spooks or poppers. 

I purchased the B-Hittay and the Money Maker. I really regret selling the B-Hittay due to the braid to leader deal and use the Money Maker with straight braid.

 

They have really comfortable grips and real seats. The composite rod was thicker due to the nature of the material but still really comfortable. 

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

9 minutes ago, Kevhead19 said:

I purchased the B-Hittay and the Money Maker. I really regret selling the B-Hittay due to the braid to leader deal and use the Money Maker with straight braid.

 

They have really comfortable grips and real seats. The composite rod was thicker due to the nature of the material but still really comfortable. 

Most of the reviews I’ve seen have said it is extremely sensitive for a composite and everyone also raves about the comfort of the handle and real seat. 

[kayaking_kev]

5 hours ago, Mike L said:

Look at the Phenix X Series of composite rods. 
I believe they’re in your price range. 
 

They are very well balanced with good components and come with a wide range of specs. 
A 7’ and 7’6” are rated to 3oz if you need it. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

 

I would second the Phenix X composite rods. I just built a custom Phenix X-10 and love it, weighs 3.9 oz. I've had 3 Dobyns Champion XP Glass Rods and they are very good rods also, but I like the Phenix better. I'm now going to sell my Dobyns Glass and Tatula Crankbait rods because I like it so much.

 

Another Composite that I liked that was cheap at only $70 retail, was the Defy Black Crankbait Rod. 

[mcipinkie]

I know that no one believes this, but the BPS Crankin' Stick is a fantastic rod.  $100 or so if you can find one.

Then I'd try a SC Mojo Glass for $130. 

 

 

 

 

[RichF]

I just replaced a broken Ark Sniper with a new Invoker Pro composite.  Pretty cool looking rod and holy crap is it light! Like I can't believe how light it is.  BUT, and this is a big but (for me anyway), the guides all appear to have been mounted a touch off center.  I don't think it affect the performance of the rod but it sure is bothering me a bit. Aside from that, it feels great in hand. Plan to use it for squarebills but it could definitely work as a spinnerbait/chatterbait rod.

[zell_pop1]

On 2/5/2021 at 4:19 PM, jimmyjoe said:

   You might like it, or you might hate it, but you could look into this:

 

   https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_DX_Type-H_Glass_Reaction_Casting_Rod/descpage-DXT.html

 

   jj

Kind of reminds me of my old 7' Team Daiwa S crankbait/spinnerbait rod which just plain gets the job done.

[Boomstick]

The Tatula Elite 7'4" MH/F is on my want list for deep divers and maybe some chatterbait or spinnerbait action too. It can handle up to 2 ounces, so it won't be a problem for those large deep divers. I have the 7' and 7'2" Tatula glass (composite) rods, and they're surprisingly sensitive for composite rods.

 

I 've also heard many good things about the 7'2" Expride glass.

[new2BC4bass]

Can't really help with either.  Never had an Elite.  Got out with my B-Hittay just once last year.  I don't know about thick, but the diameter is huge compared to my other rods.  Closest thing to it I have is an OG 7'6" MHF Villain.  Just something I thought I would point out in case it made a difference to you.  Mine weighs 6.31 oz.

 

One reviewer of the B-Hittay said it was his favorite of the series even tho he was admittedly a jig man.  Said it was a fun rod to use.  I will say the site I read the review on has never had a bad word to say about any product they've tested....of the articles I've read.

 

My new-2-me X10 hasn't had a reel on it yet.