Lews KVD Composite Cranking Rods for Chatterbaits

[Fishin Dad]

Hey All,

I don’t want to start an argument about glass rods and bladed jigs.  I am just curious about anyone who has used these for bladed jigs.   I have an old KVD Quantum glass rod I have used with lighter chatterbaits.  The rod is overpowered by them, but I love that parabolic bend.  
I see the MH is only rated 1/4-1/2 oz. But the Heavy is rated 1/2-2 oz.   That seems like an extreme discrepancy.   It would seem more logical for the MH to be around 3/8-1 or so.

Share your thoughts please.  

 

Thanks!

[Born 2 fish]

I use composite rods for some moving baits I use the bps crankin stick. And really like them I’m sure the Lews would be just as good.

[A-Jay]

I use the original Quantum 7'4" MH for Vibrating Jigs & Spinnerbaits in open water;

usually with 15 lb Tatsu.

Own several.

Been touting this stick for a while.

Casts great & keeps fish pinned.

I freaking love it !

Might not be for everyone but it sure is for me.

No experience with the Lew's version but I bet it's pretty close to the same deal. 

https://youtu.be/zIqCmH_52IQ?t=1859

https://youtu.be/UQCujU5QUts?t=216

A-Jay

 

[T-Billy]

I've thrown chatterbaits on a bunch of different rods, and a 7'3" - 7'6" MH composite is far and away the best for me. The slow rod lets them get it good, and as A-Jay stated, does a great job of keeping them pinned. I throw them on 30# 832.

[Fishin Dad]

5 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I use the original Quantum 7'4" MH for Vibrating Jigs & Spinnerbaits in open water;

usually with 15 lb Tatsu.

Own several.

Been touting this stick for a while.

Casts great & keeps fish pinned.

I freaking love it !

Might not be for everyone but it sure is for me.

No experience with the Lew's version but I bet it's pretty close to the same deal. 

https://youtu.be/zIqCmH_52IQ?t=1859

https://youtu.be/UQCujU5QUts?t=216

A-Jay

 

I agree

 

23 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I've thrown chatterbaits on a bunch of different rods, and a 7'3" - 7'6" MH composite is far and away the best for me. The slow rod lets them get it good, and as A-Jay stated, does a great job of keeping them pinned. I throw them on 30# 832.

 

5 hours ago, Born 2 fish said:

I use composite rods for some moving baits I use the bps crankin stick. And really like them I’m sure the Lews would be just as good.

I love composite rods for moving baits as well.  I just felt that the Quantum KVD was underpowered for 1/2 oz. With trailers.  I bought a Dobyns Champion XP 735 because I had read it is the best bladed jig rod.  It is just not for me.  I really like composite and 17 pound fluoro.  It looked to me like the heavy Lews KVD would handle no problem, just wondered if it wasn’t going to be parabolic enough at a lure rating of 1/2-2 oz.   For $100, I will probably just give it a try.  

[T-Billy]

4 minutes ago, Fishin Dad said:

I agree

 

 

I love composite rods for moving baits as well.  I just felt that the Quantum KVD was underpowered for 1/2 oz. With trailers.  I bought a Dobyns Champion XP 735 because I had read it is the best bladed jig rod.  It is just not for me.  I really like composite and 17 pound fluoro.  It looked to me like the heavy Lews KVD would handle no problem, just wondered if it wasn’t going to be parabolic enough at a lure rating of 1/2-2 oz.   For $100, I will probably just give it a try.  

I have a Fury 735 and would never throw a chatterbait on it. Too fast. Love it for spinnerbaits though.

I have a couple Abu Veritas Winch 7'6" MH, and a BPS 7'3" H Crankin Stick. This crankin stick is a bit too stiff for chatterbaits IMO. The Abu's have worked well for the past couple years, but I feel they're just a little bit underpowered and I'm not a fan of the grip/reelseat. 

 I just picked up a pair of ARK Tharp B-Hittay's to replace the Winches. They fall nicely between the winch and cranking stick. Almost as soft a tip as the winch but more power in the backbone. It''ll be awhile before I get to break'em in, but I expect I'll be very happy with them.

 

[Fishin Dad]

59 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I have a Fury 735 and would never throw a chatterbait on it. Too fast. Love it for spinnerbaits though.

I have a couple Abu Veritas Winch 7'6" MH, and a BPS 7'3" H Crankin Stick. This crankin stick is a bit too stiff for chatterbaits IMO. The Abu's have worked well for the past couple years, but I feel they're just a little bit underpowered and I'm not a fan of the grip/reelseat. 

 I just picked up a pair of ARK Tharp B-Hittay's to replace the Winches. They fall nicely between the winch and cranking stick. Almost as soft a tip as the winch but more power in the backbone. It''ll be awhile before I get to break'em in, but I expect I'll be very happy with them.

 

T-Billy, thank you sooo much for that info.  You just covered 3 of the other rods I was considering!!  Please let me know how that Ark rod works out.  I have heard great things about that rod, but also that it might be a little too stiff.  It looks pretty parabolic in the video on the cast.  I hope it works out great for you.  I really have to find a great chatter bait rod.  I throw them A LOT!

[T-Billy]

34 minutes ago, Fishin Dad said:

T-Billy, thank you sooo much for that info.  You just covered 3 of the other rods I was considering!!  Please let me know how that Ark rod works out.  I have heard great things about that rod, but also that it might be a little too stiff.  It looks pretty parabolic in the video on the cast.  I hope it works out great for you.  I really have to find a great chatter bait rod.  I throw them A LOT!

You're welcome. It'll be next spring before they get a workout, but I'm 100% sure they're not too stiff. I just compared one with a winch again. Similar tapers. B-Hit is SLIGHTLY faster and has a bit more power. Think of it as a Mag MH vs the Abu MH.

[Fishin Dad]

On 12/4/2021 at 5:11 PM, T-Billy said:

I have a Fury 735 and would never throw a chatterbait on it. Too fast. Love it for spinnerbaits though.

I have a couple Abu Veritas Winch 7'6" MH, and a BPS 7'3" H Crankin Stick. This crankin stick is a bit too stiff for chatterbaits IMO. The Abu's have worked well for the past couple years, but I feel they're just a little bit underpowered and I'm not a fan of the grip/reelseat. 

 I just picked up a pair of ARK Tharp B-Hittay's to replace the Winches. They fall nicely between the winch and cranking stick. Almost as soft a tip as the winch but more power in the backbone. It''ll be awhile before I get to break'em in, but I expect I'll be very happy with them.

 

T-Billy, have you had a chance to use the Ark B-Hittay for Chatters yet?   I still have to grab a new chatter rod.  Thanks

[FishTank]

On 12/4/2021 at 11:06 AM, Fishin Dad said:

Hey All,

I don’t want to start an argument about glass rods and bladed jigs.  I am just curious about anyone who has used these for bladed jigs.   I have an old KVD Quantum glass rod I have used with lighter chatterbaits.  The rod is overpowered by them, but I love that parabolic bend.  
I see the MH is only rated 1/4-1/2 oz. But the Heavy is rated 1/2-2 oz.   That seems like an extreme discrepancy.   It would seem more logical for the MH to be around 3/8-1 or so.

Share your thoughts please.  

 

Thanks!

 

I have one of the old Quantum KVD glass rods as well.  I don't like it for chatterbaits.  It's too soft and there is something about the handle that's just off for chatterbaits.  This rod does work well for deep cranks though. 

 

As far as other rods go, I have tried several that are all over the place in cost, technique and design.  I have used rods between a G. Loomis NRX 853 X-Fast down to the Quantum KVD Mod. glass and found the rod I like best so far is a G. Loomis IMX Crankbait rod (not the deep flex version). It is a composite that feels more like a Mod-Fast than a true Mod. With that said,  the Fast and X-fast rods I have tried, that I might typically use for spinnerbaits, just didn't do it for me when it comes to chatterbaits.  So my thought/opinion would be that a 7' to 7'4'' Mod-Fast M or MH would be ideal.  

[Fishin Dad]

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

I have one of the old Quantum KVD glass rods as well.  I don't like it for chatterbaits.  It's too soft and there is something about the handle that's just off for chatterbaits.  This rod does work well for deep cranks though. 

 

As far as other rods go, I have tried several that are all over the place in cost, technique and design.  I have used rods between a G. Loomis NRX 853 X-Fast down to the Quantum KVD Mod. glass and found the rod I like best so far is a G. Loomis IMX Crankbait rod (not the deep flex version). It is a composite that feels more like a Mod-Fast than a true Mod. With that said,  the Fast and X-fast rods I have tried, that I might typically use for spinnerbaits, just didn't do it for me when it comes to chatterbaits.  So my thought/opinion would be that a 7' to 7'4'' Mod-Fast M or MH would be ideal.  

Thanks Fishtank.  I like the IMX series rods.  That is something I might look into.  I really do like the mushy feel of softer composite rods, but it is just overpowered by 1/2 bladed jigs with a trailer on it.  I have heard suspicious noises on a few casts where I didn’t lob it and feather it enough.   

[T-Billy]

4 hours ago, Fishin Dad said:

T-Billy, have you had a chance to use the Ark B-Hittay for Chatters yet?   I still have to grab a new chatter rod.  Thanks

I haven't, but I'm gonna throw one for awhile tomorrow. I'll report back.

[Fishin Dad]

4 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I haven't, but I'm gonna throw one for awhile tomorrow. I'll report back.

Thanks Bud!!!

[Deephaven]

On 12/4/2021 at 12:36 PM, A-Jay said:

I use the original Quantum 7'4" MH for Vibrating Jigs & Spinnerbaits in open water;

usually with 15 lb Tatsu.

Own several.

Been touting this stick for a while.

Casts great & keeps fish pinned.

I bought one of those used (for a song) based on your love of them and am thoroughly confused by your love of it.  The action of the rod is fine, but it is super hard to cast.  The butt section is super short which completely gobbles up distance and the rod weighs a ton.  I also find it has almost no feel compared to the rest of my locker.

 

That all being said, I don't bring this up to argue as obviously it works great for you but that we all have different expectations and needs.  In my case it was my first foray into a non lightweight graphite only rod and the only rod I own that isn't custom built to my really long body.

 

My current problem is replacing a $40 rod may cost me $500 so perhaps it would be better to just grin and keep using it.

 

Oh, it definitely keeps fish pinned great though.  

[PhishLI]

Here's an offbeat budget suggestion: 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/13_Fishing_Defy_Black_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-CRHDF.html#customer_reviews

 

I bought the previous gen 7'3" composite for my yak. Same specs as the new 7' 4" at 1/4-1 1/2 oz. A tad crisp, but no problem keeping cranks pinned, and sets hooks in chatters very well. It has backbone. I use it for both. I've also thrown 1 1/2oz Shellcraker G2s and Gantarel jrs with it doing hero hooksets just to see if it would break, but it's held up just fine.

[A-Jay]

32 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

I bought one of those used (for a song) based on your love of them and am thoroughly confused by your love of it.  The action of the rod is fine, but it is super hard to cast.  The butt section is super short which completely gobbles up distance and the rod weighs a ton.  I also find it has almost no feel compared to the rest of my locker.

 

That all being said, I don't bring this up to argue as obviously it works great for you but that we all have different expectations and needs.  In my case it was my first foray into a non lightweight graphite only rod and the only rod I own that isn't custom built to my really long body.

 

My current problem is replacing a $40 rod may cost me $500 so perhaps it would be better to just grin and keep using it.

 

Oh, it definitely keeps fish pinned great though.  

  It's all Good.

Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

These stick excel in casting for me . . 

https://youtu.be/8x9A8IP3j7w?t=10

The rods handle length, weight and sensitivity are all part of the package as I see it. 

And it all suits me just fine. 

https://youtu.be/zIqCmH_52IQ?t=1860

Either way, your perception is your reality.

But it's not mine.

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

[Fishin Dad]

7 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Here's an offbeat budget suggestion: 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/13_Fishing_Defy_Black_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-CRHDF.html#customer_reviews

 

I bought the previous gen 7'3" composite for my yak. Same specs as the new 7' 4" at 1/4-1 1/2 oz. A tad crisp, but no problem keeping cranks pinned, and sets hooks in chatters very well. It has backbone. I use it for both. I've also thrown 1 1/2oz Shellcraker G2s and Gantarel jrs with it doing hero hooksets just to see if it would break, but it's held up just fine.

PhishLI, 

You read my mind Bud!!!   I have that rod in my shopping cart right now with a couple other things.  I thought for $70 I could try it and if it is not what I want for Chatterbaits, I could use it for some other moving bait rod.   Thanks for the review.  My worry was that it might be too crisp for my liking for Chatters.  I may just buy it and the new Lew's (which I have heard good things about.  Lighter and better than the Quantum model) and see if one of them works.  

8 hours ago, Deephaven said:

I bought one of those used (for a song) based on your love of them and am thoroughly confused by your love of it.  The action of the rod is fine, but it is super hard to cast.  The butt section is super short which completely gobbles up distance and the rod weighs a ton.  I also find it has almost no feel compared to the rest of my locker.

 

That all being said, I don't bring this up to argue as obviously it works great for you but that we all have different expectations and needs.  In my case it was my first foray into a non lightweight graphite only rod and the only rod I own that isn't custom built to my really long body.

 

My current problem is replacing a $40 rod may cost me $500 so perhaps it would be better to just grin and keep using it.

 

Oh, it definitely keeps fish pinned great though.  

Deephaven,

I totally understand your feelings about it.  It is a personal preference.  For some reason I really like the very parabolic characteristics for chatterbaits and would use it if I felt it would handle heavier chatters.  If the Lew's rods are lighter in weight with the same parabolic attitude, but able to handle heavier weights, I am totally in.  

Thanks!

[Deephaven]

Thanks to you both for not taking that out of context.  It is foreign compared to my normal sticks and being so different I wanted to comment.  Definitely not saying my way is right for anyone but me.  

 

A-Jay your insight and presence here is appreciated always so I am particularly glad you read that the right way.  

 

That and I have to say that I am mad I don't like it.  Not because of the recommendation but because the replacement isn't going to come cheap.

[T-Billy]

@Fishin Dad I spent some time throwing a 1/2oz CB on the B Hittay today. Unfortunately no fish on it, but I at least got a chance to get a feel for the rod. It gets good distance, and is sensitive for a big composite. Nice soft tip, and plenty of backbone. I'd rate it as a Mag MH. Exactly what I was looking for in a CB rod.  It'll work well for lipless cranks and toads too. Glad I bought two.

[Fishin Dad]

3 hours ago, T-Billy said:

@Fishin Dad I spent some time throwing a 1/2oz CB on the B Hittay today. Unfortunately no fish on it, but I at least got a chance to get a feel for the rod. It gets good distance, and is sensitive for a big composite. Nice soft tip, and plenty of backbone. I'd rate it as a Mag MH. Exactly what I was looking for in a CB rod.  It'll work well for lipless cranks and toads too. Glad I bought two.

Thanks Bud.  Hope you get some hogs on it soon.  

[Fishin Dad]

On 4/4/2022 at 5:31 PM, T-Billy said:

@Fishin Dad I spent some time throwing a 1/2oz CB on the B Hittay today. Unfortunately no fish on it, but I at least got a chance to get a feel for the rod. It gets good distance, and is sensitive for a big composite. Nice soft tip, and plenty of backbone. I'd rate it as a Mag MH. Exactly what I was looking for in a CB rod.  It'll work well for lipless cranks and toads too. Glad I bought two.

T-BIlly,

Any more experience with the B-Hittay?   Still haven't bit the bullet and bought another chatter rod.  The weather here has sucked so bad I haven't had the new boat in the water yet for the break in.  

Let me know how it hauls in the big ones!!  Even though we only have littler ones in MN.

 

Thanks!!

[T-Billy]

3 hours ago, Fishin Dad said:

T-BIlly,

Any more experience with the B-Hittay?   Still haven't bit the bullet and bought another chatter rod.  The weather here has sucked so bad I haven't had the new boat in the water yet for the break in.  

Let me know how it hauls in the big ones!!  Even though we only have littler ones in MN.

 

Thanks!!

Yeah, been throwing CB's and lipless on them. Nothing over about 2.5# yet but I'm 100% happy with them. Great tip, plenty of backbone, great distance, and more sensitive than I expected. Glad I bought two. I usually have a 3/8 and a 1/2oz CB on when night fishing. Sometimes a 5/8oz CB or a topwater toad too, so I think I'm gonna pick up a third.