New Fenwick HMG spinning rods

[PAriverfish]

I see that Pure Fishing has redesigned their Fenwick HMG rods.  The outgoing model was one of my favorite spinning rods for the price.  I liked both the ML And M rods, especially in their 6 ft length, as I mainly wade fish smallmouth streams with a lot of overhead cover that place a premium on a shorter rod. I found the HMG didn't necessarily excel at anything, but it did everything pretty darn well.  The lifetime warranty, which I have used successfully mainly due to my own error, doesn't hurt either.  I realize it's not a high end rod, but I like it as an all arounder that is reasonably priced, durable, with a reasonably good build that is easy to fish with and handle

 

Of course the outgoing model listed at 100 dollars and could frequently be purchased for less.  The new model is listed at 20% higher.   Supposedly it is a bit lighter, which I thought was the main shortcoming of the old model.   The Fuji alconite guides are gone though, replaced with zirconium ones of unknown brand.   The handle is new as well although a similar design.  As this model is really new, probably few if any people have handled it, let alone fished with it yet.  Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this rod.

 

[ajschn06]

Most rods and reel went up 20% in the last few weeks, so I don’t think that’s a Fenwick or HMG thing on its own.

 

I was looking at the 6’ Medium models at the store the other day, they had both iterations.  The new model is listed as 1/8 oz-3/4 oz vs 1/4-3/4 on the old one.  The new model felt a little better in my hands and a bit livelier tip.  The old one looked better, such a classic, but the new ones fine too.  If I bought one of these two I’d go with the new model and just handling them in the store I’d probably be okay with the $20 increase even if everything else wasn’t skyrocketing.

 

However, once you get into that 120 range I feel like your better off finding a 15% off somewhere and looking in the $160 range since you only spend a few bucks more for a much better setup.

[LCG]

I had an HMG 6'9" ML-F, the model from two generations ago. I really did like that rod, but ended up selling it. Kind of regret it.

 

The new model looks decent for $100. There are better rods if you spend a bit more, but I am sure the new HMG's are still good rods. I might grab one as a two piece combo for the car.

[Jmilburn76]

FFO tackle has the older version on sale for $58.88 in 6' and 6'6" M.

[Dash Riprock]

57 minutes ago, Jmilburn76 said:

FFO tackle has the older version on sale for $58.88 in 6' and 6'6" M.

Thanks for the heads up! Just ordered a 6', it rang up at $48.88. 

[MontclairDave]

1 hour ago, Dash Riprock said:

Thanks for the heads up! Just ordered a 6', it rang up at $48.88. 

Me too! Just gave my son my 6’ St. Croix Premier so this will be a good replacement. Obviously not gonna be quite as sensitive but for throwing Senkos under overhangs from my Yak, bank fishing it right spots it should do a fine job. $60 with taxes and shipping. Pretty good deal!

[dodgeguy]

Zirconium is the generic name for alconites.