Nice rod pairing for Curado 200k?

[BassSteve]

So I'm looking for a new rod to go with my curado 200k. Currently I have it paired with a cheap 50 dollar rod....doesn't do it justice, especially considering the curado is not a cheap reel. I know there is a curado rod specifically for the reel and I'm sure it's quality, but do you guys have any good rod options? I'm looking at a MH 7' - 7' 3" rod.  Thanks 

[jbsoonerfan]

Expride 7'2 MH

[BassSteve]

Yeah, I was looking at that one and it is a performer I'm sure. The thing is that rod is a bit more than I want to spend right now. I would probably spend up to $150

[McBass19]

21 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

Yeah, I was looking at that one and it is a performer I'm sure. The thing is that rod is a bit more than I want to spend right now. I would probably spend up to $150

$150 is tough because there are some decent rods for that price but it seeems once you get to the $200 range there is a large jump in both light weight and sensitivty. The Zodias and Curado is a great pair but the Zodias is a bit over your budget. The Curado rods or St. Croix Mojo bass would be my choice in your price range but it all comes down to preference. Make sure you put the same reel on the rods you're looking at in the store to see what feels best in your hands and go from there. 

[optimator]

I have mine on a Loomis IMX-PRO 853C JWR. It’s a good setup. 

[KP Duty]

Ark Invoker Pro will give you a 40T blank and pretty good looks for $150.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ark_Invoker_Pro_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-ARKPS.html

[T-Billy]

My vote. Same blank Material as the Invokers @KP Duty mentioned. 40 ton Japanese Toray. Different guides and seats. $129 for the Tharp series, more options in the Invoker series. Both outstanding rods.

[BassSteve]

7 hours ago, KP Duty said:

Ark Invoker Pro will give you a 40T blank and pretty good looks for $150.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ark_Invoker_Pro_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-ARKPS.html

 

7 hours ago, T-Billy said:

My vote. Same blank Material as the Invokers @KP Duty mentioned. 40 ton Japanese Toray. Different guides and seats. $129 for the Tharp series, more options in the Invoker series. Both outstanding rods.

How do you think the rod compares with, say the Curado rod designed for the reel?

[T-Billy]

12 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

 

How do you think the rod compares with, say the Curado rod designed for the reel?

I checked out a Curado rod at my local shop. I put it back on the rack. It was OK. I own a dozen ARK rods. 10 Tharps, a Cobb, and a Lancer. All purchased since last June.  Best rods I've ever owned. I have more expensive rods that are collecting dust since buying these.

[BassSteve]

34 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I checked out a Curado rod at my local shop. I put it back on the rack. It was OK. I own a dozen ARK rods. 10 Tharps, a Cobb, and a Lancer. All purchased since last June.  Best rods I've ever owned. I have more expensive rods that are collecting dust since buying these.

Yes I'm looking at the ark lancer pro and invoker pro,  seem like nice rods. There is a $50 dollar price difference between the two though, the lancer price point is close to the Curado.

[T-Billy]

19 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

Yes I'm looking at the ark lancer pro and invoker pro,  seem like nice rods. There is a $50 dollar price difference between the two though, the lancer price point is close to the Curado.

Lancer and Cobb series have the same blank material as the more expensive series. Guides are generic aluminum oxide but seem to be good quality, and the seat, again generic but good quality is very similar to the fuji used by many companies. Absolutely better blanks than the Curado, guides and seats are probably a wash. $29 gets you an upgraded reel seat and Fuji K frame guides with the Tharp series. $50 gets you an unsanded blank, upgraded seat and zirconium guides with the Invoker. I bought the Lancer because my Pro SP palms better with it in my hand vs the Tharp Money Maker, and I bought the Cobb "One More" because that blank isn't available in the Tharp or Invoker series. I think the Tharps are the best value of the bunch, provided they have the blank you want in that series, but they're all very good for the $$$. 

[ghost]

Shimano Zodias

[AvoidingYardWork]

I have mine on a Dobyn's Sierra and it has been working great. 

[Diggy]

$150 range

 

iRod Genesis III

Powell Endurance
Daiwa Tatula (depends on length)

 

Tackle Trap has a Hammer Rod for under 150 with a coupon code
Hammer Tackle Trap Limited 7'3" Heavy 1/4-1oz

[LrgmouthShad]

On 3/29/2022 at 4:44 PM, T-Billy said:

40 ton Japanese Toray

What is special about this blank material?

[ATA]

I paired my curado reel with curado rod, there is everything in that line, you can use MH or H in any length of your choice.

[T-Billy]

3 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

What is special about this blank material?

Just a light, durable, sensitive blank material. I'm about to sell two lightly used Dobyns for half the cost of new to fund another ARK. A Kaden and a Sierra. I like the ARK blanks much better. OMMV

[Oledog]

Man I think you just sold me me on purchasing an Ark rod .