Looking at several spinning rods...help!

[rekmeyata]

I'm looking for a new rod to go with my new Daiwa BG 2500.   The ones I have considered is the St Croix Premier, Dobyns Sierra, Phenix Feather, and the Halo HFX.  Each are around $160 range, each are around 7 foot long, and each are medium fast to medium extra fast.  I considered those due to the high reviews I found on the internet as well as well likes on fishing forums.

 

A sales guy at Sportsman Warehouse did something interesting I've never seen done before, he took all of those rods, had me hold them like I was fishing, then placed the tip of the rod slightly bent against his throat vocal box area with his hands off the rod, and spoke, and asked if I could feel his words vibrate through the rod.  The only one I could for sure feel was the Halo, the others I didn't feel anything which surprised the sales guy, and saying my hand sensitivity might be lower than most people.  However, I did feel the Halo vibrate.  So I'm leaning towards that one but due to that weird test.  He was a G Loomis fan but the prices are way too much for me to justify spending that much for such a rod, and I'm not a huge fishing hobby guy to justify spending top dollar for something that I won't use as much, so that brings me to the mid level rods I mentioned, they're more practical for my purposes.

 

Anyway, I would like to hear your thoughts on these rods, and perhaps others.  

[Eric 26]

Out of all the rods mentioned I only have and have used the St. Croix premier and at that it’s a 6’-6” light. I will say I enjoy it but my feeling is if you’re saying you felt the vibration through the Halo then by all means get the Halo. I’m also in the same camp as the G Loomis line is a bit out of my price point. 

[Hulkster]

how much more is the Loomis GCX than those rods?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

3 hours ago, Hulkster said:

how much more is the Loomis GCX than those rods?

Another 100$

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If I had to get pick 1 rod at that price point it would be a Tatula.  Admittedly I've never heard of that particular technique which sounds like it's a good way to test vibration transmission through the blank.  Not sure how the halo compares to the Tatula but the Tatulas are more then adequate especially at that price point.  I like a sensitive rod too, but the balance, action, power (in context) and over all ergonomics are important as well and the Tatula IMO gets it right which makes them really fun to fish.

[rekmeyata]

I just heard about the Daiwa Tatula when I was at that store that had those rods the sales guy was showing me, but they didn't have Tatula to try that throat vibration thing with, but I am looking into it, if any one can shed any light on it, and or how it compares to the others on my list, especially the Halo, that would be helpful.  Thanks!

[uglyasheck]

Go get a Daiwa Tatula for 160 you cant beat it. They are  great rods. I have bought some of the higher priced  rods and still like the Tatula with cork handle the best.

[rekmeyata]

On 5/8/2022 at 2:16 AM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

If I had to get pick 1 rod at that price point it would be a Tatula.  Admittedly I've never heard of that particular technique which sounds like it's a good way to test vibration transmission through the blank.  Not sure how the halo compares to the Tatula but the Tatulas are more then adequate especially at that price point.  I like a sensitive rod too, but the balance, action, power (in context) and over all ergonomics are important as well and the Tatula IMO gets it right which makes them really fun to fish.

do you own a Tatula?  If so, is it a true medium action rod, or is it closer to a medium light, or closer to a medium heavy?

[new2BC4bass]

I believe they run close to their ratings although I must admit I very seldom fish a rod at either end of its rating.  I just grab a different powered rod that puts the weight somewhere in the middle of its rating.  Maybe someone that has tried a Tatula rod at both ends of its ratings will come along to answer that question.

[LCG]

I had a sales associate do that throat vibration test as well recently, never seen or heard of that before. Anyways I felt it clear as day in the handle of the rod. Liked everything else so I went ahead and bought it. Fished with it a few times now and it equally sensitive to the throat test. Very pleased. It is a Daiwa Rebellion 6'8 ML-F 2 piece rod. I feel it fishes above it price point.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/18/2022 at 8:03 PM, rekmeyata said:

do you own a Tatula?  If so, is it a true medium action rod, or is it closer to a medium light, or closer to a medium heavy?

Yes I have a 7,1 ML and I've handled the Mediums.  Power can really vary from brand to brand and even line to line.  The Tatula M F IMO is pretty much a spot on Med. When comparing to the majority of the newer M power spinning rods on the market now it feels about equal to most and maybe just a tad lighter then the more stout Ms.  If you compare it to the older pre IPC SC Ms which feel more like a MH the Tatula is going to feel lighter power wise.

[rekmeyata]

20 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Yes I have a 7,1 ML and I've handled the Mediums.  Power can really vary from brand to brand and even line to line.  The Tatula M F IMO is pretty much a spot on Med. When comparing to the majority of the newer M power spinning rods on the market now it feels about equal to most and maybe just a tad lighter then the more stout Ms.  If you compare it to the older pre IPC SC Ms which feel more like a MH the Tatula is going to feel lighter power wise.

Since the Tatula is a true medium, how is the sensitivity toward panfish?  The rod I'm thinking of getting is the 7-foot, 2 piece, with an extra fast action, all the Tatulas are medium action.

 

Thanks for your reply

[OkobojiEagle]

Were they vowels or consonants that you felt strongest?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/21/2022 at 10:14 AM, rekmeyata said:

Since the Tatula is a true medium, how is the sensitivity toward panfish?  The rod I'm thinking of getting is the 7-foot, 2 piece, with an extra fast action, all the Tatulas are medium action.

 

Thanks for your reply

I dont think they're all the same power really.  It seems like the longer rods are more stout when compared a slightly shorter rod of the same power.  I would suggest the 6'10  M XF or 7' M F.  I would imagine they would handle the lighter panfish baits a little better then a rod with a recommend min weight of 3/16.  They're plenty sensitive so as long your throwing a bait in or really close to the reccomended lure weight range I cant imagine you would have issues feeling the hit.