Help me select a jig/worm rod

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, Siebert Outdoors said:

 

Yeah,  I dont have that model, but I have 5 Legend Xtremes. 

Dude, those cost almost as much as I paid for the F-9....or the outboard.

[Siebert Outdoors]

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

Dude, those cost almost as much as I paid for the F-9....

Its the older cheaper models before they went to $600+

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, Siebert Outdoors said:

Its the older cheaper models before they went to $600+

Remember - hard spending limit listed above.

 

Doubt you could get me one for that...nice idea though, Mike. ?

[T-Billy]

6 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I want all possible options on the table with evidence based reviews....not just 'feels'.

Not sure what you mean by evidence, but I can tell ya, my Money Maker is lighter, more sensitive, more responsive, and better balanced than my Kaden 744 or 765 Flip. It's similar in power to the 765. Still like the 744 for moving baits, but the Tharp King Cobra, and Money Maker have my 766 Sierra and 765 Kaden collecting dust. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Arks are good for the money at the lower price points, but you get what you pay for.  They're QC isn't the best and customer service is hit and miss.  I like the feel of the new BassX rods, but not so sure about the reel seats on the casting rods.  Not the most comfortable and supposedly they have had issues with the locking nut backing odd and the reel seat failing.  The silver lining is that SC will stand behind the product.   

[r83srock]

I have the new Bass X in the flavor you are interested in. Compared to the old gen bass x and previous gen legend tournament, it feels really nice. The guides haven’t disappointed me like I thought they might, and so far so good on durability. It’s crisp and light, right at 4.00oz on my scale. It’s one of the better balanced st croix casting rods I’ve owned. I have and Abu Max X on mine and the combo can really do most anything, but its definitely crisp enough and balanced enough for jig fishing, I’d say up to a 1/2oz.

[DitchPanda]

I own that model Tharp, that exact fury and a mojo 7ft 1 mh f. Out of those 3 I'd take the Tharp hands down. Will say it is on the powerful side of MH..is that's a factor the fury is softer .

[T-Billy]

1 hour ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Arks are good for the money at the lower price points, but you get what you pay for. 

I feel like I get more than I pay for when comparing to other brands. I'm currently at 15 with another on the way. Zero issues. I wouldn't trade a Tharp or Invoker for a Dobyns Champ, or a Tatula, or a Victory, or... OMMV

[Mike L]

3 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Arks are good for the money at the lower price points, but you get what you pay for.  They're QC isn't the best and customer service is hit and miss.  
 

Interesting, poor QC and customer service has not been my experience.
 

@MN Fisher

Except for the top of the line ARK model, all models use the Toray HM 40T blank, including the Tharp and Cobb signature lines.
The Tharp, Invoker Pro and Lancer Pro lines are in your price range and certainly deserve a look and a feel. 
 

Depending on the line and length you choose their stated “regular” action is just a tad softer than their labeled “fast” action ones. Other than the signature lines they carry, that is consistent across all their house models. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

[NorthernBasser]

I don't have that exact Tharp model (I have the Hammer) but I'm extremely impressed with it. I'm amazed they list it at the price they do. 

 

And yea, you can always get 15% off at Omnia. Codes just change every month.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, T-Billy said:

I feel like I get more than I pay for when comparing to other brands. I'm currently at 15 with another on the way. Zero issues. I wouldn't trade a Tharp or Invoker for a Dobyns Champ, or a Tatula, or a Victory, or... OMMV

I like my 7'3 MH Essence.  If it didn't break within 12 hours of use I would like a whole lot more.  I just don't have the confidence in Arks' customer service to buy a half dozen of them or buy a flagship rod.  It's a shame because minus the hiccup with the epoxy failing immediately the rods been great.  I caught a 7lb on Monday and it whooped that fish   

[GetFishorDieTryin]

21 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Interesting, poor QC and customer service has not been my experience.
 

@MN Fisher

Except for the top of the line ARK model, all models use the Toray HM 40T blank, including the Tharp and Cobb signature lines.
The Tharp, Invoker Pro and Lancer Pro lines are in your price range and certainly deserve a look and a feel. 
 

Depending on the line and length you choose their stated “regular” action is just a tad softer than their labeled “fast” action ones. Other than the signature lines they carry, that is consistent across all their house models. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

I had asked Ark about the differences between the Tharp and the Essence component and blank wise.  Interestingly enough I was told that the blanks in the Tharp and Essence and Invoker are all 40t, but the Tharp uses a different blank then the Invoker and Essence.  He didn't really elaborate much beyond that. 

Like I said they're good rods for the money, but my experience with the customer service was disappointing to say the least.  I've recommended them several times when people want a budget rod, but it's a good idea to go over that rod with a fine-tooth comb after it comes out of the tube and document any issues you may have.  

 

[T-Billy]

4 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Interestingly enough I was told that the blanks in the Tharp and Essence and Invoker are all 40t, but the Tharp uses a different blank then the Invoker and Essence.  He didn't really elaborate much beyond that. 

I dunno if the Tharp and Essence blanks are the same or not. I don't have the same models of the two to compare. The Invoker is different from any of the others though. The outer layer is an unsanded carbon wrap.

[T-Billy]

5 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

I don't have that exact Tharp model (I have the Hammer) but I'm extremely impressed with it. I'm amazed they list it at the price they do. 

 

And yea, you can always get 15% off at Omnia. Codes just change every month.

I have two. Great for skipping, Trigs, flukes, jigs, senkos...... I prefer something stouter in heavy cover, but in light to moderate cover this rod is often in my hand. Light weight, and super sensitive with enough power to drive a big hook home.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

9 hours ago, T-Billy said:

I dunno if the Tharp and Essence blanks are the same or not. I don't have the same models of the two to compare. The Invoker is different from any of the others though. The outer layer is an unsanded carbon wrap.

Ones a 40HM and ones a Toray 40.  I think the Invoker is the same minus the wrap.  I wanted that wrap because it would protect the blank from rash.  The only pic TW had of it was the pic of the handle at the time I ordered the essence I kind of assumed it would have the wrap like the Invoker because it was a higher price point.  Unfortunately it was the typical assuming outcome.  

[Texas Flood]

I bought the Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH/F as an all purpose rod. After a few months of use, I decided it would be a better frog rod. 

 

Just didn't have the sensitivity I was looking for.

[WRB]

On 9/13/2022 at 2:12 PM, T-Billy said:

Not sure what you mean by evidence, but I can tell ya, my Money Maker is lighter, more sensitive, more responsive, and better balanced than my Kaden 744 or 765 Flip. It's similar in power to the 765. Still like the 744 for moving baits, but the Tharp King Cobra, and Money Maker have my 766 Sierra and 765 Kaden collecting dust. 

I am sure MN Fisher will keep the dust off for you?

Tom

[MN Fisher]

Stopped at Fleet Farm today to pick up a couple things...and handled several St. Croix rods...they carry Triumph, Premier, Bass X, Mojo Bass and Victory

 

I'm gonna stretch my spending a little...after handling it for a bit...I've settled on a Mojo Bass 7'1" MH/F. It's light, it's responsive and it feels sensitive.

 

I'm also getting a Mojo Bass 7'1" MHM which will replace the FR705CB for cranking...which will be relegated to spinners/chatters. I had been looking at the Bass X 7'2" MHM for this, which I did handle at FF - but the Mojo felt so much better.

[ironbjorn]

33 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Stopped at Fleet Farm today to pick up a couple things...and handled several St. Croix rods...they carry Triumph, Premier, Bass X, Mojo Bass and Victory

 

I'm gonna stretch my spending a little...after handling it for a bit...I've settled on a Mojo Bass 7'1" MH/F. It's light, it's responsive and it feels sensitive.

 

I'm also getting a Mojo Bass 7'1" MHM which will replace the FR705CB for cranking...which will be relegated to spinners/chatters. I had been looking at the Bass X 7'2" MHM for this, which I did handle at FF - but the Mojo felt so much better.

3 things are guaranteed in life. Death, taxes, and bass fishermen will spend more than they wanted to every single time.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, ironbjorn said:

3 things are guaranteed in life. Death, taxes, and bass fishermen will spend more than they wanted to every single time.

Well, I have a certain budget I work from every year...and I've already allocated the 'needed' things out of that at retail price and had enough spare for the upgrade to the Mojos. Get things on sale and I'll have even more spare.

[MN Fisher]

On 9/13/2022 at 9:16 AM, Siebert Outdoors said:

I'm a huge St Croix fan.  I'd go with the St Croix.

Whelp - site that I can't name had a Victory 7'3" MH/F 'The Marshall' in excellent condition in their used area.

 

With the points I'd earned from ordering from them (5 of my 6 Furys came from them), total was only $143 with tax...and I'm paying over time since I have enough in my personal checking account to cover the first 3 payments, and I'm due some money before #4 payment is due.

 

This is going to paired up with my Patriarch 7.1

 

Thanks for all the help people.

 

 

[Jmurphy87]

48 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Whelp - site that I can't name had a Victory 7'3" MH/F 'The Marshall' in excellent condition in their used area.

 

With the points I'd earned from ordering from them (5 of my 6 Furys came from them), total was only $143 with tax...and I'm paying over time since I have enough in my personal checking account to cover the first 3 payments, and I'm due some money before #4 payment is due.

 

This is going to paired up with my Patriarch 7.1

 

Thanks for all the help people.

 

 

You made a good choice, I have one of those victory marshals and it’s definitely a step above the mojo bass rod. You should be happy with it.

[Jrob78]

52 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Whelp - site that I can't name had a Victory 7'3" MH/F 'The Marshall' in excellent condition in their used area.

 

With the points I'd earned from ordering from them (5 of my 6 Furys came from them), total was only $143 with tax...and I'm paying over time since I have enough in my personal checking account to cover the first 3 payments, and I'm due some money before #4 payment is due.

 

This is going to paired up with my Patriarch 7.1

 

Thanks for all the help people.

 

 

Great choice!

[Deephaven]

Killer deal!

[Dangerfield]

On 9/14/2022 at 3:29 PM, Texas Flood said:

I bought the Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH/F as an all purpose rod. After a few months of use, I decided it would be a better frog rod. 

 

Just didn't have the sensitivity I was looking for.

is that last gen or the newer model?

On 10/9/2022 at 1:32 PM, MN Fisher said:

Whelp - site that I can't name had a Victory 7'3" MH/F 'The Marshall' in excellent condition in their used area.

 

With the points I'd earned from ordering from them (5 of my 6 Furys came from them), total was only $143 with tax...and I'm paying over time since I have enough in my personal checking account to cover the first 3 payments, and I'm due some money before #4 payment is due.

 

This is going to paired up with my Patriarch 7.1

 

Thanks for all the help people.

 

 

can you comment on how much lighter the Victory is compared to the Mojo Bass?