Major Craft MS-1

[BassSteve]

So most JDM rods are typically out of the price range im willing to pay, but I stumbled on Major Craft rods yesterday. There is not too much info on them around, but from what I did find they seem pretty respected. I pulled the trigger and purchased the 7' 3" mh "worm and jig" model. I read a couple places that these rods fish lighter than rated, does that mean I should not expect the backbone of this rod to be like a mh? Does anyone own any of these model rods and what is your opinion of them? Thanks 

[SproDD79]

I have the 7ft M jerkbait rod,  very sensitive, good back bone. I had the 7'3 mh, it was very sensitive,  but the handle was too long for my liking.

[redmeansdistortion]

Major Craft seems to strike a happy medium between price and performance some other manufacturers seem to miss.  I own a few of their trout rods and the fit, finish, and performance feels beyond what I paid for them.  I own some rods I've paid double for and at times I find myself reaching for the Major Craft over the others.  Granted, they aren't cheap with most falling in the $100+ range, but you can do a lot worse for the same money.  Their factory is in Vietnam and they tend to run smaller batches.  I've ordered a couple that were out of stock  everywhere and the store was kind enough to tell me when production would start back up.  I had to wait a month or two for a couple of them, but it was worth it.

[BassSteve]

39 minutes ago, SproDD79 said:

I have the 7ft M jerkbait rod,  very sensitive, good back bone. I had the 7'3 mh, it was very sensitive,  but the handle was too long for my liking.

Too long in the sense it got in the way? Please explain. I'm under the impression the handle is between 12" - 15" 

[SproDD79]

15 minutes ago, BassSteve said:

Too long in the sense it got in the way? Please explain. I'm under the impression the handle is between 12" - 15" 

Yes, the handle got in the way for me. I didn't measure it but the 7ft Jerkbait rod handle is shorter and more comfortable for me. I also had the 7"5 MS 1 cranking rod, very light , very sensitive,  great parabolic bend to keep trebles in, but not a noodle,  however that handle was super long, so I sold it. I think you can find handle specs on the major craft website. 

[A kid from Canada]

I have the MS-1 7'5 heavy cranking stick with a "medium" action which I assume means moderate. It has a 17.5" handle which I love. Most rods fall into the 14 - 15" handles but I prefer them longer and never buy a rod under 15. It's a strong rod, I'd guess it's all graphite from the action and weight of it. I've also got the Basspara 6'9 M/MF and it's got a 15.75" handle, same as my Zodias 7'2 M/MF which I find is the perfect all purpose length though most would disagree. 

[A kid from Canada]

Forgot to answer your question, mine don't fish below their rating at all, rod says 3/8 - 1oz and I throw 5/8 - 1oz cranks comfortably. They are great rods but the locking nut on the reel handle looks cheap on the MS-1 but much better on the Basspara.

[WRB]

Major Craft jerk bait / top water/ finesse jigs & T-rigs rod would be Iovino Splash-It 6’8” NAC-T681M/SI, Med 1/4-1/2oz, 6-15# line.

Tom

Ft

[Tatulatard]

If you get a majorcraft get a real one and not any of the us spec rods on tw.  Those rods pale in comparison to what is available from Japan.

[softwateronly]

18 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

If you get a majorcraft get a real one and not any of the us spec rods on tw.  Those rods pale in comparison to what is available from Japan.

Do these fall into your spec categorization?

 

https://www.majorcraft-america.com/collections/rods/products/benkei-casting-type

 

scott

[Diggy]

I have a few US spec and JDM rods. The New Days 360 will be releasing soon in Japan, which will feature "T1100G" blanks. I am interested to see what the price point is. The old models were under $200 shipped from Japan with SIC guides.
 

[BassSteve]

2 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

If you get a majorcraft get a real one and not any of the us spec rods on tw.  Those rods pale in comparison to what is available from Japan.

I ordered directly from the majorcraft website...so is that US or Japan then

[Diggy]

1 minute ago, BassSteve said:

I ordered directly from the majorcraft website...so is that US or Japan then

The MS1 is a US rod from the US site, it's a great rod. 

This is the Japanese site and a bunch of models have been removed like the MSX-Limited. 
https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/rodtop_fresh

 

[BassSteve]

16 minutes ago, Diggy said:

The MS1 is a US rod from the US site, it's a great rod. 

This is the Japanese site and a bunch of models have been removed like the MSX-Limited. 
https://www.majorcraft.co.jp/rodtop_fresh

 

While I'm sure the Japanese model from Japan is better, it is probably only marginally better. I already ordered from the US website two days ago, I'm sure I won't be disappointed. 

[Tatulatard]

3 hours ago, softwateronly said:

Do these fall into your spec categorization?

 

https://www.majorcraft-america.com/collections/rods/products/benkei-casting-type

 

scott

Yes.  They brought some models over I see.  About time.  

[Bigassbass]

I have several MC panfish rods UL and L. they are super nice rods and I think they have accurate power listing, if I was going to buy a bass rod from MC I'd buy the Days line or the Ivono line, either of those are supposed to be a super sensitive and stout rods.