The Falcon rods thread

[casts_by_fly]

On 12/25/2024 at 10:16 AM, JN94 said:

Does anyone else own the Cara eye crosser? What are your thoughts on it and what do you use it for? Pros/cons, etc. I like sub 7' rods and there's not many out there with that lure rating. I'm not a technique specific rod guy so I like to buy rods that are more versatile (mod-fast ish action) when possible

Funny enough, someone just asked me about the same rod over pm and I had to check if it was you because the thought process and questions were the same. 
 

Not sure if you saw my other comments on it further up but last year it was my 6” mag draft rod.  I like the amistad better for that and I will probably set up a dedicated swimbait rod this year but as far as versatile goes the eye crosser did a great job with them, both standard and freestyle. I fished other similar swimbaits on it as well- 3/8 lead plus a 4-7” plastic. So all in, that’s topwater frogs and toads, moving baits, swim baits, and pitching with a total bait weight in the 3/4-2oz range that I used it for last year. My opinion of it as a heavier head turner is unchanged. It’s a powerful rod for sure, but to throw a full ounce you need it. 

[JN94]

On 12/26/2024 at 11:36 AM, casts_by_fly said:

Funny enough, someone just asked me about the same rod over pm and I had to check if it was you because the thought process and questions were the same. 
 

Not sure if you saw my other comments on it further up but last year it was my 6” mag draft rod.  I like the amistad better for that and I will probably set up a dedicated swimbait rod this year but as far as versatile goes the eye crosser did a great job with them, both standard and freestyle. I fished other similar swimbaits on it as well- 3/8 lead plus a 4-7” plastic. So all in, that’s topwater frogs and toads, moving baits, swim baits, and pitching with a total bait weight in the 3/4-2oz range that I used it for last year. My opinion of it as a heavier head turner is unchanged. It’s a powerful rod for sure, but to throw a full ounce you need it. 

Awesome. Great info! Thanks for the reply

[GReb]

Just noticed the Expert redesign. Looks like a new Japanese blank?

[casts_by_fly]

5 minutes ago, GReb said:

Just noticed the Expert redesign. Looks like a new Japanese blank?

I wouldn’t get your hopes up on that. this is the website blurb. If it was a Japanese made blank they would say it. A Japanese made blank would command a premium over a Chinese made blank and they would take advantage of that. I think that they wanted to raise the price and the only way to do it is to put something new to it. The components and models are all the same. The label is different, but that’s about it visually. The “learn more” videos are using the old models also. Maybe they are new blanks. Maybe the old blanks are Chinese fibers and Chinese made. Maybe that’s the difference.  Nothing on the falcon website is explaining it. 
 

Falcon Expert Casting Rods use multi-layer, cross-directional Japanese carbon fibers to boost strength

[GReb]

13 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

I wouldn’t get your hopes up on that. this is the website blurb. If it was a Japanese made blank they would say it. A Japanese made blank would command a premium over a Chinese made blank and they would take advantage of that. I think that they wanted to raise the price and the only way to do it is to put something new to it. The components and models are all the same. The label is different, but that’s about it visually. The “learn more” videos are using the old models also. Maybe they are new blanks. Maybe the old blanks are Chinese fibers and Chinese made. Maybe that’s the difference.  Nothing on the falcon website is explaining it. 
 

Falcon Expert Casting Rods use multi-layer, cross-directional Japanese carbon fibers to boost strength

You are probably right as I’m sure they are still Chinese made but maybe new composite. Probably a supply chain issue on components. I think they should have left the expert at $199 and raised the price of the Cara if necessary. At $279 it would still be a good buy 

[MediumMouthBass]

As someone moving forward from cheaper rods (Daiwa Aird X's). Even though im very happy with them i just would like something a little nicer.

Was going to go with Dobyns or Daiwa but im waiting to see what happens with Dobyns going forward, and the new Daiwa rods i checked out the other night at DSG just didnt feel like they offered much more than my Aird's.

I keep seeing Falcon pop up on here and my groups on Reddit.

 

Really thinking about making the switch eventually, any experience with their customer service?

Something thats very important to me when going to a different company, since even the best rods get damaged in shipping. And mistakes do happen for everyone.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, GReb said:

You are probably right as I’m sure they are still Chinese made but maybe new composite. Probably a supply chain issue on components. I think they should have left the expert at $199 and raised the price of the Cara if necessary. At $279 it would still be a good buy 

 

I expect that will be coming.  I think when they moved production from Arkansas to China, that was step 1.  Step 2 is expanding the offerings and price 'optimization'.  You're starting to see that now with the Evo, HD and Altrax.  They had to make the move with the 'existing' offerings first.  Big moves like that are hard.  Adding more complexity isn't worth it.  So you wait until you stabilize and then add the new stuff.  They were missing the sub $100 rods that you sell at Academy, walmart, etc.  Now they have them.  The expert series was better than a $200 price point.  You could have put a $300 price on them and they would be competitive.  At $200 they were a steal. So falcon wants some of that back.  I think the Cara is next and $279 isn't going to be far off.  The lowrider will bump to $139 or $149 I suspect.

 

1 hour ago, MediumMouthBass said:

As someone moving forward from cheaper rods (Daiwa Aird X's). Even though im very happy with them i just would like something a little nicer.

Was going to go with Dobyns or Daiwa but im waiting to see what happens with Dobyns going forward, and the new Daiwa rods i checked out the other night at DSG just didnt feel like they offered much more than my Aird's.

I keep seeing Falcon pop up on here and my groups on Reddit.

 

Really thinking about making the switch eventually, any experience with their customer service?

Something thats very important to me when going to a different company, since even the best rods get damaged in shipping. And mistakes do happen for everyone.

 

Falcon customer service has been great. And its the same for everyone in the falcon facebook group who has needed it.  I've only broken one and they were easy about returning and they let me upgrade from an expert to cara in the process.  I wouldn't let that slow you down.  Pick one that's interesting to you and go for it.

 

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Falcon customer service has been great. And its the same for everyone in the falcon facebook group who has needed it.  I've only broken one and they were easy about returning and they let me upgrade from an expert to cara in the process.  I wouldn't let that slow you down.  Pick one that's interesting to you and go for it.

 

Thank you very much for giving me a vote of confidence in moving toward them for my future purchases! Its been a long day and im not sure im up to reading 4 pages or else i would, off the top of your head since your our Falcon expert around here. Can you just give me a quick suggestion on what the best do all bang for the buck rod series is?

[little giant]

Their customer service is excellent. They answer the phone and reply to emails. They spend time to answer questions.

Rods are bubble wrapped and shipped in cardboard tubes.

I have 15 Falcons. Older USA and newer China made models. Casting and spinners, freshwater and salt.

Recommend you to look at their Lowrider series. Good Rods at a good price. Their power and actions are pretty accurate.

[GReb]

I’ve been at fault for two broken Caras and they replaced each for $100 or so. I believe each model has a different warranty length for any defects. You just mail them the label part of the blank with your check and wait a few days for the postman 

[casts_by_fly]

4 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

Thank you very much for giving me a vote of confidence in moving toward them for my future purchases! Its been a long day and im not sure im up to reading 4 pages or else i would, off the top of your head since your our Falcon expert around here. Can you just give me a quick suggestion on what the best do all bang for the buck rod series is?

I wouldn’t say expert, maybe just enthusiast. 
 

i think for me, the low rider and the Cara are the two choices of lineups. The extra $30 for a low rider over a bucoo gets you cork, a little better blank, and upgraded guides.  Similar logic for the Cara over the expert.  The experts are great but the extra $50 gets you a better blank again, SiC guides (though that might not be true anymore), and some extra models not offered in the expert. 
 

as far as specific rods, it depends on what you’re throwing. The head turner is a pretty good do it all type rod and if you only had one rod that’s probably the one to have for most bass anglers. But there are some other really great rods in the lineup that do one thing really well and still have some versatility. 

[rangerjockey]

I think Falcon could pull off $279 for the Cara. Much more and they are up against the Tatula Elite AGS ,KLX and the Alpha Angler's.  If your looking for a moving bait rod then your up against the Champion XP.

[casts_by_fly]

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

I think Falcon could pull off $279 for the Cara. Much more and they are up against the Tatula Elite AGS ,KLX and the Alpha Angler's.  If your looking for a moving bait rod then your up against the Champion XP.

yeah, I think that's about right.  It would still be a great rod at that price.  The difference would be that falcon doesn't discount/sale their rods ever.  So there would be times when the Daiwa (for instance) is discounted to $250 or so and undercuts the Cara.  It doesn't suddenly make it a better rod, but the buyer's mentalality of  "it's a $320 rod and I'm only paying $250!" will net more sales.

[GReb]

In my opinion the Cara is superior to the Champ XP and KLX. Those are more in the Expert ballpark and I’d still prefer the Expert in most models. I think Kistler and dobyns makes a better squarebill and crank rod. 
 

ALX and Cashion are really making push in that price range and make great rods. ALX and Falcon fish very similar. The $200-279 range is just stacked. 

[rangerjockey]

1 hour ago, GReb said:

In my opinion the Cara is superior to the Champ XP and KLX. Those are more in the Expert ballpark and I’d still prefer the Expert in most models. I think Kistler and dobyns makes a better squarebill and crank rod. 
 

ALX and Cashion are really making push in that price range and make great rods. ALX and Falcon fish very similar. The $200-279 range is just stacked. 

 I wish Falcon would have let the Expert name die with the original models 20 years ago . Those were some great rods. The new expert logo looks like a champion spark plug box.

Having fished Falcon for 20 years or so I think they have gotten a bit stale. It may be time for a upper tier rod. Or something to shake it up some besides anpther $50 rod.

They still have some great dragging rods and a good swim jig rod. The jerkbait rod was once one of the best now it's just OK. Sure you can throw a spinnerbait on several models but big deal and personally I wish they would have left the finesse jig rod alone.

Like it or not Dobyns and others have left them behind when it comes to moving and diving bait actions in my opinion anyway.

 

 

[bishoptf]

So I just picked up some Falcon Evo rods on clearance at walmart. I know they are not near as nice and the higher end rods but I usually am on the cheaper side of things for rods and for $32ea I thought why not give them a try. Just wasn't sure what to expect, I liked the full cork handle and they seem decent for what the normal price was $79. My nicest rods that I have right now are diawa arid-x and wanted to see how these compare but thought I would ask what are the opinions of the lower cost Evo rods, thanks.

[new2BC4bass]

On 1/21/2025 at 4:33 PM, little giant said:

Their customer service is excellent. They answer the phone and reply to emails. They spend time to answer questions.

Rods are bubble wrapped and shipped in cardboard tubes.

I have 15 Falcons. Older USA and newer China made models. Casting and spinners, freshwater and salt.

Recommend you to look at their Lowrider series. Good Rods at a good price. Their power and actions are pretty accurate.

I broke an original Expert.  Totally my fault as I fell face first in a rock pile.  I called Falcon and told them about it.  They sent me a new Cara (Experts were out of production) for $80.  I feel this was above and beyond their responsibility.

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, bishoptf said:

So I just picked up some Falcon Evo rods on clearance at walmart. I know they are not near as nice and the higher end rods but I usually am on the cheaper side of things for rods and for $32ea I thought why not give them a try. Just wasn't sure what to expect, I liked the full cork handle and they seem decent for what the normal price was $79. My nicest rods that I have right now are diawa x and wanted to see how these compare but thought I would ask what are the opinions of the lower cost Evo rods, thanks.

no clue.  I’ve never even flexed one in store. 
 

which model did you get?

[MyKeyBe]

Going to be hard to find a better rod for $32.00! I don't have any Evo's but my wife has an HD and I have one as well because Amazon sent the wrong rod the first time I ordered hers. I haven't used either of them a whole lot but they both seem like nice rods for what they are. One of my local Walmarts has Evo rods, if they mark them down that much I will for sure pick up at least one or two. Hopefully you picked up a 7'3" heavy casting rod. A $32.00 Evo Amistad would be a very good deal. 😆 

[bishoptf]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

no clue.  I’ve never even flexed one in store. 
 

which model did you get?

I have plenty of arid-x and procyon that are MH to H and really wanted something lighter and shorter for some of my other stuff. Not really sure what the difference is between the HD rods and the EVO's they are at the same price point, I know a lot of folks like the HD rods but haven't seen much out there on the EVO's but heck for $32ea not sure there will be anything better for $32, lol. I usually can get the diawa arid-x from academy with a coupon for $40 and this looks on par if not better. I really like the full cork handles, wish I could have picked up more but I also got a couple abu vengence spinning rods which were even cheaper.

 

I picked up 2 VFC-4-166, medium, moderate 6'6" rods and the one VFC-5-168, medium heavy, medium fast 6'8". Again they had a bunch of them and man was I tempted but Walmart also had some reels on clearance like Shimano Nexave Spinning reels for $20 and some other stuff. I think I bought 6 rods and 4 reels, lol. 

[WRB]

About 90’s 6.3:1 high speed reels were common and used for all types lures including crank baits from lipless to DD22’s. We learned the deep divers were easier to use with the older 4.7:1 Ambassadors and used used those.

Nothing has changed the lower gear ratio larger spool diameter reel are easier to use for deep diving crank baits and 6.3:1 still works for all other crank baits 

Tom

[casts_by_fly]

specs wise, those are the 6’6” treble hooker and the 6’8” medium heavy (might have been called the spinnerbait special also).  They are designs that have been around a while in falcons lineup and still exist in places.  I have the 6’8” in the Cara, though technically my dad has it. My thoughts on it are all over this thread so I’m curious how yours will compare with the evo.  Hard to beat it for $32. 

 

[rtwvumtneer6]

Falcon Lowrider CLC-7M Composite Cranker 4 Power M MS 7'0" 12-25 lb. 1/4-1/2 oz.
Falcon BuCoo SR BRC-5-173 Deep Runner 5 Power MH MF 7'3" 10-20 lb. 3/8-3/4 oz.
Falcon Lowrider LFC-7H Dragger 6 Power H F 7'0" 12-25 lb. 3/8-1 oz.
Falcon Lowrider LFC-74H Heavy Cover Jig 6 Power H F 7'4" 15-30 lb. 3/8-1 oz. *Used to have this is model in BuCoo
Falcon Cara CC-7-173 Amistad 7 Power H F 7'3" 15-30 lb. 1/2-1 1/2 oz.

And... not a bass rod but a creek beater: 

Falcon BuCoo SR BRS-1L-16 Panfish 1 Power 6'0" 4-10 lb. 1/16-1/4oz. 

 

Not sure that I am allowed to promote or add a link to a YouTube video on here but I have one where I explain how I use each rod.  You can search: My Falcon Rods (and what I use them for) because the transcript would be way too long to copy here.

[Jweller]

Wonder what the difference is between the HD series and the EVO besides where

they’re Sold. 

[casts_by_fly]

53 minutes ago, Jweller said:

Wonder what the difference is between the HD series and the EVO besides where

they’re Sold. 

that’s my basic interpretation as well. Componentry looks the same. My guess is so that the two bigs (Walmart and academy) can have their own lines and not compete with each other on price when one goes on sale.