MHX SJ843 and my quest for a M/F casting rod

[xTheTominator]

Hi all,

 

Admittedly I am a rookie when it comes to rod building, this will be my first build, but I am fairly handy when it comes to most things and anything I have interest in when it comes to my hobbies, I end up building something custom (speakers, keyboards, furniture, etc.).

 

That said, I recently purchased the Shimano SLX 70 MGL, and I have been on a quest to find a casting rod to suit it. I have a dobyns CL 734c (7'3", H, 1/4oz - 1oz) paired with a daiwa fuego as my main casting setup, and a cheap-ish Lew's wally marshall speedshooter WMSS60ML (6', ML, 1/16 oz- 1/4 oz) as my light spinning setup, so figured a casting rod in the 3/16 oz - 5/8 oz would slot in nicely between the other two rods and allow me to take advantage of the lighter lure casting ability of the SLX 70 MGL. 

 

After searching for pre-built rods, and trying a few that left me disappointed, I arrived at the decision that I could certainly build exactly what i was looking for. I was looking at the SJ842 but they were out of stock so i went with the MHX SJ843, originally was looking at the SJ842 but was out of stock, for the 7' length (the 7'3" Dobyn's gets the tipped wacked a lot, boo low ceilings) and the specified weight range was right on the money (3/16 - 5/8 oz.) 

 

Now, while I'm awaiting for USPS to finally get around a deliver the rod, I checked the CCS rod database and while the SJ843 isn't listed specifically (the 2 piece version is), I am seeing a ERN of around 22, which is much higher than I would have guessed for the rated lure weight. I was expecting something in the 14 - 18 range for my use case. I also stumbled on a thread here that compared the MB843 to the SJ version and could find little difference. 

 

Did I make a poor choice for my desired lure weight and will the SJ843 end up being a better 3/8 - 3/4 oz rod (which I will move the fuego over) and should I be looking for a different blank for my 3/16 - 5/8 oz. desired lure weight? if so, what would you guys recommend I consider instead? I think i'd still prefer a fast tip, 7' or under, and at or below the ~$100 mark for the blank. Mainly fish small lakes and ponds, 50% soft plastics, 25% jigs, neds, drop shot, and maybe 5% spinners or treble baits.

[MikeK]

In the MHX line that meet your price target I think you want SJ842 or MB842 for the lower part of your weight range.  I use the SJ842 for unweighted flukes or 1/16-1/8 oz shank weight hooks and shad type plastics.

[spoonplugger1]

If you really want to throw 5/8 oz. you have to look at something at least in the 20 range or you'll blowout the tip and not get the performance, you are expecting.

[MickD]

One can never have too many rods.  Build it and see.  I expect the 22 ERN is not too high for your desired lure weight range, at least the high end as Spoonplugger says.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I agree that your ERN is in the neighborhood. Also, it’s the combination of power (ERN) and action that deliver the end result (lure range& butt power). I think you’re ok. Micks right , worst case you have another rod and an excuse to build yet another.