Need HELP: Flipping Rod for Jigs

[James Morgen]

FIRST POST - Looking for all ideas.

I am needing to buy a new flipping rod for 3/8 flipping jigs and football jigs.

 

I normally fish jigs in water that is 15 foot or less. I use everything from SwimJigs, Flipping Jigs, and Footballs Jigs. I can use my Kisterl KLX rod that I throw Spinnerbaits on for Swim Jigs, but would like a dedicated rod for Flipping Jigs. I primarily use 3/8 flipping and football jigs. My flipping jigs normally have an Arlie Head and I use Santone Tungsten or Dirty Jigs. I use my flipping jigs where there is a lot of rock do my structure and drag / pop my jigs. I don’t normally pitch jigs, but cast to the bank and stage back to the boat. I also use Rage Crawl Trailer or a casting Jig with a Menace Grub.

 

I currently fish these jigs on a Kistler KLX 7ft MH MF action with a Daiwa Tatula Elite 7:1.1 with 15 or 17 lbs flouro.

 

I am looking to either purchase a

1. Kistler KLX MH/F in 7.0 ft (another rod)

2. Mega bass Levante Pitch perfect 7.2 ft

3. St Croix Champion 7.1

4. Dobyns 
 

i will use 15-17 lbs Flouro with either a Daiwa Tatula Elite or Shimano Cuardo MLX 150

 

 

Looking for help and ideas from you guys!

 

 

[Bluebasser86]

I use a Kistler Helium 7’ 3” MH/F for those baits. A similarly rated KLX should work fine. I use the same rod as that Helium in the KLX for bigger jigs.

[Catt]

Second the Helium, $247 their website. 

[casts_by_fly]

Not on your list but the Falcon Cara Heavy cover jig was designed exactly for what you're describing.  I love mine.  7'4", 1/2-1 oz rating, heavy/fast though its a falcon 6-power 'heavy' which is on the lighter side of heavy.  It was designed for dragging jigs around brushpiles (by mike mcclelland) and its a great all around jig and bottom contact rod.  I've also found it to become my favorite buzzbait rod.

[Str8BraidPowa]

For smaller hooked jigs I use my 6-10 MHF Expride. For my larger hooked or 1/2" oz jigs I use my 7-2 HF Expride. When I get to my heaver 3/4 oz or heavy wire hooked jigs I use my 7-5 Orrochi Brailest. They double for lots of other options as well, I find them all to be fairly versatile.

[LonnieP]

I would choose the Kistler. I have a Megabass Perfect Pitch, not the Levante, but the Oriochi XX and that rod is so heavy that’s it’s uncomfortable to fish with.

[Choporoz]

Third the Helium.  There is problem, however.   Heliums are like Lay's potato chips....can't have just one

[LootyDjibouti]

I have the Levante Perfect Pitch. However, I primarily use it for frogging and 6" magdrafts as it has a bit of a softer tip. Absolutely love it for both. Makes it an incredibly versatile rod. I'm sure many use it for jigs and enjoy it though. I believe the Levante line in general has (relatively) more of a moderate action than Orochi. 

[Bass Rutten]

I owned the Orochi perfect pitch and found it heavy and unbalanced with way too short of a handle. St croix mh rods are tip heavy too, even the higher end rods. I had a 7’ mh legend elite, both have been sold off.

 

I’d go with kistler, especially the helium if your budget allows it, super light and balanced. I use a 7’3” hmh for flipping, casting and swim jigs.

[BigTimeBassin]

expride, 7'2mh or 7'2h

[James Morgen]

THANKS for all the opinions guys. I am going to purchase the Helium by Kistler since I am very satisfied with my KLX Kistler rods (landed 6 with the KLX flipping jigs last night) 

 

Thanks again everyone for your input!