Daiwa Baitcasting Rods vs Edge Baitcasting Rods

[Tackleholic]

I have a lot of rods, mostly from the same mfgr., but I am probably going to make a change.  In general, can I get some comparisons and opinions from those of you who are familiar with one or the other, or both.  I prefer sticking with one brand.  Thankyou to all.  Price is not my guidline.

[PBBrandon]

Never used Edge rods, but I love my Daiwas

[NorthernBasser]

I like Daiwa rods. Really nice stuff. But I like Shimano's line of rods better, personally. From Zodias to Expride to Poison Adrena. Great rods you may wanna check out as well. 

[TNBankFishing]

47 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

I like Daiwa rods. Really nice stuff. But I like Shimano's line of rods better, personally. From Zodias to Expride to Poison Adrena. Great rods you may wanna check out as well. 

I feel like it just comes down to technique. Tossing an unweighted senko under a dock? 852s. Throwing a big hollow body? Steez XH. Chatters? Evergreen shower blows rod. 
 

 

I think the issue with Edge rods for me personally is I don’t have enough data to pull the trigger. Similar to brands like Trika I can’t find enough reviews from people I trust. 
 

Other brands I’d be willing to sample but can’t find enough info on include Witch Doctor, Alpha Angler, Sawgrass, and Doomsday. 

[MeatHead1313]

The only Edge casting rod I've got experience with is the Epitome 725c, and comparing that to the Tatula elite ags and Steez ags rods I've had the Edge beats them out on both sensitivity and weight. The Steez was fairly close in regards to sensitivity, but the Epitome is nearly an ounce lighter, coming in around 2.9oz.   

Downsides with the Edge are it's tip heavy with a Zillion and Steez a on it,  and Edge (in my experience) takes forever to actually ship rods out.  

Both companies make fantastic rods though and I don't think you could go wrong with either one. 

 

[ConnorC]

I have two Edge rods, A Black Widow MBR 705 and a EFX Pro Hybrid 736. I use the 705 for bottom contact for the most part and the 736 for Crankbaits and other moving baits. Imo the 705 is really sensitive and I have no issue missing bites, It does well with heavier baits but will handle light baits fine if it’s calm. I don’t have as much experience with the 736 as I don’t have a ton of confidence in cranks but for what I have used it for it has worked well and been suprisingly sensitive for a composite rod, the zentron tip really loads up nicely and allows you to cast lighter lures a country mile. The shipping does take a while but for the deals they run it’s well worth the wait. 

[Columbia Craw]

NFC Edge is an interesting company. It’s 25 minutes away from me.  The CEO, Alex shared some insight with me a couple years ago during the opening of their first pro shop in Woodland. The primary focus on finished rods and blanks was steelhead and salmon.  They have a huge inshore following. They also have a huge fly fishing and surf casting market overseas.  What caught him with his pants down is the market for bass and walleye.  The production model is at on facility so the various rod productions take turns and the timing of the production cycles we’re competing against each other.  That was the challenge that production had to overcome.  
 

Training new builders was also an issue and was becoming an absolute priority. It was clear to production that wrappers would have to go to two shifts to meet demand.  I saw inventory building by the month. I was able to purchase some rods at the pro shop and ordered some. A 32 day turnaround was the norm, the Epitome 764 S was slow due to supply delays for a specific guide set.  
 

Finally, Alex recognized the demand in bass rods far exceeded projections.  Those skews have to addressed.  I think that transition is moving forward.  The series that I feel has the greatest merits is the EFX Pro MBR.  First Strike is close.  Delta Series is a great bang for the buck, Black and Silver Widow will require some discussion to aid the selection. 
 

The plan is to open another pro shop in Houston Texas.  Anyone interest in an Edge can reach out. I have contacts there. They are developing a grip handle design for the upper tire spinning models that will be a game changer. I’ll try to get some photos.  Finally? Edge runs promotions up to 40 percent off.  November has had them. That’s the time to order.  
 

[Catt]

I have two

Daiwa Tatula® Bass Rods @ $149.99.

TTU711MHXB: 7'1" Medium Heavy X-Fast TTU731MHFB: 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast 

 

These rods fish way above their price point!

[Lead Head]

I don't know much about their finished rods, but when on sale Delta blanks are an amazing bang for your buck. Based on the reaction of a few of my buddies I have let use them, I believe that most fishermen would never guess they are composite. @ConnorC "surprisingly sensitive for a composite" is spot on.

[Rockhopper]

Edge Rods are pretty dang nice.  I have had a couple.  Mr. Gary Loomis is a friend and my dad's next door neighbor.  He gave me a couple to try out and though I did not pay for them, I will say I think they are worth every penny if paying for them.  My one and only gripe, and this is a personal thing, is that I much prefer rods with cork grips over carbon fiber after using both.  But that said, Edge Rods are very light weight, very sensitive, and well worth the money.  I have a 7'6" that is probably the best rod I own.  I love everything about it.

[Dwight Hottle]

I have five Edge rods. EFX Pro Hybrid 766-1C & EFX Pro MBR 766-1C & SWC SWBR 807-1C & Epitome MBR 725-1C & Epitome SJR 764-1S. I use the Pro Hybrid for cranks & treble hook baits. It has a fiberglass tip blended with a graphite blank. The SJR 764 is my smallmouth spinning rod. It covers jerkbaits , tubes, blade baits & jigs, a true all around spinning rod. The SWC SWBR is my swimbait rod & covers 1/2 to 5oz baits. It also doubles as a live bait rod for big wild shiners. The EFX Pro MBR is a very versatile all around rod which fishes single hook baits, treble hook baits & small swim baits. The Epitome MBR 725 I bought to use as a jerk bait rod/vibrating jig rod. These five rods pretty much cover all my largemouth & smallmouth needs & are extremely capable for multi species fishing both fresh & salt water. What impresses me the most about Edge rods are the extreme light weight blanks coupled with super sensitivity & blank strength/durability. Both @Rockhopper & @Columbia Craw & @ConnorC comments are spot on.