Daiwa Steez Utility Player vs Bottom Contact Rod

[Junk Fisherman]

So I've gotten the new rod itch and have been thinking about upgrading my casting rod arsenal.  Currently, my best casting rod is an 843 GLX (not the 2024 model) that I use for pitching plastics and 1/4 to 1/2 oz jigs.  So I am considering either the Steez Utility Player (7.3 MH) or the Steez Bottom Contact Rod (7.5 MH).  Does anyone have either of these rods and if so how do you like it?  What applications do you use the rod for?  Is there another high end rod you can compare it to?  Thanks for any info.  

[LonnieP]

I have no experience with those 2 rods, but I do have the Steez 7’2 H Power Pitch. I use it for pitching 1/4 to 1/2 oz jigs. It is my favorite rod, light and sensitive.  It’ll handle t-rigs down to 1/4 ounce as well.

[woolleyfooley]

I was talking to someone about the bottom contact 2 and it’s supposed to be great for throwing jigs from 1/4-3/4oz. That rod is actually a medium heavy/heavy. If you plan on throwing jigs/Texas rigs in the 1/2-3/4oz range I would think this would be a great choice. I have no experience with it though, so please don’t make a decision based on my opinion alone.
 

My one hesitation was that apparently the bottom contact 2 isn’t up to pulling fish from heavy cover. I was/am looking for a rod to replace my Dobyn’s champion extreme 745 and was recommended the power pitch instead. 

[softwateronly]

I love the 7'2H power pitch, such a great heavy cover jig rod and overall bottom contact, that also has the tip for big spinnerbaits and spoons.  Since @Junk Fisherman is used to a 3 power loomis, I would say the power pitch is more like a 4 power and think he's looking at the right two Steez options.  My other Steez is the 7' M/MH Sensor and would fish too light with a 1/2oz jig in cover.  Open water, I'm willing to go up to a 1/2oz, but in general 3/8oz is the sweet spot.

 

Ben at the hookup tackle is a big fan of the Utility Player.  

 

 

 

scott

[Junk Fisherman]

3 hours ago, softwateronly said:

I love the 7'2H power pitch, such a great heavy cover jig rod and overall bottom contact, that also has the tip for big spinnerbaits and spoons.  Since @Junk Fisherman is used to a 3 power loomis, I would say the power pitch is more like a 4 power and think he's looking at the right two Steez options.  My other Steez is the 7' M/MH Sensor and would fish too light with a 1/2oz jig in cover.  Open water, I'm willing to go up to a 1/2oz, but in general 3/8oz is the sweet spot.

 

Ben at the hookup tackle is a big fan of the Utility Player.  

 

 

 

scott

 

Thanks Scott for the reply.  I just realized that Daiwa is going to be at the Schaumberg Fishing Show in a couple weeks.  Hopefully, I can get to feel these rods and add some questions before ordering.  I do like the Hook Up videos.  This guys's video is pretty good too.  

 

On 12/31/2024 at 4:25 PM, woolleyfooley said:

I was/am looking for a rod to replace my Dobyn’s champion extreme 745 and was recommended the power pitch instead. 

As someone who has a lot of Dobyns rods, Steez's sensitivity is on another level compared to Champion HPs and definitely XPs.  My Steez spinning  761 is a much lighter, sensitive rod compared to my 741 and 742 Dobyns Champ HPs.  I've been slowly replacing my Dobyn rods over the last couple years.