BPS JohnnyMorris Rods on sale/recoil guides good?

[jeguy6]

Bass Pro currently has thier Johnny Morris Elite Series on sale for $129.99, and thier Johnny Morris Signature Series on sale for $119.88.  And free shipping for the next few days on orders over $99 (excluding the $6 extra shipping fee).

Has anyone had any experiences with either of these rods?  I own 2 of the BPS proqualifiers and 2 of the BPS Pro Finesse rods, and love them.  I would imagine that I'll like these as well, but just want to get some quick opinions..  I personally love the "powerhump" handles, so that's a plus.  And the elite series has the Recoil nickel-titanium alloy guides.  Anyone have experience with this kind of guide?  It doesn't look as good to me as the regular eyes, but it's supposed to be better.

All responses appreciated.  I need to but 3 more rods, if my budget allows it.  I'm seriously considering one of these...

[dodgeguy]

i have a johnny morris signature series.it's an unbelievable rod inho.i'm hoping to get a elite series for xmas.loomis makes a rod with the recoil guides.from what i've heard they sound terrible with braid and can groove.i've stopped using braid so this won't be an issue.they are lighter and are supposed to increase rod sensitivity.i've never fished a rod that had them but others i know have and they like them.tackle tour did a review of the loomis with them and they liked them.

[Tokyo Tony]

I thought those recoil guides were better for braid, and that they don't ever groove?  

They look really cool, and I'm interested in any info people have on them, if the difference is noticeable or not.

[dodgeguy]

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/DRinVA/recoil2.jpg

this is from another thread.if i was using braid i would get the signature series with sic guides.there is no harder guide availble than sic.

[dbass]

The key selling factor of the recoil guide is that they are made from a shape memory material. When/if you step on them they rebound, as stated though they can be noisy when fighting fish hooked on braided lines (they sing). There have been a big threads with photo proof on the rodbuilding forums about the grooving that can happen from braided line.  

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!!  

[Wayne P.]

Recoil guides are made of the same metal that the Terminator T-1 spinnerbait wire is. NO THANKS

[Micro]

I have a JM Elite with Recoil guides - 7' MH/F.   The rod is the most sensitive I own.  I haven't caught a lot of fish with it, or fished with it as much as some of my others, but so far I am very impressed with it.  My intent is to use if exclusively for weighted plastics, like shakey-heads.  I have my Revo STX on it with 12# Yo-Zuri hybrid line.  I won't use braid with it.   The guides are fine - no issues yet.  I'm not sure they save any significant weight over conventional guides.  But the rod is super sensitive and the manufacturer claims the guides have something to do with that.

[luckyinkentucky]

I've fished the Elite series rod since this past Spring.  I love them, and they are more sensitive than the G-Loomis or St. Croix rods I own. Anything Johnny Morris puts his name on will be a winner.  

[dodgeguy]

I've fished the Elite series rod since this past Spring. I love them, and they are more sensitive than the G-Loomis or St. Croix rods I own. Anything Johnny Morris puts his name on will be a winner.

that's gonna start a big debate!!!roflmao!!! ;D

[luckyinkentucky]

The guys that are going to debate it don't own Johnny Morris Elite rods.   ;D  Only people who own them can comment.   ;D

[FishTank]

that's gonna start a big debate!!!roflmao!!!

Dodgeguy might have got it right....

I own a JM Sig. series 7' casting rod and it is a nice rod but is no where close to a Loomis IMX or a St. Croix LT or LE. I would put it some where between the St. Croix Avid and the Premier.

With that said there are some great things about this rod that I like....

1) Fantastic Guides and Reel Seat

2) It casts a 3/8 oz crankbait a country mile.

3) It is a light rod

On the downside....

1) Not very sensitive compared to the other rods I fish.

2) The tip is way too soft. That is why I use it for crankbaits

3) I have had two guides come out of the wraps. This was easyly fixed but just annoying.

As far as the Recoil Guides go, I have a Loomis that has them and I have had no issues with them when comes to braid (other than the noise they make). I am not sure why, but the photo that keeps popping up does not look like the Recoil guides I have or any that I have seen on line or on other rods.

[dodgeguy]

maybe the photos are bogus or the guides are bogus.

[Tokyo Tony]

Good to know about the grooving - I guess I won't be getting those

[jeguy6]

I've lived a sheltered life this far when it comes to bass fishing.  I've fished saltwater and offshore for 25+ years, but just started bas fishing about 3 years ago.  The only rods that I have fished are BPS rods, with the exception of a Berkley Lightning rod that I have a spinning reel on.  I bought my first rod as a combo from Bass Pro ( a bionic blade with a Abu garcia D5) mainly due to the savings offered y purchasing the combo.  I had good experience with it, and eventually pruchased a couple of BPS Pro Qualifier rods and later purchased a couple of the BPS Pro Finesse rods.  I've been pleased with all of them, my favorite being the Pro Finesse.  I would expect that the Johnny Morris Elite rod will be better than any of my currrent rods, but I've never fished with one, nor have I ever fished with a GLoomis, etc...  

I'm looking to get the best bang for my buck, and it seems like acquiring one for $130 may be best.  Dodeguy compared the Sig Series to be between the St. Croix Avid and the Premier.  This being the Elite series, it might be more sensative than the Sig Series, I don't know...  I haven't prices the St Croixs yet.  Guess I'll check them out as well before I make a purchase.  Any other suggestions for comparible quality and value?  I'm on a limited budget.  Have a wife, 2kids, and THIRD on the way!  And YES, I have figured out what causes that! :

Thanks everone for responding.    

[A_Glenn_2]

ya ive been sweating the elite now for a few weeks now that its on sale makes me want it more then ever. I just picked up a johnny morris baitcaster havent even used it yet...except out in the yard, it would be nice to match the rod and reel together

[dodgeguy]

"Dodeguy compared the Sig Series to be between the St. Croix Avid and the Premier"

only in price.imho i put it against any rod made in quality.

[jeguy6]

Sorry!  I just realized that it was Fish Tank that made the comparison to be between and Avid and Primier.  Anyway, I'm probably going to order me one.  

[dodgeguy]

if you break one and bring it back they replace them free at the stores even out of warranty.

[FishTank]

Thanks,  Dodgeguy.  I have had this rod for over a year.  I new they had a generous return policy but hopefully I can exchange it for another one so I don't have to mess with the guides coming out again.

[jeguy6]

I've had a BPS rod replaced at one of the stores with no questions asked.  But It was only like 8 months after the purchase.  Most all of my current BPS purchases are online.  The closet store to me right now is 3 hours away.  The good news is that there is one under construction about 40 minutes from me.  Can't wait until they get it open..  

[Micro]

maybe the photos are bogus or the guides are bogus.

I know it's hard to look at photos without some background.   Here is the link to the thread about those guides.  (Mods delete if you wish).  I hesitated to link to the TT site.

http://www.tackletour.net/T3Forum/viewtopic.php?t=24005