uicdent11 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 It seems like all companies, except G Loomis, have moved at least a couple of their models to split-grip only. It also seems that rod companies put split-grips on their mid-high end models as well. For those that do not care for split grips on their rods, what rods have you found that suit your needs? I had three rods with split grips that I just couldn't get used to throwing two hand casts with that now find themselves in rod tubes on their way to new owners. I am looking at options for future purchases. I like to keep my rods to one or two companies, but I can't find a company with a mid-level rod w/ full cork that covers most applications. Between split-grips and the newer ACS reels, I may never find a rod I like. Quote
Quitlimpin Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 They're not the top end by any means, but I'll never get rid of my Falcon Lowriders. Quote
Super User Catt Posted July 22, 2009 Super User Posted July 22, 2009 All Star: Classic or Team All Star American Rodsmith: Champion Series or Team Series Berkley: Series One CastAway: CTX or SLX 3 Daiwa: Tierra or S-Casting Falcon: Original series or LowRider XG Fenwick: HMG Quantum: Energy PT Shimano: Compre St. Croix: Mojo Bass or Premier Quote
Super User dodgeguy Posted July 22, 2009 Super User Posted July 22, 2009 johnny morris signature series rods.imho they are as good as any rod made.they also have titanium frame fuji sic guides which are the best guides made.they also have the best reel seats. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted July 22, 2009 Super User Posted July 22, 2009 St Croix Avid Series Specifically: AVC68MXF: All-around or dedicated soft plastics and jigs AVC66MF: All treble hooks, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits AVS70MF: Weightless soft plastics, drop shot and live bait 8-) Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I was like you. I couldn't get used to a split grip when casting. I use G Loomis and Cabelas XML rods and am very pleased with both. Quote
esoxangler Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I too like the full cork rods so I primarily stick to the St. Croix Avid and G.Loomis rods. Quote
The Yankee Fist Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 Another full cork guy here...G Loomis Bronzeback GLX Spin, IMX 781 UL and soon to be a GLX 844C or a BCR854 GLX( currently limping along with an old Berkely Hank Parker Carolina rig rod until i decide). These are my main go to rods. I take them all out when I go. Cork is just great in all weather, nice feel and wears well. I do have an older Falcon F-3-16 6' ML crankbait/jerkbait rod that is all cork and that I like too. That would now be part of the original series which I think are a great value. Quote
DINK WHISPERER Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I love and prefer split grips but i also like full cork. Falcon Cara T7 Team All Star Shimano Crucial Loomis MoosyBack Quote
adclem Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I really like the Avids and some of the Falcon Cara T7s are also full cork. But you don't like the new ACS reel seat. The Falcon Low Riders and Originals are also very nice. I thought for sure I would not like the slight hump in the handle on the Avids, but it is a lot more comfortable and enjoyable then the Power Hump from BPS. Later, Quote
Bronzefly Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I'm also a full cork fan. Loomis are my go to rods. I wouldn't mind the loss of the foregrip, but I'd rather them stay like they are before going to the split rear grips... I have some split grip rods and they're fine, I just prefer the full cork. Also I DO NOT like the new ACS reel seat AT ALL! Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 The Cabelas XML and XMLTi both have full cork grip models that are very nice. They get my vote Quote
ArcticCat500 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 You can always have one or two custom made exactly the way you like it, GBlanks Customs will be more then happy to help you out, theres several guys in here that own them and love them. http://www.imaginationbassin.com/gblankscontact.htm Quote
DINK WHISPERER Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 You can always have one or two custom made exactly the way you like it, GBlanks Customs will be more then happy to help you out, theres several guys in here that own them and love them.http://www.imaginationbassin.com/gblankscontact.htm Tell the truth ArcticCat500, you work for GBlanks don't ya!?! LOL Quote
ArcticCat500 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 lol, I certinally wish I did, I know I push thier rods alot, no more then guys pushing Loomis, Kistler, Shimano, you get the picture, but I DO NOT gain any royalties from it. I own Loomis n STC's as well and fished with some other higher end rods, but I do like the Rainshadow blanks alot, and GBlanks puts togather a nice rod. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted July 22, 2009 Super User Posted July 22, 2009 The front grip doesn't matter to me too much. I definitely like a full rear grip on cranking rods. My favorite two full cork grip rods would be St. Croix Avid AVC70MM and AVC70MHM. One thing I do not like is the EVA foam butt on my Kistlers and LTBs. They catch my long sleeve Columbia fishing shirts. I'll be swapping them out soon for rubberized cork, like is on the Avids. Speaking of the butts, I've rounded off all four of my Avids' butts - no more slipping when they leaned up against the wall or something. Quote
Bassaholic84 Posted July 22, 2009 Posted July 22, 2009 I would say G loomis but thats not Mid price point so id say the AVIDS. I personally like the split grips. I think they make the rod lighter and feels more comfortable when i am reeling. I can see what you mean about casting with them. But man they are sexy. I still cant believe Loomis hasnt come out with one yet. You know they would sell tons of them if they did. Quote
Super User KYntucky Warmouth Posted July 23, 2009 Super User Posted July 23, 2009 St. Croix Avid, BPS rods(Pro Qualifier, Extreme), and I have a Castaway Big Show Flipping Stick that is pretty nice Quote
uicdent11 Posted July 23, 2009 Author Posted July 23, 2009 Good suggestions guys. It seems that I have found some rods I really like in the Loomis line. I sold the Dobyns split grip, but I see that all their 7'3 rods come with full cork which may be an option when I need to add some rods. I have pondered the idea of having some custom rods made on the Legend Elite blank in the future, but that won't be for a few years. Thanks for all the suggestions. Quote
Bassoholics Anonymous Posted July 24, 2009 Posted July 24, 2009 I highly prefer full cork handles. Loomis, St. Croix Avid, and (older?) Crucials are nice. Quote
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