which elite tech dropshot rod?

[fishindad]

I am looking to upgrade my dropshot rod from the 6'8" Crucial MXF to possibly one of the Fenwick Elite Tech rods. Common sense dictates my going with the 6'7" M version instead of the 6'10" ML version but I have no place locally to feel the action of either Fenwick rod. And I do want a bit longer rod than what I now use. Does anyone have any experience with either or both of these ET rods? What can you tell me - good and bad? Or do I get the Loomis M dropshot rod? I have felt the DSR820 and it is too light and whippy for my fishing style. Since these rods are all in the same price range it is a tough decision and I would appreciate any comments and advice.

[ww2farmer]

A Crucial to an Elite Tech is not an upgrade, just a lateral move. Unless you hate money, I'd stay with the Crucial.

[fishindad]

farmer,

Have you fished with the Fenwicks? Side-by-side with the Crucials?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Crucial. But I did accidentally break one in two last Summer, down towards the handle and was very surprised at the "flimsy-ness" or lack of thickness to the graphite shaft. I've got Loomis and Falcon rods and there is a reason the Crucials are priced as such. Good Fuji components but still an import blank (and I'm from Japan!). I'm guessing the ET's are made in China also?

I'm mostly wanting a bit longer rod, but not as long as the 7'2" Crucial. And one that doesn't have such a noticeable "hinge" feel fighting a smallie. More parabolic. Maybe I need to look closer at the DSR rods?

Mainly I am looking to try out a new DS stick this year but would like to have some first-hand words from folks who have fished the Elite Tech rods. My bud's got the Croix 6'9" MLXF and that did not feel as nice as the Crucial, to me.

Thanks

[islandbass]

I have drop shotted with rods as short as 6'6" through to 7'. My current rod dedicated to drop shotting is 7'. If you need the line control, 7' is not too shabby. I know of one Lamiglas rod that is a 6'3" finesse rod. I imagine it would handle like a light saber and it is a sweet rod to boot.

I can't comment on the Elite Tech, but as already mentioned, it probably couldn't be worse than the Crucial.

I am curious as to why it is common sense that a drop shot rod needs to have a medium power. Is it the cover you face or do you plan to fish deeper waters? I ask this only because my DS rod is a ML power and I can't describe how flawlessly it has performed. 8-) Those Elite techs look decent too.

[ww2farmer]

farmer,

Have you fished with the Fenwicks? Side-by-side with the Crucials?

Yes...........I don't talk out my backside. My opinion is stated above.

[detroit1]

I'm kinda curious as to how you broke a dropshot rod!

[blackrain]

islandbass, yes, the LSC river channels hold many deepwater smallies which I have not yet targeted but plan to. As you point out, I do need 2 rods, on ML and one M. Most of my dropshotting is in water less than 20 feet though. I am asking about the Fenwicks because I have an older Techna AV which is awesome (head and shoulders above a Crucial, IMO) and there are no local dealers with the Elite Techs for me to feel before pulling the trigger.

farmer, wasn't trying to ruffle your feathers, was just hoping that you would give more clarification if in fact you fished the Fenwick. Maybe my stating it would be an 'upgrade' was the improper wording. I have a hard time believing those rods (or any 2 rods) feel and fish identically so I suppose I will just have to buy one for myself and try it out.

detroit1: my boat (Alumacraft) has cleats that sit up on the gunnels and while landing a bass I unknowingly nudged the rod under the cleat. When I went to pick up the rod, not knowing it was wedged in there, snap went the rod. I'm not on the 'juice' which is why I was somewhat shocked at how "cheap" the blank looked way down near the butt end. No problem exchanging for a new one at Cabela's though. That's one of the rod's strong points I guess.

[detroit1]

Thanks blackrain for the reply. I guess it sux no matter how a rod gets broken. Those darn cleats will probabally get me someday...

[islandbass]

BR,

Thanks! I appreciate the clarification. I normally don't fish depths greater than 20' and I wanted to confirm that the choice for Medium power was related to fishing greater depths. It seems to make sense.  8-)