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Posts: 21
| I am looking to put together a couple of rod reel combinations to upgrade what I currently have. It appears the wife is coming through with a Shimano Tranx 500 Hg as a xmas gift. How do I know....she asked me. So now I am considering a couple of Chaos rods as I see them being used by many of the guys posting videos on Youtube. I am thinking of either a 9 or 9-6 Swat and a 9' Shock and Awe with the Revolution seat. Question is do I go with the original Assault Stick or the upgraded 20/20 rods? Take into the account that I typically only go fishing for one or two weeks a year. Too many hobbies to find the time to be on the water as often as many of you.
Is there enough of a performance difference to justify the price differences between the two models for an occasional fisherman. Rods and reels dont catch you fish but they can help you hook one and bring it in. Thanks in advance. |
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Posts: 1415
Location: Brighton CO. | I have a high end Throne Brothers with I love but I also have a Cabela's rod I got in the bargain Cave for 35 bucks (it was priced 60 something but I had credit cards points to get the price down) but I love it too. Even so called budget rods can be good compared to the rods of yesteryear. Go somewhere in person and hold the rod, have a store creak put on the same reel your going to use. |
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Posts: 393
| There are a lot of good rods out there and the differences of the super high-end rods can be marginal. For someone who only fishes 1-2 weeks a year you may not see the value of high-end rods. Having said that the major advantage I have found with high-end rods is that they are usually much lighter without sacrificing performance. Since you are matching a Tranx 500 (heavier reel) you might appreciate a lighter high-end rod. |
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Posts: 21
| Currently I have a Tooth Tamer XXXH Jaw Breaker in a 8' length and also a 8' Medium Heavy Fast Action Mojo Muskie for the spring and early summer small stuff. Would like to round out the rods with a Swat and a Shock and Awe. One would get the Tranx and the other the Calcutta 400B. |
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Posts: 530
Location: NW WI | I'm happy with my SWAT. Other than the telescoping function lasted less than a year. No biggie, just stays extended now. Chaos sponsors so that's why your seeing them. I'd normally advise to save your money and go cheaper but it doesn't sound like money is an issue. So I'd say go for it if that's what you've been eyeing up. Another similar option is the Musky Innovations Bulldawg rods you may want to look at. Not sure if any musky shows come around your location but that's a perfect time for you to hit booths and handle multiple rods to compare with. |
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Posts: 21
| Did you get the SWAT in a 20/20 or the Original Assault Stick? |
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Posts: 530
Location: NW WI | 20/20 |
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Posts: 1722
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | the new St. Croix rods with the grasp seat would get my vote. Cust Service with the new owner of chaos tackle is not the same as when Rick owned. |
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Posts: 21
| I have been in contact with Chaos over the past week and they seem to respond to emails within a couple of hours (not days). I will be going to the Muskie Expo in Chicago or Milwaukee so I will be able to see what's out there. My yearly fishing trip takes me within a 30 min drive of Park Falls, WI so stopping into the St Croix factory (and outlet store) is typically on the to-do list. I see the new Tranxs showed up yesterday. Does anyone know if any vendors show up with line and a machine to install braid at these shows? I've never looked for that specifically in the past.
Keep the suggestions coming. Much appreciated |
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Posts: 46
Location: Mississippi | I have the Shock and Awe in the 9' Assault stick, and is very nice rod for rubber baits, beavers, and bigger blades, and weighs 27ozs with Tranx 400. Rest of my rods are St Croix Legend & Elite rods, that I throw these about 90% of the time, and weigh from 20ozs - 24ozs with Tranx 300-400, Being 58 years old, a few ounces lighter is a big game changer for me when throwing all day. You cannot go wrong with the Shock and Awe, I have started throwing more with the Beaver's. Best of Luck! |
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Posts: 21
| Thanks for the recommendations keep them coming. |
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Posts: 21
| So after watching some videos from Angling Anarchy and Todays Angler along with the responses here Im thinking I will go with the following order;
9' Shock and Awe with the Revolution handle too work Regular size Medusas, #10 Cowgirls, Regular Bulldogs using a Tranx 400A and add a power handle.
9'-6" Swat for pretty much all my smaller to mid size lures with a Tranx 400ahg. I can swap this reel onto the 8' Mojo Muskie for small lures in spring.
8' Assault Stick Trolling/Live Bait rod for trolling with planer board and bigger deeper running baits. Sucker rod in Fall.
8' Heavy Shimano TDR for trolling shallow cranks.
8' Tooth Tamer XXXH Jawbreaker that I have not sure what this is best for but Im thinking if I go to magnum size rubber?
So what do you think about my plan. |
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