|
|
Posts: 7
| I am in the market for a new musky rod before fishing season begins. This will primarily be for bucktails and for medium to magnum sized swimbaits. Quality of the rod and customer service is the primary consideration. Here are the ones I have looked at so far - please add more if I have overlooked one. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Best at what?
Value?
Performance?
Lightest?
Most durable?
Best feel?
There is no one "best" rod. Some are good at something,but lack in other areas. Best way it to try them out in your very own hands to see what best for you
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 242
| I am the lone vote for G Loomis (so far), because they make just great rods that are lightweight and really perform well (this is using the assumption cost is not considered in the term "best"). Though, for the greatest value (i.e., best in performance and comfort vs. what you pay), I would have to say Tackle Industries. I am really impressed with their rods and since having kids, my days of being able to spend $350 on a rod are over, so any future rod I will (and have) purchase are TI's. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 752
| Not sure if Predator needs to be on the list or should be part of St Croix. They are a propriatary St Croix Blank made for Thorne Brothers. Best out there IMHO but they are a St Croix product... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 93
| Yes I know that,but my Predator says Predator on it.I don't know what yours says on it???? Do you think that the other rods listed make their own blanks???Doubt it |
|
| |
|
Posts: 84
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL | Make their own blanks? Not many do. There is also a company on the list that gets their blanks directly from a company that does make their own blanks and it's USA made. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 752
| The high end manufacturers (St Croix /Loomis) manufacture the majority if not all of there own blanks as do many of the High vollume sellers (Shimano / Fenwick). The low end stuff (use your won judgment here I am not starting a war) are mostly outsourced I would imagine. For the record My 6 preds dont say antyhing other than my name....I have Lonnie paint them that way... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 93
| So then you don't have 6 Predators?,you have 6 St. Croix's!  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 752
| Exactly! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 270
Location: brooklyn park mn | Ti rods without a doubt across the board for me. Got rid of my predator and like my st croix avid custom rod but end up picking up the tackle industries rods more often. Lots of good brands out there but hard to beat ti rods imo |
|
| |
|
| Even if I removed the price tags I would pick the TI rods. Put the price tags back on and I would be happy because I could buy 3 TI rods for the price of one premium rod. Going to the Michigan show today to do just that. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | so your saying you would rather have a ti than a predator or a tournament legend if the prices were the same??? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 489
| I agree steve.most comfortable rod to fish with out there |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2089
| There is not a "best" rod, just as there isn't a best reel, bait, boat, net etc.. Several factors have to be considered, including PRICE POINT, construction, components, service and of course technique. I could throw a 4" Softtail Phantom with a 9' rod, but it's not the best tool for the job. There are reasons that one rod costs $100 and the other $300. Tooling, construction and components are the 1st things that come to mind. That being said, I've used some less expensive rods that I thought were great....for the price/technique etc.. Not all rods are constructed equal, period. One example I can use is "kit cars". That car looks just like a Lambo or Ferari etc., but underneath the "shell", it's a Datsun 300. The Beneli SBE and the Remington 870 are both shotguns.....which is better? Why? Just another example. Bottom line....buy the best tool you can afford and one that will help you enjoy the outdoor experience. Rods aren't status symbols, they're tools. My preference....Production-St. Croix, hands down......Custom-Frank's Custom Rods.(typically built on St.Croix blanks). Let the debate continue...hahahaha. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 7037
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | I'm with the big dumb animal (Jonesi) on this one: too many factors to consider. Alot of these things have to do more with price point, personal preference, and application.
Honestly, if you think a $120 production rod is a better overall rod than a $500 custom made to order....(price point)
I really like the feel and weight of the GLoomis line, but the handles are too short for how I like my rods (personal preference)
I have a 7'6" H Lamiglas that just rocks for gliders and twitch baits, but would be a killer chucking double 10s all day (application).
But if you had to ask me the "overall best musky rod"....its an 8'5" H Franks Custom Rod with a 17" handle, extra guides, made from a Diamondback blank. Made to order and you'll have to wait til I die to get it from me... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 84
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL | And another issue to consider is that you would have to have fished with every single rod to know which one is best. You can't really compare rods when you haven't fished with every single one of them for every type of application. That being said it really is a personal choice. Most people have a pretty good idea of which manufacturers provide quality product. So from that point you must decide whether you like the idea of a custom rod or a production rod, how much you really want to spend and how it feels in your hands. And prestige can come into it as well. Everyone likes to own the "IT" rod, but if you go with quality (no matter who makes it) you won't ever have regrets about your purchase. And don't forget about customer service. Good customer service can go a very long way. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 242
| I have Mike's rod and I do really like it, but there are two reasons why I don't fish it that often. First, I wish the rear handle was a little longer. I do understand wanting a little shorter handle for Figure 8's, but I think a slightly longer handle would make casting Pounders (which is what I use it for when I use it) all day a little more comfortable. Second, I really have a problem with transporting 1 piece 9' rods. Granted, my second issue is not an on-the-water performance problem, but when packing my car, I tend to grab my telescopic 9 footers over Mike's rod just for convenience. Mike's rods do have a very unique action, which allows the rod to load up and handle a wide variety of baits (though, they do not cast 2-Pounder all that well, but no rod really does for that matter). As far as weight goes, they are light weight, but not the lightest weight rods on the market (St. Croix and G Loomis seems to have that title in my experience). Overall, if one doesn't have a problem transporting an 1 piece 9' foot rod and plans on using Mikes rod for a bunch of other baits besides real heavy plastic, then they are really a good buy (especially for $100). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 242
| SteveHulbert - 2/17/2012 12:14 PM
You're right....there is no BEST rod for every possible lure and every possible retrieve.
But if I only had one rod to fish with, I'd put a LJV on Mike's rod. It's just my opinion....but you can throw a small bucktail to a 1+ pound chunk of rubber with the same rod....you pretty much got everything covered. That covers about 99% of fishing you can do.
I would agree with you there (plus those LJV's are as close to perfect as a Muskie Reel can get) |
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | oh boy here we go again....can 1 rod throw little bucktails to pounders, sure but imho you are much better off to suit your rods/reels to the baits it will throw most of the time...better to have 4-8 combo's specifically for certain types or categories of lures than just 1 imo....Hard to beat St Croix rods/blanks on the higher end, but if you picked just one .... many of my friends own and love Tackle Industry rods and he backs them up, great overall rods at a good price..... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i love my original diamondback 8'6" (wish it was 9') made by Keith at Professional Edge ...
wish i could get another one built on a 9'2 blank ...
|
|
| |
|
| my favorite all-purpose rod is an 8' Shimano Calcutta Inshore with the handle extended. it does just about everything well, it's very lightweight, and carries a lifetime warranty. but they were pricey and they've been discontinued. now i use Black River Rods, the 8'6" XH works awesome. plenty of power but still has a forgiving tip, good components, and they're made by good people. http://blackriverrods.com/ i carry a whole lineup for different applications because certain powers/actions just plain work better for certain uses. but if i had to reach for just 1, it'd be that 8'6" Black River. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | What's the margine of error in this pole (yes, pun intended, and no, I'm not that smart by some standards). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 980
| ....yeah give me some money too
haha ANYWAYS... ill give 4 votes....1 for thorne bros predator, 1 for st croix LT, 1 for TI and 1 for Migizi...allllll depends on what you can afford, what specs you like, etc. if you like custom and american made- thorne bros or one of vince's rods. if you like high end production- st croix LT. if you cant afford one of the above or would rather use extra funds for more gear and still want a great product then a TI cant be beat...
steve I know nothing about you (other than the personal information youve openly shared and that people logging in under guest names and decided to bring into a question about rods) or your brother but youre doing him a biiiig disservice with this type of "advertising" |
|
| |
|
| I find any poll like this, regardless of product, to be kind of funny. As if you don’t use multiple products how can you intelligently claim one is the best, or better than another? It’s like bows and bowhunting. Usually what you own is what you think is best until you buy the next brand, and then that becomes best. I loved St. Croix when I first got into the game, but that was all I had. Then I got another brand and loved that. Each brand I got I thought was better than the previous. I currently sit at one of the brands listed above with barely any votes and love them. Can I say they are better than St. Croix or any of the others I have used in the past? No I cannot as I don’t own any of their current rods.
When looking for what is the best out there I think you are better off asking for the pros/cons of a product, and ask for how a person uses their rods. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2089
| And HOW OFTEN a person uses the rods. How can one say a rod is the "best" without even using it for a season. Because it cost a lot? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| lambeau - 2/17/2012 3:01 PM
my favorite all-purpose rod is an 8' Shimano Calcutta Inshore with the handle extended. it does just about everything well, it's very lightweight, and carries a lifetime warranty.
Completely agreed. Best combination of finesse and power I've ever used. I may literally cry when mine dies on me since they don't make them anymore... And I'm soon to be stuck with an awful decision: Re-tie the guides (they're getting loose) and void the warranty, or give it up for the vastly inferior Teramar (they actually give you 2) which they're using to replace them on warranty.. Hmmm... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 78
| Over the years I've used several different rods. From low end Gander Mtn. rods to high end St. Croix rods. My take is get the rod you can afford & get out there & use it. The longer your in the game,the more you come to love it & appreciate what we have. Don |
|
| |
|
Posts: 147
Location: Chesterton, Indiana | I will stick with my St. Croix Rods. I use them for all kinds of fishing whether it be for Musky or with my river rods for steelhead. Never had a problem with a rod yet. To each his own. If everyone liked the same things there would be no reason to go to fishing shows and play with the new stuff each year. |
|
| |
|
| DBJr - 2/17/2012 7:52 PM
Over the years I've used several different rods. From low end Gander Mtn. rods to high end St. Croix rods. My take is get the rod you can afford & get out there & use it. The longer your in the game,the more you come to love it & appreciate what we have. Don
Well said. I agree 100% |
|
| |
|
| This is a great poll. Pretty eye opening for me...anybody else take note that the #2 is like 1/3 the price of the #1? Looks like I need to take another look...impressive. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 242
| longNtoothy - 2/18/2012 7:01 PM
This is a great poll. Pretty eye opening for me...anybody else take note that the #2 is like 1/3 the price of the #1? Looks like I need to take another look...impressive.
Yeah, you can get three TI rods of different lengths and powers (to cover most lures used in musky fishing) for the price of 1 St. Croix Legend Tournament (or G Loomis, though, as I mentioned before, I am a big G Loomis fan as well). |
|
| |
|
| Just picked up 3 TI rods at the Michigan show. Got to hold other top brands at the show and regaurless of price the TI rods felt nicer, looked nicer and overall were my pick! As above, I got three for the price of one premium brands. Very nice rods. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 295
| longNtoothy - 2/18/2012 8:01 PM
This is a great poll. Pretty eye opening for me...anybody else take note that the #2 is like 1/3 the price of the #1? Looks like I need to take another look...impressive.
You're right..... if Price Point wasn't a factor it would be a landslide. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 537
Location: Gilberts IL/Rhinelander WI | Interesting, but how many of the votes are from people who have used both of the leading rods in this poll? Or even held both? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 265
Location: Manitowish Waters WI | I guess I'm a little surprised by this thread. I have fished multiple brands of rods and have no real allegiance toward any particular brand. I own and love my St. Croix and TI rods but when I had to pack one for my flyout last year to Canada it was my fenwick elite tech big bait. I guess I'm surprised not many people feel the same I do about it. It is the best all around rod I have in my arsenal. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | esox1980 - 2/20/2012 7:50 AM
I guess I'm a little surprised by this thread. I have fished multiple brands of rods and have no real allegiance toward any particular brand. I own and love my St. Croix and TI rods but when I had to pack one for my flyout last year to Canada it was my fenwick elite tech big bait. I guess I'm surprised not many people feel the same I do about it. It is the best all around rod I have in my arsenal.
the 8'6 or the 8'? i love my 8'6 she deserves a tranx powergear put on. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 663
| Lucky Craft Man - 2/13/2012 2:09 PM
I am the lone vote for G Loomis (so far), because they make just great rods that are lightweight and really perform well (this is using the assumption cost is not considered in the term "best"). Though, for the greatest value (i.e., best in performance and comfort vs. what you pay), I would have to say Tackle Industries. I am really impressed with their rods and since having kids, my days of being able to spend $350 on a rod are over, so any future rod I will (and have) purchase are TI's.
Loomis makes a decent rod but they currently do not have a musky series. They seem to be consistently behind the times as to what the musky market is looking for. I've had them in the past and although Loomis is a great company and highly regarded in bass rods and others, they just never seem to be ahead of the curve for musky stuff. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 663
| When you consider price keep in mind what the manufacturing cost is. A company that builds the rod from ground up (machining the mandrels for the blank, wrapping the blank from the graphite fiber, etc.) is going to cost a lot more than a rod that is assembled from materials obtained from other sources. This is most often seen in the case of companies like St. Croix, Loomis (when they have musky rods), and Lamiglas for example vs. blanks and even complete rods constructed in Asia and imported for US distribution. Labor costs alone here in the US are a factor. When you get into builders who are making a rod from a St. Croix or Loomis blank your price is usually going to be competitive if not higher than a production rod from one of those companies and in most cases we refer to those as "custom" rods. Now I'm all for people getting a good deal and getting what they can afford but I for one am pretty serious about my equipment and I appreciate the fact that the guys who design and build the rods I use are musky fishermen themselves and not just a manufacturer who is trying to copy something in a sweatshop factory on the other side of the globe. My vote: St. Croix. If you still want a rod that's priced in a similar range to the Asian rods you can take advantage of the lower labor rates that reflect in the pricing of the Mojo series. Still a St. Croix plant with rods designed in Wisconsin but built in their own factory with their own workers and quality control. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 322
| I am confused as to why this is even a topic. St Croix no questions asked! The most research and quality control standards verses any other rod. Price doesn’t matter if you want the best you buy a Cadillac not a Buick. No offense to TI but come on the only edge those rods have vs a st croix is the price! Weight, rod diameter, performance, Country of Origin “USA” every aspect is better. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 322
| PSYS - 2/20/2012 8:10 PM
muskymandan - 2/20/2012 7:02 PM I am confused as to why this is even a topic. St Croix no questions asked! The most research and quality control standards verses any other rod. Price doesn’t matter if you want the best you buy a Cadillac not a Buick. No offense to TI but come on the only edge those rods have vs a st croix is the price! Weight, rod diameter, performance, Country of Origin “USA” every aspect is better. No disrespect to the St. Croix guys, but with this kind of logic - why isn't every driver licensed in this country behind the wheel of a Cadillac? ...price. If you've got the dollars to throw around and money is no object and your friends call you Daddy Warbux, then definitely buy a super-duper St. Croix Legend Tournament Dolla-Dolla-Bill rod.
But if you're a guy into musky fishing and with today's economy, you're simply struggling to enjoy a hobby you love - then buy a rod from James at Tackle Industries for $120.00 and apply the rest of your hard-earned cash towards a few select baits you want.
The guy fish with throws nothing but St.. Croix.
I'm using a couple of Tackle Industries rods from James.
I caught fish last year. So did he. Pretty sure my Tackle Industries rods did the same thing his St. Croix rods did... the difference? My wallet wasn't as light as his. 
The topic isn't best rod for around $100! The topic is best overall rod which for TI unfortunetly includes St Croix. Let me ask you this would you choose TI over St Croix if they cost exactly the same? Better yet if a TI rod cost $350 would you still buy a TI over a Legend. I didn't think so. I am just trying to say St Croix as of today has the best most advanced rods on the market. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 242
| To Pete, G Loomis does currently have a Muskie Series and they are quite nice. Thicker handle and several various models.
http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/gloomis_2010/us/en/conventio...
|
|
| |
|
| An IM6 is what it is, an IM6! Compare your rods according to blanks...
TI rods are now close to $ 200 where I am. |
|
| |
|
| what is the IM rating on TI's? |
|
| |
|
| 6 |
|
| |
|
| Sorry....8 |
|
| |
|
| i agree with the 8 rods combo
1 rod for 1 oz baits
1 rod for 2 oz baits
1 rod for 3 oz baits
1 rod for 4 oz baits
1 rod for 5 oz baits
1 rod for 6 oz baits
1 rod for 7 oz baits
1 rod for 8 oz baits
1 rod just in case one of them broke
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | FYI-Officially my rods are IM8 but that really means very little due to the way my rods are made. It is IM8 through a portion of my rod blanks and then changes. That is about all I can say on the IM rating. One of the few things I keep trade secret is the way my rod blanks are manufactured and definitely the materials and adhesives used in the process. The pressure while rolling the blanks also varies as well as the heating and curing time. We performed many DOE experiments using various experimental design factors to tweak the process of manufacturing and materials used. My first blank cost me over $3000 just to get one close to specs and the next 6 test prototypes cost over $10,000 to really narrow into the final product. More thought and science went into my rods than any other of my products to date and I hope it shows as mine are some of the lowest weight blanks with the most power on the market today. Simply said, TI rods are not just punched out of a factory and a sticker put on. Every aspect from raw materials through process variables are specified to very tight tolerances and specifications. In addition there are two main reasons TI rods are priced extremely well, 1) We do not spend a ton of money on advertising so we do not have to add $100+/rod to the price 2) My margins are thin as I started my company almost 8 years ago to help my customers save money so they can enjoy this great sport and still have a family life. No reason anyone should not be able to afford to go fishing.
Just wanted to point a few things out due to the above Qs. See my rods at the upcoming Madison, Wausau and New London shows and feel one for yourself.
Thanks, James |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | I don't think there's any right or wrong answer. I think everyone should utilize whatever rod they feel comfortable with that's within their budget.
The lame authomobile metaphors and analogies this forum continues to utilize over and over again when it comes to rods and reels is a bit overused. i.e., "Why drive a Chevy Nova when you can drive a Lamborghini Gallardo?", "Why drive a Pontiac Grand Prix when you can drive an Audi RS4?", "Why drive a Buick LeSabre when you can drive a BMW M6?" and on and on and on and on and on.
That isn't exactly apples to oranges, in my ever so humble opinion. Or perhaps everyone is just reading the thread title and interpreting it the way they want to? "Overall Best Musky Rod" does NOT mean to me "Money is No Object - which rod would you buy?"
In a real-world scenario, perhaps we'd all love to have a $500.00 Thorne Bros. super-duper custom Apex Predator blah blah blah with custom carbon fiber blah blah blah and Fuji super duper blah blah blah guides. But in today's economy, I can't afford to spend $500.00 on a rod. MOST can't. However, I CAN afford $120.00. And at THAT price point, I think that's where the TI rods are a factor. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 908
Location: South-Central PA | Many people get hung up on the IM6, IM7, IM8 ratings without knowing what the ratings actually mean and without knowing the significance of the ratings (or lack thereof). IM ratings aren't really important, believe it or not. What matters is the construction of the blank, how is it built? You can have an IM8 from a manufacturer that is heavier and less responsive than a rod built with IM6 materials from another manufacturer. The IM ratings are a way for companies to hype their rods without actually telling you if you are getting a quality product or not.
James hit the nail on the head, it's about the construction.
jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 663
|
I'll have to look into that. The last we had heard at the Musky Shop from Shimano/Loomis was that they discontinued that series and were working on coming up with new rods. Surprised they didn't contact us to purchase more since we've always been a Loomis dealer. Thanks for the heads up. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 84
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL | This thread was really a "What is Your Favorite Rod" thread from the beginning. Everyone's opinion is based solely on which rod they like the most. Paying $400 for a rod doesn't necessarily make it the best. Paying $100 for a rod doesn't necessarily make it not the best. I haven't met a single person yet at shows or on the water who has fished with every rod out there and can say for sure which is the best rod. Rods aren't status symbols; or at least they shouldn't be. They are tools. So buy a rod you like, no matter the cost, and enjoy it while catching fish. |
|
| |
|
| Big Ol' Fish - 2/12/2012 9:07 PM
I am in the market for a new musky rod before fishing season begins. This will primarily be for bucktails and for medium to magnum sized swimbaits. Quality of the rod and customer service is the primary consideration. Here are the ones I have looked at so far - please add more if I have overlooked one.
To me its a sticker on a rod. If you can close your eyes and try both and buy the one you like better. |
|
| |
|
| Does the TI rods fit in down east rod holders? The website says they are 25% fatter grips than stock. Thanks.
"There she is, got em Jim!"
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 339
Location: Denmark | This is not a great poll if you want to know what kind of rod that suits your fishing, The poll only shows us that the user at Muskiesfirst respond welll to the direct marketing efforts done here. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 339
Location: Denmark | guest - 10/2/2012 10:34 AM
Does the TI rods fit in down east rod holders? The website says they are 25% fatter grips than stock. Thanks.
"There she is, got em Jim!"
Not in the standard sized Down East, but you can still place the TI rods in them, by the foregrip. |
|
| |
Overall Best Musky Rod