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| the long-awaited new Okuma rods are finally here!
i picked up an 8'6"XXH and a 9'3"XH.
they've also added a 9'3"H.
the new rods aren't on their website yet, but i'm sure they'll show up soon.
http://www.okumafishingteam.com/rods/conventional/evxspecialty.html
the 8'6" is a true XX, very stiff with extra-fast action, with just enough forgiveness in the last foot or so of the tip. i'm planning to use this rod with my big high-speed reel for burning double-10s; i've been looking for a stiffer rod that won't load up under fast retrieves and during the figure-8.
the 9'3" is a beauty, quite strong with a tapering action that peaks about 2 1/2' from the tip. this would make a great casting rod for spinnerbaits or moderate speed bucktails; i'm going to put it to use for pounders and other big swimbaits that need the rod's power for ripping but still need to load up a bit more on the cast.
some stats for those who've been asking:
the 8'6" shrinks to 7'
the 9'3" shrinks to 7'7"
rear cork = 17"
rating: 4-16oz
i know Mark Rogers (California Muskie) has put a lot of time and effort into developing the EVx line of muskie rods, and he's taken a lot of feedback from muskie fishermen. the results look great, Mark!
then combine a lifetime warranty with Okuma's service reputation...
i'll put 'em to use this weekend up in Vilas Co and let you know how they work when actually out on the water.
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 okumarods 007.JPG (85KB - 185 downloads)
okumarods 003.JPG (94KB - 187 downloads)
okumarods 008.JPG (157KB - 194 downloads)
okumarods 004.JPG (84KB - 180 downloads)
okumarods 005.JPG (79KB - 191 downloads)
okumarods 009.JPG (129KB - 180 downloads)
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | I'm packing the slush fund up right now for some new sticks. Can't wait to get some. |
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Location: Des Moines IA | I've got OT $ burning a hole in my pocket as we speak, was gonna just get the 2 9'3s, but from the sounds of it, I need the 8'6 XXH as well ...... now the question is what reels do I need for these bad boys? Okuma have anything new in the way of high speed reels? |
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Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | COOL But, How do I explain the need to add a new rod rack in the garage.......I'll figure something out. Cant wait. |
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Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | What's the heaviest the 9'3 come in?
They really telescope down a long way..very smart. The Okumas are a great rod. |
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Posts: 7056
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | KARLOUTDOORS - 7/15/2009 4:26 AM
COOL But, How do I explain the need to add a new rod rack in the garage.......I'll figure something out. Cant wait.
Let me make your job easier here: https://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=RR-B1/422.0.56.11279.0...
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Okuma Rack.jpg (28KB - 176 downloads)
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Posts: 431
| that looks like a decent rack that is super cheap. |
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| What's the heaviest the 9'3 come in?
They really telescope down a long way..very smart. The Okumas are a great rod.
the 9'3" comes in a Heavy and an Extra Heavy; the XH is the one that i picked up that's shown/described above.
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Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Thanks lambeau. I really like how far that thing breaks down into the handle. |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Looked the new rods over at ICAST; Mark was in meetings all day so I missed him, but I did bring the camera...
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DSC_0410 [640x480].JPG (117KB - 160 downloads)
DSC_0411 [640x480].JPG (88KB - 195 downloads)
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Posts: 2030
| My 9'3 will be here tomorrow - If you want these rods contact www.histackleboxshop.com - free shipping to your door! |
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Posts: 431
| I'll be putting a new 9'3 to the test on LOTW next week. I'll report back on how it performs. |
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Posts: 100
Location: W-PA | I also took advantage of the free shipping deal from www.histackleboxshop.com, My 9'3" XH is on its way...
Edited by cband 7/16/2009 12:06 PM
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Posts: 731
Location: martinsburg wv | would the 9'3" make a good dbl10 rod i didn't see the 9'3" on the web site
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Location: Des Moines IA | Hey Steve, What's up with that blue Okuma reel? |
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| I can't wait to try the 9'3"H and 9'3"XH. The other Okumas are awesome rods for a very reasonable price, and longer is better. They should be great. |
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Posts: 2024
| MuskieMike - 7/16/2009 9:44 PM
Hey Steve, What's up with that blue Okuma reel?
I'm guessing that's their new non-levelwind reel that will sort of fill the niche that the Trinidads, Saltists, etc. fit in. |
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Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio | I called Hi's Tackle Box and they said they don't carry these rods, but would check about special ordering. Is this correct? |
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| There aren't enough retailers carrying them. Rollie and Helen's had the other Okumas and I'd assume will have these too. |
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Posts: 53
Location: Stillwater | I haven't found any retailers carrying the 9'3" XH |
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Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio | I called Hi's Tackle Box this morning checking on the 8'6" XXH. They took my phone number and said they would check on availability. Ten minutes later they call back saying they were available. I placed my order for 2 of the EVX-C-861XXH-T. 119.99 each with Free Shipping. Here is part of the conformation email from Hi's. I didn't ask about the 9'3".
We have placed an order for the rods with Okuma and should receive them on
either Wednesday or Thursday of this week. As soon as we receive the rods, your order will ship right out to you.
You will have to call Hi's as these are not in their catalog.
1-800-737-5181
www.HisTackleBoxShop.com |
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Posts: 2030
| Hi's can get you the 9'3" XH - I have had mine since last week.... First cast I noticed the tip (last guide) was not glued. Upon inspection in looked like they put little if any glue on at the factory. I always have superglue with me so not a huge deal - just glad a fish didn't hit first cast. I doubt this is a reoccuring problem but you may want to check the tips of your new rods to make sure they are secure. |
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| i tested out the new rods last weekend.
the 8'6" XXH was just what i was hoping for re: burning big bucktails. it has just enough flex in the tip (action) so that it casts well and would provide a little forgiveness when fighting a fish, but it's stiff enough that it doesn't load up on the retrieve (i paired it with a high-speed Trinidad reel) or during the figure-8. it weighs more than the Sling Blade that i'd bought for this purpose originally, but since it handles the lures better i won't be nearly as tired...and the prices aren't even in the same neighborhood. i switched my Sling Blade to slow-rolling duty and this is my new double-10 burning rod.
the 9'3" XH was tested on big plastics (pounders and hard heads) as well as ripping 10" minnow baits. it's got a moderate action that loads up nicely for casting those heavy baits but retains plenty of pop for ripping and jerking them. this is the longest rod i've personally used, and it took a bit of getting used to, but once you do it's extremely nice: figure-8s are simple and the added length translates into more speed/movement when ripping the lure. when fighting a 40"-class fish i had to wait for a hungover netman to get himself organized and the rod's forgiving action helped keep pressure on the line while walking a strong-fighting fish around the boat. again, this rod weighs more than some of the more expensive alternatives out there, but an action that matches the application more than makes up for it. this would also make a great rod for big bucktails if you were using a medium-retrieve speed reel.
i'll be spending 2 weeks in MN in mid-late August during which double-10s and big plastic will be on the line a lot of the time. you can bet you'll see one of these rods in my hands most of the time. and when they're put away, the telescoping feature makes them extremely easy to store.
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Lambeau, if you wouldn't mind, could you cast some big plastics (Pounder size) with the 8'6" XXH sometime? I was wondering about that rod for that, but I don't want it to be TOO stiff in the tip to lose ease of casting, and especially for having a hard time keeping a good tip bend for fighting fish.
I know the 9'3 was made for the rubber, but I fish alone a lot, and I think netting fish with a rod that long could be a challenge.
Thanks,
curleytail |
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| I along with my fishing partner each purchased a new Okuma 8'6 xxh-t on 7/23/09 from Smokey's Musky Shop. Today I got to try out my new Okuma rod which handled them DC-10's and the other lures I chose to use very nicely. The rod has a beautiful backbone to it just what I wanted in a musky rod. What an awesome rod that was well worth the wait in order for me to obtain one.
Thanks go out to Okuma for bringing out such a great rod at a fair price!
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Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio | My hat is off the Hi's Tackle Box, I received my rods today courtesy of the USPS. Most other places I have ordered from don't get your stuff to you as quick. Especially since Hi's didn't have the rod in stock and had to order it. Monday to Monday, not bad.
PS. Very stout looking rods. |
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Posts: 283
| Lambeau, if you wouldn't mind, could you cast some big plastics (Pounder size) with the 8'6" XXH sometime? I was wondering about that rod for that, but I don't want it to be TOO stiff in the tip to lose ease of casting, and especially for having a hard time keeping a good tip bend for fighting fish.
I know the 9'3 was made for the rubber, but I fish alone a lot, and I think netting fish with a rod that long could be a challenge.
Did anyone throw any pounders and/or magdawgs with this rod yet?
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| when does the new reel come out |
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Posts: 431
| I tried out the 9'3" extra heavy on LOTW a couple of weeks ago. I just got an 8'6" this spring and this rod seems much bigger. This is also the first telescopic rod I've used, and I have no complaints. Without the telescopic feature I'm not sure the rod would fit on the boat. The rod casts magdawgs and other big plastics very nicely-much better than my musky innovations rod. The rod does feel a bit on the heavy side, but I haven't gotten any weights on the butt to balance it yet. |
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Posts: 23
| i was thinking about getting one of these rods. does the telescopic part make it worse than a regular rod? or is there no difference? |
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