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| Hello everyone,
I am currently using a LT Sling Blade with Calcutta 400 TE as my general use set-up. I don't throw anything larger than double 10's, mag dawgs, or 10" Jakes. I use this set-up for everything but the smaller baits of which I use a LT Top N' Tail with a Calcutta 400B for things such as 1 to 1 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits, double 8 bucktails or smaller, smaller minnow-crank baits, and topwater(Topraiders).
I really like the benefits of the longer 8'6" Slingblade. I'm thinking about replacing my Top N' tail with a Long Ranger. I compared the two rods at a retailer and both rods seemed almost identical in stiffness/action, despite the 6" difference in length. The Long Ranger seems like nothing more than a beefed up Top N' Tail. I'm thinking the Long Ranger will throw the smaller baits equally as well as the Top N' Tail, but give better figure-8 capabilities.
Has anyone used both the Top N' Tail and Long Ranger? Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks! |
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| Same rod . One is 6 inches longer. |
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| I've got both and the long ranger is ncier because of the extra 6 inches......longer casts, better hook sets, bigger figure 8's etc. My Top n tail is a back up rod now. |
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Posts: 540
Location: Leech Lake, Walker MN | The top-n-tail is much softer I'm using the long ranger every day on the water and just love it going to get an other one great rod you will notice the difference. |
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Posts: 667
Location: Wisconsin | Guest, sell your Top n Tail to the guy asking about them right now on another post. Just a thought. I do not own a Long Ranger, but have been thinking of getting one. The do have a firmer feel than the top n tail from my testing at the St Croix store in Park Falls. I actually chose the Top n Tail because I wanted a softer rod. Tho they are both med heavy, they are quite different. |
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Location: sneaking out to get on the water ;-) | I have them both and I actually like my top n tail better. They are both awesome rods and have seperate feels. The length of long ranger is nice for casting and in the 8s but I still grab my top n tail more often especially fishing alone even though it's only 6" I feel netting is easier. If you can check them both out somewhere I'd do that and see wich feels better to you. |
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Posts: 1036
| I have a Long Ranger. And I'm in the minority. I do not like it at all. It is too soft for me. Bends way too much on the figure 8. Setting the hooks is difficult for me on that rod. Missed like my first 8 hits on that thing. Then I went to a stiffer Okuma 8.5 rod and the hooks started sticking.
I'll be sending my Long Ranger back to Croix in exchange for a Sling Blade. |
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| Thank you for the replies and information. I think I'm going to just pick up a Long Ranger in addition and use it side by side with the Top N' Tail for awhile. Then I can make an informed decision of which one to with. |
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Location: sneaking out to get on the water ;-) | You will end up keeping both of them. Ha ha they each have their own feel and by no means identical feel. Have fun and enjoy! They are awesome rods. |
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