For those of you who repeatedly say they could care less on aesthetics of fishing gears as long as it performs this will put your beliefs to the test
As some of you know Aaron Martens left Megabass to sign with Enigma Fishing. With Martens expertise in rods I believe these will be good rods. The colors are....interesting. Thought?
Nope, not me.
Looks like graffiti on a box car to me... I vote no
Not liking it either.
On 2/4/2015 at 12:26 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Looks like graffiti on a box car to me...
Ditto
Fugly cheap looking rods. Hope they perform better than they look.
I haven't been following this story. Is it Edge, as in North Fork Composites, as in GaryLoomis?
Sorry I will go edit my original post. It's Enigma fishing and his line is called Aarons Edge.
On 2/4/2015 at 12:51 AM, bass1980 said:Sorry I will go edit my original post. It's Enigma fishing and his line is called Aarons Edge.
Sorry, I wasn't calling you out. Just curious. I have a NFC blank, still in the tube, waiting for time to build a new rod. I've been interested in NFC ever since hearing that THE MAN was back in the business.
That was an error on my part regardless. Don't want wrong info floating around the web.
On 2/4/2015 at 12:26 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Looks like graffiti on a box car to me... I vote no
i personally enjoy box car grafitti, those rods on the other hand..... not for me.
I won't vote them out because of color but the reel seat makes it a no deal for me. Being able to design his own line of rods was just a money making decision. That's my thoughts anyhow.
I know aesthetics are not supposed to matter, but when I look at those aesthetic choices, I get the impression of a rod that they are in a rush to get to market. At the very least, that would make me hesitant to be among the first to take the plunge and invest in one. A lot remains to seen, of course. Too early in the process to be too critical. I look forward to getting the rods in my hands.
For the price I just saw it for too. I'll pass.
On 2/4/2015 at 2:11 AM, EmersonFish said:I know aesthetics are not supposed to matter, but when I look at those aesthetic choices, I get the impression of a rod that they are in a rush to get to market. At the very least, that would make me hesitant to be among the first to take the plunge and invest in one. A lot remains to seen, of course. Too early in the process to be too critical. I look forward to getting the rods in my hands.
I think aesthetics do matter. Why should you are drop your hard-earned cash on something you aren't going to like looking at? Especially since the price range is so competitive, with many alternatives that have the aesthetics and performance.
Everyone has to eat and this is a deal he can't pass up. I'm sure money wise Megabass can't even come close to this offer. It's just really shocking that with him using MB rods for so long when it's his time to have total control he comes out with something so generic looking. I wish him the best though.
BTW rods will sell for $169.99
Aaron Martens is my favorite Pro, his name isn't enough for me to buy something that looks "rushed" and very cheap looking.
To bad the name "Ugly Stik" is already taken.
Hootie
Haha joke of the day!On 2/4/2015 at 2:34 AM, *Hootie said:To bad the name "Ugly Stik" is already taken.
Hootie
New from the designer of Pixie Sticks.
On 2/4/2015 at 2:34 AM, *Hootie said:To bad the name "Ugly Stik" is already taken.
Hootie
Thanks for this one!
I'm shocked that it says EDGE?
I don't see what the big deal is, the name Edge was already taken.On 2/4/2015 at 2:34 AM, *Hootie said:To bad the name "Ugly Stik" is already taken.
Hootie
The microwave guide system is a nice feature on spinning rods and perform exceptionally well. I'm not sold the casting setup. They won't hurt anything but the claims are bit of a reach imo. The blanks are likely a typical intermediate modulus from one of the common sources. Not a bad thing, but nothing innovative either. Once someone gets to handle one we'll know more. Aesthetically, ummmm to each his own. No worse than the orange carrot sticks or hideous yellow skeet rods. The name, what's in a name? The Enigma & Aaron's references will likely become more common than the Edge.
Is Enigma a Bass Pro Shops brand? I need to go look them up because I do not know this company but it seems like I remember seeing a Enigma reel at BPS. I mean after all it isn't like I already fish a solid White fishing rod any way............
I would be willing to give them a try, A-Mart is one heck of a fisherman, if he puts his name on it, I would expect a pretty decent stick... I hope they are good enough to challenge some of the rods in the 200-250 range causing those companies to be more competetive...
Mitch
Life's too short to fish with an ugly rod. I know beauty is in the eye of the beerholder, but it would take many beers for me to hold one of those.
Enigma (n) - a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Holy Catfish Batman, The Riddler is making fishing rods now!
Well, seems like a fitting name. Why he would leave one of if not the best rod companies on the planet for something that looks like a toy is a mystery to me.On 2/4/2015 at 3:23 AM, Tywithay said:Enigma (n) - a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
From their website....
"Enigma Fishing was born in the primordial swamps of Central Florida — part passion, part business and all bass fishing. Enigma believes there are four kinds of fish: bass, baitfish (shad, rainbow trout, etc.), trash fish and the kinds you eat (Mmmmm!). We stand for quality, truth, justice and bass big enough to startle the catatonic. Some will tell you that you can become addicted to bass fishing — that it’s a disease. At Enigma, we know that the poison’s the cure, and we want all the poison we can get. To that end, we are absolutely committed to making the finest bass fishing products you can buy anywhere and at any price. The best fishing tools don’t have to be the most expensive; they just have to be the best. Today we make rods, and we’ll be adding lots more basstastic stuff soon — line, sinkers, lures and more. If you’re not excited, you should be. Enigma’s going to change the way you fish. Just follow the directions on our products: Cast. Catch. Repeat."
On 2/4/2015 at 3:35 AM, BasshunterJGH said:Well, seems like a fitting name. Why he would leave one of if not the best rod companies on the planet for something that looks like a toy is a mystery to me.
Money. I'm sure the guy has bills. He was offered something he can't refuse.
Can't fault him for leaving. Pro Bass fishing isn't cheap. Megabass can't match it I'm sure.
Who knows, it may be a very good rod.. But man, they gotta change the appearance!
Well, At least Tackletour will be happy in their review. The rod comes with a rod sleeve. I always wondered why they knocked off points for a rod sleeve
Ya, I'm not knocking it before I try it just because of the appearance. Could be a good rod. But they'd be much better IMHO to at least go with an unpainted blank, ugh.On 2/4/2015 at 3:53 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Who knows, it may be a very good rod.. But man, they gotta change the appearance!
Ya I guess I can sort of understand that. Although if I had as much money as him I'd probably spend it on megabass rods anyways lol.On 2/4/2015 at 3:43 AM, Tywithay said:Money. I'm sure the guy has bills. He was offered something he can't refuse.
Awesome Senko Guru
He was criticized for using gear that is out of the price range of the everyday angler. Now he is helping a new company get off the ground and designing rods for them. He is very knit Picky so I assume that he might know a thing or two about rods. It was the goal to keep it affordable, yet have as much as possible. I think this is a positive step for him and for the everyday angler.
Only a few of you on this forum could afford the megabass rods and reels he was using. The rest of us just looked on in awe. Now we can afford what he is using and it makes getting to the public that much easier.
On 2/4/2015 at 3:09 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The microwave guide system is a nice feature on spinning rods and perform exceptionally well. I'm not sold the casting setup. They won't hurt anything but the claims are bit of a reach imo. The blanks are likely a typical intermediate modulus from one of the common sources. Not a bad thing, but nothing innovative either. Once someone gets to handle one we'll know more. Aesthetically, ummmm to each his own. No worse than the orange carrot sticks or hideous yellow skeet rods. The name, what's in a name? The Enigma & Aaron's references will likely become more common than the Edge.
Beat me to the Carrot Sticks and Skeets. I also think the white Duckett microguide rods are pretty hideous looking. To each his own indeed. The proof is definitely in the pudding as they say.
Not 100%, but the blanks appear to be American Tackle Bushido Warrior.
On 2/4/2015 at 6:04 AM, Tywithay said:Not 100%, but the blanks appear to be American Tackle Bushido Warrior.
I was wondering if it was a American made blank, I don't know much about them, what's your opinion?
Aesthetics definitely impact my buying habits, and I think they impact the buying habits of a lot of other people more than they are willing to admit. It has also seemed to me that rod lines that have chosen to go with the more unusual color schemes have been rods that didn't turn out all that great, which makes you wonder if they are trying to stand out by looking different because they can't do so with quality. That's why this is risky for Enigma. I know they are trying to make an impression, but Carrot Stix, Wright & McGill and a few others should make them think twice about trying to stand out too much. With all of the buzz about Aaron Martens leaving Megabass, I'm not sure they had to get too wild to get people's attention.On 2/4/2015 at 2:18 AM, IAY said:I think aesthetics do matter. Why should you are drop your hard-earned cash on something you aren't going to like looking at? Especially since the price range is so competitive, with many alternatives that have the aesthetics and performance.
On 2/4/2015 at 12:26 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Looks like graffiti on a box car to me... I vote no
Don't insult boxcar graffiti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7xyFzjEmLo
just saw this, Amart talking about the micro wave guides and his new rod
I gotta say Ike's new rods look a whole lot better than those.
It looks somewhat better in the youtube video, than in the pictures posted. I'll reserve judgement till I can see the rod in person.
Hey that White/gray Aarons Edge looks A WHOLE lot better than that pea green Phenom rod that he was holding in that video. That thing is hideous!
On 2/4/2015 at 6:04 AM, Tywithay said:Not 100%, but the blanks appear to be American Tackle Bushido Warrior.
That would stand to reason as AmTack supplies the Microwave Guides too.
On 2/4/2015 at 6:19 AM, Alonerankin2 said:I was wondering if it was a American made blank, I don't know much about them, what's your opinion?
If it is a Bushido blank, which it appears to be by the description, then it is an import.
If Aaron continues to do well in tournaments with these rods I guess it would solidify that one does not need the most expensive stuff to do well. Going from $400-800 rods to $170 rods should be more than enough proof. But of course we all know that money can't buy skill already. Hope the best for Aaron but I'm not likely to buy one. Pick one up at a store to feel around, yes, but I hate that reel seat with a passion.
More information: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/enigma-martens-2315.html
On 2/4/2015 at 6:45 AM, EmersonFish said:Aesthetics definitely impact my buying habits, and I think they impact the buying habits of a lot of other people more than they are willing to admit. It has also seemed to me that rod lines that have chosen to go with the more unusual color schemes have been rods that didn't turn out all that great, which makes you wonder if they are trying to stand out by looking different because they can't do so with quality. That's why this is risky for Enigma. I know they are trying to make an impression, but Carrot Stix, Wright & McGill and a few others should make them think twice about trying to stand out too much. With all of the buzz about Aaron Martens leaving Megabass, I'm not sure they had to get too wild to get people's attention.
I agree. It feels very weird for Aaron to go from Megabass, which has some of the best form and function, to coming up with these colors. I think the grips of the spinning rod looks pretty good, but Enigma fishing might had too much hand into the blank's colors. :/
Girly
Well since I started this I'll give my opinion on it. First of all Aaron Martens is my favorite pro fisherman since I have been finesse fishing lately and have been watching a lot of his videos and tips. I understand the move since professional fishing cost $100,000 a year. I don't have numbers but I doubt Megabass invest in pro fishing as much as Quantum, Strike King, Yamaha, or Nitro. I'm sure Enigma Fishing offered him a deal he could not pass up.
With that said, I'm am surprise with this whole line of rods. He has been with Megabass for 17 years I think. Whether you think their rods are worth the price one thing you cannot deny is that their products are aesthetically as good as it gets. Everything just compliments each other with colors, components, and style. When I saw the new Aarons Edge rods and the video that was linked a few post back the first thing I thought to myself was "sham wow"!. It's almost infomercial like. From the whacky colors scheme, to the "E" on Enigma, to Aarons quoted line "I think they're the best rods on the market at any price". This all seems like a bad dream or an April fools joke. Companies pay graphic designers big time money to come up with the best logos but Enigma seem to have gotten a design from a child. I would expect Aaron with all that expertise and time with such artistic gears that he would help or come up with sleeker looking rods. I know some will tell me looks doesn't matter but I can counter with, if it didn't have Aaron Martens name on it would anyone really give these rods a shot with how it looks?
Only time will tell if these are a hit or not. Again good luck to Amart and whoever decides to try these. Post reviews
I think that quoted line was from the sales manager, not Martens. Either way, nobody that is coming out with a new line of rods is going to say "eh, they're ok."On 2/4/2015 at 1:37 PM, bass1980 said:Well since I started this I'll give my opinion on it. First of all Aaron Martens is my favorite pro fisherman since I have been finesse fishing lately and have been watching a lot of his videos and tips. I understand the move since professional fishing cost $100,000 a year. I don't have numbers but I doubt Megabass invest in pro fishing as much as Quantum, Strike King, Yamaha, or Nitro. I'm sure Enigma Fishing offered him a deal he could not pass up.
With that said, I'm am surprise with this whole line of rods. He has been with Megabass for 17 years I think. Whether you think their rods are worth the price one thing you cannot deny is that their products are aesthetically as good as it gets. Everything just compliments each other with colors, components, and style. When I saw the new Aarons Edge rods and the video that was linked a few post back the first thing I thought to myself was "sham wow"!. It's almost infomercial like. From the whacky colors scheme, to the "E" on Enigma, to Aarons quoted line "I think they're the best rods on the market at any price". This all seems like a bad dream or an April fools joke. Companies pay graphic designers big time money to come up with the best logos but Enigma seem to have gotten a design from a child. I would expect Aaron with all that expertise and time with such artistic gears that he would help or come up with sleeker looking rods. I know some will tell me looks doesn't matter but I can counter with, if it didn't have Aaron Martens name on it would anyone really give these rods a shot with how it looks?
Only time will tell if these are a hit or not. Again good luck to Amart and whoever decides to try these. Post reviews
Agree.....I'm just adding everything up to my opinion.
I put more stock in the opinions of the people on this forum, than pro endorsements. Actually, pro endorsements carry no weight at all for me. You guys spent your hard earned cash for whatever item. I want to know what you think. There's one particular add by a pro that says,
"The first time I used such and such, I was sold". Well, NO! The first time you used such and such, you were PAID! Pro endorsements, sponsored endorsements,.....nah. I'll pass.
Hootie
On 2/4/2015 at 6:04 PM, *Hootie said:I put more stock in the opinions of the people on this forum, than pro endorsements. Actually, pro endorsements carry no weight at all for me. You guys spent your hard earned cash for whatever item. I want to know what you think. There's one particular add by a pro that says,
"The first time I used such and such, I was sold". Well, NO! The first time you used such and such, you were PAID! Pro endorsements, sponsored endorsements,.....nah. I'll pass.
Hootie
I feel the same way. Just like an "as seen on TV" miracle product, it never stacks up like they insist it will.
Time will tell with AM though, the guy is definitely a thinker.
I am a big A-Man fan but I think I will pass. They look horrible.
On 2/4/2015 at 12:47 AM, .ghoti. said:I haven't been following this story. Is it Edge, as in North Fork Composites, as in GaryLoomis?
No it is not. NFC has nothing to do with this company! Also.. I think there will be some problems with Enigma calling their rods: Edge
On 2/4/2015 at 1:03 AM, .ghoti. said:Sorry, I wasn't calling you out. Just curious. I have a NFC blank, still in the tube, waiting for time to build a new rod. I've been interested in NFC ever since hearing that THE MAN was back in the business.
The NFC blank you have is Gary Loomis's baby!! You will love it! Also to let you know Gary Loomis has come out with GEN2 processing, materials, designs, etc.. for NFC and Edge Rods!! You won't be disappointed!
On 2/4/2015 at 2:46 AM, Hi Salenity said:I'm shocked that it says EDGE?
Ya us and NFC as well!!
On 2/4/2015 at 2:53 AM, Hi Salenity said:I don't see what the big deal is, the name Edge was already taken.
EDGE rods is a property of NFC.. Who knows what will happen, but it will be interesting!
Aaron Martens had a great deal of product endorsement credibility as he used the reels he liked, without sponsorship (though I'm sure he didn't pay retail for them) and fished with Megabass rods, which are widely acknowledged to be fine quality rods. The VMC hooks are undoubtedly good quality too, so no real obvious "he's only doing it for the money" stuff in his fishing sponsors line up. That credibility can be easily lost if he's gone to a company just for the paycheck. I'm sure they'll be perfectly fine rods, but he could easily over play his hand and lose a lot of sponsor value with all the companies who sponsor him if they turn out to be unexceptional fishing rods (other than being exceptionally ugly of course!).
Good luck to him, he's no fool so I hope it works out well for him.
This rod definitely sits significantly lower on my must have list than it would if my favorite pro did not make it look like he was marketing towards the Walmart fishing audience. I'd be more likely to buy a Berkeley Cherrywood based purely on how aesththetically displeasing it is.
On 2/5/2015 at 12:06 AM, Tim Kelly said:Aaron Martens had a great deal of product endorsement credibility as he used the reels he liked, without sponsorship...The VMC hooks are undoubtedly good quality too, so no real obvious "he's only doing it for the money" stuff in his fishing sponsors line up.
i'm pretty sure he uses gamakatsu hooks. in fact, he has his own gamakatsu dropshot hooks called the TGW
You're right, but the point (sorry) is the same.
Looks like 1980's Skiing outfits.
I'd still fish it if it was a nice rod.
I skied in the 80's and if I looked like that I'm jumping in the hot tub time machine and goin back to B____ Slap myself.
The rods are not aesthetically pleasing to my eyes and way outta my price range. I just hope they don't give out "sponsorships" to everyone and then a thousand "pro-staff" people start flooding the internet and tackle shops. I see their website already has a pro-staff page.
But this comes up every thread that somehow gets into marketing. I made a comment once about how I thought it was a mistake for someone involved with the company to say something about, if memory serves me correct, the newest Veritas rod being "the finest rod on the market." People had the same reaction. "What are they supposed to say? It sucks?" No. But you don't spend time building credibility for a product by pointing out it's desirable features, and then instantly destroy that credibility by making a ridiculous statement. No one believes the Veritas rod, or this Enigma rod will the best rod regardless of price on the market; so why say it? I agree with bass1980 that it plays right into the "we're trying way too hard" image they are portraying. The sad thing is, these rods might be incredible bargains at their price point, and a lot of people will never give them a chance.On 2/4/2015 at 1:51 PM, Tywithay said:I think that quoted line was from the sales manager, not Martens. Either way, nobody that is coming out with a new line of rods is going to say "eh, they're ok."
I really like Tom Arnold but I would never even think about marrying Roseanne Barr.
That quote was from Amart if you look at the wire to fish site. I'm not making a big deal out of it as I know it's marketing. I'll have my rights to judge though if they make that claim. They should take tips from ***. They came out of no where with clever marketing ideas. Selling rods below their price point to get their name out. Then now they are focusing on more enthusiasts line.
On 2/4/2015 at 6:04 PM, *Hootie said:I put more stock in the opinions of the people on this forum, than pro endorsements. Actually, pro endorsements carry no weight at all for me. You guys spent your hard earned cash for whatever item. I want to know what you think. There's one particular add by a pro that says,
"The first time I used such and such, I was sold". Well, NO! The first time you used such and such, you were PAID! Pro endorsements, sponsored endorsements,.....nah. I'll pass.
Hootie
I know some people like that, they read what's on the box or whatever a pro says and think that's the truth.
On 2/5/2015 at 3:48 AM, jdl2425 said:The rods are not aesthetically pleasing to my eyes and way outta my price range. I just hope they don't give out "sponsorships" to everyone and then a thousand "pro-staff" people start flooding the internet and tackle shops. I see their website already has a pro-staff page.
I looked at the site yesterday. Isnt Aaron Martens the only person on the Pro Staff at this time? I think they only have the pro staff page right now cause they scored such a highly reguarded angler
....Ike did this very same thing. Going from steez gear to what would become the veritas line.
*shrug*
Look at it this way, If your boss offered you a substantial raise, but in return you'd have to relinquish your Mac for a windows 7 desk top would smile and make it work?
OK - so we're going on six pages - of what ? ~ Speculation ? ? ?
Has ANYONE Actually fished the darn rods yet ? ? ?
Geez . . . . .
A-Jay
Maybe if he just kept the cool nascar EDGE logo and got rid of the cheesy "cast, catch, repeat" and other BS it would look better
Those are some seriously ugly rods
On 2/4/2015 at 4:08 AM, SenkoGuru said:Well, At least Tackletour will be happy in their review. The rod comes with a rod sleeve. I always wondered why they knocked off points for a rod sleeve
A rod that "UGLY" would most certainly have to come with a sleeve. I wouldn't want anybody to see it.
Wonder if you can rig a way to fish it with the sleeve still on?.....hmmm.
Hootie
On 2/6/2015 at 4:37 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Look at it this way, If your boss offered you a substantial raise, but in return you'd have to relinquish your Mac for a windows 7 desk top would smile and make it work?
Sure I would and then I would update the hell out of the firewall and hope for the best.
On 2/6/2015 at 5:45 PM, SenkoGuru said:Sure I would and then I would update the hell out of the firewall and hope for the best.
Now that's funny!
Hootie
On 2/6/2015 at 5:45 PM, SenkoGuru said:Sure I would and then I would update the hell out of the firewall and hope for the best.
I would then add an external firewall, spam filter, proxy server and a VPN service.
On 2/6/2015 at 4:43 AM, A-Jay said:OK - so we're going on six pages - of what ? ~ Speculation ? ? ?
Has ANYONE Actually fished the darn rods yet ? ? ?
Geez . . . . .
A-Jay
We all know a new rod is like a well crafted woman, first reaction to one is looks..
On 2/6/2015 at 10:29 PM, tomustang said:We all know a new rod is like a well crafted woman, first reaction to one is looks..
You are certainly entitled to your opinion but clearly not everyone shares it.
Some are perfectly willing & able to form their own and share it when they feel the need.
A-Jay
Didn't mean to offend you, going with the consensus here.
On 2/6/2015 at 11:19 PM, tomustang said:Didn't mean to offend you, going with the consensus here.
No worries ~
Just a lively discussion.
Besides, New England won the Superbowl so it's all good.
A-Jay
Did you know that New England is being investigated again by the NFL? This time for letting the air out of Seattle Fans...............
On 2/6/2015 at 10:17 PM, lmbfisherman said:I would then add an external firewall, spam filter, proxy server and a VPN service.
I would skip the VPN. You have to expose Windows and a port for the PPTP VPN server directly to the Internet, which is not ideal from a security standpoint.
Apparently, During the parade in Boston, a Football float deflated...
Incidently, the rods look hasn't improved any...
I'm curious as to whose blank they are building off of
On 2/4/2015 at 12:22 AM, roadwarrior said:Nope, not me.
X2
On 2/6/2015 at 4:43 AM, A-Jay said:OK - so we're going on six pages - of what ? ~ Speculation ? ? ?
Has ANYONE Actually fished the darn rods yet ? ? ?
Geez . . . . .
A-Jay
Thank you! Enough said. Wrap it up please
I bought an Aaron's Edge ML and a Pheonom spinning rod (the neon green one). I actually really like the way these rods cast and they have a nice feel to them. So far I am very happy with it.
I was looking at these rods on tw, im in the market for a good cranking rod under 150bucks but I think the handle is a bit long at 16 inches for me. I heard some good things about those guides thoe, the colors of the rod really kills it as well, looks like a little kid picked out those colors.
I personally love the look of both the Aaron's Edge and the Phenom. However I like bright and different colors in everything. Actually my 2016 jersey is close in color to the Phenom. aesthetics Aside these rods are the best at their respective price point. I love the Microwave guides, light, sensitive, with plenty of backbone. i own 2 Phenoms and 3 Aaron's Edge. I have no problem buying either rod again.
On 2/6/2015 at 4:43 AM, A-Jay said:OK - so we're going on six pages - of what ? ~ Speculation ? ? ?
Has ANYONE Actually fished the darn rods yet ? ? ?
Geez . . . . .
A-Jay
Yep, bought one way back in September of 15. Since the majority of comments are about color,There is no need for an in depth review. I will say, this rods performance far exceeds it's offending color.
On 2/23/2016 at 11:15 AM, nascar2428 said:Yep, bought one way back in September of 15. Since the majority of comments are about color,There is no need for an in depth review. I will say, this rods performance far exceeds it's offending color.
Good ~ that's in depth enough for me.
At the very least it's experience based.
A-Jay
I have the 7'11" MH crank rod and it is anything but cheap. It's light for what it is, very well balanced and has a ton of power for XD10's and other oversized cranks.
I'm kind of good on rods forever, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another from this line. They actually look pretty good in person.