Dollar-for-dollar, is e21's Carrot Stix the best? 2024
vintagerod reply :
Alright, time to stir things up 
. I came across this idea when I purchased a brand new G. Loomis CR722C GL2 rod for $75 ($125 at Cabela's), and a brand new Lamiglas Competitor CC-665 rod for $37 ($90 from various retailers). I started to think, dollar-for-dollar, what is the best rod out there?
e21's Carrot Stix arguably provides the lightest, most sensitive, most technologically advanced rod on the market today in the $150 price range. Some people on this forum have compared Carrot Stix to Steez...at a difference of about $300.
So what say you? Is e21's baseline Carrot Stix the best deal out there?
This post is not about "what is the best rod out there, period". This is about Quality-to-Price ratios...from Cabela's Fish Eagle II rod ($15) to Daiwa's Steez ($499).
In other words, dollar-for-dollar, what rod delivers the most bang-for-the-buck?
wps1999 reply :
Where did u find a cabelas fish eagle II for $15, cause that is a good deal. they are 79.99 on their website and that is a decent rod.
Redlinerobert reply :
Bang for the buck, I'd have to say Carrot Stick for the rod and Zillion for the reel. The Zillion is 95% of what the Steez is for $200 less retail.
roadwarrior reply :
St. Croix Avid for $100 ($140-$170 MSRP) or St. Croix Legend Elite$204 ($340 MSRP).
I recently bought an AC70MM and an EC70MHF at these prices (free delivery, too!).
guest reply :
QuoteBang for the buck, I'd have to say Carrot Stick for the rod and Zillion for the reel. The Zillion is 95% of what the Steez is for $200 less retail.
Oh, but that last 5% is sooooooooooooo sweeeeeet.
Tin reply :
I have used $300 Lomis's, St. Croix Avids and Legends, Kistlers, Airrus's and a lot of high end rods. And at $150 the e21 Carrot Stick blow away everyone of them. Not only the best bang for your buck rod out there but more than that imo. I have never used a better rod. I wasn't too sure at first but when I used it, it was just amazing. I'm sure Matt 5.0 will say the same thing. If you buy one, it will be the only rod you ever use again, if you don't like it, I'm always looking to buy another one.
dbass reply :
vintagerod,
Who says? The 4 people here, that might actually own one. They don't have more than a few outings use at most. Wait a couple of seasons and see what happens...Quotee21's Carrot Stix arguably provides the lightest, most sensitive, most technologically advanced rod on the market today in the $150 price range.
I still haven't seen anything written about catches with these veggie stiks.
Sorry IMPO no it isn't.
=Matt 5.0= reply :
More than happy with mine so far. I like it, and that's all that matters IMO....
Tin reply :
QuoteSorry IMPO no it isn't.
Have you tried one yet?
flyphisher # reply :
Uh, Boyd Duckett caught alot of fish and won alot of money with the carrot sticks this past season and it was on tv.......is that enough proof?????????? :
gopherbass reply :
The best rod dollar-for-dollar is the cheapest one you can find. There is a diminishing marginal return, in terms of quality, as rod prices increase.
Tin reply :
QuoteUh, Boyd Duckett caught alot of fish and won alot of money with the carrot sticks this past season and it was on tv.......is that enough proof?????????? :
Ya, he wasn't sponsered by them in the Classic he as still with Airrus, but in the Major he won he was sponsered by them but is pictued still using Airrus Rods, go figure.
Bass XL reply :
isnt e21 like a newer version of airrus...like isnt it the same owner?? i've been wondering that for a while
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteThe best rod dollar-for-dollar is the cheapest one you can find. There is a diminishing marginal return, in terms of quality, as rod prices increase.
Hmm...
Do you catch a lot of big bass?
:-/
Bass XL reply :
QuoteQuoteThe best rod dollar-for-dollar is the cheapest one you can find. There is a diminishing marginal return, in terms of quality, as rod prices increase.Hmm...
Do you catch a lot of big bass?
:-/
lol
Tin reply :
Quoteisnt e21 like a newer version of airrus...like isnt it the same owner?? i've been wondering that for a while
Ya, same guy, different technology. They are making golf clubs out of it and everything. All I know is that it is REALLY REALLY light, and REALLY REALLY sensitive, blows away an Airrus.
Bass XL reply :
yeah thats what i thought...thanks
vintagerod reply :
QuoteThe best rod dollar-for-dollar is the cheapest one you can find. There is a diminishing marginal return, in terms of quality, as rod prices increase.
I agree to a point. For example, I wonder just how much "better" the Boyd Duckett Series will be over the baseline LTX. According to e21's website, the Boyd Duckett differs from the LTX with:
Better Guides
a different grip
Gold anodized butt cap
And you pay $100 more for those niceties. So, bang-for-the-buck, will the Boyd Duckett deliver? My guess is the cheaper LTX would provide a better value.
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteThe best rod dollar-for-dollar is the cheapest one you can find. There is a diminishing marginal return, in terms of quality, as rod prices increase.I agree to a point. For example, I wonder just how much "better" the Boyd Duckett Series will be over the baseline LTX. According to e21's website, the Boyd Duckett differs from the LTX with:
Better Guides
a different grip
Gold anodized butt cap
And you pay $100 more for those niceties. So, bang-for-the-buck, will the Boyd Duckett deliver? My guess is the cheaper LTX would provide a better value.
x2, I'll stick to the LTX's.
castaway reply :
Its all about you. If you want whatever it is and you can justify the price, by all means get one, its better than settling for something you really don't want to get the best bang for the buck.
Time spent fishing with what you wanted to buy is priceless.
smcentee reply :
I have e21's spinning and casting rods that I paid $120 each. Aside from a somewhat short grip, I like both rods. Not too many products are offered with a life time over-the-counter warranty.
Last May I saw a 6 year old, first time fishing, hook a 5 lb LMB on a blisterpack Zebco combo his Dad had just opened an hour earlier that morning. Seeing that kid and his Dad reeling that fish to the bank made my day. That was a lot of bang for the buck.
Rattle Trap reply :
QuoteUh, Boyd Duckett caught alot of fish and won alot of money with the carrot sticks this past season and it was on tv.......is that enough proof?????????? :
:-?I Agree Boyd Duckett was on TV and yes he won a lot of money! I must however challenge the rest of your statement. Perhaps you should check your facts! Mr Duckett won The Bass Master Classic using a Airrus Flipping Stick and at Lake Dardanelle looks like the same blue color rod in his hands there to and says in winning details he won on a 7'6" flipping stick. I do not think E-21 has one . This is after he left Airrus..Check the December issue of Bass Master Page 80 Looks like same blue Airrus Terry Scroggins flipping stick to me.
LakeAnnaBasser reply :
Where can you get the carrot stick? :-?
d.hark reply :
QuoteWhere can you get the carrot stick? :-?
http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/rods.html
Micropterus salmoides reply :
I'm still waiting on the new sugar cane sticks. Now that's some tough, durable fiber.
fathom reply :
Time spent fishing with what you wanted to buy is priceless.
flechero reply :
They look unique, have a modified Tharp style seat, custom butt caps and split grips. I give them 2 thumbs up for innovation and good marketing. But... they should be reasonably priced, they use very inexpensive guides and EVA grips on a new and relatively unproven blank material. However, I do think it's great that new materials are being used for rods... the price of the graphites have gone through the roof because it's used in so many military applications. I hope other companies follow suit and experiment with new and different materials- as that will be a win-win for fisherman in the long run.
Considering that they all come with Pac Bay guides and most have slow to mod-fast actions, they don't fit my wants or needs but I'm only one guy.
blade reply :
Quotevintagerod,Who says? The 4 people here, that might actually own one. They don't have more than a few outings use at most. Wait a couple of seasons and see what happens...Quotee21's Carrot Stix arguably provides the lightest, most sensitive, most technologically advanced rod on the market today in the $150 price range.I still haven't seen anything written about catches with these veggie stiks.
Sorry IMPO no it isn't.
I have been using mine since October and I fish 3-4 times per week so that is around 25-30 trips and i have caught alot of fish on the carrot ranging from dinks to 6 pound largemouth 5 pound smallie and 15 pound striper and the rod has performed as good if not better than any rod I own not to mention it has a FULL lifetime warranty. Why are you so down on these rods? 8-) ;D :
Cory N reply :
QuoteQuotevintagerod,Who says? The 4 people here, that might actually own one. They don't have more than a few outings use at most. Wait a couple of seasons and see what happens...Quotee21's Carrot Stix arguably provides the lightest, most sensitive, most technologically advanced rod on the market today in the $150 price range.I still haven't seen anything written about catches with these veggie stiks.
Sorry IMPO no it isn't.
I have been using mine since October and I fish 3-4 times per week so that is around 25-30 trips and i have caught alot of fish on the carrot ranging from dinks to 6 pound largemouth 5 pound smallie and 15 pound striper and the rod has performed as good if not better than any rod I own not to mention it has a FULL lifetime warranty. Why are you so down on these rods? 8-)
If you guys aren't pals.......I don't care how many dumb smiley's you put after that nonsense.
.02
New technology is exciting, obviously, but is it always best?
Ephedran (sp?) - Great weight loss supplement, really helped people lose a lot of weight...until the people taking it started having heart attacks and dying.
Heroin - The less addictive alternative to morphine..
Vxxgra - Yahoo! Ahh my heart...
So these examples are just a little, ok a lot, out of context. But they were all "the" next big thing.
I'm excited about the stix and they're performing great, right now.
"Tommy: Let's think about this for a sec, Ted, why do they put a guarantee on a box? Hmm, very interesting.
Ted: I'm listening.
Tommy: Here's how I see it. A guy puts a guarantee on the box 'cause he wants you to fell all warm and toasty inside.
Ted: Yeah, makes a man feel good.
Tommy: 'Course it does. Ya think if you leave that box under your pillow at night, the Guarantee Fairy might come by and leave a quarter.
Ted: What's your point?
Tommy: The point is, how do you know the Guarantee Fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy, but we're not buying it. Next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser and your daughter's knocked up, I seen it a hundred times.
Ted: But why do they put a guarantee on the box then?
Tommy: Because they know all they solda ya was a guaranteed piece of sxxx. That's all it is. Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time..."
Tommy Boy
Still going strong in another year or two, I can learn to like a bright orange rod.
edited: for bad words
Micro reply :
QuoteNew technology is exciting, obviously, but is it always best?
Ephedran (sp?) - Great weight loss supplement, really helped people lose a lot of weight...until the people taking it started having heart attacks and dying.
Heroin - The less addictive alternative to morphine..
Vxxgra - Yahoo! Ahh my heart...
I agree. Don't eat your carrot stick before sex.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
I honestly don't get the resentment this rod has brought out in quite a few folks. I've casted one, never caught with it but it felt fantastic.
Do I like foam grips? Not really.
will I ever own a rod that ugly? Definitely not
But like flechero said, I'm one guy.
If I bought stuff strictly on how it "feels", I think I would gladly pay $150 for what I felt when I casted Tin2wins.
Is it time proven? Not yet.
But that's the key,...not YET.
I just don't get how someone, anyone, not singling anyone out here, can belittle a product without using it. Same goes for the other side, people raving about something they have zero experience with, just because their friend loves it.
Just a lot of ridiculousness over nothing.
I think there is a general "God forbid" attitude out there if a product and it's warranty can compete with Loomis and Croix but not carry the $345 price tag that evidently includes "confidence" in the sum total.
Personally, I'll bring my own confidence and keep the other $195 in my pocket. But that's me,...Low Budget.
jwo1124 reply :
I agree with Low Budget that paying $300+ for a fishing rod is a lay me down with out a date. I have came to understand the difference between a $35 rod off the walmart shelf and a $150 high end fishing rod. Where do you draw the line though? I mean how much better can a $300 rod be over a $150 rod. I think these guys sit in the board room and say" hey get this, we priced these rods at $300 and these shmucks are actually paying it." It's encoded in our brains that the more something costs the better it is. So why wouldn't corporations use this basic mind f***ing to screw with us. If they list a rod at $300, WOW...That must be a much better fishign rod than this, it must be able to catch me mroe fish...And sadly people fall into the trap.
I will pay for quality, but I won't pay for a brand name, psuedoconfidence, or boasting rights...
IMO I think $150 is a reasonable price for a high end fishing rod. Once you start passing that price, you know the bait monkey has you by the family jewels.
As far as the carrot stik...I don't know, I would like to get one since they are reasonably priced, but I'll wait until the hype fades, and the facts come out until I make a purchase.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
All due respect here because David is the 1 guy I won't argue certain things with, rods and reels to be more specific but....... Dave wrote:
I'm not sure that a no questions asked replacement policy means anything more than that you're dealing with a rod that isn't very expensive to build, has had the price jacked up to include several free replacements,
Is Loomis not the same?? I mean, I'm assuming if I pay $345 for a rack rod, I am paying for a lot of warranty. On top of it, I still have to give them $50 to get my "pre-figured in" replacement.
or employs a design that makes the rod very durable at the cost of being far less efficient.
If you mean "loses sensitivity" at the cost of being ultra durable, (i.e. Ugly Stik) I might suggest you cast one of these things (if you can stand to look at it,lol) you might be surprised
As for durability, You were the one that said they haven't been proven yet. That data goes both ways. So far, I haven't heard of any snapping.
In all fairness, addressing JWO, you reach a point where the quality will all be top notch (as far as a rack rod can be anyway) and it then becomes a better warranty that you are paying for. Loomis and Croix have been leaders in warranty for years (although my personal opinion is that these warranties aren't as great as most think and certainly not worth another $150-200 on the price tag.) Now, we have a dilemma. Companies like Kistler and E21 are producing some great feeling rods in the $150-200 range with the same , if not better (IMO via my experiences) customer service.
I think a lot of the resentment towards these companies is now surfacing as their success grows. I also think that resentment should be aimed at the companies that have been getting over on the angler for the last 20 yrs instead of at the companies striving to make a difference.
OK, fire away, open target here,lol
flechero reply :
I have no dog in this hunt but there are a couple things I want to address...
QuoteI mean how much better can a $300 rod be over a $150 rod.
Take one worm fishing and then see if you need to ask the question. If you still do, there is something wrong. There are certain materials, components and traits found in the higher dollar rods.... statements like yours are usually made by people who have $150 rods. Now, if you had said the best value is in the $150 range, I would respect that an intelligent argument can be made for that position.
Quote$150 is a reasonable price for a high end fishing rod. Once you start passing that price, you know the bait monkey has you by the family jewels
Really? :-? Why is your arbitrary number of $150 the correct cut off? With that statement you say that all of us that use higher costing gear are idiots and were swindled. There are a couple thousand members that own IMX, GLX or LT or LE, Kistler, dobyns, powell, sage, megabass, etc., that might take offense to your blanket statement. They might have some experience using rods on both sides of your $150 line... I'm willing to be that I'm not the only one that can tell a difference when blindfolded.
QuoteIs Loomis not the same?? I mean, I'm assuming if I pay $345 for a rack rod, I am paying for a lot of warranty. On top of it, I still have to give them $50 to get my "pre-figured in" replacement.
IMO, no. I can't defend other brands because I don't know their history but do a search and look up pricing for loomis... example- when Loomis went to the no questions asked, lifetime warranty, they DID NOT RAISE PRICES. They only added the benefit. In 1994 I bought my first 3 IMX rods, mbr784imx, mbr785imx and mbr844imx I paid $225, $235 and $245, respectively. They have gone up only a couple times since then and not much each time... they are more stable than inflation. Sure you could argue that the prices were already too high but there was a long and stable price history and demand established long before I was there.
Can we get back to carrot sticks now?
roadwarrior reply :
It always strikes me as odd that those that have never fished high end rods find them "over priced" and "no better" than lower priced equipment. I don't ever recall a post by a high end user complaining.
:
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteIt always strikes me as odd that those that have never fished high end rods find them "over priced" and "no better" than lower priced equipment. I don't ever recall a post by a high end user complaining.:
Not taken as an attack, obviously, RW and I know each other better than that BUT,...if this is directed towards my comments, I never spent ALOT of time w/ high end stuff, just used a lot of different ones on different outings. I did, however, ONLY throw high end gear and a wide variety of it when I visited Redline's place. Now, granted, I am nowhere near as picky as 80% of the readers here but I still know what I like and my offerings are strictly my opinions based on my experiences.
QuoteCan we get back to carrot sticks now?
Carrot stick, great value but will never be a "Turkey Run" or "DG" rod Better?
and for the record, like Flechero, not only do I not have a dog in the hunt, I don't even have a dog! ;D
Tokyo Tony reply :
So regarding the Carrot Stix - how fast is the action compared to, say, a Loomis IMX fast action, or a Shimano Crucial fast? There was a post above saying that the action was not really as fast as other rods...is this true? Also, how does the weight compare to, say, a Loomis IMX, generally?
After some of the good reviews, I'm considering trying out a Carrot to see if it strikes my fancy
roadwarrior reply :
Russ,
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
My comments were just a follow-up to flechero's post.
Tin reply :
Yup, stiffer actions, as for weight, lightest around. With certain reels it is TOO LIGHT, imo.
I own a bunch of them Tony, I'll let you try one. As long as you dont put a curse on it by taking it to your little trout hole. ;D
fish-fighting-illini reply :
roadwarrior reply :
I agree, that was a VERY cheap shot. >
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Exactly, but even then, with a reputation like David's, it defends itself. DG knows we'll always have his back if needed.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteNo I don't....... :-?
But I probably don't need it anyway.
This like when Muddy had the last straw is the last one for me.
Have a good new year... 8-)
Don't know where that came from, sorry you feel that way.
For the record, my comment about resentment had nothing to do with you or your business. It was aimed at folks of the Loomis/croix posse who are so brand loyal, they aren't willing to look at new or innovative concepts. If that's you, so be it, otherwise, it was not a personal attack on you in any way. I really don't know why you think I would view you that way anyway, I've never given you or your name anything but utmost respect, so I thought.
jwo1124 reply :
After reading some of the posts after mine, I should say that I can and only have the right to speak for myself on this or any issue. I think rods in the $150 dollar range are the cut off for me, and couldn;'t see myself paying $300+ for a single fishing rod. Now, this doesn't mean that I will or I won't some day, but I just don't see it happening now.
As flechero pointed out, I should have worded my statement differently saying that a $150 is probably the best value pacgage since you are going to get quality craftsmanship, quality material and components, and a good warrenty to go with it. I plan on shifting to Shimano rods this upcoming season and plan on getting a few new rods from them. All their rods come with a Lifetime warrenty, plus they are a veteran in the fishing industry.
Tokyo Tony reply :
QuoteYup, stiffer actions, as for weight, lightest around. With certain reels it is TOO LIGHT, imo.I own a bunch of them Tony, I'll let you try one. As long as you dont put a curse on it by taking it to your little trout hole. ;D
Wait so the Carrot Stix action is as fast or faster than a comparable IMX, for example?
And about the trout hole - I already feel out of place amongst the fly fishermen when I show up with my spinning tackle...imagine if I showed up with baitcasting tackle that included a big orange rod! That would be hilarious ;D
Lucky Craft Man reply :
I have been reading this post and I have to say that I can't get over some of the responses. People get so bitter over the fact that someone doesn't like the Carrot Stic, or G Loomis, or St. Croix, etc. I fish with G Loomis and Cabelas XML rods exclusively. I don't get offended if someone says that G Loomis is overpriced or that Cabelas rods suck. These are the rods I enjoy fishing with and that's all that matters to me. I don't hold stock in either company, so I have no personal invested emotions towards each brand and I don't know why so many people take threads like this personal.
Tin reply :
Tokyo, PM Sent.
shimanogloomis man reply :
How bout everyone shut up and fish what u want ;D
Tin reply :
QuoteHow bout everyone shut up and fish what u want ;D
And if you buy one and don't like it, PM me, I will buy it
FishTank reply :
IMHO, these rods have not been proven yet. It is new technology and should be treated as such. Some might have a different opinion on this rod this time next year.
It may end up, like say the Revos. Which seemed to start out as though people had a hard time excepting a good low profile reel from Abu Garcia but in the end they turned out to be quite good. Only time will tell. Until then I will remain a skeptic. Maybe after a whole season of fishing by a few members, I will change my tone.
But far as Dollar for Dollar goes, the St. Croix Avid gets my vote. It simply gets the job done and is still a lot of fun to fish.
shimanogloomis man reply :
id buy one but i have to many poles
fish-fighting-illini reply :
The big problem that I see is that I happen to like carrots. If these rods really catch on a bag of carrots will go up to $12 / bag!!
lol OUCH!!
flippin4it. reply :
This thread has spiraled out of control..........I have never seen so many unhappy people about "1 brand" of fishing rod in my life. I have combo's that most of you would consider total junk. I own 30+ rods, ranging from Pinnacle , Kistler , Daiwa , Quantum , Falcon , BPS and so on.
The thread should be called, "for those who own one, is the Carrot Stix Worth $150.00 ?".
5bass reply :
I just popped open a rod tube that arrived today from Tin2win. The tube had 2 Carrot Stix in it. My first thought after seeing one IN HAND was the same as seeing one in an online picture.....man, these things are ugly!
Other than being an eye sore, the rods are very light, look to be well built and I like the split grip, no foregrip design. The spinning rod feels a little more tip heavy than the casting rod but should balance out nicely with a Pflueger Supreme hanging off of it. I plan to stick a Revo Premier on the casting rod.
Tin2win sent these to me to try out while his holes are all frozen up. I plan to get out with them this weekend and form a decent opinion on how they fish.
And yes, they are light, but not as light as my Helium LTA's. Very interesting rods no less.
Thanks for sending them Mike, I'll do my best to break 'em in.....hopefully they can handle a jigging spoon cause its about that time.
burleytog reply :
I don't know how good they are, but that color is beautiful. Pretty much the only reason I've thought about buying one.
Jimzee reply :
QuoteAnd yes, they are light, but not as light as my Helium LTA's.Thanks for sending them Mike, I'll do my best to break 'em in.....hopefully they can handle a jigging spoon cause its about that time.
That's all I needed to hear. Pretty cool gesture there Tin2Win.
Any of you E21 fans know of a crankbait rod coming out or is out yet?
That would be one rod I may be interested in. 7 foot or longer?
LakeAnnaBasser reply :
Alot of people think they are ugly. I actually like the looks with the split grip and the orange and black is my high school color.
flippin4it. reply :
Jimzee, the rods E21 has made with a parabolic action are intended for cranking. The list several on there site, both spinning and casting.
fish-fighting-illini reply :
QuoteHow bout everyone shut up and fish what u want ;D
Maybe the best advice so far
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