First Assessment of Mag-Touch Casting Rod 2024

islandbass reply :

I decided to hit Lake Washington from the shore on my short lunch break to give my new Mag-Touch (from Cabelas) casting rod its first test and trial with bottom fishing. I wanted to see how well or poorly the rod would transmit feedback to me. My reel was spooled with 10# mono. I chose mono because I wanted to see how it would fare without the benefits that braid and fluorocarbon lines spoil us with.

Although it is a bit too early to give a full review, I will say that the rod possesses very good sensitivity. The first place I worked was loaded with a lot of grass and the Mag-Touch did a good job of painting the grassy picture. Whew!!!! The Mag-Touch is the first rod I ever bought site unseen without holding it and I was initially nervous. On my second pitch, I felt some nibbling that never got quite to the hook. Darn. The next cast yielded the same result so I moved to another area with a rocky bottom.

The Mag Touch once again painted a great image as I worked my drop shot rig. I placed what was probably the fourth or fifth cast next to some surface piercing wooden poles amidst the riprap and then, thwupp It was not a nibble, but a complete engulfing of the bait, as my rod bent slightly toward the water and my line got tugged straight down.

No Iaconelli'ing today from me. I brought the smallie in quickly and when I brought it close to me, I noticed that my bait was gone and the smallie spat out a beat up 3 senko type bait. I also saw that it might have been recently caught with the drop shot. There was a hole in its palette that was about the size of a hook's point, right next to where my hook was. I released him and headed back to work.

What a Cutie Smallie. You can see the worn out senko in the background. I wonder how long it has been in his gullet.

I think I made a decent acquisition in purchasing this rod. It is an additional all around trunk rod.

Conditions: Overcast, about 70 degrees

Rod/Reel: 7' Mag-Touch casting Rod/Curado 101D with 10# Sufix Siege

Technique: Drop Shot, 3/16 oz pencil weight

Lure; 3 gray senko in the grass, 2 brown French fry worm in the rocks

08-05-09

The_Natural reply :

I think the woven graphite handle extracts every bit of sensitivity that a blank has to offer. They aren't slippery either; I get asked that question alot in regards to my XMG 50's.

Muddy reply :

Hey can either of you explain how that handle does not get slippery. I have an old school Mitchel 308 on the way and i was thinking aobut hanging it off a mag touch spinning rod, but I was afraid of it being slippery

islandbass reply :

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Hey can either of you explain how that handle does not get slippery. I have an old school Mitchel 308 on the way and i was thinking aobut hanging it off a mag touch spinning rod, but I was afraid of it being slippery

Muddy,

Perhaps the best analogy I can think of is a snake's skin. Because of its shine we would think that they are slick and slimy. However, when we touch a snake's skin, we realize that it is actually dry, and not slippery at all.

I wonder how this rod will handle in the winter. ;D

Natch,

I'll call this a poor man's lami. Being that I live in the land of Lamiglas (and Loomis) you'd think I'd have an XMG or two. Someday.

BTW, I wound up getting the Mag Touch for less than $30 new, which is why I made the exception to make this purchase site unseen. It is definitely worth its $99 msrp just for the alconites alone, but for about $30, I am not complaining one bit.

Incheon Basser reply :

I have the 7' MH SB (lure weight up to 1 1/2 oz.).. instead of 3/4 like the normal MH)..I bought it for small swim-baits and big Spinner baits. So far it's ok .. it's very light and very balanced, it's pretty sensitive and really, it's not a cheap rod at 99 bucks with alconite guides... the grip is not slick. but not as good of a grip as the eva... ( I might add a small amount of that flocked shrink grip just behind the real seat maybe 2" or so).. also i wish it had a rubber butt cap. just has a brushed aluminum cap and the handle is long and gets me in the ribs...not so comfortable.. but it's a nice rod.. great looking.. and this particular model really plays big fish well... caught a 7" channel cat on a soft bodied swim bait tonight. i was able to pull that hard fighting cat where ever i wanted him... he would run and i was like oh no buddy get over here and he had to obey... i was impressed... i fished it kinda hard on purpose. (picked it up on sale for 49.99) wanted to see what it could do... good rod..

Incheon Basser reply :

oh one more negitive... the reel seat is kinda flimsy... when i was fighting with the cat... it felt at times as the reel would pulll right out of the seat... it never did but i could feel it giving... in away though it reminded me not to muscle the fish to much

islandbass reply :

I appreciate the heads up. Fortunately for me, I seem to be a dink magnet as you can see in the pic. I don't imagine the reel coming loose with the dinks I hook into. ;D

sweet daddy reply :

What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

Incheon Basser reply :

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What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend... some people like to collect all brands and types. or unique stuff..those people are called "enthusiasts"

just because it's not your tried and true rod means nothing...

sweet daddy reply :

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Quote
What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend... some people like to collect all brands and types. or unique stuff..those people are called "enthusiasts"

just because it's not your tried and true rod means nothing...

I was asking a legitimate question. Get off your box and tell me why this thing is so awesome. Relax, try not to be so emotional. :'(

Dan: reply :

Quote

Quote
What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend...

seriously, almost all of your posts read as "grump, grump, grump, grump"

It's a pretty unique style of rod that offers a new take on how to extract the most sensitivity out of a rod blank.

sweet daddy reply :

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Quote

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What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend...

seriously, almost all of your posts read as "grump, grump, grump, grump"

It's a pretty unique style of rod that offers a new take on how to extract the most sensitivity out of a rod blank.

Thanks for the honest answer, that's all I wanted. I only act like a grump grump grump when some people are acting like babies. I don't have time for feelings, or anyone's current emotional state. :

Dan: reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote

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What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend...

seriously, almost all of your posts read as "grump, grump, grump, grump"

It's a pretty unique style of rod that offers a new take on how to extract the most sensitivity out of a rod blank.

Thanks for the honest answer, that's all I wanted. I only act like a grump grump grump when some people are acting like babies. I don't have time for feelings, or anyone's current emotional state. :

One look at the rod would have supplied that "honest answer."

sweet daddy reply :

Is this the same magnetic shtick that sold all the people on the armbands? When I look at it I think it looks weird, and something that would come out of a sakespeare booth.

Dan: reply :

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Is this the same magnetic shtick that sold all the people on the armbands? When I look at it I think it looks weird, and something that would come out of a sakespeare booth.

It's a carbon fiber handle. You may see weird, others see a grip that is more sensitive than cork.

sweet daddy reply :

Just like the foam grip crowd.

Incheon Basser reply :

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Just like the foam grip crowd.

negative.........

Joe Boss reply :

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Hey can either of you explain how that handle does not get slippery. I have an old school Mitchel 308 on the way and i was thinking aobut hanging it off a mag touch spinning rod, but I was afraid of it being slippery

I love my antique Mitchell 300, especially the clicking sound it makes with ever handle turn. I think it would look good on a Mag Touch. I have mine on a 80's Cherrywood. Back then Berkley made that rod with better guides and a tougher backbone.

ChiCityBasser reply :

Nice review of the casting model and I have the spinning model MGTS664-2 Medium and it is a great rod. I haven't had a problem with it slipping from my hands at all. I agree for the $55 I paid for it off ebay its worth it and worth the $99MSRP also.

Dan: reply :

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Just like the foam grip crowd.
or that nasty "six pin" crowd, right?

negative.........

seriously...and doesn't your steez have foam?

J Francho reply :

The foam on the Steez rods feels like very high grade cork. Its very firm. Same for the Zillions.

Dan: reply :

I know, I have a Zillion. I'm just curious about this guy's contradictions.

J Francho reply :

The term is "internet fisherman."

coryjames reply :

hey hey,nothing wrong with six pins.........they should just come with two ;D

Muddy reply :

Quote

Quote
Hey can either of you explain how that handle does not get slippery. I have an old school Mitchel 308 on the way and i was thinking aobut hanging it off a mag touch spinning rod, but I was afraid of it being slippery

Muddy,

Perhaps the best analogy I can think of is a snake's skin. Because of its shine we would think that they are slick and slimy. However, when we touch a snake's skin, we realize that it is actually dry, and not slippery at all.

I wonder how this rod will handle in the winter. ;D

Natch,

I'll call this a poor man's lami. Being that I live in the land of Lamiglas (and Loomis) you'd think I'd have an XMG or two. Someday.

BTW, I wound up getting the Mag Touch for less than $30 new, which is why I made the exception to make this purchase site unseen. It is definitely worth its $99 msrp just for the alconites alone, but for about $30, I am not complaining one bit.

Thanks; it's either this , the new HMX, or another Fish Eagle II

islandbass reply :

Muddy,

They have been putting certain models at 50% off. Just wait until the model you want is half off and if you live by a cabelas, have them ship it there. You will avoid shipping charges. It's a deal at its $99 price, a steal at $49.99, and highway robbery for less than $30. ;D Go for it.

sweet daddy reply :

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Quote

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Just like the foam grip crowd.
or that nasty "six pin" crowd, right?

negative.........

seriously...and doesn't your steez have foam?

Yes it does, and owning a steez combo is a status symbol. Every time I pick it up I have an audience. Now for the six pin thing, I still have a few six pin reels that work great once you dial them in. My problem is that I don't have time to dial them in anymore, nothing against them its just that my fishing time is more important than breaking in a reel.

The_Natural reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
What does a mag touch rod do that my tried and true rods don't?

nothing...I'm a little tired of your negativity my friend...

seriously, almost all of your posts read as "grump, grump, grump, grump"

It's a pretty unique style of rod that offers a new take on how to extract the most sensitivity out of a rod blank.

I won't lie; I think sweet daddies posts are somewhat entertaining. I'm not encouraging him, but having an antagonist makes it interesting. Burley does this at times. Just fire back and make your point. Maybe it reminds, me of being on the college football message boards, where you must be able to defend you post at a moments notice. To a point, stirring the pot gets us excited.

Bass4Me007 reply :

I'd like to get to Cabelas and feel one for myself. Until then, can you describe how it feels in the hand. You say not slippery, which it looks like it could be, especially when wet. Good to know. But what about comfort itself? Cork, foam, etc. do provide a measure of comfort for a long day's use. How does this feel? Thanks.

Dan: reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote

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Just like the foam grip crowd.
or that nasty "six pin" crowd, right?

negative.........

seriously...and doesn't your steez have foam?

Yes it does, and owning a steez combo is a status symbol. Every time I pick it up I have an audience. Now for the six pin thing, I still have a few six pin reels that work great once you dial them in. My problem is that I don't have time to dial them in anymore, nothing against them its just that my fishing time is more important than breaking in a reel.

I don't understand how you call out "the foam crowd" like they're trend followers or the JDM and lightweight reel crowd when you own a Steez?

And centrifugal brakes are way easier to dial in than magnetic brakes.

islandbass reply :

Quote
I'd like to get to Cabelas and feel one for myself. Until then, can you describe how it feels in the hand. You say not slippery, which it looks like it could be, especially when wet. Good to know. But what about comfort itself? Cork, foam, etc. do provide a measure of comfort for a long day's use. How does this feel? Thanks.

It feels "thinner" in my hands and I really like that. My hands are fit those medium gloves that you see nurses and doctors use. It feels very comfortable to me, but that unfortunately is too subjective a trait of this or any rod.

I went the handle and my hands to find out myself and found that it is no worse or better than cork when wielding the rod. One thing that I learned was this... For lack of a better term, the "grain" of the graphite provided superior grip and traction even when wet than the way it is oriented now. In its current position it is no worse or better than graphite. I think that they should have placed the handle in the opposite direction.

sweet daddy reply :

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Quote

Quote

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Just like the foam grip crowd.
or that nasty "six pin" crowd, right?

negative.........

seriously...and doesn't your steez have foam?

Yes it does, and owning a steez combo is a status symbol. Every time I pick it up I have an audience. Now for the six pin thing, I still have a few six pin reels that work great once you dial them in. My problem is that I don't have time to dial them in anymore, nothing against them its just that my fishing time is more important than breaking in a reel.

I don't understand how you call out "the foam crowd" like they're trend followers or the JDM and lightweight reel crowd when you own a Steez?

And centrifugal brakes are way easier to dial in than magnetic brakes.

Like I said before, when you pull out the steez you become a celebrity. Many companies jumped the shark with foam, now the market is flooded with cheap wannabe steez rods. I could name a few, but you probably like one of those. If you think a six pin reel is way easier to dial in than a mag reel stay with it. I enjoy being able to dial in a reel without removing side plates, and switching plastic weights around.

Dan: reply :

Sort of like your Mojos jumped the shark with the split grip style?

I didn't know the Steez was the first rod to use foam grips... :

sweet daddy reply :

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Sort of like your Mojos jumped the shark with the split grip style?
I didn't know the Steez was the first rod to use foam grips... :

The steez is sexy on so many levels that it can get away with a foam grip. The mojo jumped into the fray by offering an affordable split grip rod with great action, guides, and weight.

Dan: reply :

and the other rods are just jumping on the foam and/or split grip bandwagons?

islandbass reply :

Now come on folks. You can start another post instead of highjacking this one. :-[ :-? :

sweet daddy reply :

What other rods?

skunked_again reply :

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Now come on folks. You can start another post instead of highjacking this one. :-[ :-? :

i agree. especially when one poster seems like he either knows more than the fishing world or is googling for good answers.

even unwriten facts speak for themselves.

rubba bubba reply :

This thread now has lock written all over it.

Dan: reply :

Sorry guys, I'll stop. I just got sick of someone so obviously ignorant about fishing gear making such derisive posts about other people's gear.

Muddy reply :

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What other rods?

All the way back to the 70's there have been quality foam handles. The first I ever had was on the old ABU Red Conolons, lots of Diawas had them , lots of surf rods had them, foam really is not a new option.

Since Magnetic and Centrifugal brakes work at different parts of the cast, I see many preferring one over the other. I prefer the six pin, 4 on , and 2 off.I leave it that way and depend heavily on the cast control knob to keep the spool right per different lure weight.

J Francho reply :

I don't think you can compare the EVA grips from the 70s and 80s to the newer, lightweight Hypalon grips found on newer, high end rods. They're both foam, but the similarity ends there. I still like plain old cork.

steezy reply :

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Quote

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Just like the foam grip crowd.
or that nasty "six pin" crowd, right?

negative.........

seriously...and doesn't your steez have foam?

Yes it does, and owning a steez combo is a status symbol. Every time I pick it up I have an audience. Now for the six pin thing, I still have a few six pin reels that work great once you dial them in. My problem is that I don't have time to dial them in anymore, nothing against them its just that my fishing time is more important than breaking in a reel.

Since I own 2 steez reels and rods do I have a special status symbol?

JK, I much prefer the foam grip on my steez compared to the grandpa cork grip on my Loomis GLX's. IMHO, the GLX is a better rod but someone at Loomis needs to wake up, pull their head out of somewhere and put a modern grip on that awesome rod.

I guarantee they would sell more rods if they updated that grip!

BTW, Ive never touched a "Mag-Touch" rod but the handle/grip design looks interesting.

Muddy reply :

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I don't think you can compare the EVA grips from the 70s and 80s to the newer, lightweight Hypalon grips found on newer, high end rods. They're both foam, but the similarity ends there. I still like plain old cork.

Agreed, everyone was jumping all over that guy and I just wanted to give him an honest answer, and a little history. I prefer cork myself, I do not even like it on the few salt water rods i have owned.

OIFBasser reply :

I don't have a mag touch, but did get an XML for dirty-dirty cheap last month. I am sold on Cabelas rods, as they do not feel like I'm fishing with a mop like BPS rods. I can't say I'll pay MSRP for them, but will buy more of them next year when they go on sale again.

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