Name Brand vs Specialty Brand Rods 2024
Sam reply :
OK guys and gals, I watched John Cox review how he won the FLW Forest Wood Cup on Lake Wheeler with his MHX rods.
It got me to thinking (which can always be dangerous) if it is better to use brand name rods as opposed to specialty made rods, such as the MHX rods?
So what is your take on this subject.
And if you have specialty or home made rods what has been your experience as opposed to purchasing the name brand rods off the shelf?
Thanks for your time and feedback.
A-Jay reply :
Interesting topic and one that is sure to spur some convicted responses.
In the "timing is everything" category this post may be very applicable.
A-Jay
Sam reply :
Mods, please move this post to the rod section.
Thanks.
Scott F reply :
I must have hands like bricks. I can't feel the difference between my custom made G Loomis Rod that was $400 and old IM 6 rods that were about $60. At least on rods that have similar ratings. I buy nicer rods today, not so much because I can tell the difference but I have appearances I must keep up! ???
scaleface reply :
I paid 20 dollars for my last rod . From Gander Mountain .Lady Guide series and its not pink . Its a manly lavender .
iabass8 reply :
If I had the time, I would custom make every rod I own. All things equal, A rod built to your exact speifications and requirements trumps off the shelf everytime.
Jrob78 reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 6:49 AM, iabass8 said:If I had the time, I would custom make every rod I own. All things equal, A rod built to your exact speifications and requirements trumps off the shelf everytime.
What he said.
cgolf reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 5:35 AM, Scott F said:I must have hands like bricks. I can't feel the difference between my custom made G Loomis Rod that was $400 and old IM 6 rods that were about $60. At least on rods that have similar ratings. I buy nicer rods today, not so much because I can tell the difference but I have appearances I must keep up! ???
This ^^ , last trip I did I found myself using my ugly stick spinning rod more than my st croix eye con or the other 100 buckish series and you know what I did alright. Sure it is a little slower, but it works well fishing snaggy cover, reeds and rocks.
The only place I have seen expensive rods make a huge difference is in a fly rod, I was lucky enough to get 4 really nice for the time fly rods that were 500+ new and they really did cast better then the 100 buck rods I had at the time. As far as spinning and bait casting go, I feel we have gotten too specific with rods, when in reality a guy could get away with just a couple of each.
I currently only have off the shelf rods, now I am not familiar with MHX rods, is this like Doybins or some of the smaller stick makers on TW, or are these truly guys making a few sticks a year?
IgotWood reply :
Almost all of my saltwater rods are customs. If you have some time and money, you can really make your head explode, and you will probably wind up with a custom rod for each individual bait you own. However, many of the "off the shelf" rods today were customs at one point. Manufacturers built rods to the specs of their pro-staff, and then wind up mass producing them. And with the huge variety of technique-specific rods out there today, custom rods have become more of labor of love, rather than need. I personally do not have the need for a custom bass rod. Maybe at some point down the road if I get into fishing a less popular technique, I may have the need for a custom.
soflabasser reply :
A highly skilled bass fisherman will outfish most bass fisherman with a rod that cost under $50.
papajoe222 reply :
I really don't think anyone that purchases a custom built rod feels that the rod will make them a better angler. They may feel they will be able to detect bites better, exert less effort, or it will reduce fatigue. What most of the guys are looking for in a custom built rod is a rod that is unique to them. Whether it's the specific action, length, cosmetics, type or make of the handle and grip.........they are the ones that decide exactly what they want and don't want.
WRB reply :
My personal preference is using rods made in America by American craftsman and that limits the field for off the shelf or over the counter rods. All the rod components today are off shore, guides, reel seats, some rod blanks are still laid up in America, most are not. Both G. Loomis and Lamiglas were made in Washington until Shimano bought Loomis, then Lamiglas started using off shore rod blanks for bass rods. ST Croix top end rod blanks are American made, Dobyns are off shore.
Custom rods you can pick whatever rod blank and components you prefer and whatever and wrapped the way you want it, no compromise. No reason to pay over $300 for any bass rod when you can have a state of the art rod custom made for $250-$300. The difference is selecting a top quality rod builder who guarantees thier products, custom or off the shelf.
Tom
Hogsticker reply :
For me it's all about finding that perfect blank that is optimal for the techniques I intend to use it for, and behaves in the manner it should for said technique at the highest level. I'm not saying it has to be a high dollar premium blank, rather the best blank for the job at hand. I understand not wanting to take the time to accomplish this, but for me it's totally worth it. Most mid tier custom blanks trump most anything off the shelf from a manufacturer other than those who are produce or utilize some of these same blanks. Too many companies are using cheap blanks and charging a premium for their rods. And then you add in the at times crap quality control so why not at least consider having it done right. Even though I might find a rod I feel will excel at what I want it to do, it may not have the exact components I desire so why spend my money on it. I will state once again that the ability to catch fish on a 50 dollar rod is completely irrelevant. I can drive a nail with a two by four but I'd rather use a hammer.
Nathan Burton reply :
Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing.
EvanT123 reply :
MHX blanks have been around for quite a few years. They have a good reputation like many of the other rod blank makers out there.
Putting a usable rod together is not rocket science.
Putting a rod that has no flaws and is tailored to a specific application and a customers expectations is.
Sam reply :
I currently only have off the shelf rods, now I am not familiar with MHX rods, is this like Doybins or some of the smaller stick makers on TW, or are these truly guys making a few sticks a year? - I HAVE NO IDEA.
Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing. - DO YOU THINK GLENN WILL SEND ME $1,000 FOR POSTING THIS TOPIC WHEN I DID?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 4:42 PM, Sam said:
Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing. - DO YOU THINK GLENN WILL SEND ME $1.00 FOR POSTING THIS TOPIC WHEN I DID?
Fixed it for you.
cgolf reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 4:42 PM, Sam said:I currently only have off the shelf rods, now I am not familiar with MHX rods, is this like Doybins or some of the smaller stick makers on TW, or are these truly guys making a few sticks a year? - I HAVE NO IDEA.
Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing. - DO YOU THINK GLENN WILL SEND ME $1,000 FOR POSTING THIS TOPIC WHEN I DID?
No I figured it out, your talking rod builders vs even the smallest maker with a standard product line, my mistake for posting in the thread.
rangerjockey reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 12:21 PM, WRB said:My personal preference is using rods made in America by American craftsman and that limits the field for off the shelf or over the counter rods. All the rod components today are off shore, guides, reel seats, some rod blanks are still laid up in America, most are not. Both G. Loomis and Lamiglas were made in Washington until Shimano bought Loomis, then Lamiglas started using off shore rod blanks for bass rods. ST Croix top end rod blanks are American made, Dobyns are off shore.
Custom rods you can pick whatever rod blank and components you prefer and whatever and wrapped the way you want it, no compromise. No reason to pay over $300 for any bass rod when you can have a state of the art rod custom made for $250-$300. The difference is selecting a top quality rod builder who guarantees thier products, custom or off the shelf.
Tom
Loomis still makes blanks in Washington.
Catt reply :
When is comes to rods I am extremely particular & even more so if it's intended purpose is for Texas Rigs & Jigs.
I will not order a rod from any manufacturer or custom rod builder that I can not hold in my hands first.
I've owned the "best" off the self rods & a few from the "hottest" rod builders in the nation.
I replaced a broken G. Loomis with a Crucial CRC-X610MH & haven't felt like I down graded any. The Crucial fits what I expect from a worm/jig rod.
As for driving nails, being a master carpenter I can drive nails with an Estwing or my Daddy's wooden handled hammer...it matters who's holding the hammer!
cgolf reply :
When I think custom rods, I think like Catt does. Let's say I have a jerkbait stick that I want a touch slower tip. I would go to a custom rod maker with the stick I essentially want tweaked and have them build a rod that in the above case had the same backbone, weight, but a slightly slower tip.
One I could see myself having done is having someone build up a stick very similar in weight, od, backbone, balance, but a faster tip than my ugly stick. Due to a wrist injury, that stick is the easiest for me to use for 12 hours on the water. Would be curious to see what someone could come up with and at what cost
To me looking at the MHX site it is pretty similar to ordering a rod from TW, other than the fact that you put it together. What would be really helpful is if they had a flex graph showing how the different blanks load up.
WRB reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 6:58 PM, rangerjockey said:Loomis still makes blanks in Washington.
Both Loomis and Lamiglas still make rod blanks in Woodland WA, not thier entire product line.
I used Lamiglas rods since 1985 and stopped in 2010 because they no longer offered their state of the art bass rods custom made at the factory. Lamiglas suggested ALX rods, Alex was the US Kagin guide distributor and made custom rods and had stock on the blanks they discontinued. Dobyns started with Lamiglas rod blanks and had to go off shore to continue his line of application specific rods.
Loomis lost any chance with me using the NRX rods with thier $100 warranty, excellent rods way to expensive IMO!
Tom
MRBAMA57 reply :
During the past 2 years I have purchased around 6 new rods. 3 of them were Gander Mountain brand 6 ft 6 in medium heavy baitcaster type rods for $20 each. I use them mostly with Texas rigged worms and lizards. Guess which rods I have caught the most fish on?
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Last i heard fish dont really read our rods..i dont go $20 cheap but for me $20 up too $50 works fine and my cheap yard sale pistol grips fit perfect never had a notion to try a $300 dollar 3oz rod when a $20 3 oz rod does what i need...LOVE sittin in my yak busting bass shallow while the dude with the 60k bassboat is tryin to sneakk a peek then keep moving lol
Raul reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 6:45 AM, scaleface said:I paid 20 dollars for my last rod . From Gander Mountain .Lady Guide series and its not pink . Its a manly lavender .
REAL MACHO men wear can wear pink.
I don't have any pink or pastel colored rods ( like pistaccio green or lavender or baby blue ) just because the color distracts me, no other reason than that.
Wanna know what I use ?
POWER: anywhere from UL to XH, it just depends on the cover
ACTION: FAST
Simple.
Catt reply :
My issue aint cost, it's all about feel!
Before I buy a rod I put my reel on it, string it up, 1/4 oz bullet weight, 3/0 hook, & worm. Now I know how it's gonna balance, cast, everything but how it'll handle fish.
I've had custom rods built, took em to the lake, & returned em Monday morning.
I don't look at name on the side, technique specific, recommend line, or lure weight!
kickerfish1 reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 4:42 PM, Sam said:I currently only have off the shelf rods, now I am not familiar with MHX rods, is this like Doybins or some of the smaller stick makers on TW, or are these truly guys making a few sticks a year? - I HAVE NO IDEA.
Check out the video glen just posted to YouTube. Perfect timing. - DO YOU THINK GLENN WILL SEND ME $1,000 FOR POSTING THIS TOPIC WHEN I DID?
Not trying to be mean but you keep using the phrase "MHX rods". Just to be clear MHX are rod blanks made my Mudhole. They are sold as blanks only.
Do I think they are good? Yes, they are a really solid blank for the price plus with most sizeable orders you can 10% off your order from Mudhole. Yes, there are nicer blanks to use but for right around $100 or less they are hard to beat. Plus most are unfinished and not painted which is huge plus to me.
Catt reply :
On 8/15/2016 at 11:11 AM, kickerfish1 said:Not trying to be mean but you keep using the phrase "MHX rods". Just to be clear MHX are rod blanks made my Mudhole. They are sold as blanks only.
Do I think they are good? Yes, they are a really solid blank for the price plus with most sizeable orders you can 10% off your order from Mudhole. Yes, there are nicer blanks to use but for right around $100 or less they are hard to beat. Plus most are unfinished and not painted which is huge plus to me.
Mud hole is 1 of 5 dealers that sell MHX blanks.
http://fishmhx.com/mhx-dealers-distributors/
blckshirt98 reply :
Fish whatever gives you the most confidence. For some it's the high end/JDM/custom gear, for others it's off the shelf stuff. Like someone mentioned already a skilled fisherman with cheap off the shelf gear can outfish a fisherman with top of the line gear. Not all off the shelf gear will feel right to you (I've tried a few brands and there's a couple that just didn't feel right for me) but there are more than enough brands at different price points where you'll be sure to find something that will give you the confidence to fish.
Rodney Smith reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 12:21 PM, WRB said:My personal preference is using rods made in America by American craftsman and that limits the field for off the shelf or over the counter rods. All the rod components today are off shore, guides, reel seats, some rod blanks are still laid up in America, most are not. Both G. Loomis and Lamiglas were made in Washington until Shimano bought Loomis, then Lamiglas started using off shore rod blanks for bass rods. ST Croix top end rod blanks are American made, Dobyns are off shore.
Custom rods you can pick whatever rod blank and components you prefer and whatever and wrapped the way you want it, no compromise. No reason to pay over $300 for any bass rod when you can have a state of the art rod custom made for $250-$300. The difference is selecting a top quality rod builder who guarantees thier products, custom or off the shelf.
Tom
Tom,
I read your posts and appreciate the your expertise. Also, from the looks of your giant fish, I suspect you are a pretty good fisherman. I have a question. I am considering getting the ALX Toadface and Rosa rods. I am a very loyal G. Loomis user. I have NRX, GLX, and IMX. I have tried the custom route before and was disappointed in that whole process. I have good relationships with my local tackle shops and get substantial discounts on my G. Loomis rods. I don't seem to be able to find discounts on the ALX rods. When I have broken the Loomis rods (most always my fault), I have taken it back and ended up with a new rod at no cost. With that said, I want to be open minded. You are very high on the ALX rods and even mention them being in the league with an NRX. By most accounts, the NRX is one of the most sensitive rods in the world. I am considering the Zolo series. How is a $200 rod going to compare to my G. Loomis rods? Also, if I decide to trade a rod, it is always easy to sell a G. Loomis. Would that be the case with an ALX rod?
d-camarena reply :
I also used to have all high end rods, mostly gloomis, diawas and shimanos. Due to some financial troubles i sold em off and slowly bought all lews rods. Mostly their mach2 series rods. Im as happy as i was and still catching the same fish
WRB reply :
On 5/1/2017 at 7:29 PM, Rodney Smith said:
Tom,
I read your posts and appreciate the your expertise. Also, from the looks of your giant fish, I suspect you are a pretty good fisherman. I have a question. I am considering getting the ALX Toadface and Rosa rods. I am a very loyal G. Loomis user. I have NRX, GLX, and IMX. I have tried the custom route before and was disappointed in that whole process. I have good relationships with my local tackle shops and get substantial discounts on my G. Loomis rods. I don't seem to be able to find discounts on the ALX rods. When I have broken the Loomis rods (most always my fault), I have taken it back and ended up with a new rod at no cost. With that said, I want to be open minded. You are very high on the ALX rods and even mention them being in the league with an NRX. By most accounts, the NRX is one of the most sensitive rods in the world. I am considering the Zolo series. How is a $200 rod going to compare to my G. Loomis rods? Also, if I decide to trade a rod, it is always easy to sell a G. Loomis. Would that be the case with an ALX rod?
Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.
Tom
J Francho reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 4:52 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Fixed it for you.
That's a lot of inflation for the penny for your thoughts, lol.
j bab reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 6:49 AM, iabass8 said:If I had the time, I would custom make every rod I own. All things equal, A rod built to your exact speifications and requirements trumps off the shelf everytime.
Unless a rod "off the shelf" meets your specifications & requirements... I think that argument is less and less applicable as more manufacturers have been putting out technique specific rods. There are so many options that I've never found myself needing a custom. Maybe if I only bought from one brand it would be an issue, or maybe i need more sophisticated preferences!
Rodney Smith reply :
On 5/1/2017 at 10:12 PM, WRB said:Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.
Tom
On 5/1/2017 at 10:12 PM, WRB said:Resale value will not be as good as the NRX based on name recognition and initial price points.
Tom
RoLo reply :
On 8/14/2016 at 6:45 AM, scaleface said:I paid 20 dollars for my last rod . From Gander Mountain .Lady Guide series and its not pink . Its a manly lavender .
I hope that rod was not for your wife, because she's going to demand a PINK shaft (or should I say pink blank)
Roger
Rodney Smith reply :
I have a small 15 ft Riverhawk boat and carry 5 rods (3 casting and 2 spinning). I love jig fishing. My prized set up is an NRX with a Shimano Metanium. Some days, I fish it all day. Besides resell value, I am better off sticking with G. Loomis or for at least a few things like for my Topwater rod and frog rod/Carolina rig, try something like an ALX Zolo?
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