longest throwing stick

[Coop]

The fusion is probably next on the list,,,still may even try a 1569,,,just talked to gene about getting the large rack,,,after that, I may not have enough in the bank for another rod but I am going to try to squeeze another rod out of the budget .

[Coop]

Originally Posted by Sam

Okay, you all are getting my attention with all of this "heaver" talk. Realistically, what is the difference in one of these vs. a 12' Tica? Are we talking different water here?

Sam, the breakaway ldx is putting me in different water, but thats for tossing small weight and bait,,,for casting distance, I think the blank is by far better than any of the economy rods as well as the components.

[8nbait]

yes different water.
I have casted many many rods in the field and there is a difference, sometimes as much as 30 yards. 30 yards can be the difference in catching 10 fish and catching 0 fish. I have seen it happen. Heck, 10 yards is sometimes all you need to get over the bar or on the bar.
Some custom heavers are capable of throwing 10-12 oz with a head or large chunk comfortably (well as comfy as possible).
Are they worth the extra money? I like to catch as many fish as possible so yes they are worth it.

on a side note I fished the fusion for three days and I really like it. Very thin butt, small soft tip and very stiff in the mid section. I havent meassured any casts in the field yet but with bait it was throwing at least as far as my 1509. It also plays fish great with the tip flex, kind of reminded me of the purglas 400-4 in the tip but more backbone in the mid section. Overall an awesome feeling rod to cast and catch with. I am not going to say it is my favorite yet but I think after the next trip it will be.
If weather permits I will cast them (1509, fusion) side by side in the field tomorrow.

Gary

[Coop]

Gary, let us know on the comparison,,,thanks

[8nbait]

Tested three rods today.
Here are the longest casts of each rod. I used the same reel for all three rods: Daiwa SHV 30 2 Red Brakes, with 20# Suffix with 50# shocker and a 4 sided 8oz Pyramid weight. All rods are 12'5" long with a 30.5" reel position.

Rainshadow 1509 462'
Inferno 468'
Fusion 466'

Due to the fact that all three were so close I have to think the reel was a limiting factor, meaning the reel with the present configuration (red brakes/20# line) is only capable of throwing this far no matter what rod it is on. I will try this with a blue yonder later but it doesnt really matter since I normally use the daiwa's for fishing.

So I guess it comes down to how a specific rod feels to the owner since all of these are so similiar in distance.

Gary

[FishAndTattoos]

i just got a 10' signature rod from gander mountain. I believe they are made by ST.Croix. (Thats what the guy told me) But 8oz and a bunker head works great and im sure it could throw a 10 with no problem.

[Sam]

Gary, thanks for the info. I look forward to future tests!

[Coop]

Gary, thanks for the comparison.

[igormothra]

Gary, you coming to the Fling? would love to talk about having a rod built.

[8nbait]

I wont be able to make it to the fling. gotta get things in order for the fall season. way too many things to do this summer. I may get in one trip in august if i get the time but deffinately every week after labor day until about end of november.
give me a call if you get a chance and we can discuss it or if you want to come up here (hagerstown, md) you can try out anything i have built.

gary

[igormothra]

Keep me posted if you are coming down, I would be very interested in testing your stock... I kind of have a thing for St. Croixs can we get one that will really chuck it out there?

[8nbait]

Originally Posted by igormothra

Keep me posted if you are coming down, I would be very interested in testing your stock... I kind of have a thing for St. Croixs can we get one that will really chuck it out there?

PM sent

I really don't think the best st. croix will match up with the wheeler or rainshadow blanks, however they do have a heavy heaver at 12'.

gary