Simply outstanding! I very much appreciate the moderate-fast action, which protects thin (BFS) lines and leaders whilst having enough “give” to keep fish pinned even when using braided line. The rod is very responsive, however, and tip recovery is quick and without the prolonged bouncing so many of the budget rods with solid carbon fiber tips suffer from.
Build quality and finish are top-notch, the contoured cork grip feels great in the hand and as far as looks are concerned, well, you be the judge. In my opinion, the design pairs equally well with classic round as well as modern baitcasters (see photos – ABU Ambassadeur 2500C and Daiwa Gekkabijin Air TW PE Special).
According to the website, the rod “works very well for long distance casting of BFS lures…” – a claim I can only confirm after doing my own tests with various weights and the aforementioned (super-tuned) ABU 2500C:
3.7g -- 36m / 118 ft
3.0g -- 31m / 102 ft
2.0g -- 21m / 70 ft
Of course, how far you can cast shouldn’t be the determining factor when it comes to BFS equipment – but it’s nice to know that you can get out there if needed.
Because the rod loads up so nicely, casting lower-weight lures shouldn’t be a problem. I never went below 1.5g though and the choice of the reel is going to be the determining factor when it comes to the lower end. I usually stick with 2g on up (since I prefer using my 2500C), with an upper end of 4.5-5g – this is a BFS UL rod, after all. In my opinion, 3-3.5g is the sweet spot.
I really like this rod and applaud NS for creating a moderate-fast action and really responsive BFS rod.
Simply outstanding! I very much appreciate the moderate-fast action, which protects thin (BFS) lines and leaders whilst having enough “give” to keep fish pinned even when using braided line. The rod is very responsive, however, and tip recovery is quick and without the prolonged bouncing so many of the budget rods with solid carbon fiber tips suffer from.
Build quality and finish are top-notch, the contoured cork grip feels great in the hand and as far as looks are concerned, well, you be the judge. In my opinion, the design pairs equally well with classic round as well as modern baitcasters (see photos – ABU Ambassadeur 2500C and Daiwa Gekkabijin Air TW PE Special).
According to the website, the rod “works very well for long distance casting of BFS lures…” – a claim I can only confirm after doing my own tests with various weights and the aforementioned (super-tuned) ABU 2500C:
3.7g -- 36m / 118 ft
3.0g -- 31m / 102 ft
2.0g -- 21m / 70 ft
Of course, how far you can cast shouldn’t be the determining factor when it comes to BFS equipment – but it’s nice to know that you can get out there if needed.
Because the rod loads up so nicely, casting lower-weight lures shouldn’t be a problem. I never went below 1.5g though and the choice of the reel is going to be the determining factor when it comes to the lower end. I usually stick with 2g on up (since I prefer using my 2500C), with an upper end of 4.5-5g – this is a BFS UL rod, after all. In my opinion, 3-3.5g is the sweet spot.
I really like this rod and applaud NS for creating a moderate-fast action and really responsive BFS rod.