trevala

[JerseyCoast]

I would go to a reputable Shimano dealer and ask him to try it out.

We have weights, drag scales and an assortment of test items ready for our rods. You can ask anybody who has come in to order a rod..... we make you try it before we take a dollar for a deposit. If the dealer will not allow you to test a rod for its rated performance, then he is telling you that he does not trust it himself. That's just reality!

Shimano makes a great rod, but they are over rated in their performance numbers. If you want a rod rated at say 15-20, you should buy the rod that is rated 20-40. Otherwise Shimano has it down and they make a good product.

Thanks for the compliment on the custom rods. I understand what your saying, but Im sure Mike would agree when I say that although we cost a little more, you are getting MORE for your money. Your getting a rod built on the spline, a rod laid out for maximum performance, a longer lasting rod too. Take the looks out of it out of the decision, all together. Thats just for show.... . Your getting more bang for your buck with a custom rod from an experienced builder.

You can come in and lift weights in my shop with our rods. I would never stop you. Your also getting a higher resale value too. You just admitted that you can buy that $279 rod for under $100 with Shimano. Try to buy one of Mikes rods for that, or any good builder...... Im not trying to sway you at all. I'm using your veiw on a custom rod, to explain it better for those who feel the same way. A custom rod is not all about the looks. While its a great addition, its the last thing we think of as a builder. We build to perform first, look good second. Im not picking on you at all, please do not take it that way. Plenty of people feel the same as you do. Its always nice to explain it a bit more.

Anyway....... go to a dealer and ask them to prove the product. They should have no problem doing it. Unless, they dont trust it.

[JerseyHooker.Com]

All i can say is bang for the buck you cannot beat Shimanos trevala not to mention Shimanos warranty program and customer support ....

[JerseyCoast]

I never meant to offend anyone or start a "Rod War" thread here.

I set it up for Shimano fans to defend the rods, but it didnt happen. Shimano is looked at as being under rated, but not because they suck....... because the rod in question is made with more emphasis on the jig, rather than the lifting power. Many brands place spotlight the lifting power, not the jig ratings. If we look at the model mentioned, I assume its rated for 110-200g jigs..... ? Being rated for jigs of this size, you cant compare it a rod rated for 200-400g jigs. They are 2 different animals.

Shimano was one of the first manufacturers to introduce the US fisherman to the jigging & popping world. The emphasis was, and still is on the action of the jig, the ability to swim that jig. There are other brands out there that are the opposite. Offering you more in the way of lifting power, but not as good with the action on the lighter jigs. My comments earlier in this thread are not intended to say Shimano is bad, just that your not going to get that lifting power from the model mentioned. But, thats by design, not by lack of quality.

This also plays into my comments on getting more for your money with a custom, for those who do not see the justification in spending the money. The rod mentioned is made to swim the rated jigs, but is not giving you the power of other brands. Now, lets look at the custom rod option.....

We have a 6'6" blank rated 125-225g that we use. We build it with 8 guides + tip and this holds true. We take that same rod blank and use another lay out, 10 guides + tip, we now have a rod that will fall into the rating of 150g - 400g, while also increasing the lifting power by 25-25%. Aside from the obvious benefits of a custom rod, ( made to fit you, proper guide alignment on the blank, personalized ) this is what I was talking about. This rod starts at $179, in the same price range if you look at it. ( $119-$219 depending on the model.) By talking to a builder, you can often find yourself with one rod that will replace 2 or 3 of your rods, saving you money.

I never intended to offend anyone. I especially didnt intend for anyone to think I was putting Shimano down. We sell Shimano Rods, we are just not a "large dealer" and do not show up on their map. If you asked me to pick a brand other than a custom rod, truth is, it would be Shimano 9 out of 10 times.

Just to clear it up...... not saying Shimano is crap. Saying that your not getting the extra lifting power, they are designed for the jigs before the dead lift. Thats actually a compliment to them, for those who want that action.

But, I still say you should talk to a builder when ever your looking to spend that much money. They may, or may not be able to help you save a few bucks. Theres more to a custom rod than just the colors and looks. Anyone who says otherwise...... has no idea what a custom rod is.

[SaltLife1980]

I got two of them and i love them!! One for fluke fishing and one for Bass... Great rod with lots of back bone