kschultz76

Check out the Kistler Helium 3 Light Medium Heavy, comes in a 6’9”. Get it on a sale for close to $200.

That’s a great point! Something like a GLX MBR 843 or 844, Helium 3 MH 4 power, or Orochi XX Diablo Spec R are all really versatile sticks that can be used with plastics and jigs but also throw spinnerbaits, swimjigs, chatterbaits, topwater, small swimbaits, lipless, even some squarebills.

All of them....1 at a time. Seriously first choice would be plastics/jig rod or finesse plastics rod where sensitivity matters most. Id be looking at Kistler Helium3, St Croix LTB, G Loomis GLX or IMX Pro, Megabass Orochi XX, maybe an ALX. But it if you get one on sale I think the Kistler Helium 3 is the best bang for your buck.

No brainer. Fuego CT and don’t look back.

If you prefer graphite cranking rods and want to stay in that $100-130 price range then take a look at the Dobyns Fury 705CB. I’ve no personal experience with it but it’s a mod fast rating, and seems to be a very well reviewed budget friendly versatile cranking stick around here. If if you can catch a sale on one I really like the Kistler KLX CRT series rods which are graphite mod fast cranking sticks that are not noodles and very versatile, come in M and mH in several lengths. I can also suggest the Hammer Rods MH Mod Fast rods(not the crankbait series), I have a 7’3” but they come in other lengths, very supple tip with a smooth transition into back bone. The Hammers fit/finish have gotten some dings in reviews but for what I paid for mine it’s not awful, the epoxy work on the guides is just not as clean as it could be. But the blank is great.

It’s a brand new model of a new generation of the Orochi XX rods. About the only hands on info out there on them is the preview on TackleTour. Will be awhile before anyone has the hands on experience to answer your question unfortunately.

I read a post somewhere else referring to the red Winn grips, but I believe it was not confirmed that would be the production build. Those rods I believe were one of Kistler’s pro staff and it was thought they were possibly custom sticks made for that individual. Its possible theyd go to winn grips, they’ve done it on their less expensive offerings. But I agree if they move away from cork at that price point I wouldnt have much enthusiasm for the rods. Especially if they’re red.

Like DVT said you’re overthinking this. Your 6’10” LTB MLXF is for all intents and purposes the same rod built for the same purpose as the 6’9” MLXF Avid version, but you’re LTB is a better grade of graphite and better guides. The length difference in design likely is a result of the difference in materials used, grip type/length, and balance.

I’m a MB fan but in this case I’d take the Avid X. The Levantes just haven’t been reviewed as well as other MB offering some, or as well as other rods in that price range. I also personally much prefer cork handles to the Eva. I have the Tour Versatile in the Orochi XX series, it’s a heavy powered stick for sure. It can throw a 3/8 oz jig plus trailer but you’re definitely at the edge of its lower weight capability. It just loads better casting heavier lures then that. Your 1/2 jigs will be right in its wheelhouse. All of that said if you really want a Tour Versatile go to The Tackle Trap website or give them a call. They still have the original Orochi XX Tour Versatile for $199 and that’s a steal!

Sorry I just edited my most bc it’s wording wasn’t good. I haven’t fished the spinning rod specifically but I have a baitcasting rod in the KLX CRT series and like quite a bit, it has a great taper. Base did on the blank materials and ratings I’d assume the multi technique spinning would have a good taper. If you like the light medium heavy power they have a Helium 3 spinning rod in that power. I’d also recommend looking at Hammer spinning rods, they have a MH ModFast in a spinning rod. I have a casting rod from them that’s 7’3” MH ModFast that’s a great taper for cranks yet really sensitive. I’ve thrown cranks from 1/4 oz to 3/4oz with it no problem. Only complaint is the epoxy work on the guides is kind of sloppy, but it’s purely cosmetic.

Kistler KLX Crank Rip Twitch series has a couple multipurpose spinning rods. I’d highly recommend you look into them.

Avid and Avid X are great blanks with good sensitivity in their price point. I’d throw out one more option, the Kistler Helium 3 line, probably the 7’0” Light/Medium Heavy Fast for your purpose. If the 20% off sale is still running they’re in your price point if you’re looking at the Avids.

Or if you want a longer handle you can order one from a Chronarch MGL or the Met XG ratio reel.

Boat flipping I just don’t get, even for tournament anglers. It’s not only bad for the fish and your equipment, but it’s hazardous for the angler too. Just watched Keith Poche bury 2 out of the 3 hooks on a treble hook deep into the meat of his palm on MLF. There was no way to remove in the field, they stabilized it and wrapped it so he could finish. I’d like to see MLF ban boat flipping.

Are you sure you meant KLX Feel N Reel, that’s a graphite/glass hybrid rod built specifically for crankbaits. I have KLX and Helium 3 rods, the increased sensitivity and faster taper of the Helium 3 is worth the small price difference all day long for any bottom contact presentations. At least in my opinion.

With the Kistler sale right now if you could afford it I’d suggest the Helium 3 7’1”or 7’4” MH XF over either option.

Understand, I suffer that same affliction.

Another tip, if you want to get the most out of your reels for pitching it is especially helpful to have your spool bearings properly flushed and deep cleaned, then properly lubed with a quality lube. That’s going to increase your accuracy, help keep that low trajectory, and help your pitching distance. Having that done with my reels made the most notable improvements in my pitching game.

Ideally you want the lightest spool for the job since pitching happens at lower speed then normal casting, and a lighter spool will start up easier with that lower inertia. Between those two reels I’m not sure which one will have any advantage in pitching, try them both and see what you prefer. Start your practicing with a 1/2 oz min weight, it will help you immensely to get the feel for the timing and motion to achieve a low trajectory pitch.

Ummmm read the title of the Ops post, they’re asking for feedback on the 706CB, just like the TackleTour review.

Theres a review of it on TackkeTour, search the rod archive. I’ve considered that rod quite a bit.

Any Tatula CT variant, just a regular CT,a Type R, or an SV. All well perform great and do everything you want without breaking the bank. Heck you could have them tuned and still be within your budget.

With a m/Xfast rod def mono or copoly with topwater or jerkbaits, and a properly set drag. With the specific rod you’re talking about I’m not sure how well it will handle those lures. It’s def not a squarebill rod. I know how a St Croix M/XF does handle topwater and jerkbaits, it’s tip is super light and responsive. If you’ve get a stiffer tip then it won’t get the action you need.

Topwater and jerks with the right line and drag settings. Weightless plastics like senkos and flukes, light trigs, lighter jigs like 3/16 oz.

That I can’t explain, but at least we have the option of easily and cheaply sourcing it from Japan. Not too many years ago that was a lot harder to impossible. But you’d think if they’re already building them and shipping them stateside from Japan it shouldn’t be a problem to ship em in all ratios.