kickerfish1

I still find it nearly impossible to believe the blanks are the same. Look at these photos. Once you move past the color of them the finishing of them doesn't even look the same. Current Extreme New Extreme photo on TT Orichi XX blank showing the carbon weave pattern I will have to wait until the new production extremes but the shelves before deciding...

As far as the Zeyta goes my feelings are from a R & D standpoint there is a big financial outlay to going "all in" on a new rod that will feature some of the best or better components money can buy. I am guessing they sank a good chunk of money in that rod only to have to scrap the idea due to the proprietary issue. Also I am guessing they may have also had second thoughts about producing a $500 rod line. Most guys like them because of the price and all the options for rod lengths, handle configurations, techniques, etc. Certainly the Zeyta would be likely a slimmed down line containing one spinning rod and probably 5 casting. They may still get this rod line together in the future but in all honesty what percentage of anglers would buy a rod that would cost them $500+? Also how many of the guys that only fish Dobyns would want a rod that costs that much. Most tournament guys fish "mid priced" rods for the most part. If Archangel sells boom over the next few months perhaps they would rethink it but I just don't think the market is very strong rods that retail for over $500. My local Cabelas and BPS don't even have any NRX or GLX models in stock. If they do they typically get a rod or 2. Most people just don't dish out that kind of money for a rod. Think about how long it took Phenix to reduce the Production K2s. Now as far as the NEW extreme rods I bet the price will go up at least 5-10%. Just about every redesigned rod line gets a bump in price. The Fenwick Elite Tech smallmouth rods went up when redesigned, the Gen 2 Phenix Recons went up $10 a rod, and the list goes on. I am guessing the blank is different just based upon the photos I am seeing. That carbon weave looks similar to the K2 blank and Orichi XX line of rods. Not sure how much better or the same it will be but I am guessing Gary and Richard wouldn't redesign a rod line and downgrade the amount of feel in the rod and the components used. I like the Extreme series of rods but I am one of the guys that feels the Orichi XX line offers better and more pronounced feel. I don't feel any of the Dobyns rods are dead they just transmit bites differently and I like them for other reasons. Still have 5 Dobyns left and enjoy them a lot. Even if a Zeyta is released at some point I think I will pass on the rod series. If I am spending $400 it will be on a Rep Sample NRX. If I am willing to spend slightly more it will be on a loaded custom rod. However if the new Extreme is improved and looks similar to what is pictured I will be getting one to try.

Would not mind seeing the Zeyta, however I am kind of moving past this for now. Considering they talked about this rod series years ago and it was supposed to be released but they ran into the proprietary blank material issue. Also the price point was probably about $500-600. Probably in the League of the NRX, Archangel, and high end Megabass rods. I wonder if they are having second thoughts on just how well a rod of this price would sell and if they would use the same warranty policy. I am guessing the NEW extreme series will be at least $25-50 higher than the current extreme rods.

I would downsize the bait a bit more for those aquarium fish!

I will echo what has been said. Get yourself a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and a bottle of U-40 cork sealant. Clean the cork with Eraser and let it dry. After drying you can seal it with a light coat of U-40. One bottle will do close to 100 rods. I have already done about 30 and have 2/3 or so left even after spilled a bit.

I agree. To me it looks like they redesigned everything as the blank appears to have the same carbon weave pattern going on the Megabass Orichi XX rods have. The rod as a whole looks outstanding and if the blank has feel close to the Megabass Orichi XX or better I will be adding one for sure. With the Dobyns warranty and customer service plan it would be a no brainer for me.

Great job fellas!

Frogs skip well. Anything with a flat bottom will be easy to skip gnerally.

Thanks Jrob! The reel has been used but not abused. That happens to be its "good side". It has a few marks on the top of it and a few on the side plate. Overall not too bad. It is going to need to be serviced. I will toss in some carbontex washers, bearings, faster gears, and a new handle and knobs.

I agree. One small drop of oil will help quite them a bit assuming you were running them dry. I am having some added to a Scorpion and a T3 MX.

Added Another TDZ 100m. Need to determine what rod to pair it with.

Here is a picture of it. Going to mod it once I decide what rod it will be going on. It will be teaming up with it's long lost brother.

Very true Smalljaw. I have a few MB rods that are labeled as "fast" however they don't feel as stout and fast as other manufacturers. I have only fished rods from the Orichi XX series but hoping to try a new Levante when released.

Some of the better looking boats out there. A neighbor has one that is a bit older than yours and it has treated him well. Nice boats for sure.

I prefer them with eyes in clear water. They have various colors for eyes as well. They probably don't improve my catch rate dramtically. Also they look weird without them especially when you buy a jig that has the eye indentations there but no eye.

Another TDZ 100m. Going to have to do a few mods to this one before using it.

This, 100%. There was a post about a week ago about someone asking if they can have a custom builder create a rod for them around $100. The answer was a resounding no as the Labor and shipping would easily cost that much. Custom rods are for guys that can afford to spend a minimum of $150-200 on the low end. The only way to get one for cheap is to buy a used one or if you know someone or have a friend that would basically build you one for free sort of for fun on their part and lives in your area to avoid shipping costs. Like Smalljaw said if you build it and source the components you can probably do one for around $100 assuming you have a lot of supplies, materials, and components on hand.

Sadly the 893, 873, and 894 could all do the job. I ended up with the 873 as it is sort of a slightly shorter "tweener" type between the 893 and 894. I love it and have zero complaints. However if you have a tendency to use heavier trailers say like a beaver or rodent those 1/2 oz jigs are going to be much closer to 3\4 oz, maybe more with those trailers. For jigs I tend to prefer a bit more stouter rod and power for hooksets. I would probably get the 894 if I could do it again simply for a bit more power. The 893 is a great weightless plastics and lighter jig rod IMO. Probably no right/wrong answer as we all pperceive things differently.

Kistler has a sale regularly on their rods through their website. During their last sale I bought an H3 for about $200. The Orichi XX rods will never be on sale from authorized retailers though they can be found used for close to $200. I would probably get an H3 if money is your biggest concern.

Good call Matt! I know that was one of your favorite reels. Looks like it is in good shape too.

There are differences between the Chronarch 50e and Scorpion 1000xt

Some guys collect hardbaits and high end plugs. I sort of do the same thing with jigs. Pretty sure I have well over 100 different color variations.

Quality fish, nice job!

Rage, C-rig, or as a jig trailer,

Standard model Tatula is close to that new on various places. I bought mine for $75 off of here from a great seller. Love the reel. It casts incredibly far, is used friendly, and has plenty of drag and gear choices.