PAriverfish

I just had a similar experience ordering a 2026 JDM Zodias spinning rod from Digitaka. Delivered by DHL without any drama. Even with the 10 percent "surcharge" (I don't really feel right calling it that, it's actually a very good deal) with Digitaka, it came out to almost exactly 200 dollars, still less than buying domestically, and I can get a model not available in the US. I'm hoping no mystery charge shows up from DHL down the line, I'm not expecting it to. Digitaka is absolutely the way to go now, although selection seems a bit limited right now. I've noticed there are some Japanese sellers on eBay now that say all importing costs are included in their price but I haven't tried any of them.

I don't own the specific lengths you're asking about but I have the 6' medium Kage Walleye spinning rod and a Tatula 6'3" medium Bass spinning rod. The Kage is a bit less stiff than the Tatula and the action is notably faster, as it should be as an Extra Fast vs. the Tatula's Fast action. It also feels a bit lighter, though the Tatula itself is reasonably light. The Kage is more sensitive as well. I've had no issues with the reel seat on either rod with Tatula spinning reels. I like both rods a lot, I think the Tatula has a little more "reserve" power and the Kage a better choice for finesse and quick hoot sets as it loads very quickly. Both are very fine rods for the price. Correction, the Tatula I own is the 6'6" spinning rod.

I see that Pure Fishing has redesigned their Fenwick HMG rods. The outgoing model was one of my favorite spinning rods for the price. I liked both the ML And M rods, especially in their 6 ft length, as I mainly wade fish smallmouth streams with a lot of overhead cover that place a premium on a shorter rod. I found the HMG didn't necessarily excel at anything, but it did everything pretty darn well. The lifetime warranty, which I have used successfully mainly due to my own error, doesn't hurt either. I realize it's not a high end rod, but I like it as an all arounder that is reasonably priced, durable, with a reasonably good build that is easy to fish with and handle Of course the outgoing model listed at 100 dollars and could frequently be purchased for less. The new model is listed at 20% higher. Supposedly it is a bit lighter, which I thought was the main shortcoming of the old model. The Fuji alconite guides are gone though, replaced with zirconium ones of unknown brand. The handle is new as well although a similar design. As this model is really new, probably few if any people have handled it, let alone fished with it yet. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this rod.