The same can be seen in mag medium loomis NRX models. The DSR and SYR have the same ratings but the DSR is much softer in its tip.

 

Just to clarify...The DSR, by definition, is then faster than the SYR. A mod-fast tip can be just a "soft" or "stiff" as an x-fast tip.  It's simply how much of the rod is actually "tip."

 

Compare, and keep in mind, equal force is applied to each example:

 

Just to clarify...The DSR, by definition, is then faster than the SYR. A mod-fast tip can be just a "soft" or "stiff" as an x-fast tip.  It's simply how much of the rod is actually "tip."

 

Compare, and keep in mind, equal force is applied to each example:

 

 

J, I completely agree with you on such terms. Rod manufacturers designate power and action at their own will and such variances can be seen between individual product lines and across companies. The good custom rod builders that I have spoken with all measure their incoming blanks and weights and give information such as in degrees of deflection at certain weights from the tip to describe the action of the rod. Will actually weight the blank and note and know the characteristics for each blanks power to weight ratios which will give an idea of a blanks power. Rod manufacturers level it down to ml, m, mh, h, etc and m, mf, f, xf, for the tips which are only relevant to a specific line of rods and does not transcend across brands and models. 

 

What that leaves you with is ones own subjective measurements and comparisons of rods and their characteristics. That does not result in an exact science. If I had to generalize what I have experienced in my findings of dropshot rods is that the tip section of the rod gives very easily and has little power in comparison to non-dropshot specific rods. This is comparing the exact same manufacturer and models (cumara spinning vs cumara spinning dropshot, crucial spinning vs crucial spinning dropshot, NRX spinning shakeyhead vs NRX dropshot)....the major difference to me is in how soft the tip section is. One could also describe this as having a whippy tip or whatever have you, but the tips themselves are designed in such a way to allow proper presentation for a dropshot. For instance, NRX 852s spinning rod has a much stiffer tip and is much more powerful in that area than the 822 DSR or even 822 SYR. 

 

This follows my own personal preference with spinning rods. I would consider fishing small jigs, t-rigs and other heavy single hook baits on the standard spinning NRX rods, but would not consider it on the DSR. It is purely too soft in the tip to set the hook properly. On said dropshot rods that tip is not used for fighting the fish it is the midsection of the rod.

 

Conversely, the DSR is perfect for dropshotting, the soft tip allows one to detect the softest of bites without spooking the fish, can allow one to shake the bait and not the weight easily, can allow one to check for weight on their line (which often is a sign of a fish) without ruining the presentation and so forth. Different techniques call for different rods which call for different properties of each rod. It just so happens that rods that are excellent dropshot rods IMHO are not great for other presentations due to this softness in the tip section of the rod. 

 

Last example I'll give which relates to selecting a cheaper like you mentioned $100+ version of a rod would be the expensive Megabass Orochi F3-610X4S Aaron Martens Limited. This is a great dropshot rod used by a great dropshot fisherman. If said rod were to be designated with a power and tip rating it would receive a Medium Light power and Moderate Fast Action. Its tip characteristics are soft and slow causing a smaller degree of deflection. Thus, if you were looking for a rod that is not a dropshot specific rod, but yet you want it to be great solely for that purpose,  I would think you want something with a slower action. Such as a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth ML/F for the $100 pricemark or some other spinning rod with a slow action. The hookset on dropshots are not strong heavy hooksets, they are more so light sweeping hooksets which pin the thin wire hook into the fishes mouth and keeps that hook pinned there. Same sort of case as to why you would want a crankbait rod in a slower action, for the give that it has.

 

With all that said, everyone has their own preferences, some may want a stiffer tip or faster tip because it is their own style of how they fish the dropshots. Their is no right or wrong here. Moreso, meeting a rod that matches your specific requirements for the technique you are fishing. What I can say is, a dropshot rod that fits the properties that I have given as being great for dropshotting, usually will not be great for any other techniques besides dropshotting. Which is why many times if you have a smaller rod collection or go out fishing with a smaller amount of outfits you may want to bring a more versatile spinning rod to the table something a little stiffer and faster if you are going to be tying something else on besides a dropshot. I would hate trying to set the hook of a jig with my dropshot rods. 

Everything I have read on here is really good. The only thing that I haven't seen and could be a option is P-Line 100% Floro and also Bass Pro Shops XPS 100% Floro. I have used both and had no issues with either. The most important thing for me is using the lightest line as possible and getting the drag set before casting. Back reeling is also a option when fishing very light lines 4-6lbs range, but it takes a little practice to get use too.

You would be much better off going with seaguar tatsu. It has all the great handling properties of invizx, but has much better sensitivity, abrasion resistance etc. On spinning gear I've found invizx to work very well because of its handling and feel it handles much better than bps and p line fluoro.

Really though, with the longevity that tatsu offers and the ability to put backing on the line, you can get 3 spools easily out of the 200 yards and if you add all of that up it is not that expensive and in return you get a far superior line. Fishing line is too important to me to go cheap on. Especially with far over $100 rods and reels it doesn't make sense to go cheap on the line. In fc you get what you pay for.