Hey guys,

 

I’ve been thinking about trying out a new brand of rods to replace some of my older dobyns rods. I always hear great things about ALX rods but have never held one before. 

 

Which rods do you own and what baits do you throw on them?

I own 3 custom jig & worm rods Alex made for me 6 years ago. Alex, like Gary Dobyns, is easy to talk to and discus his rid and what he recommends for your presentations. ALX offers OTC rods and custom rods, Dobyns doesn't make custom rods offers only OTS rods.

Tom

I bought an Ikos Promise 73 about a month ago. So far I’ve only thrown 3/8 oz jigs on it. 

 

I had several questions before buying and called the ALX number. Spoke directly to Alex and he was very helpful and honest 

I had no idea ALX Makes custom rods this information would have been very useful to me just a few days ago??‍♂️

I think the ALX website gives a description for possible uses for each of the rods so that would be a good place to start your research.

 

I've got two, but can't be much help to you.  Had the Toadface out once.  Threw a frog on it.  Had the Deputy out twice.  I think I was practicing with a spinnerbait and my new-2-me Steez.  Both rods are pretty versatile from what little I could find on them, and according to the ALX website.

I had Alex make a few changes to a Zolo Dragger.  Had it out a few times and it is obviously a high quality rod.  I have been using it for jigs and Texas Rigs and think it fills that role nicely.  

 

Still on the fence as to how sensitive it is compared to my OG Diawa Tatula.  

 

As far as customer service; Ive never had better.  Alex, who is the owner loves what he does and it shows.  I'd say I called ALX a total of 5 times and email 10 times regarding slight mods to one of their stock rods.  

 

Alex was sincere and patient to put it mildly.  I am seriously thinking about getting a custom Deputy next.

I was impressed with ALXs build quality, however, the performance of the rod left me unimpressed though. The craftmanship is good, the responsiveness of the blank (sensitivity) was lacking.

8 hours ago, Stephen B said:

I was impressed with ALXs build quality, however, the performance of the rod left me unimpressed though. The craftmanship is good, the responsiveness of the blank (sensitivity) was lacking.

I had 2 ALX Rods and felt the same way.  I find there are better rods for the money out there to suit my needs.

I have 4 Ikos and 3 Zolos. The Ikos line seems to be more versatile, while the Zolo line seems to be more technique specific. The Ikos promise 7-3 is very versatile and great rod for the price. People have commented they arent very sensitive, but one day I dragged a C Rig with a Loomis IMX and a ALX Dragger. Sold my Loomis the very next day. I think they are very sensitive rods, but the only other high end rods I have used are Kistlers and IMXs. The build quality and customer service are second to none. I dont feel there can be a better rod found for $150 price range than the Ikos. my .2 cents