Which of these rods would you say is the most sensitive of the bunch? I like to throw 1/4-1/2oz jika rigs and Texas rigs a lot. I use braid with a fluoro leader that’s too short to reel the knot passed the tip, so the type of guides aren’t a huge concern to me. I know sensitivity is largely a personal preference type of thing, and I’m not expecting NRX or Megabass level sensitivity at this price range lol. I have been driving myself crazy trying to choose between these rods though, any input you guys can give is much appreciated! I put them in order based on what I believe will suit my needs best.

 

1. Kistler Magnesium 2 (dislike the color scheme)
2. Hammer Micro Guide (really considering this!)
3. ALX IKOS (I’ve read the ZOLO is significantly better)
4. St. Croix Mojo Bass SCIII (people say it lacks sensitivity?)
5. Major Craft MS-1 (I can’t find a lot of info, but I love the look of it)

You might have more options with the 15% off at tackle warehouse right now. 

 

I'd also look at Powell Endurance and Max and Daiwa Tatula rods

 

Some are even priced lower at Sportsman's Outfitters

I have experience with mojo, magnesium, and Ikos and the magnesium is clearly the best of the 3 to me personally. I’d rather have a dobyns than mojo and ikos. It’s up there with magnesium. I’d also consider the falcon expert. From people I trust the Shimano expride is also a good stick 

The OG Tatula in my opinion is the most sensitive $150 rod out there. Never used any of the others.  Have you looked at the 19’ Megabass Levante? I’ve seen them around for $175. As far as fit and finish it’s hard to beat a MB rod. 

Lew's TP-1 Black ?

My current favorite rod for throwing my home made jika rigs in the half ounce range is a 7'2" Fenwick AETOS - MH - ex fast tip.  Occasionally I will throw this rig kinda far (half the spool on a Chronarch 50) and I've successfully felt hits and set the hook with this rod on multiple occasions.  I've found this rod light enough and stout enough and a Chronarch 50 blanches on it well.   

From that list I would go Kistler(never tried but would give them a shot) or Hammer. I was not impressed with Alx or St Croix. Hammer rods are very nice for the price.  

Hammer! Super light. I’d get the 7’ or 7’3” heavy model. You’ll be surprised to feel how light and sensitive that rod is. The 1/2oz will feel too heavy with the medium heavy version, I have both. The heavy version can fish 1/4 oz t-rigs and up to 3/4 oz football jigs very well. 

Should include Dobyns Sierra with 15% off TW this weekend.

Tom

1 minute ago, WRB said:

Should include Dobyns Sierra with 15% off TW this weekend.

Tom

It’s in my other list that’s a bit longer than this one haha. I’ve been using a Fury spinning rod as my daily driver since my ‘06 Loomis GLX got caught on a branch, and I’ve been very pleased with it! They’re super balanced, I’m definitely keeping Dobyns in mind. I kind of want to try out a new company since I have the opportunity to though.

1 hour ago, Kidflex said:

Hammer! Super light. I’d get the 7’ or 7’3” heavy model. You’ll be surprised to feel how light and sensitive that rod is. The 1/2oz will feel too heavy with the medium heavy version, I have both. The heavy version can fish 1/4 oz t-rigs and up to 3/4 oz football jigs very well. 

I’ve never used a parabolic rod before, that’s the only thing holding me back from buying a Hammer.. I’ve read lots of great stuff about their rods. Is the parabolic action something I’d have to get used to? Do I have to set the hook harder?

I wouldn’t say they were parabolic but they do tend to be “more parabolic “ than some rods.   I like the action of hammer rods.

If you've used Falcon rods, then you have a good idea of the parabolic bend of Hammer rods.

 I my opinion for a Texas Rig rod not only needs to be  sensitivity, it needs to be able to drive a hook home fast, & have the power to move big (6#+) bass fast. 

 

For about 2 months now I've been throwing Lew's TP-1 Black 7' Medium Heavy Fast. Not only does this rod fill all 3 of the above, the Winn grips on these rods are a game changer!

 

56 minutes ago, Catt said:

 I my opinion for a Texas Rig rod not only needs to be  sensitivity, it needs to be able to drive a hook home fast, & have the power to move big (6#+) bass fast. 

 

For about 2 months now I've been throwing Lew's TP-1 Black 7' Medium Heavy Fast. Not only does this rod fill all 3 of the above, the Winn grips on these rods are a game changer!

 

I agree with you there, it definitely needs to have some backbone to it as well. I’ll check out the Lew’s Black while I’m at Tackle Direct tomorrow. Tell me more about the Winn grips! The Magnesium 2 has them, and if they’re a game changer like you say I can probably overlook the green color scheme lol.

23 minutes ago, greatvaluesoda said:

Tell me more about the Winn grips! The Magnesium 2 has them, and if they’re a game changer like you say I can probably overlook the green color scheme lol

 

My "grip" on these handles is very solid, there is no movement in my hand. 

 

Roll casting, pitching, skipping, ext requires a lot of wrist, a solid grip makes it easier in my opinion. 

7 hours ago, greatvaluesoda said:

It’s in my other list that’s a bit longer than this one haha. I’ve been using a Fury spinning rod as my daily driver since my ‘06 Loomis GLX got caught on a branch, and I’ve been very pleased with it! They’re super balanced, I’m definitely keeping Dobyns in mind. I kind of want to try out a new company since I have the opportunity to though.

I’ve never used a parabolic rod before, that’s the only thing holding me back from buying a Hammer.. I’ve read lots of great stuff about their rods. Is the parabolic action something I’d have to get used to? Do I have to set the hook harder?

The heavy power hammer has plenty of power to drive any hook in any size bass! The rod has a perfect action for t-rigs. No extra effort in hook sets. One of the lightest rods on the planet. These are the first rodsive seen that started using Winn grips. Castaway followed then everyone else including lews. The lews med hvy is heavier than the hammer heavy rod. Sensitivity on par with loomis glx series. No rod in this price range can compete with hammer.