Just ordered the Daiwa Tatula SV TW and have a Lews Tournament MP that I need to get a new rod for (tip broke). I'm primarily bank fishing but occasionally fish from kayaks/canoes. I'm looking for MH action rods. Ideally one 6'6" that I can use in tighter spaces and the other 7'. I'm looking for something that has backbone but is still very sensitive. My price range is around $150/each give or take and I'm just looking for best value in that price range. So far I've returned a MH Dobyns Fury (Felt more like a medium and not enough back bone for me) and St Croix Mojo Bass (Felt like a broom stick/doesn't feel sensitive enough). I wanna get somewhat quality stuff but I don't have the bread to drop on a rod and reel for every single application right now (this is my 4th rod/reel setup this year.. just got back into the game after not fishing much for a few years). Any recommendations and feedback based on what I'm looking for would be appreciated!

Phenix Feather and Ark Tharp Series. Both my favorite around that price. 

36 minutes ago, Efishin said:

Phenix Feather and Ark Tharp Series. Both my favorite around that price. 

Thanks. Are they both similar? I wouldn't mind something for jerk baits and finesse stuff but also would like something where I can throw 1/2 oz spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. Targeting bass and the occasional pike. 

Falcon Lowrider Head turner 

19 hours ago, Greg728 said:

Thanks. Are they both similar? I wouldn't mind something for jerk baits and finesse stuff but also would like something where I can throw 1/2 oz spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. Targeting bass and the occasional pike. 

I am going to take a wild stab and say...no.  Never handled a Feather.  From  TT's review they have a minimalistic build and are very light.  The Tharp rods don't and aren't.  I've only had my Tharp rods (2) out once so far so I can't say how accurate the lure ratings are (didn't change lure).  Phenix rods have a reputation for fishing light.

 

Some reviewers on TW called the Tharp light or very light.  Don't know what rods they are comparing them to, but at 4.68 oz. my 7'3" MH is no lighter than several of my other MH rods.  It is lighter than a couple older models such as my 7’2” MH-EF Endurance at 5.52 oz., but heavier than my 7'3" MH Hammer at 3.87 oz.

 

This is not to say that the Tharp series aren't good rods.   I have no idea yet.  Fifteen minutes with each rod is not nearly enough time to determine their worth.  I will say the Tharp rods have a larger diameter in the front of the reel than my other rods.  Again...this doesn't make them inferior.  Just an aesthetic that may or may not make a difference to you.

 

I am actually looking forward to fishing the Tharp rods I have.  Reviews on them are pretty good for the most part.  One guy said the guides wore grooves in them from constant use of braid.  I prefer mono or co-polymer so that is not a concern for me.

 

EDIT:  One reviewer at TW said he went 2 for 10 landing fish on a chatterbait on a previous outing.  He then went 8 for 8 with the B-Hittay....which is one of the 2 I have. 

Try a Tatula or a Tatula Elite. 
 

I ordered a couple of the Ark Invoker Pros to try, but sent them back. Just wasn’t impressed with the fit and finish. I also didn’t think either of them were notably light for what they were. The blanks are supposed to be great though.

7 minutes ago, AmmoGuy said:

Try a Tatula or a Tatula Elite. 
 

I ordered a couple of the Ark Invoker Pros to try, but sent them back. Just wasn’t impressed with the fit and finish. I also didn’t think either of them were notably light for what they were. The blanks are supposed to be great though.

Thanks man. How accurate is the power on them? I just ordered the Tatula SV reel and I never thought to look into their rods. I'm having a hard time finding accurate power ratings. A few rods I tried so far felt like they were either under or over the MH power rating.

49 minutes ago, Greg728 said:

Thanks man. How accurate is the power on them? I just ordered the Tatula SV reel and I never thought to look into their rods. I'm having a hard time finding accurate power ratings. A few rods I tried so far felt like they were either under or over the MH power rating.

The Tatula rods are probably one of the better “bang for your buck” rods around. 
 

As far as how accurate to rating they are, hard to say. As with all rods, it’s purely subjective. I have a MH/F, and a H/F, and they they are pretty much what I expected.  I’d say slightly heavier, and faster rating wise than Dobyns. 

4 hours ago, Greg728 said:

Thanks man. How accurate is the power on them? I just ordered the Tatula SV reel and I never thought to look into their rods. I'm having a hard time finding accurate power ratings. A few rods I tried so far felt like they were either under or over the MH power rating.

In my experience, most Daiwa rods seem a bit heavier than their rating leads me to expect. Not sure if is the the rods or my expectations that are off though.