The new clarus rod is actually pretty nice, great reel seat and looks great. I'd say the weight and sensitivity of the rod is on par if not slightly better then most rods in the price range that I have owned and handled. The rod is also straight as an arrow as well as the guides, much better then most rods in the price range that is for sure. I really like the grip, its the same as my intenza. Its not thick at all and very comfortable as well at the reel seat. I got the 7' MH fast 2 piece because I needed a 2 piece when I'm with friends and there isn't any room. I'm picking up the 7'2 MH fast this evening! Did I mention that it pairs sooooo well with my curado E reels ?

Looks nice. I like the green. 

So do I, favourite colour haha

4 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

Looks nice. I like the green. 

 

I do like shimano's new grip material. Its comfortable and grippy.

What I dont like is that they didn't cover the entire grip with the material. They left a strip of foam at the top and bottom of the handle grip. It would have been just as easy for them to do the entire grip with the new material. 

I dont like foam grips, so I had to cover the top foam strip next to the reel with some tape.

On 10/17/2020 at 8:00 AM, mrpao said:

I do like shimano's new grip material. Its comfortable and grippy.

What I dont like is that they didn't cover the entire grip with the material. They left a strip of foam at the top and bottom of the handle grip. It would have been just as easy for them to do the entire grip with the new material. 

I dont like foam grips, so I had to cover the top foam strip next to the reel with some tape.

I like it, green being my favourite colour is my excuse so I really enjoy the look of the grip. I mean its in a good spot when casting and when I'm palming the reel its not scratching up on the side of my pinky.