I'm in the market for a new shallow/medium crank rod, and I don't know why I haven't run across this rod (Ikos Hustler) before, but it looks like a really good cranking option. Does anyone use one of these frequently?  I'd be throwing DT6-10, Frittside 7s, OGs, and KVD 1.5s. 

 

I was going to try one on the newer Lews XD Cranking rods, the 7'4" 3XD version, but then the Ikos caught my eye and made me indecisive. 

 

You can call ALX and ask Alex your questions, he is very honest and knowledgeable rod builder. 

Tom

 

14 minutes ago, WRB said:

You can call ALX and ask Alex your questions, he is very honest and knowledgeable rod builder. 

Tom

 

 

What should I ask him? 

"Do you think that the rod you designed and market is any good?" 

 

I posted here, in hopes to hear the third party opinions of people who have tried the rod. 

 

I have several ALX rod's. Two custom rods, 6'10" jigging sticks that were custom made for WRB.  I have a couple of others too. One is the Enox MH and the other is the Ikos MH. The are both just above 7' One I think is 7'1" and the other is 7'3". They are excellent rods in my book. WRB knows the owner well and is trying to help. Might want to reconsider your reply. Sorry, I don't have the Hustler either. 

FM

26 minutes ago, AmmoGuy said:

 

What should I ask him? 

"Do you think that the rod you designed and market is any good?" 

 

I posted here, in hopes to hear the third party opinions of people who have tried the rod. 

 

You have specific lures to use and maybe just maybe Alex will answer your questions or suggest another ALX rod option.

Try calling Lew’s and talk to the owner.

Gary Dobyns is another owner who you can call to honestly discuss his rods.

Tom

35 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

WRB knows the owner well and is trying to help. Might want to reconsider your reply. Sorry, I don't have the Hustler either. 

FM

 

Thanks for the info. 

 

My reply to WRB was sincere (with a slight bit of tongue in cheek). 

I've watched all of ALX's videos on the rod, and read what info they have put out. I understand what the rod is, and it's specs. I'm familiar with ALX's lineup, just wasn't familiar with the Hustler. 

 

My interest was in hearing from people here that have put time behind a Hustler and may have an opinion (After all, that's basically what this sub forum is all about).  

37 minutes ago, WRB said:

You have specific lures to use and maybe just maybe Alex will answer your questions or suggest another ALX rod option.

Try calling Lew’s and talk to the owner.

Gary Dobyns is another owner who you can call to honestly discuss his rods.

Tom

 

Calling manufactures is great when I want to discuss technical info or get their pitch on a particular item. Posting on forums is (sometimes) good for garnering the opinions of others that may have experience using those items. 

Only a suggestion, let’s see who has the rod and willing to reply. No skin off my nose one way or the other.

Tom

38 minutes ago, WRB said:

Only a suggestion, let’s see who has the rod and willing to reply. No skin off my nose one way or the other.

Tom

 

No worries. I get why you made the suggestion. 

Yep, we'll see if anyone (that posts here) actually uses the rod regularly. It doesn't seem to be one that gets tons of attention (maybe unfortunately). 

 

I used to own the hustler. 
 

Pros: 

Loads up very smoothly on fish, great taper

pretty versatile blank - can throw most cranks up to 10-12 ft comfortably 

 

Cons:

The blank is pretty thick due to it being a glass composite.

I have this rod and love it!!

Favorite cranking rod I have. I use with square bills most often. 

Not a big un, but that’s the rod?