Hey, I'm in the market for a new casting rod. I have come up with some options. Looking for a MH F/M anywhere from 7' - 7' 3". Please give me any opinions you may have on these rod models. Thanks 

Dobyns SIERRA
Shimano Curado
Ark Lancer Pro
Castaway Taranis Cx1
Phenix Recon Elite
Dobyns Fury
Castaway Crankin' Series
St. Croix Victory
St. Croix Bass X

 

 

 

Here's the thing: Aside from chronic failure issues, which would be something worthwhile to know beforehand, any of those rods "might" be the right choice. It's doubtful that anyone who might answer has extensively fished all of them. Even if one person has, what does their opinion actually add up to? Asking someone else's opinion about a rod you've never fished yourself is like asking them how much milk and sugar to put into a coffee you've never tasted. It's just too personal. If you come to trust someone's opinion it's still a crapshoot, even if they're capable of describing a rod in granular detail. They love it, but you might hate it. That said, unless there's something glaringly uncomfortable ergonomically you'll probably adapt to whatever a particular rod is and use it in its wheelhouse. Happens every day.

 

I just rolled the dice on a rec from T-Billy and bought an ARK Essence 7'6" MHF even though he never mentioned that particular model, just the brand. $150-ish rods you're looking at aren't going to change your life, but at this point this ARK definitely seems worth the price I paid for it. I'm still figuring it out, but so far I'm liking it after about 15 hours and a few solid fish.

10 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Here's the thing: Aside from chronic failure issues, which would be something worthwhile to know beforehand, any of those rods "might" be the right choice. It's doubtful that anyone who might answer has extensively fished all of them. Even if one person has, what does their opinion actually add up to? Asking someone else's opinion about a rod you've never fished yourself is like asking them how much milk and sugar to put into a coffee you've never tasted. It's just too personal. If you come to trust someone's opinion it's still a crapshoot, even if they're capable of describing a rod in granular detail. They love it, but you might hate it. That said, unless there's something glaringly uncomfortable ergonomically you'll probably adapt to whatever a particular rod is and use it in its wheelhouse. Happens every day.

 

I just rolled the dice on a rec from T-Billy and bought an ARK Essence 7'6" MHF even though he never mentioned that particular model, just the brand. $150-ish rods you're looking at aren't going to change your life, but at this point this ARK definitely seems worth the price I paid for it. I'm still figuring it out, but so far I'm liking it after about 15 hours and a few solid fish.

Yeah I get it, but I still like to hear people's opinions and experiences they have with any of the rods mentioned. still gives me some sort of insight 

From experience, I absolutely love the St. Croix Victory 7'3" MHF and I always jump to state that whenever someone asks. It does just about everything well, but is my favorite rod for 1/2 oz and under jigs/swim jigs. It is much better than the bass x or the furry as it should be for the price. Its sole weakness, is that it does not throw weightless plastics well. It has a slightly more moderate taper than a true fast imo which makes it hard to load up very light lures for casting. What are you looking to throw on it? 

18 minutes ago, Cody28 said:

From experience, I absolutely love the St. Croix Victory 7'3" MHF and I always jump to state that whenever someone asks. It does just about everything well, but is my favorite rod for 1/2 oz and under jigs/swim jigs. It is much better than the bass x or the furry as it should be for the price. Its sole weakness, is that it does not throw weightless plastics well. It has a slightly more moderate taper than a true fast imo which makes it hard to load up very light lures for casting. What are you looking to throw on it? 

I mostly use spinnerbaits, sometimes chatterbaits. occasionally shallow crankbaits and once in a while I might throw plastics. By far spinnerbaits though

Then you really don’t need to invest in a highly sensitive, fairly expensive rod. 
 

You don’t want junk either just enough where you can feel the blades moving and more importantly when they stop. 
 

I recently bought 2 of the ARK Lancer Pro rods on a buy one get one sale for 100.00 and they fit right into my arsenal for the same things you want to do. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike
 

https://dobynsrods.com/product/dc-734c-fh/

This is the rod I use for Spinnerbaits, Buzzbaits, Chatterbaits, & swim baits.. I keep 2 on deck one with a spinnerbait & the other with a buzzbait. A spinnerbait is one of my go to baits. This rod is a well balanced & woks great with the above baits. I do use the full handle version rods.

19 hours ago, BassSteve said:

Yeah I get it, but I still like to hear people's opinions and experiences they have with any of the rods mentioned. still gives me some sort of insight 

I'm the same way.  I rely heavily on reviews and opinions of posters.  I almost never have the opportunity to handle a rod (or reel) before buying.  Luckily for me I am not nearly as fussy as most enthusiasts.    Only been disappointed in 2 rods (and I didn't research them before buying), and don't believe I've ever met a reel I don't like.