Hi there,

 

Could you share your thoughts regarding actual stiffness of Lew’s medium power casting rods compared with medium power rods from other vendors like Shimano, Daiwa, etc.?

Are Lew’s rods softer than others if I pick up the same power level?

 

Here’s the background of my question.

 

I’ve been using medium power casting rods of Shimano, Megabass and Daiwa (Expride, Destroyer, Black Label, Procyon, etc.) and their lure weights are usually 1/4 - 3/4oz. And I think these are almost evenly stiff and soft though each of them shows a different parabolic curve.

 

Now I’m considering a purchase of Lew’s medium power KVD IM8 or Speed Stick, but their lure weights are 1/8, 3/16 - 1/2oz, smaller than ones I described above.

 

I know these numbers are not strictly defined and just a “guidance”. Therefore I need someone’s thoughts/impressions based on hands-on experiences.

 

Thank you!

Although I’ve not used any of the aforementioned brands other than the Lews I have several medium powered rods currently including 2 Lews 6’-10” IM-8 medium powered speed sticks (Hank Parker signature series and Carbon Fire). They are rated 3/16 - 5/8 ounces and I usually throw a 1/4 ounce swim jig with trailer and a 1/4-3/8 ounce spinner bait no trailer and I find they have a little more to give if that makes sense. I also throw square bills in the 1/4-3/8 ounce range and have no problems whatsoever although I as many others rip them over weed top’s which is why I use a faster rod, I currently have a bps carbonlite 2.0 which is about the same action imho. In terms of their parabolic actions I think my 2 are on the faster side of moderate/fast and if I’m choosing to use crank baits I have rods with a more parabolic action I will use. 

Edited January 23, 20233 yr by Eric 26
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I have a few of the black custom speed sticks, don't know if they are the same blanks as the KVD but I have had good luck with them. I have the 6'10M and two of the crankbait rods in 7'2M. I never go by lure weight recommendations. I've fished the 6'10 up to an ounce and thrown huge whopper ploppers on both the crankbait rods with no problems. The 6'10 is a great plastics rod and does jigs as well, fishes more like a MH. The crankbait rods do square bills, chatter baits, and ploppers very well. The TP1X and Black rods are great rods that fish well above their price. 

I can only speak to the lews hank parker walmart rods.  I have the 610 medium rated 3/16 to 5/8 ounce and its very similar to my 610 mod fast zodias but just a hair softer.  It's a very nice budget 610M rod.