Has anyone used the new 13 Muse Black II rods?  They look pretty cool to me when matched with the new concept C which feels really good in hand. Seems to be going for about 220-250. depending on the model.

They better be good, because the Muse Black line was outstanding.  Not crazy about not having an exposed blank in the reel seat and I would have liked to see the keeper on the split instead of above the winding check.  While 13 may have success selling them people who own the previous model its going to be hard to get customers new to 13 to buy them, IMO.  That price point (and + or- 30$) is absolutely stacked with proven home run rods, Zodias, Expride, Champion, Tatula Elite, Levante.  13 had a rod that was supposed to take the PP of the previous Muse @180-200 called Widowmaker. It was supposed to be out late spring this year, I think they axed it.  

22 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

They better be good, because the Muse Black line was outstanding.  Not crazy about not having an exposed blank in the reel seat and I would have liked to see the keeper on the split instead of above the winding check.  While 13 may have success selling them people who own the previous model its going to be hard to get customers new to 13 to buy them, IMO.  That price point (and + or- 30$) is absolutely stacked with proven home run rods, Zodias, Expride, Champion, Tatula Elite, Levante.  13 had a rod that was supposed to take the PP of the previous Muse @180-200 called Widowmaker. It was supposed to be out late spring this year, I think they axed it.  

I completely agree, as someone who enjoys my original muse blacks I must admit that the way I acquired them wasn’t normal. I had lots of cheaper 13 rods that had defects and ended up trading them in for less replacements but at a higher price point (muse blacks). I even enjoyed my muse blacks more than my envy’s . With that said, I enjoy my muse black but at its price point can’t see myself replacing it with another one. As stated, the zodias, expride, Levante and even tatula elite are right there. I’d venture to say even the daiwa rebellion may get the nod over the muse. It’s not that there not good rods, they just are surrounded by other proven tech at that price point 

seems like people think it is priced out of it's own league

28 minutes ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

seems like people think it is priced out of it's own league

Nah, it's just speculation having not fished with them. However, there are a ton of good rods at the price point. The warranty is solid and if you find the Evolve reel seat comfortable try it and see. I just got a Muse Black and it's quite comfortable, IMO.

What's the difference between the OG Muse Gold and the later Muse Black? Blank makers? I've only used the former in spinning setup, which is still one of my favorite. 

I think the 76Medium model looks really interesting.

Rapala-VMC Corp owns 13 Fishing and Okuma now able to offer 3M Nano technology in rod building lighter stronger blanks.

Tom

18 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

I think the 76Medium model looks really interesting.

I had a similar impulse November '22, but I went with the 7'7" Omen Green 2 7'7" M, 1/8-3/8oz. Really more of a ML, but it's an inshore rod, so a ML+. I like it. It does what I got it for well, which is launching lighter baits.

 

On 1/9/2024 at 8:07 PM, PhishLI said:

Nah, it's just speculation having not fished with them. However, there are a ton of good rods at the price point. The warranty is solid and if you find the Evolve reel seat comfortable try it and see. I just got a Muse Black and it's quite comfortable, IMO.

Thats one of my favorite things about the older Muse is that grip.  13 seems to put a lot of effort into high quality custom grips/reel seats.  If MB2 is as good as MB1, theyre worth the money for sure.  13 stands behind their rods, even if a breakage is you're fault.  A buddy of mine got an Omen with a scuff on it.  he reached out to 13 and they sent a brand new 1 and told him to keep the old one.  What really blew me away was he bought it from some online dealer, not 13 directly.