Hi y’all,

 

I’m looking for a beater all around rod to take with me to college so my expride can stay at home. I think I’ve mostly settled on the Ark tharp series as the best blend of everything I want. However I can’t seem to understand the difference between the Moneymaker (7’ 3” MH F) vs the Hammer (7’ MH XF) which are both listed as all purpose and have the same lure ratings on Ark’s website. I did read the TT review that said that the moneymaker fished more like a heavy, but I’m looking for something that can fish weightless senkos comfortably and go up to 1 oz or 1 1/2 oz if needed, but not necessarily handle 2 oz comfortably like the moneymaker did in TT’s review. Would I be better served with the hammer instead then? Or is the moneymaker fine and I’m just overthinking it. Any help is greatly appreciated and if y’all have any other suggestions for rods <200 mark preferably under 150 I’d greatly appreciate it.

I don't have a Moneymaker to compare to, but I DO have a Hammer and I like it. Both are rated 1/4 - 1oz, so I don't know why someone would want to be throwing 1 1/2 - 2oz on it, but a senko typically runs about 3/8oz, so it would be toward the bottom of it's range, but would likely still work.

 

I was using mine to throw 1/4 - 3-8oz swim jigs and chatterbaits ( with a small trailer) and felt it was just a bit too fast for those, but it casted them ok. The concern I may have is the XF tip on the Hammer may make casting the senko a bit if a challenge

I guess I could go home tonight and tie a senko on the Hammer quick and see how it does with a senko if that would help

I’m going to suggest the Okuma TCS A in 7’-0” med. hvy or 7’-0” hvy with lure ratings from 3/16- 1 ounce depending on model, both cost $165.00 on tackle warehouse but you may find one cheaper. They are listed as mod fast action and I have the 7’-0” med + power and find it extremely versatile, I bought it based on several reviews on here from both written reviews available in the archive section and members who use them and recommended them. Best of luck and keep us updated.

Edited March 26, 20242 yr by Eric 26
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3 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I don't have a Moneymaker to compare to, but I DO have a Hammer and I like it. Both are rated 1/4 - 1oz, so I don't know why someone would want to be throwing 1 1/2 - 2oz on it, but a senko typically runs about 3/8oz, so it would be toward the bottom of it's range, but would likely still work.

 

I was using mine to throw 1/4 - 3-8oz swim jigs and chatterbaits ( with a small trailer) and felt it was just a bit too fast for those, but it casted them ok. The concern I may have is the XF tip on the Hammer may make casting the senko a bit if a challenge

I guess I could go home tonight and tie a senko on the Hammer quick and see how it does with a senko if that would help

Well,.... I got home from work and grabbed my Ark Tharp Hammer. I had a TDZ 103HL on there with 20lb flouro and a 3/8oz Thundercricket and a small paddletail trailer.

 

I took it all off and grabbed an SLX MGL I had loaded with some 12lb flouro and tied on a 5" Cabelas stickbait (Senko). Took it out to cast around the back yard and feel that my expectations were correct. It really doesn't load up very well with the weightless senko and casting more than about 25-30 yards took more force than it should. 

 

I put the TDZ and Thundercricket back on instantly felt it load up better and longer casts were a breeze. I think the weightless senko is a LITTLE bit light for it, but it DOES work in a pinch. I think a 1/2 - 3/4oz may be the sweet spot on that rod.

Moneymaker is the more versatile rod, and definitely the way to go for what you described @Shinmothy. 

Thanks everyone for all the input, I really appreciate it and I’ll be waiting for the next time I see them on sale to grab one.

 

A special thanks for  @FrnkNsteen for your time and effort to try out my silly little scenario on your rod. It helped a lot to have this in person insight.

On 3/26/2024 at 11:42 AM, Eric 26 said:

I’m going to suggest the Okuma TCS A in 7’-0” med. hvy or 7’-0” hvy with lure ratings from 3/16- 1 ounce depending on model, both cost $165.00 on tackle warehouse but you may find one cheaper. They are listed as mod fast action and I have the 7’-0” med + power and find it extremely versatile, I bought it based on several reviews on here from both written reviews available in the archive section and members who use them and recommended them. Best of luck and keep us updated.

Would you happen to have links to these reviews? I tried to find them with no luck however.

@Shinmothy Go to the upper left corner of the home page and tap the menu button then tap gear reviews and you will find the reviews there.

The moneymaker is their do it all blank.  I have it the Essence, but the action and power Al just about the same.  I will say that tossing anything over an 1oz is going to taxing just casting it and not very serviceable actually fishing.  As far as durability goes, expride likely has the edge, build quality is outstanding and the blanks are really robust.  Arks are a decent buy, because they save money with lower quality components and focus on the blank.  My winding check wasn't glued correctly and broke pretty fast. Arks customer service is somewhat hit and miss.  I had a bad experience, but YMMV.

3 hours ago, Shinmothy said:

Thanks everyone for all the input, I really appreciate it and I’ll be waiting for the next time I see them on sale to grab one.

 

A special thanks for  @FrnkNsteen for your time and effort to try out my silly little scenario on your rod. It helped a lot to have this in person insight.

No worries man! Anytime!