Shorter rods

[ETnbasser]

I’ve come to the realization that I prefer shorter casting rods 6’8” or 6’9”. I have been using NRX+ 842, 843 & 844 MBRs since I bought these this spring/summer but really don’t care for the loss of accuracy I get in casting them. Guess I’m old school and got too used to using 5’6” to 6’6” rods. Anyhow, does anyone have any recommendations on 6’8”ish rods that would be suitable replacements for these MBRs? I see GLX has an 803 MBR but not not a 2 or 4 power. Anyone have experience with it? Have looked at the P5 Super Destroyer and Tachyon Shaft as the heavy options as well as Dobyns XP 863 & 864 for mh and heavy. Then there’s the Steez 69mh. There seem to be numerous mh and heavy options but slim pickings on the medium. Please chime in if you have any experience with any of these models or a recommendation. Not interested in going much shorter or longer. I do have some flag poles (7’6”+) for deep cranks, Glidebaits and a-rig but these are open water techniques for me and don’t need the precision. BTW, each will paired with a Zillion SV TW G if that matters. 
 

Thanks

[softwateronly]

I've had this rod for almost a year now, and have been very happy with it and consider it on the level of loomis conquest sensitivity, MC Day's 360 6'6 MH/F.  I strictly use it for bottom contact currently.

 

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/product_info/language/en/products_id/74032/cPath/38_4055_170_7555/rod/majorcraft-days-360-d360c-66mh-shipping-is-required.html

 

The MC Day's 360 6'10M/RF is a very similar action to the mbr and has good sensitivity.  I throw a little bit of everything on this one, super versatile and one of my favorite sticks.   

 

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/product_info/language/en/products_id/74031/cPath/38_4055_170_7555/rod/majorcraft-days-360-d360c-610m-shipping-is-required.html

 

I've always been interested in MB p5 blade but unsure if it can deliver on lower than the low end of the weight rating.  I bought both the Days 360 from shimreels.com with their always 10% off and free shipping, but they're currently out of stock there.

 

scott

 

 

 

[dave]

I'm a 6', 6'3" and max 6'8" kind of guy.

[JackstrawIII]

I have the 6'8 Heavy Dobyns. It's a good rod. Pretty sensitive for a short & heavy rod. It's pretty light too. I've also used 6'8 Mediums from St. Croix. I couldn't find much use for them at the time, but that probably reflects more on my style than on the rods themselves. 

[ETnbasser]

Thanks for the responses. I had looked at some St Croix rods but I’ve been hearing and reading of how they’ve took a turn for the worse. 

[Backroad Angler]

I have a few Dobyns rods in the 6’8 range, not bad rods. The champion XP lineup I would recommend. I have the 683c and use it for lighter weight lures, not a bad rod. 

[VTFan]

I also grew up with 5' 6" rods and eventually went to 6' and finally 6' 6". Each time there was a learning curve with accuracy. My brother and son got me to try their 7' rods and I knew it was not for me.  I finally settled on 6' 9" Abu Garcia Vengence rods, medium heavy. About a month ago I caught my new PB, an 8 lb 8 oz largemouth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[casts_by_fly]

I fished almost exclusively 6’6” rods growing up and learning so I feel you. 
 

check out the falcon Cara 6’8” “medium heavy”. It’s one of falcons older designs and was originally called the spinnerbait rod. It’s rated mh/mf and that’s probably about right. I originally picked it up as a shorter walking bait rod for back boating. I fished it for jerkbaits a bunch this year plus the usual top waters. I also fished it with spinner baits and chatterbaits at times. What made a big difference for me was the reel. I’m used to fast action, light tips and shallower spools. This rod has a little stiffer tip relative to the backbone power and I had a bigger spooled reel on it. I still liked it, but it just didn’t have enough feel in casting. Going to a shallow spool (mgl in this case) was a difference maker. I carry it early season when jerkbaits and walking baits are a thing for me (up to mid may), but from then on it usually stays home since I only carry 5 rods. My head turner at 6’10” is just a little better at everything aside from jerkbaits and I don’t fish them after may. 

[PhishLI]

I'm generally a 7'3"-7'6" type. However, I picked up a Tatula Elite 6'9" HF specifically for certain spots where I'd be wading out and fishing under low, overhanging tree branches. It's listed as a skipping rod, so it has some tip. More like a MHF tip but it gets into a heavy backbone. I thought it would be just for this situation, but I can't put it down. It's more versatile across its rating than I thought it would be, and I'm not losing much distance when casting compact, heavier baits. Also, I'm often fishing from an un-decked Jon boat, so with my feet being over a foot below the waterline when I'm standing it's the perfect length for skipping.

[Puggz]

Megabass is one brand that caters to the shorter rod market (under 7') and they offer something in every price range.  

For example, P5 casting, there are 12 out of ~28 casting rods that are less than 7' with the shortest being 6'0". You may find similar results within their other models as well.

 

 

[ETnbasser]

19 hours ago, Backroad Angler said:

I have a few Dobyns rods in the 6’8 range, not bad rods. The champion XP lineup I would recommend. I have the 683c and use it for lighter weight lures, not a bad rod. 

What specifically do you like to throw on the 683c? This is definitely one I’m considering.

 

7 hours ago, Puggz said:

Megabass is one brand that caters to the shorter rod market (under 7') and they offer something in every price range.  

For example, P5 casting, there are 12 out of ~28 casting rods that are less than 7' with the shortest being 6'0". You may find similar results within their other models as well.

 

 

They do have several, and some are very interesting looking, I just need to do more research on a couple models. I do own the 110 Stick and really enjoy it.

 

17 hours ago, PhishLI said:

I'm generally a 7'3"-7'6" type. However, I picked up a Tatula Elite 6'9" HF specifically for certain spots where I'd be wading out and fishing under low, overhanging tree branches. It's listed as a skipping rod, so it has some tip. More like a MHF tip but it gets into a heavy backbone. I thought it would be just for this situation, but I can't put it down. It's more versatile across its rating than I thought it would be, and I'm not losing much distance when casting compact, heavier baits. Also, I'm often fishing from an un-decked Jon boat, so with my feet being over a foot below the waterline when I'm standing it's the perfect length for skipping.

Thanks, will look into this one. 

[badfish79]

since the 3 power is available, what techniques do you use or want to use on the 2 and 4 powers? that will probably help narrow it down

[ETnbasser]

2 hours ago, badfish79 said:

since the 3 power is available, what techniques do you use or want to use on the 2 and 4 powers? that will probably help narrow it down

Not to be short but everything. I don’t like technique specific rods personally, however I own one in the MB OneTen Stick, which I think is going to become my medium rod. I’ve typically only thrown jerkbaits and poppers on it but have read about others using it for numerous other techniques. Read where someone was using it for light Texas rigs, this I gotta see. I have a Rod for deep cranks and one for A-rigs and glides but I don’t typically get those out of the locker too much. I used to have a rod for about everything but decided I’d rather have a few nice versatile rods. Hence trying out the MBRs.
The heavy rod would be for…well heavy stuff. Heavier bottom contact, larger walking baits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits. 
 

I’ve been getting some great suggestions and think I’m leaning towards a Steez Target Sniper . Then try out different medium power techniques on the OneTen Stick as stated above. If it doesn’t work out then perhaps a SC Extreme X 69M. For heavy, I can’t decide on the Tachyon Shaft or Super Destroyer. Just not real sure how versatile the TS is.