Raid Gladiator Anti Power Nose: Initial impression and short review.

When I saw this niche rod it immediately intrigued me and knew I wanted to try... primarily because I love to stroll - from boat or bank - and have something like 5 suitable JDM rods from super light hover strolling to medium-heavy mid. 

Japanese stores either don't have this rod or bound by tariff, now, so I bought from Hook Up during their 20% off labor day sale for $399 shipped. As a matter of fact, in late July on family vacation in San Diego, I ordered one from a popular Japanese shop and they canceled my order because of tariffs. 

It's a 7' Heavy Action with stinger tip. It's rated to 1/2oz but you could can away with more. Raid incorporates their stingers longer than most manufacturers as it's about 20" long. On this rod the stinger is rather robust compared to the dainty stingers you're used to, but it still works the same way with the larger baits. To give an idea to the P5 guys, it's like a tip you'd expect on an 2.5 action rod. Has a fast medium heavy action until the bottom 24" section, where it loads and is heavy. 

It's definitely forward heavy with an unladen balance point about 5" forward the handle. I put on a 3000 Stella which helped (needs a 3000 or greater), but still tend to pinch grip where the EVA foam meets the rod. It's not the most comfortable rod I own given this, but had no issues fishing or hook-setting.

This rod is exactly what you'd assume given the stinger. Worked great for the large strolling 6" baits with 3/0 heads, that cumbersome salt 6" wacky senko, neko, big texas long worm with or without a bit of weight. You could dead stick a large plastic and see the nibble with the stinger even. You can essentially upsize any finesse presentation wish. 

Is it worth $399 on sale? As someone who owns a lot of boujee JDM gear I would say yes if you're into this genre of "heavy/power finesse." $499? Maybe - but you're getting into territory where a niche rod may not be the best option. The build quality is great, the eva foam (while not a particular fan) is the highest sense quality, the balance of the rod has a light lacquer coat until the stinger (think in between NRX and Conquest), adding robustness and possibly that front heavy characteristic. The accoutrements are good and the appearance and wrap is great with the black and gold... It has your typical fuji style seat and securing lug.

Overall happy with the purchase and did catch a couple strolling those larger raid super rollers from the bank and boat. 

Cheers!