Can anyone shed any light or real experience with any of the new US rods out there?  Airrus, Dobyns, Powell are the ones I am interested in getting more information foradd Kistler LTX II cuz I am sure someone has that one.  Sensitivity, Action, Weight and Most importantly, FUN factor.

Getting an updated Shimano Mg reel so looking to match it up with a worthy fishing partner.

Thnx

Shirley, someone has one of these new rods.  Time to try out some new stuff fellas.  I've read some nice things about the Airrus Puls-R, Powell 683c and the newly released Dobyns 683c.  Monkey gets agitated just thinking about it.

Was hoping someone on this board had some first hand knowledge.

And don't call you Shirley.

I'll stop posting to myself now.better than talking to myselfor thinking to myself..sometimes it echoes when I think to myselflike right now..

I have a Powell 682C and like it very much. Good rod for the price. Casts well. Perhaps slightly less sensitive than some competitors but cheaper and a better rod for general purposes and all around use. Very light. Casts very well (noticeably better than some rods i've used). The build quality is very good well made spined correctly etc.

Loomis GLX ;D

I have an Airrus Spectra and Ultra XL. They are both Great rods and I have a Puls-R that will be delivered next week. Airrus has the Best warranty on rods that there is (period), no $50 charge like Loomis.

There are Loomis GLX - IMX, Kistler LTA, Allstar, and about every other kind of rod known in my home. The Airrus blows them all away IMHO. Maybe thats why they have recieved the Best of Show award over all of the rest at the ICAST show 4 yrs out of the last 5 yrs.

Look at their site and give Ken a call. You will get him personally, not some flunky and he will answer any questions that you may have.

G. Blanks is another great rod. I have a 7'6" flipping rod that is flawless enough that I bought a 6'10" mh 2 days ago to go with a new TD-ito 103m. Only negative is the 1 yr warranty.

Hey badhabit.  Couple of questions, if you don't mind.  How does the weight of the Ultra XL balance with your reel??  What reel you have on it??  I'm leaning towards a Puls-R.  I think that rod is around 5 ounces and my reel will be 6 ounces.  Overall, still a lightweight combo but the weight is something I am considering.  Unfortunatelyno retailers have it around Charlotte NC so may be purchasing without the chance to feel it in my hands.  So, you think the Airrus rod composite is better(or not) than graphite in terms of sensitivity, feel, etc?  

Hey badhabit. Couple of questions, if you don't mind. How does the weight of the Ultra XL balance with your reel?? What reel you have on it?? I'm leaning towards a Puls-R. I think that rod is around 5 ounces and my reel will be 6 ounces. Overall, still a lightweight combo but the weight is something I am considering. Unfortunatelyno retailers have it around Charlotte NC so may be purchasing without the chance to feel it in my hands. So, you think the Airrus rod composite is better(or not) than graphite in terms of sensitivity, feel, etc?

I have a Diawa TD-X 103HSDF on that and a Zillion 100SHA on the Spectra. It balanced out well and feels like an extension of the arm over a days fishing time.

I use graphite and composite rods for different purposes myself. Graphite is much better suited for use in open water situations (finesse baits, crankbaits, etc..) because it is much more brittle than a composite rod. With the technology that has come into the sport and used in rods in the last few years it would take a machine to tell the difference in sensitivity between the two.

Composite rods are better where power is needed (heavy cover) and graphite rods are better in situations where you will be moving baits & casting faster just because of the weight difference. The only exception to me would be the use of heavy baits and then the composite would win in all situations.

This is just my opinion and some may have a different outlook on it.

I wish you the very best with whatever your choice is,

Dave

I have an Airrus co-matrix and a Powell and I, like them both.  The Airrus is a 6' mh baitcaster.  It is a little heavy but well made and balances well. The Powell is a 7 ' spinning, ml. I really like the Powell it is light , sensitive, and balanced. Also really like the lack of foregrip that lets me lay index finger along the blank.

Either one would be a good choice for the money.

Thanks magic and thanks badhabit for your composite analysis....excellent.  Very helpful.

Captain Chaos,  Not sure where you are located but most shops that have Powell have the Dobyns Rods as well.  Fondle each of them and do a side by side comparison before you purchase.  Gary Dobyns desgined the Powell Rods for Powell.  So his Dobyns Rods are second generation rods (new and improved).  

Mike

I just read a couple of good comments about Powell on another board. I dont own any but I am thinking about trying one out.

I can tell you from personal experience that Airrus rods are top notch and I would recommend them. Ken is a great guy (albeit busy) but a genuinely nice guy and will talk any time. The only down side to Airrus is they are so good and popular that he has a hard time keeping them in the warehouse. Of course that's only a downside if you need a rod in a hurry, but a good sign that he makes a quality product and has repeat customers.

I also picked up 4 B&R Outlaw rods which are touted as American made. These are nice rods and man his 7 foot medium rod is a dream matched up with a shimano MG50 for senkos. After throwing a senko on this combo I will never tie anything else on it. The B&R rods are a flat rate 99.00 until June then they go up to like 120.00. All rods are the same price.

Hope this helps,

B

I made a left turn on my next rod application wise.  I "logicalized" it to a new crankbait rod to go with my TDZ 103P.  New Mg goes on the Loomis... Still wanna go US rod....

Now looking at Puls-R 7'2" Med Med, Powell/Dobyns 704CB or Loomis CB(not new but in the running)  No Airrus or Powell/Dobyns around Charlotte, NC so won't be able to feel them before I buy em.  You guys have any advice on which rod from the finalists??  

Thnx

I personally don't believe you could go wrong with any of them. (I just bought a 3rd G-Blanks today, but that's not on your list)

Choose one and get to the fishing ... lol ;D

You are right man.  Probably can't go wrong with any of them.

So, I have a bid on ebay on a particular GLX model that I've been wanting for a long time.  If I don't get that....I'll pull the trigger on the 7 2" Puls-R.....

Thanks