Spinning rods. looking at the 6'6" m rod, has anyone used this or similar Okuma rod..?

I bought C3 S701MH about two months ago. I paid 99.99 shipped to my house, and after using it for awhile I can say that it is without a doubt worth what I paid and then some.

I researched the rod as much as I could before buying it and I'm sure you are finding that there isn't much information out there at all.

So lets start with a comparison. My other two spinning rods are a BSR803 GLX and a Legend Tournament LTBS70MF. The Okuma is a bit heavier than my St Croix (3.5oz) and Loomis(4.2oz), but that's to be expected. It weighs in at around 5.7oz but the one you are looking at should weigh a little less. I have an 8035 Pflueger Supreme on it that balances it out quite nicely, so the weight doesn't bother me at all.

The guides have Titanium frames with zirconium inserts, and they handle braid with ease. They appear to be made quite well and look remarkably similar to the Fuji Concept Alconite Guides on my Legend Tournament.

The reel seat is a custom ported Fuji seat so no complaints there. It actually looks pretty cool with the carbon fiber grips. They provide a nice solid grip and feeling of connectivity to the rod, because they are not overdone. They say that when the carbon fiber gets wet, it actually gives you a better grip. I haven't gotten the grips too wet yet but I definitely like them, they are unique and effective.

So my C3 is a MH power Extra Fast action and is rated for lures 1/4-1 oz. I use it for heavy plastics, some frogs, and small swimbaits. I have already had to steer several 5-7lb Largemouth away from some heavy cover with it and it performed flawlessly. It has plenty of power, and judging by how hard I've had to yank some of these fish, it is VERY durable. The situations I am using it in do not require the utmost sensitivity, but the C3 is actually pretty sensitive, which is a bonus.

I really feel like it is worth what I paid for it, plus it comes with a Lifetime Warranty and their policy is very good. It also comes with its own quality rod sleeve. Any more questions?

Here's the first fish I caught on my C3.  Sorry for the quality, my hands were shaking with excitement.

I have the C3-S-701ML rod that I use for drop shotting sometimes.  I don't like this rod.  I think it's too soft for dropshotting.  I think it's my personal preference but I don't like this rod at all.  I much prefer my own custom wrapped rod.  The reel seat is also very big on this rod don't know why but that's another reason why I don't like the rod.

hmongkidBee,

Comparing a custom wrapped rod to any factory rod in this price range is just silly.  Of course a custom wrapped rod is better.  And if you don't like to use that rod as a dropshot rod then maybe you shouldn't?  All C3's are listed as having Extra fast action, so when you say that its too "soft" I assume you are putting too much weight on that rod.  The ML is only rated for 3/8 oz max.

Hammer,

What kind of performance are you looking for and what kind of deal can you get on the 6'6M?

Here's the first fish I caught on my C3.

HAWG!!!      

I have a 7' MH casting C3.  I find the rod to be relatively light, but tip heavy.  Due to the tip heaviness, I find the rod to feel unbalanced and heavy.  Aesthetcially, the rod is beautiful.  I use mine for spinnerbaits and heavier lures.

I have the 7' M C3 and use mine for soft plastics...no complaints here.

I have notice if you put a light reel on there it does feel tip heavy.Any reel over 8oz balances out much better with the rod for some strange reason.  :-/ Honestly this doesn't bother me one bit but it might bother other who use only light reels.

Thanks guys. I've also looked at the Dark Angel, being that it's fairly close in price. Tackle Tour gave it pretty good ratings. I'm just leary of 5 yr. warranties compared to liftime warranties, like Okuma and Shimano. One problem is, I can't find any retail shops that carry the Drak Angel, so I can see, and get a feel for it, same with the Okuma.

hmongkidBee,

Comparing a custom wrapped rod to any factory rod in this price range is just silly. Of course a custom wrapped rod is better. And if you don't like to use that rod as a dropshot rod then maybe you shouldn't? All C3's are listed as having Extra fast action, so when you say that its too "soft" I assume you are putting too much weight on that rod. The ML is only rated for 3/8 oz max.

I never use weights above 1/4.  To me the rod is very flimsy and I'm not lying to you.  As for comparing it to a custom wrapped rod I know it's silly but I have been a few spinning rods but I only have 2 that I drop shot with.  I know what I want in my rod, and to me this rod is too soft for dropshotting. 

I have the 7' M C3 and use mine for soft plastics...no complaints here.

I have notice if you put a light reel on there it does feel tip heavy.Any reel over 8oz balances out much better with the rod for some strange reason. :-/ Honestly this doesn't bother me one bit but it might bother other who use only light reels.

This assessment is spot on.  Like I said I have an 8035 Pflueger Supreme on it that weighs 8.8 oz and it balances perfectly.  If the reel was under 8 oz it would not feel right.

hmongkidBee

Sorry if I seemed confrontational.  I believe you that your rod feels flimsy, but my MH is solid as a rock with power to spare.

Hammer, as long as your are paying around 100$ for this rod you will like it.  There are too many other better rods to get at its normal retail price of 150$ though.  That being said I like mine a lot for 99.99$.

I have the 7' casting rod, mh. I like it a lot. I have felt the spinning version in store, and it felt nice as well.

It is an extremely solid rod and very strong. I got it thinking it would be a bit stouter than it really is. If there was a category between med. and med. heavy I would rank it there. I also don't consider it a true extra fast (compared to my cumara) but I would say it is fast.

I use it as my primary texas rig rod, generally throwing 1/8 or 3/16 ounce worms. So it depends what exactly you are looking to use it for. As far as quality goes, it is a very well built rod.

But the best part is the price. It is good rod at the $150 price point, but they can be had on ebay for under $100. I got mine for $92.99 to the door. That makes it a super value and well worth it. In my opinion...

I have the 7' M C3 and use mine for soft plastics...no complaints here.

I have notice if you put a light reel on there it does feel tip heavy.Any reel over 8oz balances out much better with the rod for some strange reason. :-/ Honestly this doesn't bother me one bit but it might bother other who use only light reels.

This assessment is spot on. Like I said I have an 8035 Pflueger Supreme on it that weighs 8.8 oz and it balances perfectly. If the reel was under 8 oz it would not feel right.

hmongkidBee

Sorry if I seemed confrontational. I believe you that your rod feels flimsy, but my MH is solid as a rock with power to spare.

Hammer, as long as your are paying around 100$ for this rod you will like it. There are too many other better rods to get at its normal retail price of 150$ though. That being said I like mine a lot for 99.99$.

Where are you finding them for 99.00..?

TW has them for much more, unless I'm blind..lol I believe they are 149.00.

Ebay

Thanks..appreciate all the info from you guys.. 8-)

Ebay

Yep Ebay rules 99.99$ shipped, great value.

i have the C3 paired with the okuma v systems reel spinning reel. first off, the reel is fantastic. great reel for the price. unfortunately, my rod broke after just a couple uses. i shipped it back to okuma and they sent me a free one, no problems. overall, the rod works great-when its in one piece

Well, I pulled the trigger on a 7'mh spinning C3 today. Should match up well with my new Stradic.. 8-)

Nice Hammer you got the same one I have.  It will Balance well with your heavy Stradic  .  If you were looking for a spinning rod with BALLS you just found it!

Good to hear. I was torn between the 6'6" and the 7' mh..obviously I got the 7' rod..Can't wait to try it out. I did fish with the Stradic this morning..Whoever said that the Stradic is way better than the Sahara, was right.. 8-)