I took my new Perfecta Tournament Class rod out for a little bit yesterday. My first impressions were very good http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1281405970 and my on the water experience wasn't lacking.

As I noted before the weight and balance of the rod are pretty much on par with higher end rods. It's not the lightest but it is very light and when paired with my Patriarch, it is extremely balanced and comfortable to fish.

I was spooled up with 14lb McCoy FC and started of with a 5/16oz Stanley jig. The sensitivity of the rod was surprising, you always a little voice in the back back of you're brain telling you not to expect too much from anything but this rod :-X that voice. Again, it's not the most sensitive rod I have fished but it is on par with the Dobyns Savvy, Powell Max, and St. Croix Avid and greater than the Kistler Magnesium which retails for the same price. I also fished a tube texas rigged with an internal weight, this rig dampened the sensitivity a bit since there wasn't direct contact of the lead and bottom contour.

The power was there with this rod too. It had very since backbone and an action suited well for long casts. I caught three fish and lost another due to bad hook set, I was cleaning my glasses when it hit. None of the fish I caught were monsters, all around a pound, the one that came off felt a little bigger but it handled them all very well, also handled a huge branch like a champ.

Overall, I would recommend the Perfecta rods to someone looking for a rod in their price range. I even liked the ACS reel seat which I had mixed feelings about at first. If you're looking for a rod in the $150 price range, the Pinnacle rods should be a consideration.

I love ACS reel seats... they are used on a lot of my JDM rods and to me they are really comfortable and have a very "Sure" feeling in hand.. I love ECS seats to but I would have to say ACS is my FAV. A lot of people with big hands hate them I dont know why I have big hands and they just fit so well!!!!

Glad you like the rod man! enjoy it

I took it out again Monday I believe and whacked a few more on a jig. Finally hooked into a larger fish and it handled her wonderfully. This thing is really growing on me and I am contemplating getting another when they are available, maybe the 7'3''MH.

Here's the skinny girl that gave it a better workout, not much belly, it's actually negative I think, but she put up a pretty gppd fight

Nice Review KW!

How are the guides? And is the handle cork or EVA?

b.lee:

Not sure when K.W. will be able to answer, so hope you guys don't mind if I jump in.  The guides on Pinnacle's new Tournament Class Perfecta rods are Fuji "New Concept" Alconite guides.  As far as the handles go, they're made of lightweight yet durable AAA, premium-quality Portuguese cork.

Good Fishin',

Pinnacle1