The Lure Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Shimano Stradic rods

Jump to Latest
41 - 59 of 59 Posts
#42 ·
Simon Lewis said:
... or maybe, like many others he was dreading the onset of winter, where people over-debate threads & create arguments about daft subjects ..... just maybe .....
Click to expand...
Yes Simon has it in one, my comment was regarding debates that never prove anything except the fact we all have different opinions.

To answer Nige Faircloughs question whether I have had any other Stradics snap....No Nige, not heard of any others yet. We must remember two things in regard to this subject, 1) They are cheap rods, they might look nice and feel nice but remember they are like 70 odd quid delivered. 2) Although I love him dearly, I am sure Nigel Harmann has snapped every rod he has ever owned :)
 
#43 ·
Mick Ward said:
. . . I am sure Nigel Harmann has snapped every rod he has ever owned.
Click to expand...
I know I'm a novice 'n everything and, like my rod, most of the posts in this thread are over the top of my head. That said, I was under the impression that the general idea was to try and break as many rods as possible so you could then go out and buy a new one. Isn't that what most of you guys 'n gels do, or have I misunderstood something?
Tim.
 
#44 ·
Matthew Brumby said:
lee perhaps more applicable to beechrods than lure rods, every rods got its own timing to get the best true, but theres not a lure rod out there you shouldn be able to wallop the cast on whatever way u want and fear a break, if rods broke due to casting style being wrong for 1 model but right for another going from one rod to another should produce breakages surely. how would you develop the right tyle without snapping a new rod ?

More lightly, assuming the retailer was happy to replace, its a new model new production line and a few teething problems.
had the same thing with a Croix rod popped 2 very soon after getting them, Croix looked into it and fixed the issue and sorted it out, cant snap it now on the cast even if I tried.
Click to expand...

I agree.

I would have said that whether or not you cast hard, doesn't mean your technique is bad.....it just means you want that bit extra distance. Of course, a Mepps spinner on a 20g+ rod is perhaps over the top and certainly unbalanced, but even with an Ultralight set up, it's still a light lure so the angler will need to load the rod to get that little bit extra distance.

I went fishing with Rob Laidlaw a few weeks back, he took one of his lighter Red rods (Tenryu Injection) with him for the SP's. Even with a light rod, you still had to whip it to get reasonable distance to cast up or down stream. A simple under-arm lob doesn't cut it.
 
#45 ·
Matthew Brumby said:
lee perhaps more applicable to beechrods than lure rods, every rods got its own timing to get the best true, but theres not a lure rod out there you shouldn be able to wallop the cast on whatever way u want and fear a break, if rods broke due to casting style being wrong for 1 model but right for another going from one rod to another should produce breakages surely. how would you develop the right tyle without snapping a new rod ?

More lightly, assuming the retailer was happy to replace, its a new model new production line and a few teething problems.
had the same thing with a Croix rod popped 2 very soon after getting them, Croix looked into it and fixed the issue and sorted it out, cant snap it now on the cast even if I tried.
Click to expand...
I would like to agree with you but that would mean both of us being wrong :muttley:..Just kidding bud..... But im sure we have all seen some people cast and wondered how they dont break their rods. Maybe some rods are more bullet proof than others and what you may get away with using one rod you cant with another?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matthew Brumby
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#48 ·
Mick Ward said:
Yes Simon has it in one, my comment was regarding debates that never prove anything except the fact we all have different opinions.

To answer Nige Faircloughs question whether I have had any other Stradics snap....No Nige, not heard of any others yet. We must remember two things in regard to this subject, 1) They are cheap rods, they might look nice and feel nice but remember they are like 70 odd quid delivered. 2) Although I love him dearly, I am sure Nigel Harmann has snapped every rod he has ever owned :)
Click to expand...

I guess it may be user error then????

If there was a serious problem with these rods, I'm sure Mick would have heard about it by now.
 
#49 ·
James Mintram said:
I went fishing with Rob Laidlaw a few weeks back, he took one of his lighter Red rods (Tenryu Injection) with him for the SP's. Even with a light rod, you still had to whip it to get reasonable distance to cast up or down stream. A simple under-arm lob doesn't cut it.
Click to expand...
I don't agree, casting is all about timing, like in Golf, it has nothing to do with the speed of the swing and all to do with the timing, one thing I have learned is that if you try and give it beans all day, you are going to ache like feck in the morning, I tend to alter the length of line out of the top ring until I find what works best with that particular lure, I never seem to write it down though.

The other thing is how far do you expect an un-weighted SP to cast, no where near as far as a 20g hard lure will do that's for sure, I am not quite sure what your casting expectations are James but maybe you ought to revise them a little or you may just find yourself a bit disappointed. :wink:
 
#50 ·
Rob Laidlaw said:
I don't agree, casting is all about timing, like in Golf, it has nothing to do with the speed of the swing and all to do with the timing, one thing I have learned is that if you try and give it beans all day, you are going to ache like feck in the morning, I tend to alter the length of line out of the top ring until I find what works best with that particular lure, I never seem to write it down though.

The other thing is how far do you expect an un-weighted SP to cast, no where near as far as a 20g hard lure will do that's for sure, I am not quite sure what your casting expectations are James but maybe you ought to revise them a little or you may just find yourself a bit disappointed. :wink:
Click to expand...

I agree to a certain extent, but I have found that timing will only get you so far. When I get in to something, I tend to look at stuff very closely (just ask Lee how much of a pain in the ass I can be about learning how venoms work, what they do, etc.) as it's interesting. I had a good teacher for fishing, I learned how to cast before I even got on a river bank (I used to tie a plummet on the end of the line and practice on the front lawn of my house) and I have been constantly trying new things, and changing my technique to be a better angler. Good timing and good, balanced tackle is a big help, but in my opinion to get that little bit extra distance, casting that little bit harder with great timing works wonders.

I used to play Golf every week, again, you can have the most perfectly timed and tuned swing in the world, but if you don't possess the strength (in the hips) and ability to generate a good club head speed, you aren't going to cover anywhere near as much distance as you should be. Professional golfers demonstrate this really well - look at Sergio Garcia, perhaps one of, if not the longest hitter on the Tour.... he has the ultimate package, perfect timing combined with the strength and stamina to consistently get the maximum distance on the drive. He once hit a Sand Wedge at 190 yards, which is not an easy thing to do, even for a professional that hits thousands of balls a week.
 
#52 ·
Blimey is this still going on...

To get back to to the original thread - gulp - Shimano rods are great for under a hundred and fifty quid. Breaking rods that are more expensive will make you cry. Breaking one that costs 70 quid and has a similar action and will catch u as many fish won't.

It's going to be a veeeeeerrrrry long winter Mick
:aarrg:
 
#53 ·
Riiiiight.... Apologies for the delay.

Firstly, to dispel any myths, I had broken a total of 1 rod up until I bought the Stradic. I will admit that I snapped the handle off 2 different Berkley 'Urban Spirit' rods, but these rods had a novel retractable handle design. It wasn't any good. Once the butts were repaired, the smaller of the two served me for 2 years, used heavily everyday and all through last winter. (It took plenty of knocks on the granite as I scrambled to some of my more inaccessible spots) It caught Bass to just a hair under 9lb. It finally broke when I (stupidly) lifted it past vertical when lifting out a large (3lb+) Pollock. Totally user error.
The larger of the two, with it's repaired handle, continues to serve me well. They are fantastic rods.

For the Stradics - The first rod broke casting a large Patchinko. It was the 3m 15-50g version and it had already fought (and coped brilliantly) with fish to 7lb in a fast rip. I was going for a very long cast, which is part of my repertoire and which I do during every session. It just went pop and snapped about a foot from the tip. A nice clean break. The rod had not been damaged or mishandled in any way.

I immediately bought the 3m 15-60g version hoping it would cope with stripers in the US as well. I christened it in Jersey with a number of fish on its first outing, including a Bass over 7lb in the same fast water. Again, it performed superbly and I was singing its praises. I brought it over to the US and it snapped one night whilst casting a 42g SG eel. Once again, I was going for a long cast. It just popped, about 6 inches from the tip! A nice clean break.

Both rods were casting lures well within their stated range. I wasn't treating the rods any more harshly than I had my previous rods.

Now for technique! I don't mind having my casting technique called into question. There's nothing wrong with it. I can cast. I've cast everything from a 1/32g LRF stick to 21ft custom graphite freshwater monster. I'd never had anything snap on me during a cast before. I'm equally at home skipping cranks under a dock or hanging trees with a 6-footer, as I am at launching a 6-and-bait 180 yards. I will add that I do subscribe more to the grip it and rip it school than the time it right and get max bang for your efforts. I'm not claiming to be a casting guru, but I invite any long cast challengers.

Fact of the matter is that I didn't treat these rods any differently to rods I have used in the past. I put them through their paces, yes, but I wasn't silly with them. I recently had an issue with Shimano reels not keeping up with me, I guess their rods are just the same. I'm sure this rod will suit most anglers, barring those that like to really bash a lure out (and command the power to do so) on occasion. I don't think there was necessarily anything 'wrong' with these rods, I just don't think they were made to cope with my power :p

Maybe I should have kept quiet, but I can't let a rod be too heavily praised if I've had an issue with them. Surely you don't only want to hear the good?

I liked the rods, the finish is excellent, they cast well when they not snapping, and they handle large fish very well. They're responsive, light, and transmit feel very well. I have shortened the 15-60g rod and continue to use it. It still feels 'right'. I won't however, be spending any more money on another. I'd rather search heaven and earth for another (beloved) 8ft Urban Spirit!

I hope this has helped..

---------- Post added at 01:31 ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 ----------
Lee Birch said:
Having to cast hard means you have poor technique and maybe unbalanced tackle. Casting hard to get any distance just means your not using the right equipment for the job. Casting well with distance and accurecy is not about how "hard" you can hit it, its the style and technique you do it with.
Click to expand...
Whilst I agree & thank you for most of your comments, surely casting with maximum power and perfect technique will yield optimum results? I can cast as far as most with a gentle nudge. But I can also out-cast most by applying the strongarm.

Casting hard does not always mean poor technique. Alls I'm saying :)
 
#54 ·
Nigel Hamann said:
Riiiiight.... Apologies for the delay.

Firstly, to dispel any myths, I had broken a total of 1 rod up until I bought the Stradic. I will admit that I snapped the handle off 2 different Berkley 'Urban Spirit' rods, but these rods had a novel retractable handle design. It wasn't any good. Once the butts were repaired, the smaller of the two served me for 2 years, used heavily everyday and all through last winter. (It took plenty of knocks on the granite as I scrambled to some of my more inaccessible spots) It caught Bass to just a hair under 9lb. It finally broke when I (stupidly) lifted it past vertical when lifting out a large (3lb+) Pollock. Totally user error.
The larger of the two, with it's repaired handle, continues to serve me well. They are fantastic rods.

For the Stradics - The first rod broke casting a large Patchinko. It was the 3m 15-50g version and it had already fought (and coped brilliantly) with fish to 7lb in a fast rip. I was going for a very long cast, which is part of my repertoire and which I do during every session. It just went pop and snapped about a foot from the tip. A nice clean break. The rod had not been damaged or mishandled in any way.

I immediately bought the 3m 15-60g version hoping it would cope with stripers in the US as well. I christened it in Jersey with a number of fish on its first outing, including a Bass over 7lb in the same fast water. Again, it performed superbly and I was singing its praises. I brought it over to the US and it snapped one night whilst casting a 42g SG eel. Once again, I was going for a long cast. It just popped, about 6 inches from the tip! A nice clean break.

Both rods were casting lures well within their stated range. I wasn't treating the rods any more harshly than I had my previous rods.

Now for technique! I don't mind having my casting technique called into question. There's nothing wrong with it. I can cast. I've cast everything from a 1/32g LRF stick to 21ft custom graphite freshwater monster. I'd never had anything snap on me during a cast before. I'm equally at home skipping cranks under a dock or hanging trees with a 6-footer, as I am at launching a 6-and-bait 180 yards. I will add that I do subscribe more to the grip it and rip it school than the time it right and get max bang for your efforts. I'm not claiming to be a casting guru, but I invite any long cast challengers.

Fact of the matter is that I didn't treat these rods any differently to rods I have used in the past. I put them through their paces, yes, but I wasn't silly with them. I recently had an issue with Shimano reels not keeping up with me, I guess their rods are just the same. I'm sure this rod will suit most anglers, barring those that like to really bash a lure out (and command the power to do so) on occasion. I don't think there was necessarily anything 'wrong' with these rods, I just don't think they were made to cope with my power :p

Maybe I should have kept quiet, but I can't let a rod be too heavily praised if I've had an issue with them. Surely you don't only want to hear the good?

I liked the rods, the finish is excellent, they cast well when they not snapping, and they handle large fish very well. They're responsive, light, and transmit feel very well. I have shortened the 15-60g rod and continue to use it. It still feels 'right'. I won't however, be spending any more money on another. I'd rather search heaven and earth for another (beloved) 8ft Urban Spirit!

I hope this has helped..

---------- Post added at 01:31 ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 ----------



Whilst I agree & thank you for most of your comments, surely casting with maximum power and perfect technique will yield optimum results? I can cast as far as most with a gentle nudge. But I can also out-cast most by applying the strongarm.

Casting hard does not always mean poor technique. Alls I'm saying :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Nigel, and I agree that products shouldn't only receive praise, but negative feedback as well. Like you, I don't agree with blowing smoke up the arses of companies and if an individual has had a problem with a certain product, no matter how good the product is considered to be, it still needs to be brought up in a discussion for other users and potential users to consider, so thanks for that.

I also agree with you re: casting. Having a gentle, well timed approach is good, but sometimes it isn't going to get you where the fish are (and the same with golf and some other sports that require distance) so a good, solid cast is the only way forward sometimes, and as I am sure we have all experienced at one time or another, could mean the difference between drawing a blank or not.
 
#55 ·
Nigel Hamann said:
Maybe I should have kept quiet, but I can't let a rod be too heavily praised if I've had an issue with them. Surely you don't only want to hear the good?
Click to expand...
Nigel thanks for posting. The negative review seems to have become a thing of the past and I for one mourn its passing. Now go get those stripers!



Sent from my GT-S5369 using Tapatalk 2
 
41 - 59 of 59 Posts
About this Discussion
58 Replies
20 Participants
Last post:
Mick Ward
The Lure Forums
posts
612K
members
6.5K
Since
2009
A forum community dedicated to fishing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, licenses, tips, tricks, rivers, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Lure Forum Social Club Lures For Sale Pike Tackle Talk