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Dean Gold

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first GT Popping rod
February 26, 2010, 10:32:58 PM
Hello GT fishermen,

I am setting myself up for my first venture into GT fishing and I am looking forward to joining your fraternity.

I have enjoyed reading everyones posts and have learnt a great deal particularly from Brandon's great article on popping rods.

I have a Saltiga S Extreme 6500 spooled with Varivas GT PE 10 (that has never been wet) and I now need a rod to hang it off before I book a trip for later in the year.

I am leaning towards a Patriot Designs Extreme 80.

I would appreciate any feedback from the forum in relation to this rod and in particular in relation to the low rider guides. I have no idea how these perform compared to the standard guides.

I'm also open to any suggestions of alternatives if I am way of track. I have considered the Komodo dragon but from what I have read the PD rod will cast further and is more durable which is important as I can't afford to break too many $1k+rods!

Whilst I am an experienced fisherman I am a virgin in this form of the sport and welcome all advice. If it helps, Im only 33 and pretty fit and strong, that said, I don't think that I want to fish PE12 and short rods all day either..

Regards,

DG


Jon Li

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Re: first GT Popping rod
February 26, 2010, 11:43:22 PM
Carpenter WV80XH will handle PE10 with ease , pure performance without the bling .

Jon .
It's not what you don't know that gets you into trouble , it's what you know for sure that ain't so . Mark Twain .

Thien Dao

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Re: first GT Popping rod
February 27, 2010, 01:27:11 PM
Carpenter WV80XH will handle PE10 with ease , pure performance without the bling .

Jon .

Where would I be able to find one, Jon? Have been searching for months now, no one seems to have any in stock?

Jon Li

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Re: first GT Popping rod
February 27, 2010, 02:27:18 PM
Carpenter is shipping out WV80XH in March 2010 , there will be some stock coming our way soon so it won't be a long wait .

Jon .
It's not what you don't know that gets you into trouble , it's what you know for sure that ain't so . Mark Twain .

Alex Jordan

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Re: first GT Popping rod
February 28, 2010, 02:16:25 AM
Persoanlly I wouldn't got for a WV - I got advised off it as its a beast of a rod - not a first time weapon!

read Brandon's sticky on buying a rod - you would probably be better with a Komodo?

Duncan O'Connell

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Re: first GT Popping rod
February 28, 2010, 12:51:46 PM
Dean,
The Patriot Designs rods are among the best GT rods money can buy. The blank construction utilises layers of kevlar and carbon which also makes them some of the most durable rods around.
There have been plenty of opinions floating the net regarding low rider guides. In park casting tests we found that low riders cast just as far or further than the same rod with convertional guides, as well as having less guide wrapping issues. On the water I have been very happy with the performance of the low riders. To cater for all tastes however, Patriot GT rods can now be ordered in either guide configuration.

The Extreme 80 suits 100-130lb braid and lures up to 200g. The extra length is nice for casting distance as well as making it more suitable for working large stickbaits. This has been a popular rod for guys looking for an allrounder and in locations where longer casts are important.

Another rod to consider is the Black Diamond. It is a little stiffer at the tip and a touch shorter at 7'6". This makes it better for working larger cup faced lures in the 140-180g range, with an upper casting limit of around 230g. It still has excellent casting performance, but a little more poke at the tip if you want an easier job of working big cup faces like Masterd Bombs, Hammerheads etc all day long.

As suggested the Komodo is a superb and forgiving rod which we often recommend for beginners and experts alike.  However as you are an experienced (and fit) angler the Patriot could be just the thing for you.

Do you have any trips planned or do you fish in your local area?  Sometimes knowing the locations and types of trips you are planning helps narrow down the rods that would best suit you.
Cheers
Duncan Fish Head
Fish Head - Specialist Fishing Tackle

Tom Grubb

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Re: first GT Popping rod
March 01, 2010, 10:11:31 PM
I am running a xzoga PE10 rod, have a stella 18k on it, love the set up. can cast poppers all day and never gets heavy or tires me out. This rod is a Jap blank and has all the good running gear. For around $650 i wouldnt go past it for a first popping rod. I have been popping for around 3 years and have had this rod for 6 months.
PoPpInG mAd