Has anyone tried out FCL Labo 81ext stickbait rod? Appreciate any reviews

[Lung Weng]

Hi all, am pretty new to popping and need some reviews on this rod. Planning to throw stickbaits in the 150 to 170g range. Love the fire engine red and lightness but am clueless on its performance.

[Andrew Susani]

I bought this rod in Singapore last year as my first serious GT rod.  I too was seduced by the crazy red colour and the light weight.   

It casts well and is beautiful to fish with, but it is very stiff to fight fish on, and it hurt me when fighting powerful GTs!

I have since bought a Carpenter BLC83/40 and love it.  I use smaller stickbaits and poppers with it and it is far easier to use, but I still keep the red Labo in the boat as a backup.  If you are very strong it is probably a fine rod for fighting fish.

[Christoffer Hansen]

Hey lung,
 
Don't be put off by Andrew saying it's a stiff rod, it's the complete opposite with a more parabolic bend u would find in a tuna rod. It's my next purchase and I think u should call the boys at fishhead cause they have used the rod extensively.
Cheers chris

[Luke Wyrsta]

I love this rod! I recently used it on a trip where it excelled at fishing stickbaits and subduing large GT!

The tip folds away to reveal a powerful backbone. Extremely impressive for a rod that is very light in hand.

it can fish up to 180g and I find this rating accurate.

I primarily fished stickbaits 120-160g, plus hooks...

I definitely prefer this over the BLC83/40.

[Luke Wyrsta]

I'll post some loaded rod pics when I get back to the office.

[Christoffer Hansen]

We are talking bout the 81mh aren't we? I thought it had 200g stated on the rod?

[Luke Wyrsta]

We are talking bout the 81mh aren't we? I thought it had 200g stated on the rod?

81 Ext

[Christoffer Hansen]

I'm pretty sure lung is referring to the 81mh the stickbait version of the 81ext m. The 81mh has a soft tip but I higher drag rating n cast weight. The 81m is stiffer all the way through more suited to poppers

[Luke Wyrsta]

Yes, I think you are right. My mistake!

[Andy Rowe]

Hi Lung,

I was also seriously looking at this rod as a med-heavy stick bait rod as i was very impressed by the light weight. After having handled the rod (not fished it), I am thinking it could do this but I was looking for a specilaist stick bait rod and i don't think this is it. I think it would handle popping applications better.

[Sachin Chaudhry]

I hear from very trustworthy sources that it's the weapon of choice for an all day stick that still has a fair bit of muscle. Taken BFT over 120kg off the US east coast so you know its got the grunt.
Definitely on the shopping list this year.

[Lung Weng]

Hi all many thanks for all the reviews! Very much appreciated. Yes was looking at the 81 Ext. Am quite convinced abt the qualities of the rod. Only problem is the shop in Singapore has sold off its last piece! Better luck next time I guess.

[Lung Weng]

Oops just to add yes it's the 81ext mh. Should have been clearer on the rod specs.

[Luke Wyrsta]

That's a shame Lung! If you know anyone commuting to SG from Australia. We could possibly help you out.

http://gara-proshop.com/cscart/manufacturer/fcl-labo.html