Beginner popping rod on a budget

[Kevin Hulse]

Hi all,

I'm new to the GT popping scene and am looking for some advice on purchasing a rod. Being a beginner I dont really wan to spend a fortune just yet. I'd say at this stage I'll be fishing around 80ld braid and using lures around the 150g mark give or take. I've done a bit of research and sort of narrowed it down to 3 rods.

First being the T-curve GT special. Havent heard anything bad about these yet but havent found one locally to have a feel of yet.  Second is the Diawa Monster Mesh at 8'3", 200g casting weight rated PE 6 - 8. Had a feel of one today and was pretty impressed. Felt light and comfortable. Third is the T-Curve blue water 15-24kg. Had a play with this one too and it felt pretty good. I saw on the nomad web site that they recommend this rod but it is only rated up to 100g cast weight. Would they cast heavier poppers alright?

Being new to this any advice would be appreciated.

[Darren Cook]

If your budget is slim i would go the Gt special. The 15-24kg Tcurce is not designed as a popping rod.

[Chuen Fan]

GT special would be the pick of the bunch.

[Mark Gwynne]

I just recently bought a GT Special after looking at all 3. Yet to use it but it came highly recommended over the other 2 and feels much better for the job than the other 2 hands down. Definitely get it. I'll be using the same size poppers on 80lb just like you have said.

[Kevin Hulse]

Cheers guys. Ordered my GT Special today!!!

[Neale Bird]

Can get one for $350Au not sure what they're fetching these days tho

[Kevin Hulse]

Got one from Mo tackle for about $320. Bit of a bargain! So now the rods looked after, time to organise the rest of the gear. reel, line lures etc

[Mark Gwynne]

Kind of spewing about that actually!! Got mine off them not long ago and actually got 2, one for a mate as well. They were $429 and they offered both to us for 400 each delivered. A good price at the time but now they are $399 normally plus they have a 20% off sale. Considering I still haven't used it we should have waited a few more weeks. Dog gone it!!

[Stephen Polzin]

Kind of spewing about that actually!! Got mine off them not long ago and actually got 2, one for a mate as well. They were $429 and they offered both to us for 400 each delivered. A good price at the time but now they are $399 normally plus they have a 20% off sale. Considering I still haven't used it we should have waited a few more weeks. Dog gone it!!

struth, that's a bummer Mark.  And there's no sign of a break in the weather either! 

[Max Grimbacher]

struth, that's a bummer Mark.  And there's no sign of a break in the weather either! 
[/quote]

aint that the truth!
absolutely hopeless situation with the weather for getting out to the reef in north Queensland..... 

I'm happy with my GT special. had a season of use without any issues. No use in the last few months unfortunatly