Any recomendations in Smith Popping rods?

[Ben Thomson]

Hey gents, Im looking at getting a smith popping rod. I was looking for something that has the power for the larger cup faces (tokora, komodo, and the hiib rocket). I already have a designated stick bait rod so I dont need to compromise on the rods performance. Thoughts?

cheers, Ben.

[Brandon Khoo]

If you are looking for a popper rod and your starting point is that it has to be a Smith, all three will be suitable.

[Sam Loh]

Hi Ben, I have fished on 3 of the Smith models which you mentioned. Noted on what others have to counter, I will bet my investment on the Rocket, period. Reason being in term of rod weight is lighter than Komodo and long enough to top the merit among the 3 in casting distance. Work with ease on Craft Bait GT3 as well as Real Bait 170g. Cast and swim Shell Shape Twister F5 & even F6 like magic. Best still at the lower lure weight tier, it handles Twister F2 not at best but enough to entice good ratio of hits.

IMHO
Sam

[Sam Loh]

Sorry Ben, pls accept my sincere apology on my previous comment because if you are looking at only chugging at the I-Cup range of poppers, only Tokara can handle them. At this level of cup face you will find a slight touch of saturation on the Rocket even though Smith merchant says that's the ideal match

[Ben Thomson]

Thanks for the info sam,
 lets say i was looking outside the Smith range, what is available for working 200gm chugger/bloopers with not to much saturation?

[Ben Thomson]

Just Went to the fish head website, Seven seas big pop!!!!!! 

[Brandon Khoo]

If you want to look for strong popping rods, there are a number of rods on the market that's are stronger than the Tokara or Komodo, I'd regard those only as medium weight PE10 rods. The big issue is whether you want to be holding onto the other end when something big takes the popper!

[Duncan O'Connell]

Ben,

Rods like the Sevenseas Big Pop 78 Powerful and 77 Magnum are up there with some of the best rods for working big cup faced lures.
The 77 Magnum is best suited to lures up to 200g, while the 78 Powerful will toss lures up to 250g.
The stiffness allows you to work the bigger bloopers with the minimum of effort when compared to softer rods. They also have heaps of grunt for lifting stubborn fish.
Like Brandon says, being able to hold properly on when a fish takes the lure is important on the big rods. If you are a big guy then you can muscle them, but for most anglers it is a matter of technique. Keeping your back as straight as possible and bending your knees to help with the lifting makes a huge difference.

The picture is the 78 Powerful with 15kg on the end. Brett said to say he was not in pain, he's just squinting because the sun was in his eyes...

Cheers

Duncan

[Sachin Chaudhry]

Wild Violence

[Ben Thomson]

Thanks for you help last night brett, you confused me to the max along with Kurt.

[Ben Thomson]

Forgot to mention the advice you gave was top notch to mate, cheers for that. Might see you sunday.

[Brett Habener]

Forgot to mention the advice you gave was top notch to mate, cheers for that. Might see you sunday.

No Worries Ben.

It was good to have a chat. Hopefully we will see you on Sunday.

Cheers,

Brett

[Antonino Augugliaro]

I'm looking for Ripple Fisher FS GT78XH, as rod for handling Icup popper class, but I never handle it.
Carpenter LGM SP 78 UXH is hard to find, but should be as good as ripple for this job.
I'll appreciate every info referring to these two  rod. Thanks

[Brandon Khoo]

I think a Carpenter LGM SP78 UXH is going to be unbelievably difficult to find because it doesn't exist! Are you referring to a UHL or EXH?

The Ripple Final Spirit 78XH will handle the I Cup as will the Carpenter SP78UHL. They're both designed for giant cup mouthed poppers. I would suggest to you that Ripple has a slightly more progressive action than the UHL which has a fast action. They're both brutes on your back. If you get one, I hope you have a good chiropractor and physio!

[Andre van Wyk]

I'm looking for Ripple Fisher FS GT78XH, as rod for handling Icup popper class, but I never handle it.
Carpenter LGM SP 78 UXH is hard to find, but should be as good as ripple for this job.
I'll appreciate every info referring to these two  rod. Thanks

Hey Antonio - I have a brand new never used RF FS 78XH in custom metallic Blue I am looking to sell if you are after a rod? Send me a PM, and we can discuss if you are interested... I need to get rid of the rod, so can offer you a good price.

Cheers
Andre