Smith Rods - Which One?

[Ben Rivers]

Varivas GT Max 130 lbs (for example) is PE10.

So you are looking for a nice rod rated to PE10 that will cast those weights 

You could look out for a 2nd hand option in your price range. There was recently Carpenter Monster Hunter 80H for sale here but that has gone.

Otherwise, the Smith rods or the exceptionally good value Kaiser El Toro 180.

Mark, which would be your selection between:

Kaiser El Toro 180.
Smith Komodo Dragon.

[Steve Li]

I have played with both but I will go with the Komodo simply for the fact that they have been proven over time.

[Mark Harris]

Varivas GT Max 130 lbs (for example) is PE10.

So you are looking for a nice rod rated to PE10 that will cast those weights 

You could look out for a 2nd hand option in your price range. There was recently Carpenter Monster Hunter 80H for sale here but that has gone.

Otherwise, the Smith rods or the exceptionally good value Kaiser El Toro 180.

Mark, which would be your selection between:

Kaiser El Toro 180.
Smith Komodo Dragon.

Tough one Ben. One's a proven legend that some would say is now a bit old fashioned, and the other a relative newcomer. Side by side and the same money I would pick up a KD. But the El Toro ought to be a lot cheaper which evens it up.

[Mike_Tan]

Never tried the El Toro range before but I really like the Smith WRC popping sticks. They make casting plugs over 160g such a breeze and is a lot more forgiving on the back when fishing heavier lines.

[Sami Ghandour]

Hi Guys,

Which of the following would be better? Looking for a 'General Purpose' for 150g-250g Poppers and Stick Baits:

- Smith Komodo Dragon
- Smith Tokara 60

Thanks Ben

Hi Ben,

If i have to choose between the Komodo and the Tokara, i will choose the Tokara without hesitation,
the Komodo is supposedly rated higher then the Tokara, i really still can't understand why Smith rated the Komodo higher,
from my experience with both rods, the Tokara feels to me stronger and there is no way you can be able to load the Komodo properly with a 250g lure,
the Tokara is a beast, with all confidence i assure you satisfaction, it is easy to load and yet have the back bone to horse the big one.
good luck with your choice.

[Ben Rivers]

[/quote]
Tough one Ben. One's a proven legend that some would say is now a bit old fashioned, and the other a relative newcomer. Side by side and the same money I would pick up a KD. But the El Toro ought to be a lot cheaper which evens it up.
[/quote]

Mark, I can get them for the following prices:

Kaiser El Toro 180 $650
Smith Komodo Dragon $680

[Luke Wyrsta]

Ben,

I would never classify something with capability over 200g and PE10 plus as being 'General Purpose'.

Have you ever used these lures for an extended period of time?

[Mark Harris]

If they are the same price, then I would buy a Komodo Dragon.

One of the beauties of this forum is a wide range of opinions. For example, you will see that Sami really likes the Tokara and his is an experienced opinion and one you should respect. Even in our relatively specialised sport, different anglers employ different styles and prefer vastly different types of equipment.

Luke's point is very pertinent.  You will find even some very experienced GT anglers here who would rarely fish as heavy as PE10 with 200 gram+ lures.  So you need to be sure you want to fish that heavy, and that you are capable of doing so all day, and still enjoy it. Personally, I am not really fit enough these days to do that. But I should say that even when I was, I usually chose to fish lighter for GTs with a PE8 set-up and more parabolic rod, purely because it increased the enjoyment.

[Ben Rivers]

Ben,

I would never classify something with capability over 200g and PE10 plus as being 'General Purpose'.

Have you ever used these lures for an extended period of time?

Luke

Most lures I have are 125-150, then hooks. I just have a few that weigh 200-225, then hooks.

[Ben Rivers]

This is probably a stupid question, but is there a major issue running PE10, on a PE8 rod?

You all talk about fishing lighter, what PE do you typically use?

[Ben Furness]

I would say the El Toro 150 running PE8 on your reel would knock over pretty much any GT on the planet if the situation is right.
Casts like a dream works stickbaits to about 200g and poppers to about 180g. Perfectly in your price range and is about as good an "Allrounder" as you will find anywhere.

Luke might even have a few in stock?

[Mark Harris]

This is probably a stupid question, but is there a major issue running PE10, on a PE8 rod?

You all talk about fishing lighter, what PE do you typically use?

PE8 as standard, occasionally PE10 and in the right places, sometimes PE6.

[Ben Rivers]

This is probably a stupid question, but is there a major issue running PE10, on a PE8 rod?

You all talk about fishing lighter, what PE do you typically use?

PE8 as standard, occasionally PE10 and in the right places, sometimes PE6.

Ok Thanks Mark - how about the running PE10 on a PE8 Rod?

[Mark Harris]

Like everything Ben it will depend on the rod. If the rod is genuine PE8 like say a Ripple Fisher 82, then running it with PE10 will be OK, but it is not ideal.

It it is a more of PE6-8 rod, then I would hesitate more, but the fact remains that you will still be able to fish with it.

[Ben Rivers]

A friend of mine is thinking of using 130lb on a GT Special, which is rated PE 3-8. Wat are your thoughts on that?

Im selling my GT Special to get the KD