Japanese vs Others

[Makaira]

I've known Makaira for YEARS and we still can't come to terms which is better, Japo toothpicks or Yankee Dragon Slayers.

Borrowed this quote from Mikey to start this topic which I am sure many have pondered over at one time or another as they decide on their choices.

So .... what do the rest of you think? Why not share your experiences & opinions so others can make an informed decision the next time they want to buy a popping or jigging rod; where anglers usually make a transformation; perhaps out of necessity, into super human anglers who fish with 10-20kg's of drag .

[physlo]

As for me, i will get the US blanks to build a rod for bottom fishing. And stick with the Japanese for jigging & popping.

Cheers!
physlo.

[jason]

As for me, i will get the US blanks to build a rod for bottom fishing. And stick with the Japanese for jigging & popping.

Cheers!
physlo.

Yo
Your jigging rod not japo leh....!!!


Cheers
jason

[Makaira]

As for me, i will get the US blanks to build a rod for bottom fishing. And stick with the Japanese for jigging & popping.

Hi Phsylo,

Can share the reasons why so people can weigh the pros & cons? Thanks

Best regards,
Makaira

[stickbom!]

Yankee technology is about half a century behind the Japanese when it comes with blanks (Seeker/Calstar/Shikari etc). I think the earlier breakages/failures in Japanese rods were due to lack of exposure on the part of Japanese tackle developers. Early Japanese rods were built based on their local needs and not for hardcore stuff like GT/Samsons etc. These days, you find Japanese tackle makers sending their R&D staff to all corners of the world and I seriously doubt you can go wrong with these new age tackle. The only major draw back I find would be the cost issue for these Japanese rods.

MOST Yankee blanks are very durable, relatively cheaper and very reliable BUT very heavy compared to Japanese made ones. They have huge tips and butts which makes it difficult to get away with graphite reelseats. Also, unless you can build your own rods, the cost of getting a rod builder to assemble a Yankee stick might cost just about as much as a factory Japo stick. So why not go for Japo?

Bottom line... BOTH Yankee and Japo sticks are FINE. IF you can build rods, then it's going to be cheaper to use Yankee tech blanks (and if you're not fussy about weight issues etc). Otherwise just grab a Japo rod off the racks.

[stickbom!]

As for me, i will get the US blanks to build a rod for bottom fishing. And stick with the Japanese for jigging & popping.

Cheers!
physlo.

Yo
Your jigging rod not japo leh....!!!


Cheers
jason

Dun like that lar... make Erdos sound so cheapo leh :P JM not cheap also you know... Premium Taiwanese tackle

[Makaira]

MOST Yankee blanks are very durable

Awwwwwww ....... still not over your GUSA Dragon going kaput on you har......
But seriously ....... this sort of substantiates the point I am about to make.

While I will not go as far as to say 100% Graphites has no place in heavy fishing applications, IMHO graphite is most certainly not the my material of choice. By heavy application, I mean drag setting of greater than 17lbs i.e. above 50# mainline ... yes ... I am a wimp

And what are Japo rods predominantly made of ......... Compared to a prince's ransom for an off-the-rack Japanese rod versus a customized dragon slayer GF Calstar rod at 1/2 the price or maybe slightly more, I would go for the Calstar everytime. ........ yes, I am a cheapskate too The Calstar may "weigh a ton" compared to the "toothpick", but I can live with it & fish it with confidence. The Calstar's tip too whippy to work a jig correctly to draw a strike or to produce a jig's intended action? That's being a little too ana.... no, I shall refrain from using that word again ..... too picky isn't it A microwaved corn cob with hooks attached & a pair of pliers with hooks have been shown to catch fish too you know. What enticing action do they impart I wonder (just being cheeky here )

Point is if you do choose a graphite rod for heavy applications, Japanese or otherwise, just don't be surprised it breaks on you. Too many things can go wrong, rough handling by baggage handlers at airports even with the protection in the best rod tubes money can buy with careful packing using towels to prevent movement, accidental sharp knocks while fishing on a rocking boat, accidental "prang" on the roof of boats for long popping rods etc. Shit happens ....... and when it does, it doesn't mean that it is a sh@tty rod. It is simply because graphite is more brittle & fragile & need more TLC; the mumbo jumbo kevlar cross wrap reinforcement notwithstanding.

At the end of the day, it is a personal choice. I must say I very much prefer faster action rods with a definite lock up point rather than a slow progressive curve that bends all the way to the foregrip. I also don't have much confidence in butt joint / offset handle 2 piece rods for heavy applications. And I am of the opinion that many Japanese rods are ridiculously priced!!! However, kudos must be given to them viz-a-viz the research & development in popping rods ..... but the prices!!!!! I'll stick to my custom GUSA Wahoo or SW 70's & Calstar 700's and the like. They are so good value for money & I can get the distance I need to catch the fishes where I fish

Best regards,
Makaira

[MarkR]

Guys,

If I ever get to tangle with a mama samson, i'd be hoping I have a Calstar at my end

Not all Japanese rods are that light anyway. Had a chance to load and cast the latest seven seas popping rod with Ti composites today and "light" is one word I would not want to use! Also, the thing about 100% carbon rods is that you can go very high on the drag but at the same time you need to be kinda gentle with a big fish on, may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Best wishes for 2006!

[stickbom!]

SEEKER

[Dynaway]

eh this topic no end lah.

jus like why ppl choose Jap car n not Conti car..

price factor, design factor, durability factor, spare parts.....all come into play... never ending...

yah forget... most important.... MODDING FACTOR.... WAHAHAHAHA

[physlo]

Guys,

I do more bottom fishing compare to jigging or popping. Prefer US blanks like the Calstar & Seekers for bottom fishing coz of few reasons below plus they affordable as well.

These are the rods which i trust, can handle serious abuse, able to crank even if i can't take it out from the holder, pack plenty of power at the butt section and whack a pirate just in case we happen to encounter one. Never heard of a jap rod which does all of the above.

Since i'm new to jigging and popping, i depend on experience kakis or tackle shops to recommend me one. I would like to own a few Japanese jigging/popping rod but have to seriuosly consider since they ain't cheap. And currently, don't see the need to replace my taiwanese jigging rod since it has serve me well so far.

Cheers!
physlo

[physlo]

Yo
Your jigging rod not japo leh....!!!


Koteksan....Coz my dad own a bank lah...

[MarkR]

Carpenter Carpenter Carpenter

OH55XH-S
SP78EXH

and soon TBL711/35RF yeah!

also eyeing OH54MH-B yeah yeah!

[jason]

Ya all buy buy buy.....
Not happy sell sell sell....
To who....
To me To me To me.....
Hhahahaaha!!!!



Cheers
Jason

[Makaira]

Wah Mark ... sooooooooo many Carpenters!!!! Someone will be extremely elated with your choice!!! Are you getting them in time for your upcoming Maldives trip?

[MarkR]

Hi Makaira,

Maldives is a no go for me Initally coz of work but now someone in the family is sick so i'm ok with it.

Looking forward to Komodo in May and Bali in Feb (more of a dive trip this one but will try hard to sneak in some Jukong jigging!)

Hope the twin spin will be ready for Komodo, if it's good enough for the frencho it must be good enough for me

Tight lines

[Makaira]

Hi Mark,

Oh sugar ..... a speedy recovery to whom it may concern. Family first!!! There are always other opportunities to fish.

Maybe by the Komodo trip ...... the new Stella that can cook & clean the house in addition to catching big fish may be in the market already!!! Choices ..... choices ..... tackle 'hos are a cursed lot .. aren't they???


Best regards,
Makaira