Looking for 2-4 kg spin rod with cork handle $150-$200, any suggestions?

[Sebb]

As the subject line, I'm looking for 2-4 kg spin rod with cork handle $150-$200, any suggestions? Around 7ft. To replace Shimano Raider soft plastic I bought years ago.

It's an okay rod with SiC guide. Just need to move on and maybe getting a better rod. Most rods now are eva foam grip handle.

Will pair it with Daiwa Caldia LT 2500 that weighs 190gm.

[purple5ive]

if you can find them anywhere, they were being cleared for $199 at motackle

BLACK LABEL V2 6102LXS

or

BLACK LABEL V2 701LXS (same rod in a 1 piece)
bear in mind the Black labels are a whole different kettle of fish to the Raiders


alternatively, the limited edition TD black models, but you have to be quick on them. (no 2-4kg though, so might not be an option depending on what you want to use it for)

https://daiwafishing.com.au/collections ... tcast-rods


if you werent so keen on the cork grips, then i would seriously look at the zodias range thats being cleared out atm for $199 older models but still a great rod.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/spe ... trigger=ac

[Sebb]

if you can find them anywhere, they were being cleared for $199 at motackle

BLACK LABEL V2 6102LXS

or

BLACK LABEL V2 701LXS (same rod in a 1 piece)
bear in mind the Black labels are a whole different kettle of fish to the Raiders

alternatively, the limited edition TD black models, but you have to be quick on them. (no 2-4kg though, so might not be an option depending on what you want to use it for)

https://daiwafishing.com.au/collections ... tcast-rods


if you werent so keen on the cork grips, then i would seriously look at the zodias range thats being cleared out atm for $199 older models but still a great rod.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/spe ... trigger=ac

Yeah I was really keen to get the black label 6102, looked around online yesterday, couldn't find it anywhere.

NS black hole ones 702L looks good but above my budget.

Not that I dislike eva foam grip but yes, want to get cork grip rod

[mazman]

if you can find them anywhere, they were being cleared for $199 at motackle

BLACK LABEL V2 6102LXS

or

BLACK LABEL V2 701LXS (same rod in a 1 piece)
bear in mind the Black labels are a whole different kettle of fish to the Raiders

alternatively, the limited edition TD black models, but you have to be quick on them. (no 2-4kg though, so might not be an option depending on what you want to use it for)

https://daiwafishing.com.au/collections ... tcast-rods


if you werent so keen on the cork grips, then i would seriously look at the zodias range thats being cleared out atm for $199 older models but still a great rod.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/spe ... trigger=ac

Yeah I was really keen to get the black label 6102, looked around online yesterday, couldn't find it anywhere.

NS black hole ones 702L looks good but above my budget.

Not that I dislike eva foam grip but yes, want to get cork grip rod

Is there a reason for cork, in that budget personally I would put blank performance and guides far above the material used in the grip as far as selection criteria for a new rod is concerned

[Sebb]

Is there a reason for cork, in that budget personally I would put blank performance and guides far above the material used in the grip as far as selection criteria for a new rod is concerned

Nothing other than the 'feel' that I like. Seems like I can feel everything better. The vibration, the lure movement, bump and thump, etc. Eg. I like my $125 majorcraft Basspara cork than $199 Daiwa Gen Black eva foam.

Anything you can recommend in $200-$250 then?

[mazman]

Is there a reason for cork, in that budget personally I would put blank performance and guides far above the material used in the grip as far as selection criteria for a new rod is concerned

Nothing other than the 'feel' that I like. Seems like I can feel everything better. The vibration, the lure movement, bump and thump, etc. Eg. I like my $125 majorcraft Basspara cork than $199 Daiwa Gen Black eva foam.

Anything you can recommend in $200-$250 then?

tbh what you can feel will come down to the blank more than the grip. My td battlers have eva grips and and are extremely sensitive.

It's been a long time since I've taken a serious look at rods in that price range but if you want to really stretch things have a look at a millerod xflc or similar. As far as value is concerned the millers are an amazing choice. Otherswise from the bigger retailers daiwa is leading the way, although the jdm shimano rods (like the zodias are reasonably nice too) and will have things in your budget

[fishnut]

I think the shimano raider has cork grip and butt

[ducky]

My first ever custom rod was a st croix legend elite 2-4kg with cork grips. I love that rod so much.

Perhaps consider building a rod? It won’t be cheap to setup for your first but you can make it exactly what you want.

[Sinsemilla]

Seb, Take a look at the Atomic Arrowz Estuary AAS-270UL, they are $150 and have fuji guides and reel seat. I have one of the lighter models for trout fishing and i was pleasantly surprised. It has the feel of an expensive rod.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/rod ... z-rod.html

Or Samaki make nice rods. 6112SL I think have cork grips but are closer to the $200 mark.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/rod ... 77834.html

Cheers, Anth

[Sebb]

I think the shimano raider has cork grip and butt

I am using Shimano raider atm and want to get a different one.

My first ever custom rod was a st croix legend elite 2-4kg with cork grips. I love that rod so much.

Perhaps consider building a rod? It won’t be cheap to setup for your first but you can make it exactly what you want.

I know nothing about rod building. Don't even know where to start. Interesting though, I might do some research. Thanks.

Seb, Take a look at the Atomic Arrowz Estuary AAS-270UL, they are $150 and have fuji guides and reel seat. I have one of the lighter models for trout fishing and i was pleasantly surprised. It has the feel of an expensive rod.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/rod ... z-rod.html

Or Samaki make nice rods. 6112SL I think have cork grips but are closer to the $200 mark.

https://www.motackle.com.au/fishing/rod ... 77834.html

Cheers, Anth

Thanks.
The Arrow AAS-270ul spec says 3-10lb. It must have a really soft tippy tip section and a bit thick closer to the butt. I'll check around local shops to try and hold it, and swing around.

The Samaki looks good too, rated 4-8lb though, too close to my Basspara 662UL 3-6lb.
I'm looking either a 2-4kg or 4-10lb or 5-10lb rating. It'll be for casting plastics on the yak or landbased, for flathead, pinkie, salmon. Paired with 2500 reel 10lb braid.