correct me if I'm wrong. The M refers to backbone power. (Plenty strong imho)

Tip action is not mentioned by model number.

The 166M I have is closer to a fast action tip rod. Ideal for jerkbaits & small too waters.

170M should be closer to a regular action tip. Ideal for crank baits.

Would the new 166m model work be good for jerkbaits? I know I've asked before on here and the 170m is good but not sure if the 66 model is targeted for another technique. Been busy lately so haven't been on much. 166m is ideal for jerk baits. I'm about 5'11 so I prefer the 66m length better. I woul...

I have a few Ultimas, can't say enough good things. I put them up there with the nicest rods I own easily. I also own a number of Evoluzion rods. They're nice, but in my eyes there's something about the Ultima that I can't put my finger on that puts it SLIGHTLY ahead.... Just my 0.02 like +1 been r...

i would think the rod is perfect for small jerk baits, rubbers, spinners etc.

personally I would pair it with the new Metanium to bring the overall weight down.

We fish jerk baits a lot over here. Cannot imagine myself working that bait on a Ryoga. The palming edges are just..... Uncomfortable. I love uber smooth reels, smooth drags on my reels. I have friends who swear by the more grindy gears & head turning drag of Daiwa. To each his own I say. Personally...

NRX 893 is a very light rod. I think the Metanium would feel better in hand.

For throwing stuff up to 3/8 oz, I would think met performs slightly better too.

Essence DC excels on 8-10 ft rods and/or lures bigger than 1/2 oz (just imho) after fishing both reels rather extensively.

The hedgehog one works super well for mine.

I ordered a set of retainer and nuts from shimano for the core to go on.

I find the tolerances for the hedgehog much better than the stock handle. Any back play, in/out play eliminated with the new handle.

Best upgrade I can feel imho.

I would go even lighter than 4500.

you can always use braid with a leader for blues & spanish.

nice rod there!

any more pictures?

haha congrats on your beautiful set up! there is no denying a nice set up nonetheless.

let us know how that set up feels on the water!

really loving the wooden grip of those rods.

I have used Tokushima reels, and I must say they are d*** cheap! to be honest, price for price, tokushima spinning reels would put most mid & low tier japanese reels to shame. then again, we are discussing our gears at the enthusiast level... imho, nothing beats Shimano's Stella at the moment. as pr...

holy!?!

i cannot believe how fast you guys are!

i need to lay hands on the 166M soon!

seriously, i would lay hands on the 170m if only i fish square bills more. sounds like the perfect crank bait rod!

Bootytrain wrote:Let's hope it doesn't take a trip to Japan to convince Cal to get one and do a review! Lol

his reviews are painfully slooooooow nowadays...

i hope Cal is reading this.

is there any handle back play in the new Aldebaran? personally, I find there to be a slight handle back play in my Metanium, and I solved that by changing to Hedgehog carbon handle. absolutely no back play since then. I find the tolerances for Shimano's reel handle can be improved upon. I was wonder...