We really not gonna talk about the new 2020 Ultima 172H “full carbon triangle grip”?

[j2015]

Anyone care to try and compare how these will stack up to the conquest?

I have a couple poison glorious rods mighty stroke and Biwako, and my conquest 843 blank seems similar, maybe a little softer. I don’t have any ultimas, but I hear they are crisper than the glorious. So..take it for what it worth

[KP Duty]

Tackle haven has a pre-order going on for the new ultima. I'd post a link, but I'm half way through the process of placing an order(my CC company always assumes its fraud). Its like $719.

[fishes]

Anybody preorder the rod? Or receive and fish it yet?

[Tigerbass]

Anybody preorder the rod? Or receive and fish it yet?

I have pre-ordered, but no info on arrival (especially now with the apparent news that shipping out of Japan is slowing). I heard rumor (on here) that the original April release date had been pushed to May.

[benjlwq]

Here's a video from Gong Lei fishing with the Poison Ultima 172H 2020 (i believe so because the handle is full carbon), do correct me if you guys think otherwise.

https://www.facebook.com/GongLei1818/vi ... Dk4NDYwNQ/

[Polkfish1]

Here's a video from Gong Lei fishing with the Poison Ultima 172H 2020 (i believe so because the handle is full carbon), do correct me if you guys think otherwise.

https://www.facebook.com/GongLei1818/vi ... Dk4NDYwNQ/

Yeah; that looks to be it. That’s cool that he’s getting some big name sponsorship. Taper looks somewhat like the older model. Regarding the discussion of jdm vs. USdm rod fragility, Gong Lei is not exactly known for taking it easy on gear as displayed in this vid. That rod seems tough as nails as is the older model.

[Cranky]

Looking at the power and taper it appears very similar to the previous version. I wish they’d release one of the XH or XXH models in the Ultima (I do love the PG 76XXH) but that’s wishful thinking for a while yet. I’d expect nothing less than stellar reviews for anyone that really likes the power/action.

[Chode]

Here's a video from Gong Lei fishing with the Poison Ultima 172H 2020 (i believe so because the handle is full carbon), do correct me if you guys think otherwise.

https://www.facebook.com/GongLei1818/vi ... Dk4NDYwNQ/

That dude threw his entire 108lb body into that hookset and then horsed a 10+ pound fish out of cover. I think this rod just sold itself. I'm in!

[Tigerbass]

Here's a video from Gong Lei fishing with the Poison Ultima 172H 2020 (i believe so because the handle is full carbon), do correct me if you guys think otherwise.

https://www.facebook.com/GongLei1818/vi ... Dk4NDYwNQ/

Wow!! Definitely not fragile!

[domthewon]

I agree it looks very similar to the gen 1. That big ol' taper has almost thrown me off the boat a few times trying to set the hook and it just continuing to bend. I swear I've started in the front of my boat and end up in the back before finishing my full swing with a 1/2oz jig.

[RISE]

Need

[Tigerbass]

I agree it looks very similar to the gen 1. That big ol' taper has almost thrown me off the boat a few times trying to set the hook and it just continuing to bend. I swear I've started in the front of my boat and end up in the back before finishing my full swing with a 1/2oz jig.

How does the gen 1 rod function as a 1/2oz jig rod? I know sensitivity is great, but is it fast enough to get a solid hook set??

[Polkfish1]

I agree it looks very similar to the gen 1. That big ol' taper has almost thrown me off the boat a few times trying to set the hook and it just continuing to bend. I swear I've started in the front of my boat and end up in the back before finishing my full swing with a 1/2oz jig.

How does the gen 1 rod function as a 1/2oz jig rod? I know sensitivity is great, but is it fast enough to get a solid hook set??

I guess it depends how you fish and your personal preferences regarding taper and application. For me, it doesn’t. I tried and stopped using it for bottom contact jigs. It will work and the hook will usually set well before you reach a backbone shut off point, but it does not feel right for me. From ultima all the way down to adrena. The 72 h poison rods are not my preference for jigs. On the other hand, I enjoy swimming a jig with it. But I see that a some guys like it for bouncing jigs off the bottom. Lot of variety in preference and although there may be rules of thumb, there lots of ways to skin a catfish.

[domthewon]

I agree it looks very similar to the gen 1. That big ol' taper has almost thrown me off the boat a few times trying to set the hook and it just continuing to bend. I swear I've started in the front of my boat and end up in the back before finishing my full swing with a 1/2oz jig.

How does the gen 1 rod function as a 1/2oz jig rod? I know sensitivity is great, but is it fast enough to get a solid hook set??

Depends on your style. If you got a chance to see that video posted above on the gen 2 you can see the taper in all it’s glory. It’s not my cup of tea for them, but of course I had to try it out a couple times before designating it to throwing chatterbaits. It just feels like it doesn’t stop bending til it’s near doubled over. For jigs it was something I just can’t get used to, and caused me to lose some really good fish. It makes it very durable, and versatile though. I just prefer fishing jigs on a rod that has a more solid backbone. Maybe fishing it with braid over flouro would have helped my cause a little. I know thinner hooks did help with some penetration issues for me. Its very unique, well built, and a really sharp rod that serves a purpose for me, but just not jig fishing. I’m sure a few other owners of this rod might disagree, and I have no issue with that. To each their own. Maybe the gen 2 will fish a little different in hand.

[Tigerbass]

Thank you both for the feedback. I have the 2020 on pre-order and even though it may not serve as that heavy powered jig/t/rig rod I am still very excited about it and know that I will find plenty of uses. I have lots of traditional American “fast action” rods and am growing more fond of the JDM “dual taper” type actions. For many applications they are actually more fun to fish than the true fast rods!