Designo leben and vantage

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Polkfish1
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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Polkfish1 » Fri May 29, 2020 3:46 pm

Aquaftm45 wrote:
Thu May 28, 2020 6:33 pm
So back to the left turn. I know very little about spiral rods, I thought spiral rods ended with the tip pointing down. This one ends with the tip at 90 degrees to the left. Not sure what the theory is behind that or if it is common in the spiral world. I did spend a half hour at the pond casting around with a variety of lures. Backhand, side arm, skipping, and and pitching, all felt amazing. Overhead seemed a little funky, but I rarely cast overhead unless I am swinging for the fences. I was able to catch a couple 2 pounders, one on a mini chatter, one on a jika do live beaver. I felt like Michael Schumacher...
Someone give me your thoughts on the 90 degree spiral.
rsz_to_the_left.jpg

I did not do the math on the 90 degrees. I now have three spiral wraps (mb Valkyrie, monstruo, and the leben slang hood), but they are all the more traditional 180 with the last 4-5 guides facing down. I think I have a more connected feel with my bait, but it might be in my head. I have no insight into the 90, but I think it’s a cool idea. I bet Yuki Kumiya had a purpose in mind.

Speaking of unique wraps, have you seen what Kenta is exploring for Tulala? It looks bizarre to say the least, but he touts a lot of benefits including a supposed significant increase in sensitivity. I’ve only seen it in his IG, hence the link below. Can’t find it anywhere else on the webs. It’s worth taking a look if you have not seen it yet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAKuHFxpw-P/

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Aquaftm45 » Fri May 29, 2020 5:47 pm

Polkfish1 wrote:
Fri May 29, 2020 3:46 pm
Aquaftm45 wrote:
Thu May 28, 2020 6:33 pm
So back to the left turn. I know very little about spiral rods, I thought spiral rods ended with the tip pointing down. This one ends with the tip at 90 degrees to the left. Not sure what the theory is behind that or if it is common in the spiral world. I did spend a half hour at the pond casting around with a variety of lures. Backhand, side arm, skipping, and and pitching, all felt amazing. Overhead seemed a little funky, but I rarely cast overhead unless I am swinging for the fences. I was able to catch a couple 2 pounders, one on a mini chatter, one on a jika do live beaver. I felt like Michael Schumacher...
Someone give me your thoughts on the 90 degree spiral.
rsz_to_the_left.jpg

I did not do the math on the 90 degrees. I now have three spiral wraps (mb Valkyrie, monstruo, and the leben slang hood), but they are all the more traditional 180 with the last 4-5 guides facing down. I think I have a more connected feel with my bait, but it might be in my head. I have no insight into the 90, but I think it’s a cool idea. I bet Yuki Kumiya had a purpose in mind.

Speaking of unique wraps, have you seen what Kenta is exploring for Tulala? It looks bizarre to say the least, but he touts a lot of benefits including a supposed significant increase in sensitivity. I’ve only seen it in his IG, hence the link below. Can’t find it anywhere else on the webs. It’s worth taking a look if you have not seen it yet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAKuHFxpw-P/
I spent some more time with the rod this evening. I have no doubt that he had pitching in mind when creating that rod. It's a very natural flow if your holding the rod with your right hand, turning the reel/rod 90 degrees in the pitching motion puts the tip pointing down, very fluid line flow. Under/Side hand skips with are a breeze with a flick of the wrist. I feel like I am in my very own Daiwa Ultimate Bass episode..haha
Kenta has been smoking too much ganja, I saw that contraption somewhere about a week ago and just shook my head. I think he fashioned that to replicate Yuki Ito's grill.
Love my Harmonix Staccato with "PE straw setting". I think there is 92 guides on that thing.

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Carlos Carrapiço
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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Carlos Carrapiço » Sat May 30, 2020 6:56 pm

Aquaftm45 wrote:
Thu May 28, 2020 6:33 pm
So back to the left turn. I know very little about spiral rods, I thought spiral rods ended with the tip pointing down. This one ends with the tip at 90 degrees to the left. Not sure what the theory is behind that or if it is common in the spiral world. I did spend a half hour at the pond casting around with a variety of lures. Backhand, side arm, skipping, and and pitching, all felt amazing. Overhead seemed a little funky, but I rarely cast overhead unless I am swinging for the fences. I was able to catch a couple 2 pounders, one on a mini chatter, one on a jika do live beaver. I felt like Michael Schumacher...
Someone give me your thoughts on the 90 degree spiral.
rsz_to_the_left.jpg
Does the rod have an offset handle? Does the handle separates from the blank? If yes, I believe the first guide should be at 90 degrees in respect to the reel and if you are pitching then this is just perfect.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by domthewon » Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:48 pm

Aquaftm45 wrote:
Fri May 29, 2020 5:47 pm


I spent some more time with the rod this evening. I have no doubt that he had pitching in mind when creating that rod. It's a very natural flow if your holding the rod with your right hand, turning the reel/rod 90 degrees in the pitching motion puts the tip pointing down, very fluid line flow. Under/Side hand skips with are a breeze with a flick of the wrist. I feel like I am in my very own Daiwa Ultimate Bass episode..haha
Kenta has been smoking too much ganja, I saw that contraption somewhere about a week ago and just shook my head. I think he fashioned that to replicate Yuki Ito's grill.
Love my Harmonix Staccato with "PE straw setting". I think there is 92 guides on that thing.
I’m glad your enjoying your new pitching machine. It’s a sweet rod for sure.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Polkfish1 » Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm

Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by domthewon » Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm

Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Polkfish1 » Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:08 am

domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Thank you Dom. This is really great info!

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by domthewon » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:21 am

Polkfish1 wrote:
Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:08 am
domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Thank you Dom. This is really great info!
No worries...anytime.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Chode » Fri Sep 11, 2020 10:02 am

so weird. seems like only one rod in that pic using acs reel seat. y not just keep them uniform?

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Carlos Carrapiço
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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Carlos Carrapiço » Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:58 pm

domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Why do I get the feeling that someone took a page of the EverGreen FACT rod book?

https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... =2&s_no=56

Was expecting something more new as I strongly believe that the EG FACT rods are made by designo....

Really hope that the long/short solid tip makes a huge difference. For now I keep bending the FACT.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Carlos Carrapiço » Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:04 pm

Chode wrote:
Fri Sep 11, 2020 10:02 am
so weird. seems like only one rod in that pic using acs reel seat. y not just keep them uniform?
Also the EG HFAC-511MHST has the ACS real seat.
Difficult to copy so much.... without looking like a copy.
https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... 1mhst.html

I wonder what is EG position on this or maybe the rod design belongs to DESIGNO and DESIGNO sells it to whoever pays.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by domthewon » Fri Oct 09, 2020 8:46 pm

Carlos Carrapiço wrote:
Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:04 pm
Chode wrote:
Fri Sep 11, 2020 10:02 am
so weird. seems like only one rod in that pic using acs reel seat. y not just keep them uniform?
Also the EG HFAC-511MHST has the ACS real seat.
Difficult to copy so much.... without looking like a copy.
https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... 1mhst.html

I wonder what is EG position on this or maybe the rod design belongs to DESIGNO and DESIGNO sells it to whoever pays.
Pretty interesting. I didn’t put two and two together, and didn’t even consider that Designo made the FACT line of Evergreen rods. It’s quite possible given your findings on the similarity between the Armada and the Fact. The Armada could be a newer technology blank because the FACT rods have been out for some time. Also Designo has quite a few lines and levels of blanks they use which might be why Evergreen doesn’t have a position in the similar looking Armada rods. It’s difficult enough to tell what rods are what with Designo rods, but the blanks they build for other companies are even more difficult.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Polkfish1 » Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:56 pm

Carlos Carrapiço wrote:
Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:58 pm
domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Why do I get the feeling that someone took a page of the EverGreen FACT rod book?

https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... =2&s_no=56

Was expecting something more new as I strongly believe that the EG FACT rods are made by designo....

Really hope that the long/short solid tip makes a huge difference. For now I keep bending the FACT.

Seems like the FACT series has not received much coverage on this forum. At least in recent memory. I just revisited these on the EG website and the description states they too were inspired or co-designed by Fukushima. It does seem like an obvious overlap and direct competition for that type of action/blank chamtacteristics. As Dom mentions, maybe it’s an update to the blank. In any case, I’d be very interested in an impression of the HFAC 70HST if anyone fishes one.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Carlos Carrapiço » Sat Oct 17, 2020 3:42 pm

Polkfish1 wrote:
Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:56 pm
Carlos Carrapiço wrote:
Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:58 pm
domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Why do I get the feeling that someone took a page of the EverGreen FACT rod book?

https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... =2&s_no=56

Was expecting something more new as I strongly believe that the EG FACT rods are made by designo....

Really hope that the long/short solid tip makes a huge difference. For now I keep bending the FACT.

Seems like the FACT series has not received much coverage on this forum. At least in recent memory. I just revisited these on the EG website and the description states they too were inspired or co-designed by Fukushima. It does seem like an obvious overlap and direct competition for that type of action/blank chamtacteristics. As Dom mentions, maybe it’s an update to the blank. In any case, I’d be very interested in an impression of the HFAC 70HST if anyone fishes one.
It’s a very sensitive, very well balanced, extra fast, true to its ratings rod. It’s a heavy tubular blank with a medium solid tip giving it a very sharp action that allows you to work light lures and powerful hook sets. A MH rated rod with the power of a H and the lure handling of a M/MH.

The beautiful thing about these rods (FACT solid tip) is that you can check if a fish has engulfed your lure by putting some tension in the line without making the fish spit it.
I’m more and more fishing texas rigs with the rod point down and to the side at a very slow pace and using FC lines. This causes the line to basically set in the bottom and the solid tip helps you work every bit of the bottom with outstanding sensitivity and control. I started to feel a lot of swipes at the lure that sometimes I manage to convert in catches. This opened my eyes to the potential of many spots that most of the time seem empty.

I’m a great fan of solid tip casting rods and have 7 and trying to own the 8th.
With that said, it’s not for everyone. Not everyone will appreciate the extra fast action but everyone should try it at least once in a lifetime.

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Re: Designo leben and vantage

Post by Polkfish1 » Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:32 pm

Carlos Carrapiço wrote:
Sat Oct 17, 2020 3:42 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:56 pm
Carlos Carrapiço wrote:
Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:58 pm
domthewon wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:06 pm
Polkfish1 wrote:
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where these Armada rods with fit in? I’m not sure if it’s by Designo or another maker using Designo blanks? I think Aquaftm mentioned Randoule (sp?) as the new top of the line by Designo. So would these be considered more entry level? Still not cheap by any means. Can’t find much on them. Fuji parts rather than custom and I don’t see the typically 6, 7 level designation on the blank.

https://www.backlash.co.jp/sp/item/4560478095596/
Hey. They're a Designo blank but they're built by Ken Fukushima under the name Armada. They're pretty interesting because they are all solid tip, but have a short solid tip version and a longer solid tip version for each model. Here is some info on them from a few months before they were released.

https://translate.google.com/translate? ... Fp%3D26968
Why do I get the feeling that someone took a page of the EverGreen FACT rod book?

https://www.evergreen-fishing.com/good ... =2&s_no=56

Was expecting something more new as I strongly believe that the EG FACT rods are made by designo....

Really hope that the long/short solid tip makes a huge difference. For now I keep bending the FACT.

Seems like the FACT series has not received much coverage on this forum. At least in recent memory. I just revisited these on the EG website and the description states they too were inspired or co-designed by Fukushima. It does seem like an obvious overlap and direct competition for that type of action/blank chamtacteristics. As Dom mentions, maybe it’s an update to the blank. In any case, I’d be very interested in an impression of the HFAC 70HST if anyone fishes one.
It’s a very sensitive, very well balanced, extra fast, true to its ratings rod. It’s a heavy tubular blank with a medium solid tip giving it a very sharp action that allows you to work light lures and powerful hook sets. A MH rated rod with the power of a H and the lure handling of a M/MH.

The beautiful thing about these rods (FACT solid tip) is that you can check if a fish has engulfed your lure by putting some tension in the line without making the fish spit it.
I’m more and more fishing texas rigs with the rod point down and to the side at a very slow pace and using FC lines. This causes the line to basically set in the bottom and the solid tip helps you work every bit of the bottom with outstanding sensitivity and control. I started to feel a lot of swipes at the lure that sometimes I manage to convert in catches. This opened my eyes to the potential of many spots that most of the time seem empty.

I’m a great fan of solid tip casting rods and have 7 and trying to own the 8th.
With that said, it’s not for everyone. Not everyone will appreciate the extra fast action but everyone should try it at least once in a lifetime.
This is a fantastic write up. Thank you. Unfortunately, the little monkey telling me to get the Armada or perhaps FACT has now turned into a gorilla.

Another thought to your previous observation, Perhaps EG might discontinue making the FACT line now with the Armada launched?

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