Photo Comparative Review of Kuying Teton TTS662L Versus Storm Discovery DVS662UL

[swoffer]

Photo Comparative Review of Kuying Teton TTS662L Versus Storm Discovery DVS662UL


Disclaimers:
1. I have no personal relationships with either company or with its employees. I receive no financial benefits.
2. The fishing rods were bought with my own money at a prevailing price given to all customers. Kuying Teton TTS662L was purchased on 16 August 2018 with top section replaced on 30 December 2018. Storm Discovery DVS662UL was purchased on 26 December 2018.
3. I am not a fishing professional. I fish for a hobby and I do not have any capacity to test and rate fishing rods professionally.
4. In all pictures provided below, even if unstated, Kuying Teton TTS662L will be on the left and Storm Discovery DVS662UL
5. I cannot compare rods I do not have unless you intend to loan me one.
6. I will attempt to answer to my abilities. Some views are objective. Some views are subjective.
7. Photos are all my own. Slight photo editing to brighten and increase contrast.

[swoffer]

Specifications of Kuying Teton TTS662L
Launch Date: 2015
Reference street price: SGD85 or USD62
Type: Spinning Fishing Rod
Blank Material: Japan Toray 46T
Blank Sections: 2
Length: 6'6" (1.98m)
Weight: Unmeasured but indistinguishable from Storm Discovery DVS662UL
Power: Light
Action: Regular-Fast (Kuying calls it Medium-Fast)
Line Rating: 3-8lbs
Lure Weight: 0.07-0.35oz (2-10.0grams)
Handle Length***: 29.0cm *** Handle Length - is measured from the rod butt to the top of the foregrip
Guides (+Tip): 8, All Fuji T-KLSG and T-KLAG
Reel Seat: Fuji SKSS
Handle Material: Dark green camo EVA with bright orange anodized trims
Country of Manufacturer: China
Rod Sleeve: Graphite-coloured rod sleeve with thin neoprene inner layer



Specifications of Storm Discovery DVS662UL
Launch Date: 2017
Reference street price: SGD58 or USD43
Type: Spinning Fishing Rod
Blank Material: Graphite (I’m guessing 85-92%)
Blank Sections: 2
Length: 6'6" (1.98m)
Weight: 91.6grams
Power: Ultra Light
Action: Regular-Fast
Line Rating: 2-6lbs
Lure Weight: 3/16-1/4oz (5.32-7.0grams)
Handle Length***: 30.5cm *** Handle Length - is measured from the rod butt to the top of the foregrip
Guides (+Tip): 8, All Fuji
Reel Seat: Fuji
Handle Material: French composite ringed cork wiith blood red anodized trims
Country of Manufacturer: China
Rod Sleeve: Burgundy rod sleeve with bright orange trim

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[timinmo]

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to make this post.

[Dalleinf]

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to make this post.

X2

[uljersey]

Specifications of Kuying Teton TTS662L
Launch Date: 2015
Reference street price: SGD85 or USD62
Type: Spinning Fishing Rod
Blank Material: Japan Toray 46T
Blank Sections: 2
Length: 6'6" (1.98m)
Weight: Unmeasured but indistinguishable from Storm Discovery DVS662UL
Power: Ultra Light
Action: Regular-Fast (Kuying calls it Medium-Fast)
Line Rating: 3-8lbs
Lure Weight: 0.07-0.35oz (2-10.0grams)
Handle Length***: 29.0cm *** Handle Length - is measured from the rod butt to the top of the foregrip
Guides (+Tip): 8, All Fuji T-KLSG and T-KLAG
Reel Seat: Fuji SKSS
Handle Material: Dark green camo EVA with bright orange anodized trims
Country of Manufacturer: China
Rod Sleeve: Graphite-coloured rod sleeve with thin neoprene inner layer



Specifications of Storm Discovery DVS662UL
Launch Date: 2017
Reference street price: SGD58 or USD43
Type: Spinning Fishing Rod
Blank Material: Graphite (I’m guessing 85-92%)
Blank Sections: 2
Length: 6'6" (1.98m)
Weight: 91.6grams
Power: Ultra Light
Action: Regular-Fast
Line Rating: 2-6lbs
Lure Weight: 3/16-1/4oz (5.32-7.0grams)
Handle Length***: 30.5cm *** Handle Length - is measured from the rod butt to the top of the foregrip
Guides (+Tip): 8, All Fuji
Reel Seat: Fuji
Handle Material: French composite ringed cork wiith blood red anodized trims
Country of Manufacturer: China
Rod Sleeve: Burgundy rod sleeve with bright orange trim

Nice review, but the Kuying model you show is listed on their site as a light powered rod, I have the TTC662L casting model which is a light power. Now, it can be debated whether or not it's a 'true' L or rather a UL, but that would open another can of worms altogether. Regardless, they're a fine rod for the money. I'm having a blast with mine

[swoffer]

You are correct. Mistake on that one. I will update the post above.

I chose these two rods because they have similar specifications, being
1. similar in price point
2. 2-piece spinning rods
3. of 6'6" (1.98m) in total length
4. 2-8lbs (borderline between UL and L)
5. capable of throwing 2-7 grams
6. of quality graphite blanks
7. of Fuji guides and reel seat
8. of 8 guides, including tips
9. made in China
10. available for purchase online

Personally I like a length of 6'6" the best. Being an all-rounder, it can be used for freshwater luring and saltwater (ajing).

A few random observations I made:
1. The joining male ferrule of the Kuying Teton TTS662L is the raw (unfinished blank). When inserting into the female portion, the two sections will still show the raw blank. This is only aesthetics, and does not affect function. By comparison, the Storm Discovery DVS662UL's blank is completely finished.
2. The sections on the Kuying Teton TTS662L and Storm Discovery DVS662UL are NOT interchangeable. The inner diameter of the female joining ferrule of the Storm Discovery DVS662UL is larger. Which means you cannot have a "hybrid" rod"
3. From the load, the Storm Discovery DVS662UL has a faster taper whereas the Kuying Teton TTS662L has a more moderate parabolic taper. (see last two pictures)
4. Kuying has been slowly increasing prices due to market demand and positive reviews. There is now a new Kuying Teton Ultralight, available on aliexpress for about USD105
Model: TTC510S or TTS510S
Length: 5'1" (1.75m)
Lure: 0.3 to 3g
Line: 1-3lbs
Segment : 2
Action: Fast
Guides (+Tip): 11 (!), All Fuji
5. This 2017 line of Storm Discovery is a refreshed update with much better aesthetics. The rust coloured blank paired with dark green camo EVA grips and copper trim are all nice touches. The guides and reel seat are all of Fuji quality components. Which means that budget spinning rods are now of much better quality than ever before and the parent company Rapala/Storm/VMC understands that the budget market can also be served.
6. Which brings me to another brand from China. Tsurinoya has been releasing multitudes of Ultralight and Light rods so much so it is confusing to the potential buyer. Look for Tsurinoya Proflex II, Dexterity, Exploration, Joy Together, Dragon, Clever, Partner (4-piece travel rod model) etc. Many of which have Japan Toray blanks and Fuji components.