The Search for One : Shimano/Jackall's Biwako Versatile X

[Cal]

The Search for One : Shimano/Jackall's Biwako Versatile X



Introduction: One of the very special souvenirs I brought back with me on our trip to Japan during the Fall of 2013 with Megabass of America was a fishing rod from one of their rivals. It is one among many from a line that's been gaining interest here in the States simply for the story behind the line's origins - it's the result of the recent partnership between Shimano and Jackall. There were actually one or two sticks from this lineup that might have better suited my long term fishing applications back in the States, but this one won out simply for its name and the location of the store where I made the purchase - on the shores of Lake Biwa. Introducing our first look at the new joint venture Poison Glorious like from Shimano and Jackall. Here's our look at the 173MH Biwako (Lake Biwa) Versatile X.

Complete Article: http://tackletour.com/reviewshimjackall ... iwako.html

[proatheart]

The 2-piece design is a neat idea, although it would be awkward to use a rod cover when the 2 pieces are VERY different sizes

[haoz]

not awkward at all.

if you ever have to take public transport in the city, you would definitely appreciate the shorter length when the handle is disassembled.

that said, my rushburn came with some elastic band that has one half of the velcro thing, so you can secure the blank and handle together if you want to put them into the rod sleeve together. usually, the handle (together with the reel) sits nicely in my shoulder sling bag while I just carry the blank till I reach fishing destination.

just wondering why was sensitivity rated 4/5?

and I'm kinda confused with the review... sometimes there was mention of SS framed SiC guides, and sometimes titanium framed SiC guides.

that said, I found a new use for my rushburn - slow pitch jigging; and this combo has proved to be really deadly

[Bootytrain]

Getting a 1 out of 5 in the rod sleeve department was a little weird. It came with a sleeve so it should have at least scored a 3 for having one.

[IlliniDawg01]

Getting a 1 out of 5 in the rod sleeve department was a little weird. It came with a sleeve so it should have at least scored a 3 for having one.

That was probably just a mistake. Like the mention of the guides have both SS and Titanium frames.

Their scoring system has a few oddities for sure though, especially with the reels. Oh well, the text of the review and the final points are what is most important. I don't know if it would even bother with a scoring system as it just makes it confusing and easy to find fault with the scoring if you don't quite agree.

A big sortable database would be nice (like the pro sports statistic pages), where you could sort the rods by price, weight, balance, sensitivity, comfort, versatility, guide size, guide insert type, guide metal type, etc. Everyone is looking for something different in a rod, and an overall score is pretty hard to use, especially when price is included which is super important to some and not important at all to others.

I'm just glad they do the reviews and share their knowledge and opinions so we can have a nice starting point for discussion or in our search for our "the one". This rod has made my short wish list along with the MegaBass Super Red Demon and the Edge 705HM Custom.

DaveJ