Hogsticker2 wrote:Cal -
Would you describe the blanks as having the familiar feel and look as the JDM Shimano / Jackall rods, with tapers and powers more in line with typical Shimano USDM rods?
The tapers are all G.Loomis MBR/SJR ... the blanks are similar in appearance to the Shimano sticks because they're using Shimano technology to roll the blanks. But they're rolled according to G.Loomis specs. G.Loomis does not have the machinery in Washington to roll the blanks the way Shimano does in Japan hence the joint venture. These are not repurposed blanks.
JBcrankaddict wrote:10% lighter than NRX, yet the 783 weighs the same as my 843NRX?? A 10% reduction of weight from the NRX 843 would put the Conquest 843 at under 100grams.
The difference in weight is for the blanks, not the overall built rod. Unless the rods are built with the exact same components and grip, you're not going to see that difference on a scale.
Feel free to remain skeptical over these rods. I myself need more time with them and would love to see a one power in the spinning lineup. Perhaps they will eventually come. BUT there is something real and discernibly different in the way the rods perform. For one, they are much more crisp during a cast. Second, as Zander explained, when you have a fish at the end of the line, the power in these sticks is unreal. They shut off like an Extra-Fast taper. Plenty of people will be turned off because of the cost and will discount these rods as simply marketing hype. They're even going to claim we're biased in our coverage and reviews of these sticks too.
TT has hardened me. I'm always skeptical of new products too, but that's why we fish everything we write up. People still don't believe us - too bad. There's a real benefit to these sticks. Now, whether that benefit is worth the coin, that's for each individual to decide for themselves. But for those whom cost is not an issue yet still remain skeptical, well those people are going to miss out - plain and simple.
