TackleTour

Posted: **Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:27 pm**

So, I actually got one and it feels good in the hand. I will fish it comprehensively before I post any impressions on the rod's actual performance. (My comments have skewed negatively so far and I'm trying to not come off as a naysayer who's already made up his mind.)

That said (and hoping that it doesn't immediately disqualify everything I just said), I'm surprised by how cheap the reel seat looks for a $300+ rod. Definitely plastic, feels unpolished/dull and like it has swirls in it. Tons of seams even on the visible parts. I felt like I could post that part right away.

: trikaReelSeat1.jpg (89.92 KiB) Viewed 3322 times

: trikaReelSeat2.jpg (80.92 KiB) Viewed 3322 times

: trikaReelSeat3.jpg (109.19 KiB) Viewed 3322 times

: trikaReelSeat4.jpg (109.26 KiB) Viewed 3322 times

Posted: **Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:46 pm**

Chode wrote: ↑
Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:07 pm
Anyone know the balancing point?

Also, they're using kigan guides with zirc inserts--are they the same guides that gave dobyns problems over the years?

Probably different for every rod, but the 7'0" Medium spinning rod feels pretty well balanced. (With a Exists 2000 at 5.3oz.)

: trikaBalance.jpg (100.73 KiB) Viewed 3321 times

Posted: **Thu Nov 03, 2022 12:43 pm**

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:46 pm

Chode wrote: ↑
Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:07 pm
Anyone know the balancing point?

Also, they're using kigan guides with zirc inserts--are they the same guides that gave dobyns problems over the years?
Probably different for every rod, but the 7'0" Medium spinning rod feels pretty well balanced. (With a Exists 2000 at 5.3oz.)

trikaBalance.jpg

looks like u finally caved and got one lol. now, is it 2x more sensitive than a conquest?

Posted: **Thu Nov 03, 2022 1:10 pm**

Chode wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 03, 2022 12:43 pm

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:46 pm

Chode wrote: ↑
Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:07 pm
Anyone know the balancing point?

Also, they're using kigan guides with zirc inserts--are they the same guides that gave dobyns problems over the years?
Probably different for every rod, but the 7'0" Medium spinning rod feels pretty well balanced. (With a Exists 2000 at 5.3oz.)

trikaBalance.jpg
looks like u finally caved and got one lol. now, is it 2x more sensitive than a conquest?

I haven't fished it yet, the whole week has been rising barometric pressure around here. Supposed to turn to pre-frontal conditions on the weekend, I'll give it a fair shake then. I don't need 2x sensitivity TBH, "as good as an NRX" would already mean something. I dragged a Ned over the lawn with braid-to-leader and it felt sensitive, but not eye-openingly so.

It's a 7'0" M so I'll be able to compare it to a 6'10" Poison Adrena Medium and Poison Ultima Medium, for example. (And I figure I'll put it up against a NRX 852 and maybe the Steez Unicorn rod, as well.)

Posted: **Thu Nov 03, 2022 2:29 pm**

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 03, 2022 1:10 pm

Chode wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 03, 2022 12:43 pm

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:46 pm

Chode wrote: ↑
Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:07 pm
Anyone know the balancing point?

Also, they're using kigan guides with zirc inserts--are they the same guides that gave dobyns problems over the years?
Probably different for every rod, but the 7'0" Medium spinning rod feels pretty well balanced. (With a Exists 2000 at 5.3oz.)

trikaBalance.jpg
looks like u finally caved and got one lol. now, is it 2x more sensitive than a conquest?
I haven't fished it yet, the whole week has been rising barometric pressure around here. Supposed to turn to pre-frontal conditions on the weekend, I'll give it a fair shake then. I don't need 2x sensitivity TBH, "as good as an NRX" would already mean something. I dragged a Ned over the lawn with braid-to-leader and it felt sensitive, but not eye-openingly so.

It's a 7'0" M so I'll be able to compare it to a 6'10" Poison Adrena Medium and Poison Ultima Medium, for example. (And I figure I'll put it up against a NRX 852 and maybe the Steez Unicorn rod, as well.)

u have a lot of high-end rods to put it up against so ur analysis should be pretty interesting

Posted: **Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:58 pm**

I’ve used the 7’0” spinner on 3 1/2 trips now and compared it to a couple other high-end rods: Poison Ultima 6’10” Medium (1/4-3/4oz, 8-16lbs line), NRX+ 852C (1/8-3/oz, 10-14lbs) and NRX 822 DSR (3/16-1/2oz, 6-12lbs). I mention the actual ratings because, even though all rods here are rated Medium (technically the DSR is a “Mag Medium”), there are big differences in what those M rods are supposedly capable of, and how heavy they actually are. (The Trika 7’0” M is rated 1/8-1/2, 6-12lbs btw.)

I did a bunch direct A/B testing (using braid-to-leader on all rods) in the same spots, throwing the same baits every time, i.e. these finesse jigs:

: 3FB57062-AC91-4D68-A6FA-840DA5F05443.jpeg (148.92 KiB) Viewed 3187 times

I made sure to catch fish on each rod, as well.

So, is that Trika 2x as sensitive as other high-end rods? Of course not

It’s not eye-openingly light, either. But it’s definitely holding its own, even against the comparison rods.

Long story short, I like the PU better for jigs and reading bottom, but the Trika transmits more vibration on a blade bait than the PU, possibly because of the carbon weave handle. I like the 822 DSR better for dropshots, as well. But I preferred the Trika over the 852 on finesse jigs and on Ned rigs (was catching them in 20 feet of water on a 1/4oz tungsten head), and the Trika wasn’t a lot worse than the other two high-end rods; I just preferred the PU and DSR. The Trika has impressive sensitivity in my book.

Would I buy another Trika rod? If it had a better reel seat, possibly (would probably get a 6’10” ML or 7’0” ML). It’s not that the seat is uncomfortable (even when touching the IMO oversized Trika logo), but man, it just looks so cheaply made. (See images earlier in the thread.) I’m running an Exists 2000 on this rod and placing that reel’s feet on those plastic seams feels like an insult

I’m also not a big fan of the hook keeper, particularly because the full handle makes it impossible to install another one lower. The taper and power are fine. I don’t find the taper particularly funky, either, feels a bit like Shimano. The finish is barebones but fine. Some of the epoxy work feels sloppy and not up to JDM standards, and the winding check for the handle is some rubber or plastic (it was loose when I got the rod and I had to push it in). But I’ve seen worse on more expensive rods like Kistler.

I have some more rods to test against (well, I don’t have too, but it’s kinda fun). Next up will be the Steez Universal Light (6’9” M, 1/8-5/8oz, 4-12lbs line), and possibly the Poison Adrena 6’10” M (same specs as the PU) and Steez 761MML (1/16-3/4oz, 5-12lbs).

Posted: **Tue Nov 15, 2022 5:30 pm**

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:58 pm
I’ve used the 7’0” spinner on 3 1/2 trips now and compared it to a couple other high-end rods: Poison Ultima 6’10” Medium (1/4-3/4oz, 8-16lbs line), NRX+ 852C (1/8-3/oz, 10-14lbs) and NRX 822 DSR (3/16-1/2oz, 6-12lbs). I mention the actual ratings because, even though all rods here are rated Medium (technically the DSR is a “Mag Medium”), there are big differences in what those M rods are supposedly capable of, and how heavy they actually are. (The Trika 7’0” M is rated 1/8-1/2, 6-12lbs btw.)

I did a bunch direct A/B testing (using braid-to-leader on all rods) in the same spots, throwing the same baits every time, i.e. these finesse jigs:

3FB57062-AC91-4D68-A6FA-840DA5F05443.jpeg

I made sure to catch fish on each rod, as well.

So, is that Trika 2x as sensitive as other high-end rods? Of course not It’s not eye-openingly light, either. But it’s definitely holding its own, even against the comparison rods.

Long story short, I like the PU better for jigs and reading bottom, but the Triza transmits more vibration on a blade bait than the PU, possibly because of the carbon weave handle. I like the 822 DSR better for dropshots, as well. But I preferred the Triza over the 852 on finesse jigs and on Ned rigs (was catching them in 20 feet of water on a 1/4oz tungsten head), and the Triza wasn’t a lot worse than the other two high-end rods; I just preferred the PU and DSR. The Trika has impressive sensitivity in my book.

Would I buy another Triza rod? If it had a better reel seat, possibly (would probably get a 6’10” ML or 7’0” ML). It’s not that the seat is uncomfortable (even when touching the IMO oversized Trika logo), but man, it just looks so cheaply made. (See images earlier in the thread.) I’m running an Exists 2000 on this rod and placing that reel’s feet on those plastic seams feels like an insult I’m also not a big fan of the hook keeper, particularly because the full handle makes it impossible to install another one lower. The taper and power are fine. I don’t find the taper particularly funky, either, feels a bit like Shimano. The finish is barebones but fine. Some of the epoxy work feels sloppy and not up to JDM standards, and the winding check for the handle is some rubber or plastic (it was loose when I got the rod and I had to push it in). But I’ve seen worse on more expensive rods like Kistler.

I have some more rods to test against (well, I don’t have too, but it’s kinda fun). Next up will be the Steez Universal Light (6’9” M, 1/8-5/8oz, 4-12lbs line), and possibly the Poison Adrena 6’10” M (same specs as the PU) and Steez 761MML (1/16-3/4oz, 5-12lbs).

Thx for the write-up Drakestar. Sounds like it's a winner if you're able to look past some of the aesthetics.

Posted: **Wed Nov 16, 2022 1:14 pm**

Chode wrote: ↑
Tue Nov 15, 2022 5:30 pm
Thx for the write-up Drakestar. Sounds like it's a winner of you're able to look past some of the aesthetics.

Objectively it's a winner, yeah. I'm not sure that part came through strongly enough. I have certain preferences and those probably skew my reporting.

Posted: **Thu Nov 24, 2022 9:20 am**

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:58 pm
I’ve used the 7’0” spinner on 3 1/2 trips now and compared it to a couple other high-end rods: Poison Ultima 6’10” Medium (1/4-3/4oz, 8-16lbs line), NRX+ 852C (1/8-3/oz, 10-14lbs) and NRX 822 DSR (3/16-1/2oz, 6-12lbs). I mention the actual ratings because, even though all rods here are rated Medium (technically the DSR is a “Mag Medium”), there are big differences in what those M rods are supposedly capable of, and how heavy they actually are. (The Trika 7’0” M is rated 1/8-1/2, 6-12lbs btw.)

I did a bunch direct A/B testing (using braid-to-leader on all rods) in the same spots, throwing the same baits every time, i.e. these finesse jigs:

3FB57062-AC91-4D68-A6FA-840DA5F05443.jpeg

I made sure to catch fish on each rod, as well.

So, is that Trika 2x as sensitive as other high-end rods? Of course not It’s not eye-openingly light, either. But it’s definitely holding its own, even against the comparison rods.

Long story short, I like the PU better for jigs and reading bottom, but the Triza transmits more vibration on a blade bait than the PU, possibly because of the carbon weave handle. I like the 822 DSR better for dropshots, as well. But I preferred the Triza over the 852 on finesse jigs and on Ned rigs (was catching them in 20 feet of water on a 1/4oz tungsten head), and the Triza wasn’t a lot worse than the other two high-end rods; I just preferred the PU and DSR. The Trika has impressive sensitivity in my book.

Would I buy another Triza rod? If it had a better reel seat, possibly (would probably get a 6’10” ML or 7’0” ML). It’s not that the seat is uncomfortable (even when touching the IMO oversized Trika logo), but man, it just looks so cheaply made. (See images earlier in the thread.) I’m running an Exists 2000 on this rod and placing that reel’s feet on those plastic seams feels like an insult I’m also not a big fan of the hook keeper, particularly because the full handle makes it impossible to install another one lower. The taper and power are fine. I don’t find the taper particularly funky, either, feels a bit like Shimano. The finish is barebones but fine. Some of the epoxy work feels sloppy and not up to JDM standards, and the winding check for the handle is some rubber or plastic (it was loose when I got the rod and I had to push it in). But I’ve seen worse on more expensive rods like Kistler.

I have some more rods to test against (well, I don’t have too, but it’s kinda fun). Next up will be the Steez Universal Light (6’9” M, 1/8-5/8oz, 4-12lbs line), and possibly the Poison Adrena 6’10” M (same specs as the PU) and Steez 761MML (1/16-3/4oz, 5-12lbs).

I'd like to see a pic of that new ultima...mainly the lockdown nut. I'm trying to decide whether I need to pick up one of the '16 models while I still can, or just go with a new one. I may end up with both

.

Posted: **Fri Nov 25, 2022 7:42 am**

KP Duty wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 24, 2022 9:20 am
I'd like to see a pic of that new ultima...mainly the lockdown nut. I'm trying to decide whether I need to pick up one of the '16 models while I still can, or just go with a new one. I may end up with both .

We should probably open a new thread for the rods, but here’s a quick pic.

: 20895E3D-66AE-468E-B90C-E1F12B7DD380.jpeg (88.08 KiB) Viewed 2927 times

Posted: **Sun Nov 27, 2022 7:44 am**

Drakestar wrote: ↑
Fri Nov 25, 2022 7:42 am

KP Duty wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 24, 2022 9:20 am
I'd like to see a pic of that new ultima...mainly the lockdown nut. I'm trying to decide whether I need to pick up one of the '16 models while I still can, or just go with a new one. I may end up with both .
We should probably open a new thread for the rods, but here’s a quick pic.

20895E3D-66AE-468E-B90C-E1F12B7DD380.jpeg

Thanks!

Posted: **Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:58 pm**

FYI that reel seat looks like it’s made out of Toray, just like the Alps MVT seat. The Alps MVT is high end. Seams isn’t an indication of low grade, but they definitely could have been buffed out by the builder that touts a high end rod. Does it feel good? Is it light & rigid (this you wouldn’t necessarily know unless you built the rod)? Does it transmit vibrations well? These are the functional aspects of the seat, but I guess you have to like how it looks too.

Posted: **Mon Dec 05, 2022 6:37 pm**

Stump jumper wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:58 pm
FYI that reel seat looks like it’s made out of Toray, just like the Alps MVT seat. The Alps MVT is high end. Seams isn’t an indication of low grade, but they definitely could have been buffed out by the builder that touts a high end rod. Does it feel good? Is it light & rigid (this you wouldn’t necessarily know unless you built the rod)? Does it transmit vibrations well? These are the functional aspects of the seat, but I guess you have to like how it looks too.

I had a Vinnie custom NFC HM with the Alps MVT and agreed, it's a badass reel seat.

Posted: **Mon Dec 05, 2022 7:27 pm**

I have alps mvt reel seats on 3 of my rods and I agree, the trika reel seat is very similar, just has a shorter trigger, I agree the seam on the trika could be cleaned up better but it's not a big deal to me.

Posted: **Mon Dec 05, 2022 10:10 pm**

Stump jumper wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 05, 2022 4:58 pm
FYI that reel seat looks like it’s made out of Toray, just like the Alps MVT seat. The Alps MVT is high end. Seams isn’t an indication of low grade, but they definitely could have been buffed out by the builder that touts a high end rod. Does it feel good? Is it light & rigid (this you wouldn’t necessarily know unless you built the rod)? Does it transmit vibrations well? These are the functional aspects of the seat, but I guess you have to like how it looks too.

You’re probably right, and rereading the TT preview, it mentions a “custom carbon reel seat”. The whole thing just felt cheap and plastic to me and it was an honest reaction.

The casting reel seat feels cleaner than the spinning seat I initially posted - it has some obvious seams at the bottom, but the whole Trika shape and embossed logo look much more polished & refined than the spinning reel seat. So there’s that. Still doesn’t look as high-end as a good Shimano reel seat to me, but it is what it is. I don’t consider myself a form over function guy, but I do like form AND function.

: DC5CA48B-0929-4884-BAE1-8E4B704D7461.jpeg (96.83 KiB) Viewed 2608 times

: BCBCF491-F2A8-45D3-B740-8282732D4ECE.jpeg (119.52 KiB) Viewed 2608 times

So… wait a second, why do I have a casting reel seat to compare to all of the sudden? Because it was Black Friday and I am weak, that’s why

And because the reel seat is just one factor but not the whole world. (Still hope they buff it out in the future.)

TackleTour

Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods

Re: Trika Rods