Tackle industries and Reaction strike rods

[went522]

Looking into a new rod for slinging big baits, mostly DC's, Supermodels and mag dogs. Looking at rods in the 8'6"-9' range. I'll be pairing the rod up will a 7000ic3. I've read and heard lots of good about the Tackle Industries line of rods. For the money, sounds like they are quality. Curious about the extension handle and how it'll hold up as well as the overall build quality. The vid of the guy standing on the handle is impressive. Anyone running them and how are they?

I'm also considering the Spence Petros Reaction strike, 8'6"...is it true they are the same blanks as the Musky innovations line of rods?

I don't do "pounders" so throwing them can be taken out of the mix.

MH, H, XH or XXH? I've never done a 8'6"+ rod...so, I'm out of the loop as to how the above rods/actions handle the baits I'm throwing.

BIRDDOG

[PAL]

For TI, I would contact James directly, he is a great guy to work with.

That being said, I think you are looking at the XH models rated at 3-12oz per your stated purposes.

I picked one up myself at the MN muskie show for throwing Gerry's Girls. Can't wait to get out and try it out.

pal

[Todd M]

I heard he is working on a telescoping version of his rods too. I will be getting one. James is a standup guy who gives back to the recource.

[went522]

I've looked at the Okuma telescoping rods. I like the idea but having several downrigger rods that telescope I can say I wouldn't trust it over time. The blank "wears" and my own personal experience says that's a weak point, I've broke the female side of mine. While mine aren't "musky" rods, the concept is the same. I've also read several reports of the Okumas breaking at the same spot.

I was in contact with James regarding the XH...out of stock and back ordered 6 more weeks. All the good I read about the rods and I'll have to purchase something different as I need(want) it by the weekend. I may have to go with a Musky Innovations super mag.

I've also done some research on the Petros rods...good blanks but when I contacted the seller and specifically asked about the guides and seat, I got the response "fuji equivalent"...when the response doesn't even mention what make the guides/seat are besides "equivalent" I'll take a step back and go a different route.

Any other info or ideas on rods I should check out...I will.

BIRDDOG

[harry henderson]

email james at james@tackleindustries.com He is selling his rods on special right now for $110 delivered. Great rods!!

[went522]

email james at james@tackleindustries.com He is selling his rods on special right now for $110 delivered. Great rods!!

I emailed him, as I mentioned above...the 8'6" XH is on backorder 6 weeks. We all know how "back order" can be. Could turn out to be 2 weeks...then again, could be 12.

I opted for the Musky Innovations 8'6" XH today...couldn't go wrong, Fleet Farm in St. Cloud is selling them for $119, got the last XH but they have lots of H left.

By fall I'll be in need of a couple upgrades, I'll be purchasing a TI to try out. All the good I hear I'd like to give them some business.

BIRDDOG

[wallymn99]

I Have both.. both rods are fantastic. the TI rod is quite nice and the reaction strike rod is a quality rod for little money. If you have any questions on either, PM me, i have used both extensively this year and can give you the in's and out's.

The RS rods are the MI rods just with different guides (cheaper) but still good.

I have the Okuma 8'6" tele rod too in XXH that i use for large plastics.

[BDP]

One note on the Okuma Telescoping rods. I have the 9'3" XH and I broke it on opening day being stupid. Those rods come with a great life-time warranty. I contacted them via email and for the cost of shipping they are sending me a new rod. I was warry of the telescoping aspect of this rod, but ended up buying it since I felt the next best rod that fit my needs was over $250. Having now experienced their warranty first hand, I don't have any trepidation about the wear and tear issue. I have confidence that they will replace my stick after my recent experience.

The one issue that was brought up when I purchases the rod and that is still probably a concern for would be buyers is the telescoping joint being a weak spot and potentially costing you a big trophy. This was brought up when I made my purchase decision. Given that these rods are new, I suspect this issue will be proven valid or invalid over time. Until then, I guess you take the risk that if you hook into a monster the naysayers are right and the joint cracks. Time will tell, but I have enjoyed my rod and Okuma's supoort of their product so far.

[Todd M]

I have a 9'3" Okuma too and like it alot. It is nice that I can get it in a shorter rod box. Alot of trolling rods telescope, so do flipping sticks that see alot of bone jarring hooksets into fish and snags.

I liked the telescoping aspect. When james comes out with one, I will be most interested.

[Todd M]

Well, end of the year report. The telescopic rods Tackle Industries put out are phenominal! I benched my St. Croix for the last 6 weeks. The Tackle Industries rod felt and performed better than my $300+ St. Croix. Just saw on a musky chat board he has the rods on special still with Musky Tackle Online and through James direct. A+ rods!

[Todd M]

Not sure who posted above but it was not me. I do not own a telscoping rod from Tackle Industries, if they have one out. I will though as James is a great guy who gives a ton back.