I have two of these rods one was finished ok so I bought a second and it was finished just like yours .. it was shocking ! But I rebuild rods and in time going do them both .. but for the money they are good rods 👍🏻
Hi Tim. I build rods as a hobby so I didn't really mind the finish that much and do plan on rebuilding this one in the future, as well. Having said that, the rod "alignment system" was one of the deciding factors of why I bought this rod. So I am a bit irked seeing how it was really useless.
I did think about sending it back. However, it was an hours drive going to their store. I wasn't too keen on taking the 2 hour roundtrip. I have used the rod lots of times since I have made this video, and I don't even notice the issues anymore.
This rod will fare better against winds versus the Fury rods. It also has a stiffer tip. As a personal preference (with over-the-shoulder cast), I would need a minimum of 6 oz of lead weight in order to bend this rod properly whereas with the Fury, I will not go over 4 oz with any cast - again, personal preference. I hope this helps.
Yes makes sense mate, I want to fish more low water with it over like mixed ground and with it being 4 to 8oz should be able to send a decent clipped down bait a fair way. I prefer the stiffer tips because I've had rods in the past like penns and they just waddle about all over even in a slight breeze or a fast running tide. That's why I'm hoping this one is the bees knees for what I need
I haven't used any Penn surf casting rods yet. However, it does take a bit of effort to bend the tip with this rod so you will have to set your drag on your reel a bit tighter if you like to bend the tip while waiting for a bite. Otherwise, the tip will just straighten itself out.