Hi, I'm in a market for another PE8 stick bait rod as a back-up. I thought having a 3-pc configuration that I can hand carry into the aircraft cabin would be advantages just in case the checked in rod tube don't show up in time. Some of the options I am considering are : 1. Zenaq Expedition 83-6 GT 2. Temple Reef Ronin 83-8 EXP 3. Ripple Fisher GTXpedition 81MH Can anyone share your PERSONAL experience on any of the the above rods please? My primary rod is a Carpenter EP 82/38 so I am looking for a backup with similar action. Any other recommendations on alternatives with similar rod specifications will also be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I stock and fish the Ripplefisher GTX Expedition. I've sold quite a few since it came out this year. The Yamaga 79/3 as well. If your after GTs and Tunas I would learn toward the GTX. We have a Ripplefisher promotion through the holidays as well. https://tacklenow.com/ripple-fisher-gtx-expedition-packable-popping-rods/
Hi Boston Tangler, Thanks for your comments. You also mentioned Yamaga 79/3, but I could not find any 3-piece expedition models on their on-line catalog, confirm you were referring to the Aquila 79/3?
Here's my thoughts. I was in a similar boat as you last year, although looking for a 3 piece PE 6 travel stickbait rod rather than PE 8 (and my budget seems to be a bit less than yours). Ultimately, I settled for the Daiwa Saltiga AirPortable PE 4-6. While the rod is not perfect, it is quality for the ~$350 I paid. Downsides from the numerous different 3 piece rods I've used and owned was durability and balance. Most were tip heavy and were much less forgiving to any high-sticking due to stress concentrations in the ferrule joints (St Croix travel rods were a nightmare even if their customer service were willing to replace the rods…reel seats coming loose, handle wraps coming loose, unable to use any drag pressure, etc). The Daiwa Saltiga AP rods can be found at a significant discount to the rods you listed through some European retailers occasionally. The Daiwa is extremely durable compared to all my previous travel rods, but heavier than the equivalent Zenaq expedition that I also tested out. I'd argue the zenaq is less durable than the Daiwa after the abuse Cavy put on the Saltiga APs and my experiences with it and Daiwa's Ardito travel rod line..but I don't know the composite prepreg layup angles on the Zenaq or data points of that zenaq breaking. Components are top of the line quality Fuji titanium K like the RF GTX. Zenaq and Daiwa both have a very nice action for stickbaits in the lure weight range listed. Ultimately, i did not think any other travel rod was worth the ~$300 premium to the Daiwa travel rod, which also offered a lifetime warranty (not sure what the warranty process is like with Daiwa rods though) and don't expect them to be in the same ballpark as a Carpenter. Note, the USDM Dawia Saltiga rods are far inferior to the JDM and Euro Daiwa Saltiga AirPortable travel rods. On the other hand, I've had trouble carrying the 3-piece travel rod on numerous airlines internationally, particularly through Qatar, Taiwan, Philippines, and occasions in Indonesia. I have had no issues domestically in the USA + Hawaii, the Caribbean, and I *think* Malaysia. Consequently, I wish Daiwa rods had a hardshell case rather than semi rigid.
Hi eatmorelionfish, Thanks for your detail review of the Daiwa Saltiga AP. I was not aware of this line of rod until reading your post, but will certainly look into it! Best Regards.
I settled for the RF GTX without trying them....the price from Boston Tangler is a good price. I have not received the rods yet so no first hand experience. I put out a similar information post request on the RF GTX and Fisherman 3 piece...and got nothing. It is definitely not mainstream. My RF GTX decision was based on having confidently used other RF rods (in my past post), light weight in grams compared to Zenaq and Fisherman, and youtube videos showing the RF GTX in action. I didn't see any flat spots on the bending in the fight. I bought these rods to move towards reducing my rod case down to a 4 foot (from 6') length for easier handling when traveling. As a transition for the first couple of trips, I intend to bring my regular 8' rods as backup for emergency use only and use the GTX M PE6, MH PE8 as my primary go-to GT rods until I'm confident they won't break on me.
Hi Curtis, Thanks for your input on the GTX. Having owned an Ultimo Ocean Ridge, I would have to agree with your line of thoughts. Incidentally, I just came across another option for a 3-piece PE8 GT rod in addition to the 3 that I had originally mentioned plus the Daiwa Saltiga Air Portable that eatmorelionfish recommended. It's the Tenryu Spike Travel SK803S-HH. Very attractive made in Japan JDM rod at a very reasonable price point. Sometimes it can be a problem when you have too many options. But then with all the COVID travel restrictions in place now, there is no hurry to rush into a decision too. Best Regards
I've heard that Fisherman build their 3 piece rod ($1000-$1200 expensive rods!) off of the Tenryu blank. I also heard Tenryu on the positive side uses some aspect of fiberglass which gives the rod a lot of strength on the bend but the compromise is that it's heavier. Hopefully, I'll be able to use the RF GTX travel rods Oct-Dec 2021 for many species other than GTs.
Hi Curtis, Interesting observation. Indeed the Tenryu has about 11% fibreglass for durability. I had a chance to wiggle a Tenryu at a local tackle shop yesterday, indeed the tip feels softer as compared to the other models listed, but the mid and butt sections has tremendous power. I put together some numbers for the 5 rod models for a quick comparison as follow, was surprised to find that the Temple Reef Expedition is the lightest of them all, while the Zenaq is among the heaviest, assuming their website info is accurate. 1. Zenaq Expedition 83-6 GT. rod weighs 423g, Lure ~180g, PE#5-#8 2. Temple Reef Ronin 83-8 EXP rod weighs 368g, Lure ~180g, PE#6-#8 3. Ripple Fisher GTXpedition 81MH. rod weighs 386g, Lure Max 180g, PE Max#8 4. Daiwa Saltiga Air Portable SGAPC85XXHS-AF. rod weighs 440g, Lure 50-160g, PE#4-#8 5. Tenryu Spike Travel SK803S-HH rod weighs 394g, Lure Max 200g, PE Max#8 But my experience also tells me that how light and crispy a rod feels while casting depends on how the weight is distributed from the butt to the tip. The rod's "swing weight", or moment of inertial to be technically accurate, is more important than the nett weight of the entire rod. So the rod weight alone is probably just an indication, but may not tell the full story.
Hi eatmorelionfish, Can you point me to the website that has more info on the Saltiga AP please? Those that I can find are listing the PE8 rod at 440g. Confirm the 360g SGAPC808R is also rated for PE8? Thanks!
Lists both old and new versions: https://www.pechextreme.com/en/trav...ga-air-portable.html#/1320-version-sgap80hsaf Other travel rods to check out: https://www.pechextreme.com/en/69-travel-rods
Thanks for the link! Looks like Daiwa reduced the length from 8'5" to 8', but with impressive weight savings. I'll have to find one to get a feel of the rod...
