Has anybody used American Rodsmiths - how do they compare to equally priced All Star or Castaway rods?

to be honest, they make good rods but you have to pay $400 to get one...But I have never used a All Star or Castaway, but I love my kistlers no matter how much they get bashed on here.




Austin

Academey has the American Rodsmiths champion series for 79.99

and for a while there they had the Judy Wong signature series in various lengths and actions for $70. It has the same blank as the H3.

Academy is selling American Rodsmiths Apex Titanium spinning rods for 49.99 - these are the ones I have questions about. Anybody used on of these?

I haven't used that specific rod, but I have used the one that it replaced along with the comparable All Star and Castaway rods. I don't find much difference in quality, sensitivity etc. I myself like the way the Castaway feels in my hand, but that is personal preference. Just get the one that feels best to you. All three of these rods are $39.95 this week during Rod Riot. If you can find one of the Judy Wong rods at Academy, they are $49.95 during Rod Riot and are much, much better; same blank as the $200 plus H3 Titanium.

Thanks for the info Pencil! I picked one up yesterday for 39.99 but I will go back and look for the wong model. Might be a stupid question but are the actions the same since it is suposedly a womans rod?

The only thing AR did to the Judy Wong rods was to use different guides (they are alconites) and the handle is slightly smaller in diameter. I have fairly big hands, size xl glove, and it doesn't bother me. There are many variations in handle sizes from different rod makers anyway, so I don't think it makes a difference. Oh, yeh the color is kinda purple instead of grey.

Pencil Thanks for the heads up on the wong model! I went and traded yesterday - well worth the extra $10 - that rod feels great! I didn't even pick it up the other day because of the price tag and color! I wonder why it rings up so low - like 70% off?

Hey Jake,

I have 4 of the American Rodsmith Apex Rods, I like their balance and feel of the rods-

I also have All Stars, but I perfer the Apex-

Also, for the price you cannot go wrong!

My $.02=