So my hunt still continues for a high end flipping rod with plenty of back bone, but also light weight... I stumbled upon a few reviews for Power Tackle rods. Everybody seems to really like them.

I would like to hear the pros and cons from those of you who have actually used them. I'm leaning toward the 7'3" Grass Mat rod XH

Thanks in advance

I can only speak on behalf of the pg104 and pg104.5

The pros..... THey have a 1 year warranty and after the year you can have them replaced for half the price. They are as sensitive as possible and are fairly light weight. THey have a great back bone as well as fugi recoil guys which are almost indestructible. Plus they are based out of a small town and they are good people. Dont have to deal with giant manufactures or anything of that sort.

Cons.... If you like throwing stuff under half ounce (maybe 3/8) then the rod is not for you. Plus they cost over 300 dollars.

I really like mine and am saving up for more. The best rod I have ever used.

The rods have very large handles that's why I sold mine

Meaning long? Or in girth?

Pretty much dead on.

They are great rods which use IM (intermediate modulus) blanks from North Fork composites which is Gary Loomis' new company. Also you can consider the Kistler Zbones which cost about 35 dlls more and use HM (high modulus)North fork composites blanks if you prefer a better blank and micros. The Powertackle rods use the recoil guides and IMO have better build quiality.As much as I love my Zbones LEs, I've had an insert fall out (never before has happened with any other rod I've used from 60 -650 dlls) and had another incident the other day with another LE that the hookeeper also fell of. Customer service has been great from Kistler but it is alittle dissapointing to have those kind of issues with high end rods. In my case, I'll always go for the better blank........but to each his own.

I have that exact same rod and several 104.5's. Outstanding sticks and very strong. I have a ton of rods for various apps by several different manufacturers.

If I'm fishing Falcon or other gnarly spots where I know there are giants, I fish with the PT rods exclusively. I've not found any other that can stand up to that punishment, plus what I put them through in handling, wear and tear, etc.

You will not be sorry if you choose that rod. IT was designed for punching mats, but I use it for jigs and t-rigs too in heavy cover, too.

And agree with everything stated above my Lapieza. Personally I don't like a super high modulus blank for flipping and punching. I break too many of them in those apps.

They are fat and don't fit me well at all

Like fouz said...get to hm and watch rod snap on a hookset with braid. I've seen way to many loomis glx rods snap flipping heavy brush and mats.

I have just about all of them....the football head jig rod and the 104.5 are in my hands every time out.

I have quite a few, and 2 of the GMS'. They are great rods-light, powerful, and very durable. The Recoil guides are awesome. PT makes a very good rod. I would suggest handling one to see if you like the new grips. I prefer the older models as the grips seem a little softer. The older models also have a true G Loomis saltwater blank. Newer ones have a special made saltwater blank. No experience on the newer blank, but it's hard to beat the old G Loomis saltwater blank.

You will not beleive the amount of abuse these rods can take and the face of your partner when you swing an 8 lb'er in the boat is priceless. I have yet to break one in 3 plus years, and no problems what so ever.

Like Fouz said, the moderate-heavy action is a good choice and deceptively powerful. It allows the rod to absorb the shock and swing in the big fish.

The only con is that after using 1, you'll want another!

Top notch rods. Super strong, super light, super sensitive.

Caught a bunch of good ones on the PGC 173 cranking rod today.

+1. My Loomis Collection collection dusts now. I had to buy a new collection of power tackle rods. They are addicting.

They are great rods no doubt. I have a PG104 that I am selling, only because I am wanting to switch everything over to Dobyns. I will say, I am very torn about selling it. It is an all around great rod that I have used for light flippin', c-rigging, and saw some use with a jig.

These rods are obviously built with quality in mind and it shows. Love the recoil guides. It is extremely light and sensitive.

My knocks against it is that I prefer a full handle instead of the split grip for flipping. I believe it balances the rod better, IMHO. I also prefer cork over the eva foam handles.

Overall, you are going to get what you pay for, and there is a definite difference making that step up. These are very high quality rods...I don't think you will be disappointed.

Oh, and as far as backbone goes...when you set the hook, whatever is on the other end is going to move. "Power"tackle is an appropriate name!