2017 BUYER’S GUIDE
RODS
4
TAKES ON CRANKIN’ RODS
1. Kistler Rods KLX Feel-N-Reel S2 Hybrid
This series features what Kistler calls S2 Hybrid Blank
Technology, which blends S2 hybrid material (Kistler says it’s a
lighter, higher-modulus, stronger fiberglass than anything out
there) with high-modulus graphite to yield a blank that offers
graphite’s strength and sensitivity with the flexibility of fiber-
glass for better hooksets and control when fishing with reac-
tion baits. Kistler notes it’s a totally new type of action, which it
calls “modified fast.” The series includes 13 casting and two
spinning models. $249.95 to $289.95
kistlerrods.com
2. Lew’s David Fritts Perfect Crankbait
Speed Stick Series
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Lew’s expanded its popular line of affordable cranking rods
with four new models: 7-foot and 7-foot, 6-inch, heavy-power
standard models and 7-foot and 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-
heavy-power “palmer” models. The latter feature a special reel
seat designed to allow the user to palm the reel and rod with
four fingers in front of the trigger for less fatigue. Blanks are
built with a blend of graphite and glass. $79.99
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lews.com
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3. St. Croix Legend Glass IPC Casting Rods
The winner of the Best Freshwater Rod title at ICAST sports a
throwback “honey” look that nods to St. Croix’s innovative
color-infused glass of yesteryear, but it presents an impressive
set of features. Most notable is the linear S-Glass blank, which
is stronger, lighter and flat-out better than old-school fiber-
glass. St. Croix describes the action as “smoother,” due to the
way the blanks are formed. Four sizes are available for various
cranking tasks. $240 to $250
stcroixrods.com
4. Shimano Zodias
Shimano expanded its Zodias line to include a pair of new
rods specific for cranking: a 7-foot, medium-power, moderate-
fast-action model and a 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-heavy-power,
moderate-fast-action model. Both feature Shimano’s Hi-Power
X blanks, where the outer layer is diagonally wrapped with car-
bon tape to keep the blank from twisting on the cast, but the
company infused a glass composite material into the blank to
provide the moderate bend that most anglers prefer. Longer
rear grips provide extra leverage for long casts. $199.99
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fish.shimano.com
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FLWFISHING.COM I DECEMBER 2016