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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Cigar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Starlo or Backbone?
    Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 11:44am
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Hi guys,
What is the best choice for general snapper softbaiting, Starlo Stix or Backbone Elite?
 
I'm not after comments on specific models, more which range is overall the best, as I'm looking at both spin and baitcast, up to 8kg. They are similar prices, so that doesn't give me any clues.
 
Thanks for any help!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote JK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 2:14pm
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I started with the starlo and swapped to the backbone elite and have never looked back. I am using a 4-8kg spin and love it - have caught some great fish and had alot of fun so far!
LedgeNZ LBG
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote green guy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 3:02pm
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yea i like the back bone over the starlo my mate has a 4-8kg overhead and its mint and forgiveing if u give it the all mighty heave not bad for around 150$ think the starlo sticks r a little bit soft for me
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Finatic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2009 at 6:00pm
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Most my rods are Backbone Elites. Just really like them and they are excellent value for money. I like the Backbone's action more than the Starlo.
What's the cheapest type of meat? Dear balls. They're under a buck.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote PJay Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jul 2009 at 11:44am
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And I'll put in my vote along with the majority, too.  I have one of each, with the same weight line on.  Though my Backbone is harder than the Starlo, it picks up bites/takes better in my opinion, as well as setting the hook better. Casting's about the same for distance and accuracy.
 
Only my thoughts, but I'm interested to find that others have the same.
 
The Starlos are good rods, don't get me wrong, and I do like the spiral wrap for its overhead reel on mine.
PJ
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Ces Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jul 2009 at 11:25pm
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Originally posted by PJay PJay wrote:

 
The Starlos are good rods, don't get me wrong, and I do like the spiral wrap for its overhead reel on mine.


what do you think of the spirals? i saw one for about $160, looked interesting... any advantages?

cheers mate
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote PJay Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 8:39am
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Yeah, I think it does help the rod be a bit more stable when you're playing a bigger fish, and not twist so much in your hand.  (I tend to stabilise by holding the reel and rod rather than the grip above the reel, with my little overheads.).  You'd notice it more on a stiffer rod than the Starlos, I suspect.
 
There's an issue about the integrity of rods, they say ie it's potentially disastrous to let the pull go in any direction away from the way the guides point, so I'm guessing the spiral wrap might help with that.
 
OK OK OK I really like the quirky look of the thing, too.
PJ
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Monty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 8:48pm
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Originally posted by PJay PJay wrote:

 
There's an issue about the integrity of rods, they say ie it's potentially disastrous to let the pull go in any direction away from the way the guides point, so I'm guessing the spiral wrap might help with that.
 
 
Don't spread the doomsayers words bro, if "THEY" say that, then "THEY" must be one of the Daiwa, Shimano, Smiths, Jigging Master, Synits, Kilwell, Kojak, Reel Rods, rod builders (sorry to miss anyone Dohboy Wink), because they all build rods the wrong way to the extreme, or did you hear that from some arm chair rod builder OR "Nirai & Stellajigger" from the heavy metal forum LOL Rod blanks are now so complex in the wrapping that there is virtually no back bone for the potentially disastrous situation to develop, IMHO.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote betterthanwork Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 9:09pm
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I can't vouch for the Starlo but I like the 4 - 8kg backbone. Also, haven't seen many posts bemoaning breaking the tips off Elites but heaps about Starlo's so that is a good selling point.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote tennut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 9:17pm
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Hi Cigar, I use a Starlo 7ft spin and a 4/8 kg backbone(old one), and had them for over 2 years, I like them both, and have caught big stuff on both, (big being mainly sharks and stingrays!!), with no problems whatsoever,, both rods are nice and light,  really good to use, I honestly cant say which I prefer, prob use the Starlo more as I like using spinning reels.Ive got a Soron 40 on the Starlo and a Citica on the Backbone, they are nicely balanced, and beautiful to use. I dont know about spiral rap stuff so just a thought, I wouldnt think S/R would be a huge advantage on such light gear, I have had NO probs with rod twisting whatsoever on the backbone,  can see merit in heavier gear, but,,,, your call!!. With my fishing mate TL2 constantly upgrading gear, I am always wanting to buy a real flash rod, and will one day, but the rods in question are both great, I am yet to meet a snap they cant handle,  (but hope to soon!!) Good Luck.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote tennut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 9:26pm
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Originally posted by betterthanwork betterthanwork wrote:

I can't vouch for the Starlo but I like the 4 - 8kg backbone. Also, haven't seen many posts bemoaning breaking the tips off Elites but heaps about Starlo's so that is a good selling point.
  Yes , a commonly raised point i overlooked,reguarding the Starlo, I use the 7ft one4/8kg?, I think there was more probs with the 7.6 rod, also you see a lot less talk of broken rods these days(touch wood!), I think guys  have adapted to using the lighter more delicate rods (some the hard way!), so being aware  of basic things like ,, not point loading, not banging onto edges,jigheads banging while in rodholders etc, has seen many  problems averted.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote PJay Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2009 at 12:16pm
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Originally posted by Monty Monty wrote:

Originally posted by PJay PJay wrote:

 
There's an issue about the integrity of rods, they say ie it's potentially disastrous to let the pull go in any direction away from the way the guides point, so I'm guessing the spiral wrap might help with that.
 
 
Don't spread the doomsayers words bro, if "THEY" say that, then "THEY" must be one of the Daiwa, Shimano, Smiths, Jigging Master, Synits, Kilwell, Kojak, Reel Rods, rod builders (sorry to miss anyone Dohboy Wink), because they all build rods the wrong way to the extreme, or did you hear that from some arm chair rod builder OR "Nirai & Stellajigger" from the heavy metal forum LOL Rod blanks are now so complex in the wrapping that there is virtually no back bone for the potentially disastrous situation to develop, IMHO.
 
Yeah, cannot say I've ever had any problem along these lines, but then again, lotsa the stuff the experts say contradicts my personal experience, too. 
 
Both my Starlo and my BE (and every other light rod I have heh he heh) routinely get bent 90 degrees plus with fish on the end of the line, and inevitably the bend goes in another plane as well at some time in the fight.
 
I've broken a couple of rods, but only tip loading when landing fish on to the kayak.  My fault, not rod fault.
PJ
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MJ Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2009 at 7:25pm
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I fish Backbone rods for ground and strayline fishing. No complaints.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Nomis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2009 at 7:37pm
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Cigar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 2:33pm
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Cheers for the input everyone, picked up a Backbone Elite baitcast 5-8kg today, hoping to give it a good workout when the weather improves (about February Question Clown).
I liked the spiral wrap Starlo too, but managed to restrain from my usual TAS attack (i.e. can't decide, so buy both!!!).
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