class 1:  The best, most expensive rod out there

class 2:  The best cheapest rod.

class 3:  The best, full stop.

I hope this helps 

By the way, let's exclude custom rods for now... we can talk rod blanks later...

 

1.  I'm out of date with the latest and greatest - but as at 2 years ago, the latest and greatest expensive SB rods were just not me.

 

2. and 3. are the same for me.  One model from one manufacturer.  I can still get 'em for well under $100 each, and I have several in different places and with different reels on (eg 3 lots of RH and LH pairs, otherwise the same; one spin lot and 2 baitcaster lots with 2 different baitcaster models for different purposes).  Six rods for about $580; the oldest pair have given me 5 years' service, and act and look as good as the day I bought them.

The best cheapest rod mmmm I class $200 and under as cheap so Gen III Dropshots are pretty nice a bit stiffer than the older ones.

Best rod overall Xzoga Mastery 10-20lb killer blank thats an absolute pleasure to use. The Japanese know how to design blanks for their work and most new softbait rods are copying the design of the high modulus carbon this rod is. Had one for over 2 years love it. Its baby lighter 8-16lb brother is great for channel fishing the feel of the fish through these blanks is outstanding.

 

I always say angling is all about the rod and the more enjoyment you get out your gear the better. If I just wanted fish to eat I'd go to the fish shop   

 

If

 

1.  we assume the technology is going to get better and better, and

 

2.  the top-of-the line rods will be specified/made/assembled differently from time to time accordingly, and

 

3.  you as the top-of the line rod buyer always want to have the "best" in the sense of top-of-the-line as defined this way, then

 

4.  you aren't going to have anything near a lifetime's use out of any rod, are you?  What, about 3-5 years before it's useless for you because you need to update?

 

5.  So why don't you start with something that's already reckoned to be obsolete?

 

You don't necersarily go looking for the best rod(for yourself that is) you may stumble across it by chance. I had not been happy with the few softbait rods I had to start with hated the feel of them they just stayed loaded no lifting power or feel for me. I had come across the rods at Just Fishin and I got one and I have not come across a rod that is as good in that price range(or higher in fact).

I come to like fast actioned rods high modulus carbon that respond quicker and give every kick the fish makes go straight through your arm. I didn't know it when I brought it but as soon as started to hook the fish it was a world away from the Dropshots etc that had been the norm. I don't know how much better a rod could get tbh I just know what I like     

 

My criteria are basically that I can

 

1.  cast accurately up to 50m,

 

2.  detect takes of all sorts, and

 

3.  set hooks in any circumstance; and that

 

4.  the rod doesn't get (much) overpowered by big fish such as 1m+ snapper or 20kg+ kingfish.

 

It is a given that any rod has to be able to absorb the shock of sudden runs and turns - that's why we use rods and not handlines.

 

I really cannot imagine any rod giving me more enjoyment out of my softbaiting than I have already.  The several so-called top-of-the-line rods I have tried (and owned) all failed me on 2 and 3 above, and failed me dismally on 4.

 

I never used to get into bling and shiny things that sparkle but then I got into jigging... Nekk minute

 

Like you said fisher* its not just the price but what feels right in your hands.. when it comes to soft bait rods I dont feel right fishing with any thing that doesnt have cork grips, gotten to used to them. And I do reckon you can feel more with them.

 

ie the cheapest one that you like.

 

Yes, and consciously so.

 

One RH/LH pair is used only on my dinghy.  One pair is used only on my kayak (reels I don't regret so much getting dunked as my Curados).  One pair resides permanently on my launch.

 

But...I'm SB fishing at least once and usually twice a week, year-round.  Apart from holidays, when it's most days.

 

My guess is that each of the 4 dinghy and kayak rods rod gets 120 hours' actual fishing (casting, retrieving, playing fish) use a year.  (The oldest 2 are about 4 years old = >400 hours each, look and work the same as when brand new.)

 

My other guess is that that 120 hours is about the average that many if not most keen SB fishers use their best rods annually.

 Hours of use in my situation would be a guess, but boat has done 80 hours this year. So if you times that by 5, with main rod doing 70% of work, that equals 280 hours with plenty of use to go.

Then I found I liked the difference in performance, and stayed with the cheapsters.  I am moderately aware of the reasons for cheapness (eg entirely made in China, Chinese-made Fuji-branded componentry etc), but the only failure I have had on one of these is one line guide that I trod on when I foolishly laid the rod on the alloy deck of my Stabi.

 

Though it's only one or two steps up from my cheap rods, the only rod that has exploded in my hands when playing a fish was a 6-8kg-rated Backbone Elite.  There was a "CRACK!!!" like a .22, and bits of carbon flew all over the sea.  A 2-piece rod, broke at the join.  Handlining a riled-up 17 lb snapper on 10lb braid is not fun, let me tell you.

 

The maintenance issue: all of my rods get Inoxed all over immediately after every fishing trip (a requirement of my religion).  If a multi-day trip, at the end of each day.