Musky Armor rods

[HooknHorns]

Has anybody fished with one of Mike Hulbert' musky armor rods? Seems like a very good price at $130. Was thinking of one for next year and a diawa saltist as setup.

[Esox_Magnum]

Spent today throwing 13oz curlie sues, cowgirls,jerkbaits ect on my new Tackle Ind 9' xh rod and was impressed. I love my top end rods but this rod has me rethinking. I won'tgive up my Predator ut this rod earned a permanate home in my boat today. Not a bad price at around $125, well woth a look.

[RuKiddingMe]

Esoxmagnum - was that the new rod with the option for the extra 6 inches of handle length? Very interested in checking these rods out, I know James run a pretty good business. Anyone else use these tackle industry rods yet?

RU

[Esox_Magnum]

Yep those are the ones. I did go to my Loomis for about 5 casts today but went back to the TI rod, I like it that much. Light weight, don't tire a guy out even throwing big rubber, and it casts them big plastics a long long ways. Worked pretty good for Wades to. Looking forward to another 6 hours of thowing Curlies tomarrow.

[Shawn Kellett]

Hook and Horns,

Yes they may only be $130, but who's standing behind the rod when it breaks? I know some other people who bought "signature series guide rods" and were stuck with it once it broke. Spend the extra $50 and get a St.Croix. I've had very good success with their product and they have great customer service. I've been penny wise and pound shy too many times with my gear to even consider it anymore...

[Muskiefool]

What Shawn said,, Ive had St. Croix rods since the first 6 footer I bought and have never been disappointed with the rods or the service, you know where the extra $50.00 went, if she has an issue.

Also in tough times when we have to keep an eye on every penny; I like knowing that I spent a few bucks to help secure an American company and American workers very close to home that will be there when I call.

[hunter991]

I like SC rods as much as anyone, but in today's musky fishing world of products, others are bringing some nice rods to the market and at lower price point. For years SC has been high priced and getting more expensive when others are bringing all that SC has to offer to their new rods with a better warranty. I started looking outside of SC (after a bad customer service experience) and i am happy i did.

for instance. i purchased the 8'6" okuma telescoping rod this year. Its a fantastic rod for $115 with a lifetime warranty. Also purchased a black river rod that worked well too for $99. Hard to tell the difference between that rod and my Croix. PIcked up another Okuam 8' rod that has seen lots of use. St Croix isn't the only game in town anymore and others are catching them for lower $$$ and better warranty. As consumers, this is a good thing. But don't be afraid to step away from your norm. I have heard very positive things about the Hulbert rods.

[john skarie]

I won't buy a rod that's made in China when there are rods to be had here.

St. Croix makes great rods and for me has been great with warranty and cheap repairs. All my fly rods and muskie rods are now St. Croix.

I'm a firm beleiver in buying something that has a value to our society as well as to me. Support your neighbors, they pay taxes and will keep money here where it belongs.

JS

[hunter991]

But even SC is sending mfg outside the USA. Most all Triumph, some premier are made is Mexico. Only AVIDS are made 100% in Wisc.

[MUSKY18]

The Black River rods are a St Croix knockoff made in China. I have a 7'6" XH that I use for my jerkbaits and like it alot. Very stout rod. Little heavier than the SC, but a good rod.

During the prefishing for Operation Muskie, I fish a couple of days with Chad Cain. He had the Musky Armor rods in the boat and I threw one for a while. Very, very nice rods. I will be purchasing one or two for next season. I don't remember off the top of my head what Chad said the warranty would be, but I am thinking that with Musky Armor being a very reputible company in the musky world that the warranty is good. I will ask Chad and find out for certain. He also told me that they were going to be coming out with a couple of more rods in different lengths up to a 9 footer. Honestly believe you cant go wrong with the rod. Lightweight with a good backbone. Like the handle on it, as it isn't very short.

[john skarie]

All Premier and Legend Tournament rods made to this date have been in WI.

They quit making muskie avids a couple of years ago.

But the models that are made here, they all say Made In USA right on them.

I'm buying the ones that are made here, so they keep making them here and I support my fellow Americans trying to make a living.

Eveybody can find an excuse to buy foriegn, but saving a few bucks isn't as good of a deal as it seems in the big picture.

JS

[Shawn Kellett]

Premiers and Legends are made here. Avids have been discontinued.

The only reason why SC went outside the USA on some of their lines is because they couldn't compete on the $100 price point.

Also, warranties are only good if the business is still around. Also, how good is that warranty when the rod breaks on the 1st day of your week long trip to Canada?

Get what you want, but coming from a guy who is cheaper then cheap, I don't skimp on my rods and reels. In the long run you'll only buy them 2x.

My $.02

[MikeHulbert]

Shawn, do you know the answer to your own question???? Do you know who will stand behind the product???? The answer is myself and Musky Armor....but I assume since you have never contacted me about the rods, that you wouldn't really know.

Some people like St. Croix, some people like Diamondback, some people like G-Loomis....fishing a rod shouldn't be based on where the rod is made, because if that was the case, I hope you are typing your messages on your American made computer....

The Musky Armor rods are very high quality at a great price. Some will like them, some won't...just like some like the original Squirlly Phantom, not another persons versions of the bait.

I will be at the Musky Shows this winter, feel free to stop by the booth and check out the rods. Take them over to another booth and compare quality if you like...they are awesome rods at an awesome price!

[hunter991]

Sorry i meant LEGEND not AVID. But just ask SC directly where the triumph rods are made. MEXICO guys.

Mike, are there any shows in SE Wisc this year? i would like to check out the rods but no one around here has them that i can find.

[Shawn Kellett]

No problem Hulbert. I've just seen too many people who want to live the dream come out with products and then disapear or blow-up their relationship with a company and thereby leaving the customer stranded. There have been a lot of "quality products" brought in from China into the muskie world lately and I know several people that have wasted good money on them. Glad I'm wrong about your product.

See you on the brood stock lakes next year!

P.S. Don't you mean the other version of a Muskie Treat?

[john skarie]

Given a choice between buying from a proven company that will be around that makes products in the USA vs. a new company that hasn't proven itself...

Well to me it's a no brainer.

Besides, St. Croix has donated dozens (just that I know of) of rods to Muskies Inc. fundraisers.

Jumping ship because something is cheaper isn't always the best way to go.

P.S. pretty sure the muskie treat was around before the other one, nice try. Either way, they are both made in USA.

JS

[Muskiefool]

Is anything about those baits similar? other than both are made in the USA, and both makers have been huge supporters of Muskies in MN.

[brushhog80]

I got a chance to throw the Musky Armour rod for a couple days during the Schneider Tourney in Sept. I broke one of my other rods and Chad was nice enough to loan me one for a couple days. I have nothing but good things to say about the rod. I loved how big the grip was. My hands didn't cramp up at all. I threw a bunch of different baits, mostly double 10's and some top water.

[Esox_Magnum]

I got 2 weeks now on my Tackle Industires rod and I'm highly impressed. I rate this rod almost equal to my Predator. My GLoomis and C Series are now loaner rods. Been throwing big rubber and 9-11" Wades on it but tried a DCG and worked great for it to. Handles fish great as I got lucky enough to find out on Saturday. I think he's selling these for a short time at $100 to your door.

[sbro73]

Where can I get one? Tight Lines!

[Esox_Magnum]

Google the name you'll find it.

[Cooter]

So the handle extension/design works well?

[Esox_Magnum]

Works great, I did wrap the threads with white pipe thread tape though just to make sure.

[grunttloors]

Where can I get one? Tight Lines!

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