Custom noodle ice rods (side by side comparison)

[fisherman-andy]

Here's some photo comparison of what is likely two of the best noodle rods on the market:

DH Al Dente noodle

Thorne Bros power noodle

Both rods are very light weight and have sensitive rod tips. Both perform awesome on the hard water when angling small & large fish. Build finish is excellent for both however DH appears to have complete clear coat finish over the whole rod while TB finish is similiar to St Croix's ice rods with only clear coat finish on the guide area, tip and base. The backbone of the DH is thicker, position higher and appears stronger when lifting or setting the hook. The cork on the TB are definitely of higher grade and design and you can choose multiple options from TB, even better if you get your hands on syncork. DH offers a 3" cork which is very favorable to smaller hands.

Both rods are expensive and similiar in pricing, however DH has cheaper shipping rates when ordered by mail. You can choose your rod guide type when ordering. DH allows you to choose orange/green/pink colored rod tip for visual, rod sizes only in 21", 24", 28". With TB you can pretty choose your rod size. Most recommend the REC recoils but I myself like the look and feel of the alconite guides better. (Update: It appears DH currently has limited camo blue colored rods!)

The backbone: (TB in black, DH in white)

The recoils: (TB in black, DH in white)

The tips: (TB in black, DH in white)

(TB in orange tip, DH in yellow tip)

[JuanArellano]

I will stick with my thorne rods, although I like the ice camo..

[BartmanMN]

Thanks for the comparison. I had forgotten that I wanted one of those Al Dente's

[Moose]

I have the DH and love it. I like the heavier backbone with the light action tip. I feel that it opens the variety the rod lets me fish.Dustin turned around 2 rods for me in 2 days last year before Christmas.I also have the perch pounder with the the St Criox spring bobber system. Between these two rods I can junk the rest. Now I need to look into that gear reduced fly reel I've been reading about and I will be set for a while.