Can Ice Rods Be Improved? PENCIL GRIP ROD

[fisherman-andy]

Another gimmick. Thanks Buzz Stick!

Looks sloppy with no control.

What happens if i jig and don't touch the rod's Sweet spot?

When I think of the "Angel Hair" tip which is basically a noodle tip this seem to defeat the sensitivity purpose of having these special handles.

As far as the pencil grip not everyone holds the rod that way, most if not typically only when jigging. And as far as putting your finger on the rod to feel the bite detection I already do something similiar with straightline/inline reels. I often hold the line on my index or middle finger to feel the line which in part defeats the point of putting it on the rod.

The biggest questions here would come from a quality carbon graphite rod on a handle that doesnt dampen the vibration or detection of a light tug or bite. I dont see this happening from a noodle tip.

[scott b]

Right? Noodle tip with ultra sensitivity? Why aren't the best walleye jigging rods made of solid fiberglass then? Noodle tips are for seeing the bite to get rid of the spring. (Not a gimmick). Trying to feel a bite on a solid fiberglass rod? Really?

[Rick]

dam. after buying four custom ice rods at $100 each, now those are out dated and there is a new improved ice rod I must have???

Answer this and I will buy one. Why is this topic stickied?

Originally Posted By: morepower02

^^What he said

Because I liked the looks of it, innovative is a word that comes to mind and it is certainly different. I haven't touched one nor were we paid to do this. I do believe in the person who brought it to my attention. He believes in it and he's not prone to hype (that I know of ).

He's very pragmatiic and belives in any good solid improvements brought to the ice fishing world.

Just thought a lot of folks deserved to see this before they flew off the shelves

So, whitebassman & morepower02....looking forward to seeing the pics of your new PENCIL GRIP rods Daddio

Maybe we'll keep this stickied as a reminder to see if you keep your word until you do

[DTro]

He's very pragmatic and believes in any good solid improvement

You mean like the underwater camera.

People said that was a gimmick too

[fishersofmen]

I am waiting to see the pics as well.........

[hawgchaser]

Kudos to you, Rick, and the other posters with "colored" names for letting the skeptical posts remain on the thread. Depending on the cost, it looks to me like you couldn't lose if the rod action is to one's liking. If you didn't like the pistol grip feel, forget about it and use it conventional style. And kudos to the inventor for coming up with an idea and taking the risk to make it marketable. Still no mention as to the $$$ yet. Those "call for details" ads make me nervous.

[fisherman-andy]

Still no mention as to the $$$ yet. Those "call for details" ads make me nervous.

The handles are listed as reel/rod combos on Cabela's site. Going for about $40-$50. Appears to have 3 models. Branded by Expedition.

Pencil grip with graphite blank

Pencil grip with graphite blank with noodle tip (angel hair)

Ultra feel ice grip on graphite blank

[JP Z]

As stated, the Ultra Feel doesn't come with an Angel Hair tip as that defeats the super sensitivity of the Ultra Feel. They are sold strictly as combos, but the reels are actually a very nice reel. They have an extended stem, for ease in "pencil gripping" the rod so you aren't wracking your knuckles. As I've said before, you really just need to hold one of these rods to really understand the concept. I tested them last winter late and they are a very good concept.

[whitebassman]

Hey Rick

I noticed the pencil grip rod is marketed as Expedition on Cabelas site. I ordered their rod case cause I've been looking for an aluminum rod case. Still waiting for it to arrive in the mail. But I'm wondering if you got any leads on this company as I can't seem to find a HSOforum for them thru google. Ive never heard of these guys before Thanks.

[JP Z]

Whitebass,

What info would you like on Expedition? I can get you what you are looking for.

Thanks,

[Rick]

Thanks JP,

I missed that question

[Eric_Kruger]

I played with both of these rods, but it was in the FF brand. The pencil grip felt good in the hand, The sensitive one has me worried since it looked like there was only a half inch of the blank in the handle since it moves....

I can see how this would "enhance" the feel of a bite, but at the same time I think I would be setting the hook on nothing more than something. It does really ring through your hand though when the blank bounces off that handle...

Neat rods, definitely different.

[BEEFEATER]

I bought sum jig N sticks last year for 5.99, nailed the panfish like no other. they aint that great for walts cuz they aint got no drag system tho.