Thorne Bro Noodle vs DH Customs Noodle Rod

[Jared_P]

Just wondering if I can get some info on the two. I have been thinking about getting a custom rod and these are the two I have been contemplating. It seems as though they are pretty close but I am wondering if anyone has some first hand experience with them...Thanks

JP

[Lusid]

Don't leave out tuned up custom rods - they have something similar.

[dfeste]

I own both rods. I have nothing bad to say about either one of them. The differences that I have noticed between the two is that the DH Aldentes load up more quickly. They both have ultra sensitive tips but as you set the hook on a fish you get into the back bone of the DH rod more quickly than the Power Noodle. I would have to say that I favor the DH rods.

On another note the DH rods are now available with fly guides. This puts these rods into the $60 or $70 price range which can't be touched with REC guides on them. I recently purchased one with this set up and I personally don't see any need to continue spending the extra money on the REC guides. The fly guides are probably not as tough as the RECs but I try not to beat on my noodle rods too heavily. They are quite delicate at the tip.

[Esox_Magnum]

I dont have noodles but own 2 of each in similar weights, I prefer the DH over my TB after using both...

[NKLCOLT1911]

i would seriously consider a tuc noodle rod, i had a chance to test drive one and its awesome.

[holmsvc]

On another note the DH rods are now available with fly guides. This puts these rods into the $60 or $70 price range which can't be touched with REC guides on them. I recently purchased one with this set up and I personally don't see any need to continue spending the extra money on the REC guides. The fly guides are probably not as tough as the RECs but I try not to beat on my noodle rods too heavily. They are quite delicate at the tip.

This is why I bought the Al Dente. I have a TB Walleye SH and a Perch SH. I am really happy with both of those rods. I just didn't want to spend the money on rec guides for a rod I will use 5 or 6 times a year, but I also didn't want the standard heavy guides.

[Jared_P]

I have a Meatstix that I love to use. Can't remember what it is (graphite or glass) but what is the difference that I will see/feel and what is the difference between the two material(durability, sensitivity, etc...) also, what would you recommend for handle length. I am going to pair it up with a Eagle claw Inline. I use a pencil grip 95% of the time. I was leaning towards more of a 3" handle but I could be persuaded...

JP

[dfeste]

Handle is individual choice. I hated the 3", some guys love it. Can't really say what is right or wrong for another person.

The noodle rods are made of glass. I believe the meatsticks are as well. These rods will be lighter than the JM rod as well as more flexible at the tip. They're designed to allow you to sight fish even the lightest of jigs. Meaning the jig will put a slight bend in the tip so you can see a hit on the upswing before you could feel it. I'm a big fan of this style rod.

I also would not count out a TUC rod. They make a great rod along with the other two companies. My personal opinion right now is that the AlDente noodle with the fly guides is by far and away the best bang for your buck.

[Lusid]

Check out the Cabela's Easy Touch..

I have a few videos on YT on it, so search for cabela's easy touch + onza04

[MaxGoldman]

I have a powernoodle with recs and this year got my first DH rod so I can compare first hand. I got DH's pantom and it has the fly guides which I liked since they save you money compared to recs and I take good care of my stuff, but another first was I got it in the 3" handle. I would still rather have a 5" but got the 3" cause I know some guys love them and just wanna see if I end up liking it, I'll have an EC inline on that as well, and have one on my powernoodle, but if you haven't fished with that reel yet, it's almost impossible to pistol grip since you interfere with the spool when you do, especially with gloves on, I just don't bother trying to not saying it CANT be done. But a 3" isn't ideal with a EC and pistol grip in mind IMO.

[castmaster]

Durability wise, any of the custom 1 piece rods in that style will be more durable than the 2 piece meatstick. I know I have had 3 meatsticks break where they tie the "lighter" tip into the main blank. Several friends have had them break at the same place.

But IMO the meatstick isnt really a noodle rod. TB's quiverstick would be a good example of a rod the same type as the meatstick.

I personally prefer the faster tip and increased backbone of the Dead Stick rods vs the Noodle rods, but dont think one could go wrong with either the TB or DH noodles.

[Jared_P]

Max ~ I have been using a pencil grip with a EC/Meatstick combo without trouble this season. I have not used it with heavy gloves yet so I might run into what you were talking about.

I really need to handle a one or two to make a better decision. I like the faster load with the sensitive tip.

JP

[Corey Bechtold]

Thorne Bros all the way!!! Wait till I show off the Christmas gift I got for my son...

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[GSP4ME]

Dam you guys are good. I have a Dave Gentz rod that is my favorite. Just simple but it seems to do the trick, Good fishing and long ashes to everyone

[NKLCOLT1911]

if you want a run of the mill Chinese blank a TB rod will be fine, if you want a truly custom rod TUC is the way to go

[bassinboy3]

I very happy with my TB but I have never tried Tuned up, any reviews on those?

[Vitreus]

Played with a TUC precision noodle at the ice show and I can't say I've seen anything that comes close. Haven't handled a DH rod but they look quite nice as well.

[CaptainMusky]

People that have problems with "noodle" style rods its either due to user error when storing them (me) or their hookset. Sweeping hooket do NOT jerk it. The tips on these rods are only 1mm usually and you are asking for problems if you try to cross the fish's eyes on your hookset.

I have a DH and I loved it up to the point I broke the end off sliding it into my rod case. Grrr.

[Vitreus]

People that have problems with "noodle" style rods its either due to user error when storing them (me) or their hookset. Sweeping hooket do NOT jerk it. The tips on these rods are only 1mm usually and you are asking for problems if you try to cross the fish's eyes on your hookset.

I have a DH and I loved it up to the point I broke the end off sliding it into my rod case. Grrr.

The jerking hook set never seems to be effective. My old man does this, sets the hook by swinging the rod tip up as fast as he can, then lets it back down for the line to go slack.

[bassinboy3]

I think I am going to be picking up a DH rod here pretty quick!

I have learned the hard way to sweep the rod on the hook set instead of jerking due to the soft tip (same is true with crank baits in the summer), however with stout rods and spoons I prefer the jerking motion and keeping tension on the line.

[Matt Johnson]

if you want a run of the mill Chinese blank a TB rod will be fine, if you want a truly custom rod TUC is the way to go

Thorne Bros is actually the only ice rod maker who uses USA made blanks on all their ice custom ice rods. TB blanks are not from China. The guides TB uses are all Fuji or REC Recoil as well, so top of the line parts. Reel seats are also Fuji. There is nothing "cheap" or run of the mill about a TB ice rod. And when all is said and done, TB was the original custom ice rod, most others are only following suit. I spent 6 years working at Thorne Bros and know the inner-workings of making these rods and the parts that are used. You will find no corners being cut with a TB ice rod. There are no better parts that can go into an ice rod in my opinion.

DH rods are not bad, I'm not going to bash them at all, but you're not comparing apples to apples here in regards to quality of performance and parts being used. The DH Noodle rod is drafted off of a TB Power Noodle, much like every other noodle-type rod on the market. Competition is a good thing, and I do think Dustin (DH) and crew have put out a nice product, but you won't pry my TB rods from my hands

[IceHawk]

Great info and facts Matt. I have used a lot of different rods over the years and they all have their goods and bads but my choice is still Thorne bros rods. I own a bunch of rods but I have to admit I love the power noodles. For panfish they are a great choice, offering excellent tip action with plenty of backbone to boot! Definitely one of my favorites and go to's. And before some one says it I'm not sponsored by Thorne Bros just a guy who fishes hard chaseing panfish all over the state.

[fisherman-andy]

Let me provide some constructive feedback from my end about the 3 most talked about noodles here in no praticular order. I have own or used all 3 noodles rods. Even though their noodle rods, their not the exactly same type of rod.

1. TUCR Noodle- This is by far the most sensitive noodle tip rod ive seen, good back bone too. As finesse as it gets for a noodle rod currently. Great for micro jig heads and tiny spoons. Rod must be handle with care due to the tip. The noodle to have for the most finicky bites.

2. Thorne Bros Power Noodle - The noodle rod that started it all. Not as sensitive as TUCR but I consider this an all around rod in between the TUCR and the DH Al Dente. Good sensitivity. Slower hook set and weaker back bone then the Al Dente due to back bone position. Can still handle medium size fish well.

3. DH Al Dente Noodle - Likely modeled after the Power Noodle. Good sensitivity tip match with stronger back bone. Able to handle heavier jig heads and small to medium spoons with ease. Can be use on Upper Red or LOTW for walleyes if you want to be able to use a noodle. Fun rod for tullibees also. Handles medium fish well and possibly even toothy critters?

As far as rod blank quality and parts I can say these 3 rod makers only used the best of parts so your not being shorted on any quality. You should not be disappointed in the quality of any of these rods. They will help you catch alot of fish.

[fiskyknut]

I don't do the Panfish thing so have little interest in these type rods but that was a darn good rundown/info post there Andy.

Well done.

[pushbutton]

You should give one of these a shot for your wallly's Fisky. It's pretty much all I use......stock is just fine with me. As mentioned above it is a different type motion of hook set, but on the finicky days and downsizing, they are hard to beat with bite detection and feel. Sometimes you have to let them chew a little and reposition, but they will not be turned off with resistance. The tips are so sensitive its like using a bobber, but with enough bone to drive home; and with something like the Al Dente or Seven Duece has no problem landing a mid teen pout or mid 30 slimer. Excellent for a channel cat set up as well.....