Shimano rods

[gators06]

Anyone have experience using the convergence/compre rods by Shimano? Picked up 2 (convergences) at a nice discount at Thorne Bros this weekend, just wondering if a Guide Series or the entry level St. Croix would be a better investment. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Convergence rods are on the low end of the shimano line of rods.. That doesn't mean that they are of poor quality! I believe its an IM6 graphite rod with Aluminum oxide fuji guides. The Compre rod is 2 steps up and has IM8 graphite and Fuji Hardeloy guides... There is a Clarus rod as well that is IM7... Shimano also came out this year with the Crucial rod.. that is IM9...

[Ralph Wiggum]

Boy, it almost sounds as if someone is sponsored by Shimano

[Deitz Dittrich]

I am.. sorry, I'll go to the corner now...

LOL @ ralph!

[Cooter]

And stay there until you get everyone on this thread a new Crucial musky rod.

[Deitz Dittrich]

lmao @ cooter.. dang dude.. your harsh...

[guideman]

I have a couple Compre rods that I picked up last summer, my clients use them more than I do, but they seem to like them. They have long handles on them, which I like and they are light weight for an over the counter rod. Shimano also has always stood behind all their equipment, their customer service is excellent.

"Ace"

[HuskerTornado]

Is there a muskie rod in the Crucial series? I couldn't find one. They seemed to be for mostly lighter tackle applications.

[Deitz Dittrich]

no your probably right.. the heaviest is a 7' heavy action that is rated for 3/8-1 1/4 lures...

[freebledsoe]

I only know about the Clarus series of Shimano rods. I picked one up about a month ago at Joe's in St. Paul. A 6'8" medium weight with an extra fast action! Very nice rod, has already caught many fish this spring including a 32" muskie...

In the past I used Fenwick, but with the Shimano I now get a lifetime warranty just like the top dollar brands. Off the shelf replacement whether due to defect or (more likely) accidental breakage (snapped my previous medium weight with the trunk lid )

So, IMO, Shimano is a good rod choice.

[gators06]

Not need to get too in depth with any answers... but what is another difference (besides name on rod) between a Compre and St. Croix Premier? Both IM8 graph., fuji eyes and reel seat.

One priced starting at 80 the other 120...

[HuskerTornado]

There are varying degrees of the quality of the graphite. I don't buy into the IM#s as much as I do the HMG (high modulus #s) and how light the rod is compared to its strength when you see it and feel it.

But when fishing for Muskies & Pike, sensativity isn't the main issue. They don't go *tap tap tap* at the bait.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Gators, I am not sure what guides that the st.croix uses. I will have to check into that. Yes they are probably fuji, but which fugi guide. Both are very good rods!