Shimano Compre

[garage_logician]

I recently had a reel that bit the dust which prompted me to get out to Cabelas to do some reel shopping. While there I could not resist taking a look at the Muskie rods to see what was available. Initially I looked long and hard at the St. Croix rods, Muskie Innovations, and some others that I cannot remember at the moment. The last thing I would have entertained was a Shimano rod. I know they have a great rep for reels but to be honest I have never really liked any of their reels even though they have some outstanding offerings.

Anyway, as I was digging through the rack one of the sales people saw me looking at the Muskie Rods and suggested I look at the Shimanos. I kind of nodded and kept digging amongst the St. Croixs but could not really find anything that I really liked.

I made my way down the rack until I eventually came across the Shimanos. I picked one up and upon closer inspection I have to say I was really impressed with the quality of the components and the attention to detail. The more I looked the more I liked, I decided to set it down before I ended up leaving with the darn thing.

I bought my reel and decided to wait on the rod. Well, that lasted a whole day. The more I thought about the more I convinced myself I needed a new rod, specifically the Shimano Compre. I returned the next day and bought the Shimano in a 7'6" Heavy. Paired it up with my Garcia Record and hit the water. I love it. The rod is fantastic and an awesome value for the price (~$110).

Not sure when Shimano got into the rod game, or at least starting making such nice rods but I am glad I stumbled across them and took the time to take a close look. I love my St. Croix's and was convinced my new Muskie rod would be one. I still think they are great rods but the Shimano is definitely a great rod too, with a lot better price. I could not be happier with my new setup. :-)

[MUSKY18]

I must agree. I have had a Shimano Compre that I have used as my jerk stick for roughly 6 years now. Couldn't have been happier with it. I know when it comes time to buy another pole, the Compre is always in the running. Great rod at a great price.........

[RK]

Hiya -

Frankly the Compres used to be pretty bad (pool cues with no real action - just stiff to stiffer yet) until a couple of years back when the re-designed the series completely. I guess good things happen when you have Jimmy Lindner and Dan Sura help you design rods. Faster actions with lighter tip sections, and not nearly so overpowering as they used to be. They're actually pretty darn good right now, especially for the money compared to what you get in the same price range in other brands.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[bonefish]

I've looked at them too, and they look great for the price Is the 7'6" heavy OK for bucktails, or is it too heavy?

[MLS]

Yep, love em.

[MuskieJunkie]

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I've looked at them too, and they look great for the price Is the 7'6" heavy OK for bucktails, or is it too heavy?

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I use an 8' compre heavy for bucktails, it's not too heavy for bucktails, and of course works great for big bucktails like the "shoulder killer" aka double cowgirl.

[garage_logician]

Quote:

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I've looked at them too, and they look great for the price Is the 7'6" heavy OK for bucktails, or is it too heavy?

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I threw some bucktails tonight and it handled them very well. I have found nothing about this rod not to like. :-)

g

[propster]

Bonefish - I've got several Compres, and for the money they are a great rod. 'Course it helps to know the rep! Most of mine are the 7'6" Heavy, and it throws everything pretty well. If I wanted just a bucktail rod I'd lean toward the 8' Heavy though, and if it was strictly going to be burning smaller blades I'd go with the MH. Good warranty too.

[bonefish]

Thanks Propster. I'd like the 8', but right now I'm a non-boater with an extended cab truck, so 7'6" is about the max I can hold for now. Although my wife may disagree, I'm not concerend at all if I need to get another rod in the future to compliment this one