genz vs thorn bros rods

[Will]

i read alot of posts that talk about thorne bros custom rods. i own several genz stix and similar st. croix's. i use kuhlman's spring bobbers on them. i use these for pans, trout, walleye. i love 'em they are durable yet sensitive with great backbone.

my question is, what more do you get by spending so much more money on the t.b. custom rods?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Will- If its not broke, dont fix it. I too agree that the newer Genz stick sare quite nice. HOwever, the Thorne take it one step further. better components(guides) higher mod graphite...But mostly, you get exactly what you want. Genz sticks only come in some actions and lengths... with a throne rod, the skys the limmit. You get exatly what you are looking for.

[bigbritt]

No comparison, thorne has the best all in one. better guides, premium cork, solid graphite blanks, handmade/start from scratch quality, personalization, literally hundreds of options and designs, built and designed by some of the best...........

[slipperybob]

When you start getting into bigger fish and require more finesse presentation, you'll begin to notice those small minute details and differences. I've only just gotten my T.B rods this year and the play on the fish from these rods reminds me of high end full length rods. Granted my reels are Shimano Sustains, but these reels will go on my St. Croix LE rods for open water fishing. Things I've noticed different are load on rod and how much more smooth the line flows through the line guides, which is especially noticable on lite lures 1/32 oz or lighter on the fall.

[Will]

i am heading up to cheguamegon bay this weekend, so if anyone wants to loan-out one of these rods i would be happy to do a side by side comparison

[NyQuiLlama]

If I spent that much money on an ice fishing rod I'd run it over with a snowmobile or step on it or something.

[slipperybob]

LOL's

I think you'll appreciate it more when you own one for yourself.

[Lotwfisher]

Solid graphite also wont break at -40 like tubular will. I havent seen a mass production company with a solid graphite blank yet. I have used their rods for 6 winters now and usually get out 50+ days a winter and I havent broke one yet. I have dropped augers on them in the sleigh, stepped on them getting into the hut and most recently I dropped my vex into the hole and the only thing that kept it from going down was that it landed on my rod cross ways in the hole. The rods just seem to always hold up.

[Wanderer]

I didn't go the money for the Thorne "Pro Graphite" model for my new heavy laker rod on Saturday, but I couldn't resist the 20% off the "Pro Glass" 42" baitcaster model! Sat only special - I got lucky to walk in at the right time.

I've been shopping for the right, heavy laker rod and have flexed a few models. None of them held a candle to the T Bros. rod. Do I NEED it? No. Did I want something that was built to handle anything I would put it through? Yes.

The thing that made me hesitant to buy the Genz rod was when I loaded it, there was a flat spot in the arc. I tried a few and they all flexed the same way. Probably not that big of deal, but I saw it as a potential break point when I hook that laker of a lifetime.

I realize the difference between graphite and glass, but good glass fishes nicely. I like the Genz rods I have for my lighter fare fish but for a no holds barred match in tough conditions I KNOW the T Bros. rod is the right tool.

When it could matter, I've never regretted an investment in quality.

[Scott M]

I have 2 Genz sticks...they are right for the beginning anglers new to specialized rods. But the reels are horrible, I personally don't like the handles, and has been stated, they sometimes load up funky.

With the Thorne rods you get exactly what you want. There is always the danger of breaking rods...it's rare in today's day in age to have unconditionally guaranteed rods. I know St. Croix stopped doing it and G. Loomis dropped their lifetime warranties (well, technically they didn't drop them, they just hypercritically examine the rods that come in and decide if they were snapped by a bad blank or a roughhousing angler). My best advice is get a good rod bag and be particular that your rods get put away each trip. You won't have to worry about snapping them then. I haven't broken a rod on a fish yet (knock on wood) and I think it's pretty rare when that does happen if you are using the rod for its intended purpose. Take good care of them and you'll have those rods for life.

You've gotten some good replies. I've found some good cheap rods that I can use if I keep in mind their limitations, and I've got some custom rods that are a little more adaptable. There is no superrod, so always bear in mind a rod's limitations and fish accordingly.

Lastly let me finish by saying you get what you pay for. If you want some really nice sticks, worth the extra money, do yourself a favor and put in a rod order at Thorne. See if you like that first one and that its worth the money. I'd bet you'll be back for another.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I have been more concerned about finding small quality ice reels. Hard to find where I have been looking. Most of the choices are on combos rod/reel and seem ultra chincy. I ended up getting a Quantum XT100 which seems like a quality tiny reel except it does not have audible drag which I like.

[Wanderer]

O.K. Will,

I just caught your second post about going to Cheq. Bay....

What are you fishing for? Maybe there IS a field tester available! Certain conditions may apply however.

[Borch]

 Originally Posted By: Suzuki

I have been more concerned about finding small quality ice reels. Hard to find where I have been looking. Most of the choices are on combos rod/reel and seem ultra chincy. I ended up getting a Quantum XT100 which seems like a quality tiny reel except it does not have audible drag which I like.

Four reels come to mind

Tica SS or SB

Abu Garcia Cardinal 300UL

Mitchell Avocett II Gold 500UL

Personally I prefer the Ticas and Avocett's as their drags are very smooth.

[PerchPounder]

If you are looking for a high quality reel I would also recommend the Pflueger President 6720. I started using this reel earlier this season and has been one of my favorites ever since.

[Will]

wanderer, that was my lame attempt at smart aleck humor. i don't even like to use other people's lures, let alone a spendy piece of equipment.

i am reminded of a musky trip with my brother when i borrowed his brand new bucktail. i casted it about 250 yards after one of my sweet knots broke.

[Wanderer]

Yeah, I got it, just my lame humor back at ya!

I still owe my buddy a Dr. Spoon I casted off the pole about 25 years ago. I just keep telling him I'd rather owe it to him than cheat him out of it.

Not interested in conditions, eh?

Take care and enjoy those Genz rods!!!!!!!!!

[Bothun]

How do the Thorne rods compare to Jason Mitchell's? I own 2 28" walleye rods and 2 26" Perch rods. Abu Garcia 100U on the 28's and Cabela's Fish Eagles on the perch rods ( Terrible reel btw)

[Will]

intersted, of course, maybe a little scared my ears are open.

[Wanderer]

It would only be good to you if you're after the big stuff. Lakers, pike, or ginoumous walleyes. And if thats the case, the satisfaction of treating a fellow fisherman would be fine enough.

That, and a damage deposit.

Most of my stuff is available to friends (not that we know each other) as they have been generous to me. We just always have the understanding that if you break it, you bought it. Or get it fixed right away. Except Dr. Spoons while getting a $5/week allowance.

I just figured the North Burbs were close by and the rod looks nearly indestructable and I got a case for it and you asked.

Call me crazy.....

[Bruce Mosher]

Every Rod has it's Place and purpose. I have a couple Jr's Rods, A few Genz Sticks and alot of Thorne Bros Rods. The last two Thorne Brothers rods were custom made for me to look like my Ice Buster Bobbers. They have yellow and red for colors holding each Guide in place (They look like little bobbers on each guide). I wish I would of thought of color cordinating them a few years ago when I started buying them. I use alot of Tica Reels and I just bought this winter a couple of Jr's Tackle 10 ball bearing reels. They are Red in color and are freezer tested. They look great on my Thorne Brothers rods with the yellow and red guide wraps! The best part of every rod and reel is using them!!!

Have fun,

Bruce Mosher

[Will]

wanderer, that's a very generous and cool offer! i will mull it over. thanks to everyone for the feedback, very informative. i am going to make a trip to t.b's and check them out for myself.

as far as reels go, i don't think that you can beat the mitchell avocet. great reel for the money.

[slab master]

I got the dave genz/naturevision rod/reel gold series medium action spooled with 6# gamma. absulutly love it.I've been using it for crappies with a 1/16th oz. jigging spoon in 30 feet of water and you can feel the lightest biters.

[Will]

i think i better clarify. i am talking about the berkley lightning rod signature dave genz. these are older and are made of solid graphite blanks. they came in many different lengths and actions. these rods are nothing like the genz stix, my bad.

to slippery bob, i have 'gotten into bigger fish'. i caught an 11 lb rainbow thru the ice with one of these rigs( on 3 lb test)

is anyone familiar with these rods and how they stack up to t.b. customs?

p.s. i also have one of the berkely lightning heavy action baitcaster models. on u.r.l. 2 years ago i caught and released a 19 lb northern with it.

[slipperybob]

These were the lighting rods before the split of the Genz stix...I think I was still using jiggle rod at that time...and a shakespeare telescoping rod, not fully extended. I think those were the most expensive retail ice rods at that time.

So how you like those old ones compared to the current Berkely lighting rods?

[Will]

these rods are the best i have ever used! that's why i have so many of them. very sensitive and alot of backbone. i have not purchased any other rods since. that says alot for durability also. i get on the ice about 40 times give or take. plus i really like the big cork handles, they just feel better to me. i guess the only downside would be stainless steel guides, but i have never had a problem with 'em.