Originally Posted by
s_v
Steve,
If I'm not mistaken, at least 3 out of 4 rods you've ordered so far have tubular tips. Any reason for the preference? I've always been curious about opinions on this matter.
For what it's worth: Let me do a disclaimer first. I do not have any JDM UL or L rods with solid tips. As you know, several others on this forum have a lot of experience with them. Although my new BC III 69 handles 2-4 lb test line well, I don't have a JDM XUL or Super XUL and can't speak to how solid tips perform in them.
But I do have a couple of solid tip rods sold in America. I use one of them for dropshotting. The other is an old Lew's 5'6" UL with a solid tip and S.I.C. guides that is about 40 years old. Below are pics of two of my Daiwa Steez rods. One has a solid tip and the other does not. They are both ML power rods. But look at the width of the lure-line ratings. The solid tip STZ ZT 701MLXS is rated for a low lure weight of 1/64 oz.! I prefer tubular for 4 reasons: 1. Longer casting distance 2. Better hooksets 3. Can usually throw heavier lures 4. Seem to feel more vibration down at the reel seat (other people may have different experiences with this.)
Two advantages of the small diameter solid tip rod are the ability to cast a lighter weight, and easier visual strike detection since the solid rod tip moves more quickly and with a larger deflection (movement) when the line moves or vibrates. But I don't know that I can feel the strike down at the lower end of the rod as well as with a tubular. I can see more strikes with the solid tip when dropshotting and I can more subtly shake the lure in place. Rod makers can always make a smaller diameter solid tip than round tip. I have a friend who is a Daiwa dealer and has a repair center. He told me that some of the bass guys would sometimes break off the solid tip with a big hookset. Definitely need to sweep the hookset! This extra fast solid tip Steez doesn't seem to cast heavier lures as far as the other Steez tubular. Solid tip would seem to be better for protecting very light lines. (I have never used any line below 2 lb. test.) Below are some pics of my two rod's specs and a pic of their solid and tubular tips placed side by side.
Daiwa's American arm has a new BLX bass rod line with two different rod action concepts (partly marketing strategies I am sure), they call Sensitive and Limber - "the rods are designed and constructed with 2 Different concepts in mind,sensitive and limber. The SGor Sensitive Graphite models are well suited for worms, jigs and dropshot. Techniques that demand sensitivity, feel and a quicker action. The LG or Limber Graphite models are designed for crank baits, soft jerk baits and stick baits." I assume they are both tubular, but don't know.
Hope this helps.
Steve