High Modulus rods pluses and minuses?

[Luck e 1]

Are there dangers of high mod rods? Would a guy be able to tell the difference between 38 mill mod, and 44 mill mod? In what situation is a lower mod rod better?

Thanks for the help.

[18 inch Crappie]

Higher is better. I have the 54x and would not go any lower. They make a 64x but it is like $129. I picked a 6'med 54x at Gander on sale for $39

[augernaut]

I hate to argue, but I'm a custom rodbuilder and I know a bit about graphite modulus. Higher sounds better, but in reality the modulus of the graphite fibers used in rod blank construction is only one factor in the overall strength, weight, and sensitivity of the rod. Many mass produced rods (BPS, Cabelas come to mind immediately) use inflated "modulus" numbers in an attempt to make you believe that their rod is lighter, more sensitive, stronger, etc. than other competitor rods. In reality, the amount and type of resin (the glue that holds the graphite together), the thickness of the blank's walls, and other similar factors play just as big a factor as the strain (modulus) of the fibers. You could make an incredibly light rod out of 54,85, whatever they are claiming to be using, but it would be so brittle it would break on the cast. Is BPS 85 million modulus better than their 55? Probably - but neither will hold a candle to a blank made by St. Croix, Loomis, Shikari, Allstar, etc - no matter what the modulus might be. Modulus works together with several other factors to create a high quality rod blank - don't fall for the hype that it is the only factor. A high modulus graphite that has to use more resin to hold it together will result in a heavier, less responsive rod than one with lower modulus but advanced construction techniques using better mandrels and higher grade resins.... Basically, you get what you pay for :-)

[Northlander]

Well put. I use better top end rods ( Midwest Rods, St.Croix, Fenwick, etc.) for jigging and rigging. I buy lower end rods and even fiberglass rods for trolling sticks, dipseys, planer boards. jet divers etc. If its in a holder it doesnt need to be sensitive. You dont want a lot of graphite in these rods, they need to be forgiving.

[Whoaru99]

I think one of the biggest drawbacks is that many of the high modulus rods are fragile and break very easily if they get scratched.

[musky hunter]

Here here. I love high modulus rods but the breakage factor is real. I broke a rod tip just pulling line through the reel so I could adjust a slip bobber, held it too close to the tip. And I'm on my fourth Shimano, it seems that every time I turn around the tip breaks. I've never had that problem with softer rods. It's just the nature of the beast. If you want the best feel, you have to put up with the risk of breakage. By the way, I'll never go back, I like the performance of high modulus graphite.

[delmuts]

i'll stay with my high mudules too other than my crankin rod and the is a combination. i'll take the sensitivety !

[Polar Bear]

I paid 200 bucks for a Fenwick Techna-AV spinning rod 3 years ago. It is the most sensitive rod imaginable

...but...

it snapped cleanly in two just a few inches above the cork handle while fighting a 5 pound pike! It was replaced by the company at no charge but now I'm afraid to lean on larger fish. I just don't trust it any more.

[Ufatz]

Bear: Don't be afraid to use that rod. Your earlier break was not typical-breaks near the butt are generally NOT your fault, but ARE a fault in the blank.

Remember, ANY sharp blow to graphite, regardless modulus, creates the possibility of a complete fracture at a later time.

I started working with graphite blanks when they were first available. Believe me....they are waaayyy better than they were at the beginning.

I use all Loomis high mod stuff, but you have to be careful and not slam the rods around on the gunnels, edges of doors etc.

[CrappieJohn]

Augernaut has touched on this to a "t". In an effort to lighten things up and claim the higher modulus rating, the makers have to use resins that can become brittle and temperamental at temps approaching the freezing mark.

I too build rods and simply do not have any aspirations to make any with modulus ratings higher than that found in the St.Croix SCiii....the Avid series rods. The amount of sensitivity between the SCiii and the SCv in a moot issue.

I fish the Mississippi River dams all winter and often find myself out in temps nearing the twenty degree mark. I have had IMX and the GL3 Loomis rods snap on the hookset of fish that weighed in at less than three pounds. I have snapped off SCv St.Croixs as well doing the same kind of fishing. I have never had an SCiii come apart.

If you are thinking sensitivity, change your line to one that delivers a better degree of sensitivity and stay with a quality rod that doesn't boast itself as being the high and mighty of the angling world....you'll inherit a lot fewer headaches.