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May 29, 2025 1:02 am
The RAID Japan Maximum line keeps growing and even though the Rods are Chinese-made and not my absolute favorite in terms of aesthetics, they’ve done a nice job. So nice, that I would go as far as saying that they rank up there with my other favorite Chinese-made sticks, but you’ll have to read the article to find out more (A detailed writeup will be published on the main site soon).
While I’ve been fishing 4 of the new offerings over the past year, there has been one standout. 100’s of fish taken on it so far, including a solid number of quality chunks, and this rod just keeps on tickin. A little hint…X-fast taper, nice soft tip section and lots of other surprising characteristics to be elaborated on in the coming article.
That said, what rod has been in your hand most this year?
Topic starter
May 29, 2025 9:03 pm
@kickerfish1 just hoping you guys like it. Thanks, man. 👊🏼
dragon1 and Kickerfish1 reacted
Topic starter
May 29, 2025 9:09 pm
@blitzdr the Real Control series has been solid as well, but I’m still holding onto hope for a new top-of-the line series that one-ups the Racing Designs. Daiwa has got to be up to something.🤞🏼
I agree on the retail pricing of the Raid rods. A bit high for a Chinese-made stick with mediocre aesthetics, but if the longevity is there, they may earn their stripes. The Chinese have stepped up their game, but still not near MIJ level in my hands/eyes. Unfortunately…Only time will tell, so someone has got to put them through the ringer. Might as well be us, right?
June 2, 2025 7:12 pm
It's really funny, I purchased two rods this year thinking they would be the rods I use the most as one is a ML and the other is a MH do it all rod. But.. I have been in love using my Designo swim bait rod these last two outings. it could be because im getting bites. Who knows... These big baits are getting me more and more excited to get out. lol
RISE reacted
Topic starter
June 3, 2025 12:24 am
It's really funny, I purchased two rods this year thinking they would be the rods I use the most as one is a ML and the other is a MH do it all rod. But.. I have been in love using my Designo swim bait rod these last two outings. it could be because im getting bites. Who knows... These big baits are getting me more and more excited to get out. lol
In my experience, it’s often gear we least expect and your post is a testament to that. That’s good stuff, bud. 🤙🏼
Gaijin reacted
June 3, 2025 2:27 pm
@blitzdr the Real Control series has been solid as well, but I’m still holding onto hope for a new top-of-the line series that one-ups the Racing Designs. Daiwa has got to be up to something.🤞🏼
I agree on the retail pricing of the Raid rods. A bit high for a Chinese-made stick with mediocre aesthetics, but if the longevity is there, they may earn their stripes. The Chinese have stepped up their game, but still not near MIJ level in my hands/eyes. Unfortunately…Only time will tell, so someone has got to put them through the ringer. Might as well be us, right?
I think some of the Real Control design is part of a minimalist vibe, subtle, understated as opposed to the Bespoke of some Megabass or over the top of some JDM companies. Evergreen can also be low key.
June 9, 2025 5:03 am
Personally, I’ve been on an Evergreen RS “kick”, lately… I’ve been mostly shore fishing for an hour here and there.
Super Stallion GT3S to throw a Magdraft Freestyle, Spider Spin for generally everything else. What a rod although it’s more of a baitcasting rod in disguise.
I love showing up at the shore with these 2 setups while most folks are fishing ugly sticks with bobbers and worms. They catch more fish though 😎
Gaijin reacted
