First LMB on the RAID Japan King Heavy

Coming attractions for Diffuser 

Couple of quick bulletpoints:

1.  I have NEVER attempted to "skip" a 170mm swimbait under an overhanging branch.  They dared me in a RAID youtube video.  To quote the man, "Yippie kai aye, Mo fo!".

2.  I have preferred longer rear handles for distance casting, until now.  I don't know if it's a matter of balance, length, weight distribution but there's a sweet spot.

3.  This rod might work for deep cranking down beyond 20' depths.

More to follow ...

Knob caps are supposed to be gold too.  Not quite orange but not gold!

@blitzdr 

What is the taper like on that Diffuser model?

Posted by: @dragon1

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@blitzdr 

What is the taper like on that Diffuser model?

Let me double check tamale but it might be fast or medium fast.  It's not extra-fast or I wouldn't consider trying to toss magnum cranks on it.  Catching a fish might be great too ...

@dragon1 I believe it’s a med-fast.

Posted by: @blitzdr

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Knob caps are supposed to be gold too.  Not quite orange but not gold!

 

Some champagne gold knob caps will tie that whole thing in together. Beautiful combo regardless.

2nd fish with King Heavy, a bit chunky near 3lbs on the G-Dash Bluegill pattern.  

Posted by: @rise

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@dragon1 I believe it’s a med-fast.

It is.

Point 1, Diffuser ... underhand roll casting/door knob turn casting like Jimmy Houston with a Extra Heavy Action, 7'4", yeah, it does it.

Point 2, King Heavy, moving from swimbait to pitchin' stick???  

@blitzdr makes sense. Slower tapers are outstanding for close quarter, heavy duty apps. It’s crucial to distribute load across the blank on hard hooksets with short runs of line out. Prolongs life of the rod.

Posted by: @rise

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@blitzdr makes sense. Slower tapers are outstanding for close quarter, heavy duty apps. It’s crucial to distribute load across the blank on hard hooksets with short runs of line out. Prolongs life of the rod.

My original concern was sensitivy for strike detection.  I was afraid I wouldn't be able to feel a jig or worm being picked up by a bass.  Like so much of "what we knew to be right" or passed down from other anglers, it was wrong.  It's a combination of many things, watching the line while feeling for a bite and sensing a change in weight and other subtle hints.

@blitzdr Absolutely…and I have a feeling this rod could shine in that role. Give it a whirl and report back. 🤙🏼