Hello from Canada - HUGE gear enthusiast

The Maximums are definitely worth testing out. I’ve got 4 models in rotation right now and the only one I need more time with is “The Maxx”. On paper, it’s completely different than in hand. It’s leaning towards moving baits and is a great example of that JDM dual taper. 

I actually own a pair of Smiths. 
The Bait Finesse Special and the Cover Penetrator, both from the Tourlier V Spec series. Stunning in hand and very different from other JDM builds when it comes to the details. Pics don’t do them justice, but I can try…😬

@hkbasser just wanted to upload a few pics of the Smiths for ya. Might be hard to see in the pics, but there is a mixture of purple, orange and red flake in the butt section wraps that is just incredibly beautiful in person. The winding checks are very cool too. Just hard 90° edges on each of the rings versus tapered that you see on so many other rods

@hkbasser here are a couple of the rare USDM sticks I was talking about. Look up Ken Whiting (Airrus Rods). Airrus was an American company (since sold to an Italian acquisition company I believe) and Ken was seriously ahead of his time. Unfortunately, he passed before he got to finish up some other things he had on the table, but what he did bring to the industry was very impressive in my eyes and aside from a couple of Phenix UMBX Rods that are of sentimental value, these are the only American sticks I still own. I have four of these Puls-R’s (3 of the 6’6” ex-fast tapers and one of the 6’9” fast taper), a composite cranking rod he designed and a couple of other models. The Puls-R is an incredibly sensitive rod, with some very cool technology behind it. The handles/main grip were actually built by/subcontracted out to a cutting edge golf club manufacturer back in the day. This was the first implementation of the “megaphone” affect. Done long before the monocoque handles of Jackall/Shimano. 

Wow!!!!  Amazing rods.  I'm especially impressed by those Airrus rods.  It just goes to show the US used to be the hub for bass fishing innovation.  Those monocoque handles are absolutely Poison-esque.  The Smith rods are also beautiful.  You have some incredible stuff, thanks for sharing.  I need to read up on these Airrus rods for sure.