powell 701 drop shot - fast vs extra fast??

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:16 am

benefits of fast vs extra fast?

planning on using it more for lake fishing (melones/pedro/camanche/tulloch/etc) vs delta

what would the 701 compare to in the St Croix or the G.Loomis lines?

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Tue Jan 31, 2006 9:51 pm

found some info from Cooch:

Action - "Action" is the measurement of deflection or flex (Parabolic bend) the rod exhibits under load, and more importantly, where that flex occurs along the length of the blank. "Extra Fast" actions concentrate more of the flex towards the tip. "Slow" actions distribute the flex progressively throughout the entire blank. Because there is no single, scientifically accurate measurement system accepted by the entire industry, not all actions are exactly alike. Crankin requires a slow to moderate action, you want that rod to have plenty of give when a bass grabs yer bait.

http://www.westernbass.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=20163

so is there an advantage to an extra fast action when drop shotting at deeper depths?

Triton Mike · Post by **Triton Mike** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 3:38 am

Mike, EX-Fast typically means a whippier tip. Fast means a slightly stiffer tip. That is just a simple comparison. I'm a BIG fan of the EX fast actions for dropshotting in open water applications and for smaller baits. Along with the rod being a very important part in dropshotting I think another cruicial key is using a fluorocarbon line to detect those subtle bites in deep water. Technically dropshotting is not a "FEEL" bite but more of a watch your rod tip load up type bite if that makes any sense. That reason alone is why I like the X Fast tips on my dropshot rods because it takes less pressure to load up a X Fast vs a Fast action rod. I have the 681 L EX Fast Powell Rod and it's a pretty good rod. But for heavier cover you might want to go with the Fast version. Typically the Fast action rod will be able to handle more weight as it pertains to the weight of your dropshot sinker.

Hope this helps.

T Mike

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:05 am

I looked carefully at Gary's rods a couple weeks ago. I was particularly impressed with both the 701 and 702 Ex-Fast spinning rods. They combine a very sensitive tip with an evenly loading mid section. The result is you get the sensitivity to detect subtle bites but you get better hooksets and the benefit of lots of rod loading for those better fish that tend to surge. Gary told me he actually develoed the 702 Ex-Fast for himself originally. It's a SWEEEET rod! Some guys might prefer a little lighter rod for dropshotting but I feel this rod is more versatile. It can certainly be used for dropshotting but it is also an excellent rod for darterheads or even light wire smallie type jigs that I throw at Oroville. I ordered 4 of the 702 Ex-Fast rods. If you are around Sacramento and would like to try one on Folsom, you're welcome to go out with me some time.

Sorry I can't compare with the other brands.

.....NaCl

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:33 am

It's a big help Mike, thanks

How would your 681 L EX match up with some of its competitors? Loomis is way out of my price range right now but Shimano Crucial and St Croix etc may still be options

Your point about the Fast version was regarding using a larger sinker to initially penetrate cover, where the fast version action compensates for the additional weight that you are carrying on the line?

Enjoyed your SpotShotting article, have read thru it acouple of times now, thanks for making it available

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:42 am

NaCl

Thanks for the info, I'm trying really hard to focus on a rod that would be a great dropshotter, but as a backseater its also really hard not to try to consider other things that the rod could do as well so that you get as much possible use out of the rod as possible.

I love throwing tubes and small craws but I'm trying to keep that out of my mind when considering this new rod purchase and keeping the blinders on - "must-only-consider-drop-shot..."

Thanks for the offer for a ride on Folsom, I'd love to get out with you, have never fished the lake before. Let me check my schedule and I'll ping you "soon"

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 1:37 pm

well, decided to go with the 701 L Extra Fast. Called Randy at Escalon Bait and Tackle, Powell says he has a shipment coming in this week that should contain a 701LEF. Anxiously awaiting, fishing Camanche this weekend and I'm thinking that I'll need it

thanks to everybody for the input