[wolfgang]

I'm considering getting the 9' MH rated for 2-6 oz, but I don't intend to throw more than 4 oz + bait and would be using 3 oz the majority of the time. I'm hoping the sweet spot on the rod would be around 3-4 oz. My concern is that I have read some bad reviews on these rods...some with rods that snapped/broke, and a lot of negative comments about the quality of the guides. However, most of the reviews are from a few years ago. Has TICA resolved any of these issues are do the rods still have issues with the guides and breaking?

Thank you!

 

[lurebuilder]

I have one hat I have been fishing for several years with no problems at all. Just fished it this past week with 4nbait for several days. I like mine, its conventional

 

[George Gravier]

I fished the 12ft conventional for years when they first came out had a slosh 30 on it, caught a few cobia on that rod and couple nice drum never had an issue with guides etc although have friends of mine who have had issues with guides cracking/breaking. I wouldn't throw more than 6oz and bait with my 12 unless I was just gonna lob it out there. I still have a beat up 10ft conv that I still use for my stingsilver/snag rod and its all original never had an issue with it......geo

 

[JamesRiverVa]

I have a couple and have really liked both. I too read the reviews about the guides being a problem, but mine have done just fine. That being said, mine don't get super-heavy use. Not living on the coast I make it to the OBX about two weeks out of the year.

 

[wolfgang]

I have a couple and have really liked both. I too read the reviews about the guides being a problem, but mine have done just fine. That being said, mine don't get super-heavy use. Not living on the coast I make it to the OBX about two weeks out of the year.

Same here...I only surf fish about two weeks a year, three at the most...so it won't get heavy use. And I'm pretty good about taking care of my equipment...so it won't be abused. So I'm thinking it should hold up pretty well and last me a while.

 

[IPNURWATER]

I've had a few ticas no issues with breaking the rod or guides... The guides issues I had was keeping them clean.

 

[Orest]

I have a 12' heavy spinning and the 2nd or 3rd guide from the popped out and I glues it back in.

Had the tip slide on the van side, as I was packing up one day and the tip popped out when it hit the ground. Now I have to replace the tip.

 

[greg12345]

i have the 9 foot 1-3 for metals, so far so good with the guides after 1yr. good rod for the price IMO.

 

[spotsndots]

i too have the 9ft. 1-3. replaced tip top to a bigger size for a shocker knot. had the rod for 12 years now no problems still have original guides other than tip top.

 

[Fish'n Phil]

wolfgang,
I have that rod and it has worked out fine. I replaced the tip guide only because I had worn grooves in it. It's got a fast tip. Overrated...wouldn't throw 6. 3 to 4 would be about right.

 

[brewmiesterbuck]

I have an 11' heavy spinner and after about 3 years of use, needed to replace the guides. The guides developed cracks in them than would catch the line. I didn't want to take a chance with a large drum.

I had a rod building replace the whole set with Fuji Alconites. It's been perfect ever since.

 

[george76904]

I have used a few for many years all have diowa sealine x's on them, have broken one guide but that was not the rods fault. They work great!

 

[phillyguy]

For an extra $30 or so you can get the Tica Dolphin. Same blank, better guides and seat. I have the UEHA 9' 2-6oz and it is a really nice rod for 3-4 oz. Any more than that and your lobbing. And yes, in five years I have had to replace one cracked guide insert and the tip.

 

[wolfgang]

For an extra $30 or so you can get the Tica Dolphin. Same blank, better guides and seat. I have the UEHA 9' 2-6oz and it is a really nice rod for 3-4 oz. Any more than that and your lobbing. And yes, in five years I have had to replace one cracked guide insert and the tip.

I did decide to hold off on the UEHA because of concerns about the guides and put off the purchase of a Tica until I can afford a Dolphin. And I had BPS gift cards...and BPS doesn't carry Ticas. So I decided to go with one of the new BPS/Offshore Angler Breakwater rods. These are replacing the now discontinued BPS Power Stick series. The guy at the BPS said that these rods are basically the BPS version of the Penn Prevail and that Penn actually even makes the rods and uses the same blanks for both. Graphite rod, Fuji guides and Fuji reel seat...9' rated 1-4 oz. I paired it with a Penn Fierce II 5000 and had them spool it with 15lb. Ande Back Country line. It seems to be the perfect size reel for the rod. I may regret not getting the 10', but I wanted to try a 9'...and I already have two other 10 footers. The best part is that it did not cost me a penny out of pocket...all paid for with BPS gift cards.

 

[phillyguy]

check out digitaldagger.com, cheapest rod prices I've seen.