Rapala Braid Concept

[Alex The Angler]

I'm looking at the 6-12kg Braid Concept, does anyone have any experience with them? Thinking of using it for snapper with the Lucanus jigs and maybe plastics aswell.

[revs57]

G'day Alex,

I have a 6-12kg braid concept and run a 460 penn slammer loaded with 15kg braid over it - its a nice rod - typically Japanese in its action - a slow taper blank that draws power through the length of the rod, almost parabola shape in power curve puling power back through the butt - I have monstered some very nice fish on it, although it doesn't really feel like you are in control as the action is very soft, you are.

I brought the rod primarily for soft plastic jigging in up to 60 mts with up to 1 1/2 oz jig heads, it does that well - heavier jigs will challenge it as the actions is quite soft so I'm not sure if its the best rod blank for lucanus work.

My preference is for a rod with a faster taper, a little more tippy and a bit more in the second stage mid section power area - but I'm not sorry I have it.

I have an egrell s10 but I think the S10bear would be a better alternative for lucanus work although you start to step up in dollars. but when you are looking in the $300 bracket, its not a lot more to get the right outfit.

An alternatives in the same market area of $300ish, The shimano T curve is worth a look, I'm eying off a 6-8kg T curve at the moment more for SP work than lucanus - I think the action is quite suited to your purpose. and wilson live fibres have a blades and tails that is worth checking out.

I have a 8-10kg Starlo Styx squidgy snapper heavy, its is in the $100plus range but would be a worthy contender for the kind of use you are suggesting and you'd get change?

I just feel the action on the Braid Concept may not be the best for your stated application, but what suits me for feel may not suit you.

In terms of quality and build, the bindings add a bit of bling so if you like that stuff you wont be disappointed - they are a very nicely put together rod and extremely tough - like I said I have monstered some very nice snapper, amberjack and kingies on mine - the rod performed exceptionally well - surprised me actually - very forgiving.

hope this helps

cheers

Rhys

[NIZ180]

In the latest Shimano catalogue there are 3 variations of the Tcurve Lucanus jig rods. They have a light, medium & heavy version both in spin & overhead. I would go have a play with them if your local has any in stock. I had a play with one of them & it felt very nice. The price was up around the $400 mark tho.

I also have a Rapala braid concept 6'6" o'head 10kg-20kg. Haven't used it yet but it feels very light for its line rating. The taper feels really slow & it bends right to the butt. Makes the rod feel more like a 10lb-20lb rod rather than the 10kg-20kg. I got the rod for a bargain so can't complain. I have tried getting more info on them but any info is scarce online. Can't even get a decent picture of the different rods let alone a decent review.

[Alex The Angler]

Thanks for the detailed reply Revs, had a look at the T-curve snapper, looks good but don't really want to spend more than $250 but I'll have another look at it. Just thought the Rapala looked a nice rod + I can get it for $225.
Thanks for the suggestion NIZ but the Lucanus rod is to exy for me.

[Alex The Angler]

I also have a Rapala braid concept 6'6" o'head 10kg-20kg. Haven't used it yet but it feels very light for its line rating. The taper feels really slow & it bends right to the butt. Makes the rod feel more like a 10lb-20lb rod rather than the 10kg-20kg. I got the rod for a bargain so can't complain. I have tried getting more info on them but any info is scarce online. Can't even get a decent picture of the different rods let alone a decent review.

Almost forgot about this bit, I reckon they are a bit generous with the line ratings on them. That would be OK for what I was thinking of using it for but I wouldn't call the o/head a 20kg rod.

[NormC]

Alex, I've got a Braid Concept 6 -12. I use a Diawa Saltist 30T on it with 30 lb braid. Mostly used for live baiting up north. I find it a great rod. Super action. Best fish on it so far is a 1.02 m Barra caught in NT.

[Swindells]

Good info, thanks for that.