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ICAST Preview: A Sneak Peek at Pinnacle’s new
“Perfecta” Tournament Class rods (continued)
  A
closer look:
The Perfecta rods feature a clean looking design with a matte blank, Pinnacle
uses gloss on the split grip and the section right above the reel seat. Under
the sun the details of the high density carbon tape can be seen and the rich
emerald blue color is actually very attractive. Pinnacle makes use of a two part
slow cutting epoxy finish to create this distinctive look. The rod’s intended
applications are listed on the split grip making it easy to identify what rod is
used for what in your rod locker, the implementation is subtle and doesn’t look
cheap or gaudy.
A look at the extending swimbait
rod
The rods make use of Fuji
components including Fuji ACS reel seats on casting models and VSS reel seats on
spinning versions. Both casting and spinning versions make use of Fuji Alconite
new concept guides and the split grips feature AAA grade cork.
Under the sun the emerald blue
finish of the Double Helical Construction is breathtaking
The most striking element
on the rods are the machined aluminum winding checks, they are anodized and look
fantastic wherever cork comes in contact with the blank. The large machined
check above the reel seats provide a very nice transition and also improve the
rods overall balance.
Extending the handle
Each rod features a foam butt at
the end of the AAA cork rear grip
We weighed a number of the
rods and the DHC5-701CAMH which is designed for jerkbaits, flukes, senkos and
small jigs weighed in at a very respectable 4.2oz. while the DHC5-701SPML medium
light spinning rod designed for finesse fishing tubes and drop shots weighed
only 3.5oz. We also weighed the big 7’11” DHC5-7112CAHSB which has the extending
handle and is used for heavy flipping and pitching, frogs and big swim baits up
to 3oz., this rod weighed in at 6.5oz.
Spinning models make use of Fuji
VSS real seats
The winding check on the spinning
model
We have already caught a
few fish on these new rods and though more time on the water is required for
analysis we can already say with confidence that these are the best freshwater
Pinnacle rods we have fished with to date. They balance out well and feel
responsive and sensitive. The only thing we would have loved to see was SiC
guides instead of Alconite but in true Pinnacle fashion the company is trying to
make their offerings affordable for the complete range of anglers.
The blanks are matte in appearance
above the lower section, the reduction of gloss helps minimize weight
For ultimate peace of mind
each Perfecta rod comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that extends to the
original owner of the rods with valid proof of purchase.
Pinnacle even uses small aluminum
winding checks in the split grip section
Conclusion:
So what will the new Perfecta rods retail for? Depending on which model the rods
will retail for a very reasonable $159.99-$189.99. The new rods will be
available shortly after ICAST and should pair nicely with Pinnacle's upcoming
high end reel offerings. The company has told us that they will be introducing
new reels in their “Tournament Class” family called the Optimus, Performa and
Producer. Designs and specifications of these new reels is still unknown but if
they look anything like the Perfecta rod series then Pinnacle is certainly
making a move up the performance and refinement spectrum… these new products
truly look and feel “Tournament Class.”
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