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Evergreen International's Super Stick : TKLC-71MHX
| Date: |
2/26/11 |
| Tackle type: |
Rod |
| Manufacturer: |
Evergreen International |
| Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 7.92 -
EDITOR'S CHOICE!
Introduction:
It's been almost a year since our introduction to Evergreen
International's latest top dog series, the Kaleido. Our first look into that series, TKLC-66MH Black Raven, became an instant favorite in our Search For One campaign and earned Ultimate Enthusiast honors. So intrigued were we with that stick that we've already queued up several others in this same series for a closer look. Next up? Another stick that qualifies in our Search For One, assuming your search is for an all purpose, heavy powered stick. Introducing Evergreen International's coveted TKLC-71MHX, The Super Stallion.
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Evergreen International TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion
Specifications |
|
Material |
Proprietary Interwoven Graphite
|
|
Length |
7'1" |
|
Line Wt. |
12 - 30lb |
|
Lure Wt. |
3/8 - 3oz. |
|
Pieces |
1 |
|
Guides |
8
Guides + Tip Top
(Fuji Ti/SiC) |
|
Power Rating |
Medium Heavy
|
|
Taper |
Extra Fast |
|
Rod Weight |
5.1 oz |
|
MSRP |
79,800 JPY (~$1,019) |
Impressions: Other than length and power,
there's not too much to distinguish the Super Stallion from our previously reviewed Black Raven. Evergreen International takes a relatively conservative route when it comes to adorning their sticks. For them, it's all about function.
Introducing Evergreen International's TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion.
The one bit of intrigue this stick does offer is it's a two piece
rod rather than a one piece. The handle separates from the main part of the
stick for ease of transport, a feature quite common in Japanese market bass rods over seven feet in length.
Don't let its conservative styling fool you, this stick packs a punch.
But let's not confuse conservative with boring. The Super Stallion has just enough very nice cosmetic touches to let you know you're not fishing with an ordinary, every day stick. Small trim pieces here, a carbon reel seat locking device there, and a painted reel seat all contribute to the Super Stallion's very sophisticated and refined feel. My only complaint? I had preferred an eva or hypalon grip to the cork.
Fig 1: This chart illustrates the deflection characteristics of the TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion (yellow) against all three category curves from our 2008 Swimbait Rod Wars. Note how the Super Stallion falls comfortably between our Finesse and All Purpose averages.
The Lab: Rated at up to three ounces in lure weight, we strapped the Super Stallion up to our RoD WRACK and compared its performance to that of our three swimbait stick categories. What we found is that it falls right between what we've classified as finesse big sticks and all purpose big bait rods.
Lab Results for Evergreen International TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion |
Model |
Avg RoD (2-48 oz) |
Taper |
Measured Weight (oz) |
Balance Point (inches) |
Balancing Torque (ftlbs) |
| Evergreen International TKLC-71MHX Super Stallion |
1.29 |
X-Fast |
5.1 |
6.5 |
0.15 |
| Big Stick Finesse Average |
1.46 |
-- |
6.5 |
7.83 |
|
| Big Stick All Purpose |
1.17 |
-- |
7.93 |
7.72 |
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The Super Stallion is very deceiving in this regard for when you pick it up, its light weight and good balance lull you into a false sense of this rod's capabilities. It feels every bit a heavy powered rod, but to handle baits in the two to three ounce class? Even its performance on our RoD WRACK left us skeptical
Up close, you can see it actually is very finely detailed.
Field Tests:
The Super Stallion has benefited from a very lengthy review cycle as I fished this stick for over a year before sitting down to write it up. It's travelled with me from Falcon Lake, Texas, to our local bass waters in Clear Lake and the Delta, to exotic destinations like the Amazon this past November, so I have a really good feeling for what this stick can handle.
At 7'1" in length it's rated up to 3 ounces in lure weight.
Casting: Well, what doubt I had in the Super Stallion's ability to handle baits in the two to three ounce class was quickly alleviated after tying on a nine inch MS Slammer and effecting the usual big bait lob cast. The Super Stallion handled that bait splendidly and soon I was whipping the mid-sized slammer on side arm casts as well. As noted in our March 2010 review on the MS Slammer, the nine-inch version of this bait is right around three ounces. The Super Stallion feels like it was made for this bait it handled it so well.
The range in lure weight is enabled by the stick's extra-fast taper.
This 9" MS Slammer was handled perfectly by the Super Stallion.
The upper end of this stick is rated very well as the next bait I tied on, the ~4oz Rago Baits Smoothie, was a bit much for this stick to handle. The Super Stallion can cast this bait if you employ a gentle lob cast, but anything more forceful and the rod is really overloaded. Stick to the rod's upper end rating and you'll do just fine.
As can be demonstrated by this fish!
While we don't recommend going above three ounces in lure weight, if you're careful, the Super Stallion can handle baits like Rago's Smoothie in a pinch.
Next Section: For more than just big baits  |
