iRod AIR IRA7104PRG-H Bub's Punch Rod Product Review

Rod Review

Bub's Punch Rod Levels Up : iRod AIR IRA7104PRG-H

Date:	7/29/19
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	iRod Fishing
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.00 + EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: It's been some time since we've visited with a product from iRod Fishing. Founder Matt Newman was recently in touch to share with us some new models added to both their Air and Genesis II lineups. Today, we take a look at a stick designed by Western Pro, Bub Tosh. Here is iRod Fishing's AIR IRA710PRG-H.

iRod AIR IRA7104PRG-H Specifications
Material	Diagonally reinforced 40 Ton graphite
Length	7'-10"
Line Wt.	15-25lb
Lure Wt.	3/8-1 1/2oz
Pieces	One
Guides	9+Tip - Fuji Alconite Semi-Micro, spiral wrapped left
Rear Handle Length	11
Power Rating	Heavy
Taper	Moderate
Rod Weight	5.8oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$249.99

Introducing iRod's AIR series IRA7104PRG-H - Bub's new Punch Rod

Impressions: I wasn't aware iRod Fishing already had a Bub Tosh branded stick in their AIR lineup (the IRA775C - a more "finesse" flipping stick). The last rod from this manufacturer I fished was back in 2014 with their IRG711P-H, the original Bub's Punch Rod. This new stick represents a refinement in every aspect over the original.

This reinforcement is on the lower part of the rod from its base to just above the handle assembly

For starters, it is in the AIR series not Genesis II, so it's built on a higher end blank. Second, it features a Fuji reel seat and Fuji Alconite guides. These guides are arranged in a spiral wrap (to the left) around the blank to optimize blank performance. The rod features a split rear grip made of EVA foam and has a relatively light, but powerful feel off the rod rack.

Guides on this stick are spiral wrapped to the left

Real World Tests: I paired the IRA7104PRG-H with a Lew's Pro-Ti SLP Speed Spool casting reel spooled with 14lb Sunline Shooter, slipped on a tungsten bullet weight and tied on a 4/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Heavy Cover Hook as a sort of generic setup to test both this new stick and some soft plastics I have on my list to fish and evaluate.

Success early on with this stick was a good omen

Casting: Of course, more so than actual casting, the intended presentation with the IRA7104PRG-H is a pitch or flip. I was curious to explore the rod's lower end capabilities. It's obvious from feeling the rod out that its high end lure rating is accurate (if not under rated), but the low end of three eighths of an ounce (3/8oz) had me curious. The tungsten weight I slipped on was about that eight so together with the hook and soft plastic bait, the setup was easily five eighths of an ounce or more. So while not at the extreme low end of the rod's rating, this was still below what I'd normally use on a setup like this.

Nice, clean detailing

The IRA7104PRG-H rod's tip loads and responds very well to low speed, kind of casual pitches and flips giving me a bit more feel than I had anticipated for accurate placement. I actually prefer a spiral guide configuration for flipping and pitching as well, so that only benefited the IRA7104PRG-H.

The Fuji ACS reel seat will turn some anglers off but not us

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