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Rod Review


Better the Second Time Around?  The iRod Genesis II IRG744C-MH

 

Date: 4/8/13
Tackle type: Lure
Manufacturer: iRod
Reviewer: Wolbugger






Total Score: 8.08 - GREAT

Introduction:
A few years back, well known west coast angler Matt Newman teamed up with several leading Bass pros and released the first generation iRod Genesis rods into the market.  The lineup featured technique specific actions and lengths, all while carrying a moderate price tag.  Seeking improvement over the original rods, the team at iRod recently revamped the series aiming for a higher level of refinement and quality.  The Genesis II lineup takes over where the original Genesis series left off, in hopes of offering anglers an improved bang for the buck value.  Does this new series hit the mark?  Having no experience with an iRod of any type, I was eager to find out what these rods were all about!

 

  iRod Genesis II IRG744C-MH Casting Rod Specifications

Material

30 ton graphite

Length

7'4”

Line Weight

10-18 lb

Lure Weight

1/4-3/4 ounces 

Action

Fast

Power Rating

Medium Heavy

Pieces

1

Guides

9+ tip Pacific Bay Minima

Rear grip length

10 inches

Rod Weight

4.7 ounces

Origin

China

MSRP

$149.99


Introducing the new and improved Genesis II series!
 

Impressions:  In hand the rod is comfortable to hold.  With a balancing point at 10.25 inches above the reel seat, it does feel slightly tip heavy but not excessively so like some sticks.  Once a reel is locked into place, it balances out very well and feels just fine.  These rods are also about 30% lighter on average than their Genesis predecessors.

 
The EVA foam grips are very ergonomic in terms of shape and size.

The handle is composed of split EVA foam grips.  The grips have a slight taper and flare to them, and are comfortable to grasp.  I am usually not a huge fan of foregrips on rods, but this one looks good and is small enough that you can easily reach over it and put a finger on the blank for added feel.  It's slight contour also makes it very ergonomic to place a finger on if need be.  The fore grip is connected to the reel seat hood, so twisting it will lock your reel into place.  The overall handle length is excellent for me and I found it unobtrusive to use whether casting or pitching.

 
The rod sports green trim rings and thread accents between the grips.

The reel seat itself is a 2 piece design.  This exposes a large section of the blank immediately under the reel, allowing for extra finger contact on the blank.  As with several rods on the market, the IRG744C-MH utilizes a smaller trigger than what is typically found on most rods.  I have to be honest here, I didn't like it at first glance but it turned out to be a non issue.  I'd still rather have a regular sized trigger for a bit more of a secure feel on those long casts, but it's definitely not a deal breaker.

 
The reel seat design allows for 1 or 2 fingers of blank contact.

Just above the fore grip you'll find a small hook keeper mounted on top of the blank.  The keeper is adjustable and can be laid flat on the blank when not in use, or flipped up when a bait needs to be secured.  While it still provides trouble free usage, I wonder about it's long term longevity.  While this is pure speculation, I have heard of anglers breaking this style keeper.  At any rate, it stayed free of the line during casting and pitching and did it's job when in transit.

 
The spiral pattern in the graphite has a very slight texture to it.

The blank of the Genesis II is exactly what I prefer.....simple, and left in a matte finish.  It's simplicity is only slightly disturbed by a very slight spiral texture to the blank, so it's not a totally smooth finish like most sticks.  Pacific Bay Minima guides are double footed, then change to single foot as you near the tip top.  Wraps are pretty clean and done in just a standard black color with no tipping or accent.

 
The first double footed Minima guide.  Note the ultra thin frame and insert these guides have.

While no quality control issues were noted as far as the actual craftsmanship of the rod goes, there were two features I wouldn't mind tweaking.  The first is that the rod butt features no cap at all.  From a looks standpoint, it gives the end of the rod an unfinished, cheapened appearance.  As far as functionality goes, there is no protection here and over the long term I could see the butt getting easily worn, especially if you are careless about setting the rod down hard on rough surfaces.

 
No end cap gives a somewhat cheapened look to the rod butt.

Second, are the guides.  The Pacific Bay Minima guides feature ultra thin frames and alconite inserts which are designed so that they cannot pop out.  While I didn't exactly beat the heck out of the rod, they don't possess a real quality look or feel.  They never proved to compromise the integrity of the line or fishability of the rod.

 
The last several Minima guides are single foot.

Lab Results for iRod Genesis II IRG744C-MH

Model

Avg RoD (2-32oz)

Taper

Measured Weight (oz)

Balance Point (inches)

Balancing Torque (ftlbs

iRod IRG744C-MH

1.61

Fast

4.7

10.25

0.24

TSFO 26 Rod Average

1.69

--

4.92

7.65

0.19

MBR842C GLX

1.99

Fast

4

8.5

--

MBR843C GLX

1.93

Fast

4.1

8.5

--

 
In the first chart, our Genesis II IRG744C-MH balances further up the rod than our comparable Loomis sticks, but it also measures 4” longer.  On the other hand, it's weight is slightly below our 26 rod average.  The deflection chart shows us that the iRod starts out stiffer than our comparison rods, but doesn't have the strongest backbone of the bunch.

Next Section: A Genesis on the water

 

   

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