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 |