ESP 7.5’ MedLt rod review

A while back I asked for opinions on a new Crappie Rod. I was wanting a 7 1/2’ MedLt Spinning rod
I bought the Norseman ESP rod. Now all dont like Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream, which is why they make both
I was a lil leary bout the rod butt extension and the rings that hold the reel on, but I knew about them beforehand so no suprises there. Was really curious about the Vibration Amplified Technology too!!
After recieving the rod from Grizzly Jig co, I was satisfied with the weight of the rodand the action was what I expected, but the handle is larger than I’m used too ��. Guess this to house the VAT technology.
I put a President 25 reel on it and was still suspicious of rings that hold reel on. Spooled it up with 4lb line
The rod cast really good with 1/16 and 1/8oz jigs. Caught mulligan mixture of Crappie 6”-15”. Crappie weren’t biting good, just lding up on the pole. Rod plenty sensitive.
The handle is far larger than any rod I have used, big enough to the point it is really noticable. And I aint no sonofagun on the reel rings. I stripped some Gorilla tape 3/8” wide and secured the rings
Overall its a good rod. I would greatly rather have conventional reel seat and I would prefer not to hav the butt extension. Maybe with the way the crappie were biting I cant give fair review on the VAT.
I probly wont buy another. The size of handle, reel rings, and to a point the butt extension are a deal breaker. But you can definately do worse than this rod but there are rods out there I would prefer
But its all about comparing chocolate and vanilla, and sometimes strawberry ice cream!!

Both I and my buddy have 6 UL RODS. I can speak for the both of us that those are the best rods I have ever put in my hand. They will load up a 1/32 oz jig and shoot it so pretty. I can only fault that you must be very careful with the tips, as I have broken a few.


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Originally Posted by KRW

The handle is far larger than any rod I have used, big enough to the point it is really noticable.

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Enormous handles are a trend in rod-making. It's not a good trend, IMO.

Thank you for your honest opinion, and you pointed out the pluses and minuses. I don’t think I would like a long handle for my stream wading, and I personally do like a fixed real seat. Each to their own on that personal like.
Bob

I have the 6' UL and love it. The big handle is great, I have a arthritis and gripping the smaller handles tends to cramp my hand. Use the rings and tape them after the reel is in place. The only complaint I have is the keeper is right where my finger lays when gripping the rod.

Thank you for your review, I too almost buy the 7’6 rod, not just for jig but mostly for bobbers. I was worried not about the sensitivity but the Tennessee reel seat type.


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Good reviews and input. I’d like to tell what went through my mind while I read. No handle or reel seat is forever and they can be changed out. If you like the action and feel of the blank, cut the handle off and put the ones on that you like . I’m no pro and have limited experience but having built a couple of rods this year I can say that it’s much easier than I thought it would be. You tube videos have all the education needed, and mudhole has all the components available on their site. Most are modular and epoxied into place and removal on a total rebuild I just finished only took about an hour. Just some input, I know how hard it is to find that rod that you reach for every time you go. I have a 6’6” lightning rod I’m about to start on maybe some videos to come.