Well, I thought I'd do a review of this rod which might help people out if they're looking for something similar.
Spod rods I've found generally are a massive pain in the arse, heavy as you like and mostly a beast of a thing, not no more.
Looking back at the rod I had previously to the new Shimano rod (Grey's XSM 13ft) I hated that thing. They eyes really peed me off (cheap) and just the weight of it in your hands. It was never enjoyable casting out decent beds of bait for hours at a time. After a lot of soul searching I finally took the plunge and went for it.
For me, this new Shimano 13ft Intensity rod is a game changer. With a midi/ medium spod it feels more like a fishing rod than a spod rod, it really is that light. It's agile and not a heavy beast that leaves your arms hanging off. So much so, I'd say it's a delight to use.
You might see the adds on YouTube about the rod, from what I've found they're all true, light, accurate and powerful. Never one to be suckered into the glossy adds, it all stacks up.
I've not cast the rod as far (13yds shorter than the XSM) as I've not really given it the beans, that's more to do with where I'm casting it to at the moment. I'm sure it's going to be just as capable, maybe more so once I truly get used to it.
Summary:
All in all, I'm really happy that I parted with my hard earned as unwilling as I was at first at buying such an expensive rod just to cast out bait. My cheapo Grey's rod is a capable rod, but as I've found, it really is an unpleasant tool to use for prolonged periods at 100yds plus; it's horrible in fact, whereas the Shimano is a literal joy to use.
Spod rods I've found generally are a massive pain in the arse, heavy as you like and mostly a beast of a thing, not no more.
Looking back at the rod I had previously to the new Shimano rod (Grey's XSM 13ft) I hated that thing. They eyes really peed me off (cheap) and just the weight of it in your hands. It was never enjoyable casting out decent beds of bait for hours at a time. After a lot of soul searching I finally took the plunge and went for it.
For me, this new Shimano 13ft Intensity rod is a game changer. With a midi/ medium spod it feels more like a fishing rod than a spod rod, it really is that light. It's agile and not a heavy beast that leaves your arms hanging off. So much so, I'd say it's a delight to use.
You might see the adds on YouTube about the rod, from what I've found they're all true, light, accurate and powerful. Never one to be suckered into the glossy adds, it all stacks up.
I've not cast the rod as far (13yds shorter than the XSM) as I've not really given it the beans, that's more to do with where I'm casting it to at the moment. I'm sure it's going to be just as capable, maybe more so once I truly get used to it.
Summary:
All in all, I'm really happy that I parted with my hard earned as unwilling as I was at first at buying such an expensive rod just to cast out bait. My cheapo Grey's rod is a capable rod, but as I've found, it really is an unpleasant tool to use for prolonged periods at 100yds plus; it's horrible in fact, whereas the Shimano is a literal joy to use.
In reply to Post #1
I'm so tempted, just got some 13ft tx2's but as you say its a lot of money, got to be much better than my 12ft greys spod.
I'm so tempted, just got some 13ft tx2's but as you say its a lot of money, got to be much better than my 12ft greys spod.
In reply to Post #1
Can I ask if you have any further thoughts on the shimano tx spod rod after a summers use? Did it prove as good as you thought on first purchase?
Do you still think it worth the money, I'm thinking of upgrading my spod set up and although expensive I really do like the idea of a lighter blank but concerned it might not be up to long term use.
Can I ask if you have any further thoughts on the shimano tx spod rod after a summers use? Did it prove as good as you thought on first purchase?
Do you still think it worth the money, I'm thinking of upgrading my spod set up and although expensive I really do like the idea of a lighter blank but concerned it might not be up to long term use.
In reply to Post #3
Hi Christian
Yeah, it's definitely worth th money. The rod has been used and abused and holds up well. I'm using a bait boat at the moment so I'm not using like I was.
Hi Christian
Yeah, it's definitely worth th money. The rod has been used and abused and holds up well. I'm using a bait boat at the moment so I'm not using like I was.
In reply to Post #4
good review - I've still got the og Greys Marker & Spod rods and they've never been brilliant . . .heavy, cumbersome and pain to use - I can rarely hit the same spots as my fishing rods at range which makes them a little useless. Bait boat is easier!
Was thinking about investing in a single / combi set for both marker and spomb - is this the one to go for then?
good review - I've still got the og Greys Marker & Spod rods and they've never been brilliant . . .heavy, cumbersome and pain to use - I can rarely hit the same spots as my fishing rods at range which makes them a little useless. Bait boat is easier!
Was thinking about investing in a single / combi set for both marker and spomb - is this the one to go for then?
In reply to Post #5
I'd say yes if you can stomach the cost. The rod is night and day in respect to that Grey's rod I had, which it should be. I believe the Shimano rod would serve you well 👍
I'd say yes if you can stomach the cost. The rod is night and day in respect to that Grey's rod I had, which it should be. I believe the Shimano rod would serve you well 👍
In reply to Post #6
. . .its kind of Hi-S SPM prices tho . . .!
. . .its kind of Hi-S SPM prices tho . . .!
In reply to Post #7
I just bumped the thread on the intensity tx 2.rods and found this thread... Now I'm wondering if I should get these or another make of Spod rod.?
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I just bumped the thread on the intensity tx 2.rods and found this thread... Now I'm wondering if I should get these or another make of Spod rod.?
?
In reply to Post #8
I ended up with a 13' Free Spirit S Lite SPM - cant compare it to the OPs Shimano but its a massive improvement over my last Spod & Marker rods and I now use it for both functions . . .spodding is waay easier and I can cast the marker beyond the horizon!
I ended up with a 13' Free Spirit S Lite SPM - cant compare it to the OPs Shimano but its a massive improvement over my last Spod & Marker rods and I now use it for both functions . . .spodding is waay easier and I can cast the marker beyond the horizon!