Pinnacle Perfecta fishing rod preview

Rod Preview

ICAST Preview: A Sneak Peek at Pinnacle’s new “Perfecta” Tournament Class rods (continued)

A closer look: The Perfecta rods feature a clean looking design with a matte blank, Pinnacle uses gloss on the split grip and the section right above the reel seat. Under the sun the details of the high density carbon tape can be seen and the rich emerald blue color is actually very attractive. Pinnacle makes use of a two part slow cutting epoxy finish to create this distinctive look. The rod’s intended applications are listed on the split grip making it easy to identify what rod is used for what in your rod locker, the implementation is subtle and doesn’t look cheap or gaudy.

A look at the extending swimbait rod

The rods make use of Fuji components including Fuji ACS reel seats on casting models and VSS reel seats on spinning versions. Both casting and spinning versions make use of Fuji Alconite new concept guides and the split grips feature AAA grade cork.

Under the sun the emerald blue finish of the Double Helical Construction is breathtaking

The most striking element on the rods are the machined aluminum winding checks, they are anodized and look fantastic wherever cork comes in contact with the blank. The large machined check above the reel seats provide a very nice transition and also improve the rods overall balance.

Extending the handle

Each rod features a foam butt at the end of the AAA cork rear grip

We weighed a number of the rods and the DHC5-701CAMH which is designed for jerkbaits, flukes, senkos and small jigs weighed in at a very respectable 4.2oz. while the DHC5-701SPML medium light spinning rod designed for finesse fishing tubes and drop shots weighed only 3.5oz. We also weighed the big 7’11” DHC5-7112CAHSB which has the extending handle and is used for heavy flipping and pitching, frogs and big swim baits up to 3oz., this rod weighed in at 6.5oz.

Spinning models make use of Fuji VSS real seats

The winding check on the spinning model

We have already caught a few fish on these new rods and though more time on the water is required for analysis we can already say with confidence that these are the best freshwater Pinnacle rods we have fished with to date. They balance out well and feel responsive and sensitive. The only thing we would have loved to see was SiC guides instead of Alconite but in true Pinnacle fashion the company is trying to make their offerings affordable for the complete range of anglers.

The blanks are matte in appearance above the lower section, the reduction of gloss helps minimize weight

For ultimate peace of mind each Perfecta rod comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that extends to the original owner of the rods with valid proof of purchase.

Pinnacle even uses small aluminum winding checks in the split grip section

Conclusion: So what will the new Perfecta rods retail for? Depending on which model the rods will retail for a very reasonable $159.99-$189.99. The new rods will be available shortly after ICAST and should pair nicely with Pinnacle's upcoming high end reel offerings. The company has told us that they will be introducing new reels in their “Tournament Class” family called the Optimus, Performa and Producer. Designs and specifications of these new reels is still unknown but if they look anything like the Perfecta rod series then Pinnacle is certainly making a move up the performance and refinement spectrum… these new products truly look and feel “Tournament Class.”