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Rod Review

 

It's Legit - ARK Fishing International's Glide Bait Stick (continued)

 

Power: I found the IVT710GS to have ample power to set on both subsurface and surface baits within its rated range. It has a nice power curve that leans more moderate than fast (it's rated mod-fast) and perfect, really, for treble hooked baits. I didn't get a chance to fish it before sitting down to write this article, but this stick's sibling, the IVT710SB, as the Deflection Chart above and Lab Results Matrix further down in the article will show, is decidedly more stout and it would seem targeted towards soft baits (judging from its rated taper - fast).


Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour IVT710GS (red) and IVT710SB (magenta) against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty plus years

Design & Ergonomics: ARK's Invoker Tour IVT710GS is the right length, has the proper sized handle, weight, balance, and even has proper sized guides for slinging big baits. The one thing that would have set it over the top for me is if the guides came wrapped spiral (to the left), but then I'd probably be the only one buying the stick if they did. Our Editor-in-chief, Zander, personally dislikes spiral wrapped sticks and doesn't find the performance is worth the funky look of the acid wrap.


Checking out the taper

He's definitely in the majority as most bass fishing consumers cannot wrap their head around the spiral (pun intended). Actually, I'd also prefer if it were two to four inches shorter so it would more easily fit in my rod locker, but again this is a personal gripe as most bass boats these days can easily accommodate 8 foot rods. Otherwise, this is really a no-nonsense, tastefully appointed, properly weighted and balanced rod for slinging baits up to 4oz in weight.

Lab Results for ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour IVT710GS

Model
Avg RoD
Taper
Measured Weight (oz)
Balance Point (inches)
Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour IVT710GS
1.86
Mod Fast
5.2
7
0.20
ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour IVT710SB
0.82
Fast
6.4
8.5
0.28
Finesse SB Rod Avg
1.65
--
6.0
9.5
0.29
All Purpose SB Rod Avg
1.28
--
6.8
8.5
0.29
Heavy Hitters SB Rod Avg
0.95
--
7.7
10.2
0.44


Wait, what? Name brand guides?

Price & Applications: ARK Fishing Internationals revamped Invoker Tour series is offered at the family price of $159.99 per stick. That means you pay the same price for the 6'-8" casting rod as you do the 7'-11". With some manufacturers that price varies depending on length. As for application, the IVT710GS is suitable for both subsurface and surface baits within its rated lure range meaning it's not just for glides, but works well with wake baits (e.g. rats) and crankdowns too.


ARK's Invoker Tour series is family priced at $159.99

Ratings:

ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour IVT710GS Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality They're not overly fancy, but ARK's builds are usually clean as was this stick 8
Performance This stick really surprised me with how well it performed with big baits 9
Price A very accessible price point 8
Features Name brand guides, solid performing blank, and a hook keeper! 7.5
Design (Ergonomics) Right sized handle, weight, balance, and the right taper 9
Application For baits up to four ounces in weight, this stick can handle it 8

Total Score

8.25
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

 

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus

Minus
+ Very capable caster - Maybe not the most fancy rod but it gets the job done and is priced right
+ Ideal taper for treble hooked big baits - Conventionally Wrap Guides if your into that sort of thing (Zander views the conventional wrap as a plus)
+ Right sized handle, weight, balance  
+ Name brand Fuji guides  

 

Conclusion: ARK Fishing International hit almost every check mark on my list of requirements in a big bait stick with the IVT710GS. Granted, this stick is only rated up to 4oz in lure weight, so the hurdle is easier to clear, but that's ok because some of my favorite baits to sling don't weigh more than that.

 


The stick just works, and best of all, you don't have to sell off your favorite lures to acquire one.

 

With the IVT710GS, I don't have to worry that my connection knot is too big because the guides are properly sized. I don't feel restricted in casting because the handle is the right length. I don't have to give presentation a second thought because the blank loads and unloads predictably. The stick just works, and best of all, you don't have to sell off your favorite swimbaits to acquire one - it is priced right.

 

Looking for an ARK Fishing 24 Invoker Tour rod?

Try TackleWarehouse


 

   

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