Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF Product Review #depsrod #depsgainelement

Enthusiast Review

Delivering Versatility with Power, the Deps GE-74HRF Gain Element Rod

Date:	5/12/25
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Deps
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.92 - GOOD

Introduction: When bass anglers discuss the Japanese manufacturer, Deps, topics usually center around the company's diverse catalog of baits, from the renowned Slide Swimmer to the lesser known soft plastics and even bladed baits. Though Deps has been building them for a long time to sell in their local, domestic market, rarely discussed are their many series of bass rods. This is because, as mentioned, up until now, the rods were only available in Japan. This has changed. There is now a small selection of sticks to be had in North America. Today, we take a look at a stick in the more affordable Gain Element Series.

Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF Specifications
Material	Blend of 24T, 30T & 40T carbon
Length	7'-4"
Line Wt.	12-25lb
Lure Wt.	3/8- 2 1/2oz
Pieces	Two (Separates at Handle)
Guides	11+tip Fuji Corrosion Control SS/SiC micro
Rear Handle Length	10.5"
Power Rating	Heavy
Taper	Reg-Fast
Rod Weight	4.8oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$500

Introducing the Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF

Impressions: Ok, when I say "more affordable" I'm referring to a rod in the ~$500 series versus one in the ~$700 series. The specific rod in question is the GE-74HRF, a seven foot, four inch (7'-4") casting rod rated for between three eighths to two and half ounce (3/8 - 2 1/2 oz) baits. The stick is in two pieces (separates at the handle) and has a regular-fast taper. It is on the fringe of that so-called magic-spec I often refer to with JDM rods that have a similar lure rating, but that are usually shorter in length (~7'-0").

Note the sculpted cork grip

For a JDM stick, the GE-74HRF is rather understated with the only hint of something different being in the shape of the handle and logo placement just above the reel seat locking mechanism underneath the very minimalist foregrip. Were it not for the Deps badge at the end of the rod, I'd have though this were a domestic offering.

But lacking are the traditional detail touches found in most JDM sticks

Real World Tests: I paired the GE-74HRF with my old school, Daiwa Deps ZDV Zillion, a reel that manages to find its way back onto the boat every four or five years or so, now sporting a new, longer handle made out of carbon (I believe it's a Gomexus handle). I spooled the ZDV with some Seaguar Smackdown in grey and topped the braid with a leader of 30lb Sunline Saltimate nylon leader material using an Albright knot for the connection.

Banking on that Deps on Deps mojo

Casting: Initial duties with this combo was in support of slinging the Donkey Slayer. For those still unfamiliar with this bait, it's an oversized bladed jig, hand built in Northern California by a fellow by the name of John Vano (Metalflakemarvin on IG - click on the italic text above for Zander's article) to which it is an ideal match. However, after a few casts, as I looked down at my other combos I realized, I had a Deps BullFlat bait tied onto something else. What was I thinking?

The GE-74HRF is a two piece stick separating at the handle

Insert this section into the handle and ...

I quickly remedied this oversight by sitting down and retying both combos. So, for the record, I went from a one point six ounce (1.6oz) Donkey Slayer bait combo to a two point two ounce (2.2oz) Deps BullFlat bait combo (rigged with an Owner Flashy Swimmer). The latter bait combo is near the limit of the GE-74HR's recommended lure rating (max of 2.5 oz) which probably explains why I didn't tie it to this combo in the first place. However, when it dawned on me I had the potential for a rod, reel, bait, brand on brand mojo, well, I just had to take advantage. It is, afterall, the TackleTour way.

Ready to go!

Upon reflection, when I mentioned that the Donkey Slayer bait combo felt ideal on the GE-74HRF, it makes perfect sense because its weight was right in the middle of the rod's lure rating. Casting and pitching that bait was really effortless. With the heavier Deps BullFlat bait combo, I definitely felt a difference during the back cast on both casting and pitching. It wasn't as if the rod felt overloaded, it was just more noticeable telling me that the sweetspot for this stick is under two ounces.

Guides are SS framed with SiC inserts

However, they are micro-sized

The only other thing I noticed, casting wise, was I found the rear handle just a hair short for my liking, but that's because I always cast with two hands these days and an eleven to twelve inch handle is my preference. For one handed casts, and pitching, that ten and a half inch (10.5") rear handle on the GE-74HRF is fine. If you fish from a kayak, it's likely ideal.

The blank, above the first guide is left unfinished (but sanded)

Next: Sensitivity and Power at a Price