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

Enthusiast Review

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

Sensitivity: Given the GE-74HRF's taper, I feel like this is a stick built more for moving baits rather than vertical presentations. As such, I'd qualify its sensitivity as good enough. If you're determined to fish jigs and Texas rigged soft plastics with this stick (techniques for which it is perfectly capable), I'd suggest the use of braid or fluorocarbon (or a combo there of) to enhance sensitivity. Fished in this manner, with the proper line, and there zero issues with the GE-74HRF's sensitivity. Just don't expect a super crisp, hyper sensitive rod. I only point this out because at the rod's price point, many will have that expectation. The GE-74HRF is simply built for a different purpose.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty plus years

Power: The thing I really like about JDM sticks with the so called "magic spec" is the power behind each swing for a hookset and the GE-74HR is no exception. This stick has good power, but because it's longer than sticks like the Black Rose, Deadsword, and Dire Wolf, that power is not quite as immediate. However, what you gain with that additional length is a longer, smoother bend through the length of the rod once a fish is hooked. The GE-74HR is a very powerful stick.

Checking out that taper

Design & Ergonomics: For all its power, the GE-74HRF tipped our scales at only four point eight ounces (4.8oz) with a balance point located eight and a half inches (8.5") above the midline of the reel seat. When it comes to building light sticks with good balance, JDM manufacturers just know how to get it done and Deps is included in that company - at least with the Gain Element rods. I seem to recall my Deps Huge Contact stick being quite the opposite which is why I rarely fished it.

Lab Results for Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF
Model	Avg RoD	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF	1.43	Reg-Fast	4.8	8.5	0.20
Heavy Power Avg	1.39	--	5.1	8.2	0.23
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

What makes the fact the GE-74HR has relatively good balance interesting is that the rear handle is still relatively short. If that handle were twelve inches instead of ten and a half, this stick would likely float in your hand. Nevertheless, it is comfortable stick to fish.

There is a foregrip, but it mostly serves as a decorative element to cap off the handle

I should point out that the guides are Fuji, stainless steel framed with SiC inserts and micro-sized or at least micro-ish. I forgot about this until looking back the rod during this write-up. That's a good thing because it means my connection knot didn't cause any issues through the guides.

One last look at that Deps on Deps combo

If I have any qualms about this stick it might just be that it does not feel very "JDM." While the build and detailing are clean, it feels a little generic and lacks that super refined mystique a lot of the JDM rods carry. I'm sure this will be a big plus to many and it's certainly not something that should deter anyone from the purchase. It's just an observation.

The GE-74HRF retails for $500

Price & Applications: As mentioned earlier, the Gain Element fishing rod series from Deps is the more affordable of two currently in North America. Rods in the Sidewinder series range from $650 - $850 retail. The GE-74HRF specifically retails for $500, so, like most things, "affordable" is relative. If you decide to take the plunge, this stick is suitable for a variety of techniques but to me, feels most at home with a moving bait. I think it's an ideal stick for oversized vibrating jigs like the Donkey Slayer bladed jig. It feels like a non-glass version of the vaunted Evergreen International Heracles HCSC-73HG Leopard. Otherwise, baits like Deps's own Slide Swimmer 175 or similarly sized, hard bodied big baits will be fine as would be paddletails and oversized soft plastics like the larger sized Deps's Bull Flat. With its ability to handle baits up to two and a half ounces in weight, the GE-74HRF would also make an excellent mini-punch stick.

Ratings:

Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	Very clean build but lacks some of the enthusiast cosmetic elements of other high end JDM sticks	9
Performance	Excellent all around from casting to power although average in sensitivity	8
Price	JDM always comes with a hefty price, but at least it's available Stateside	6.5
Features	Separates at the handle for easy transport and storage, high quality components	7.5
Design (Ergonomics)	Light with good balance despite its power	8.0
Application	A contender in that space of heavy to extra-heavy powered sticks that can handle a wide variety of techniques from heavy bladed jigs to punching	8.5
Total Score		7.92
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 versatile XXH powered stick	- No hook keeper (par for the course for a JDM rod though)
+ Lure rating is wide	- Build is a little generic for a JDM stick
+ Good length for North American bass fishing
+ Separates at handle, but fishes like a one piece stick

Conclusion: I was quite surprised and relieved to finally see some Deps sticks show up on the pages of TackleWarehouse. While the Gains Element GE-74HRF lacks a bit of that JDM mystique I enjoy, the rod performs up to expectations. It is a power and length combo that is gaining popularity and serving an emerging bait category characterized by lures heavier than conventional, yet lighter than big.

If you're seeking a stick with a blend of power and versatility, Deps's Gain Element GE-74HRF should be near or at the top of your list

With attention to line and leader choices, it can handle vertical and horizontal bait presentations with equal ease and can used for techniques that are out in open water or up close in dense cover. If you're an enthusiast seeking a JDM stick with a blend of power and versatility that is well suited for domestic angling applications the Deps's Gain Element GE-74HRF should be near or at the top of your list.

Looking for a Deps Gain Element GE-74HRF?

Try TackleWarehouse