Nonetheless, when their first line of rods debuted, the Carrot Stix LTX, E21 stayed true to the product’s name by keeping the orange motif that garnered so much attention at ICAST. Unfortunately, not only was their name not original (“LTX” was already being used by another manufacturer), but because this alleged "bio-fiber" was now a mystery, we questioned whether or not they simply went back to traditional graphite for the blank.

The 21CRG781H-F-SBC is rated for baits from one to three ounces...

We had some of the first generation Carrot Stix LTX rods in for review, but just before we began to write them up in Q1 of 2008, we came to find the product that was shipped to us were late model prototypes – close to production models, but still not there. It is our policy not to review rod and reel prototypes because so much can change prior to a product’s actual release. So we waited for the promised replacements. As the delays grew, several times we were set to just purchase a rod or two outright to complete our review, but each time we'd receive a message that replacements were en-route from the manufacturer.

... features a split reel seat ...

Finally we were sent their 21 Carrot Gold Stix rods for evaluation a full year and a half later. Then, amidst our field tests, and actually with a review pending, Boyd Duckett made the announcement regarding his resignation from e21 citing differences in blank materials, components, etc. between what he was fishing and what was offered to the public. True statements or a simply a disgruntled former prostaffer? Difficult to say and really, something best left between e21 and Mr. Duckett.

... chromed, stainless steel guides with TiCH coated rings ...

So how do we get past all this turmoil and find out more about the actual product? Was our review of the 21CRG701M-M-C as part of our Crankbait Rod Wars enough for you? How about taking a closer look at the second of two rods sent to us for evaluation, the 21CRG781H-F-SBC Swimbait Stick, and actually fishing with it for a second TT Editor's opinion?

... and an open ended hook keeper ...

The e21 21 Carrot Gold Stix line of rods were formerly in the middle of a three series lineup that also included the base model Carrot Stix LTX and top of the line e21 Duckett Classic Gold Carrot Stix. A visit to the company's website reveals the Duckett series has since been discontinued, and on e21's website, the company still claims to be using “Advanced NANO CARROT FIBER Technology” in their blanks. Yet we were told two years ago, that this was no longer the case. Perhaps things have changed? Naturally, we have no real method of validating or invalidating their claim, but we remain skeptical.

Lab Tests: Nevertheless, to see what the 21CRG781H-F-SBC had in it, we strapped it to our RoD WRACK and compared it to the legion of rods we had in for last year's Swimbait Rod Wars.

Fig. 1 : This RoD Deflection Chart shows the deflection characteristics of the e21 21CRG781H-F-SBC against the "All Purpose" average curve from our Swimbait Rod Wars. Also charted here are the Dobyns Rods, Generation 1, 795ML and the G.Loomis SWBR955C.

What we found was despite the 21CRG781H-F-SBC’s rather conservative lure rating of one to three ounces (1-3 oz), it falls right in line with our previously reviewed Dobyns Generation 1 795ML and G.Loomis SWBR955C in terms of deflection which means it is just above our average RoD curve for the “All Purpose” type swimbait rods as tested during our 2008 Swimbait Rod Wars.

Rated as a fast tapered rod, we felt it had closer to a moderate fast taper.