Evergreen International TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake Product Review

Enthusiast Review

Skip, Hop, Drop, Cut and Shake by Evergreen International

Date:	11/10/13
Tackle type:	Enthusiast
Manufacturer:	Evergreen International
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.0 - GOOD

Introduction: Over the last several years, we've combed through just about every stick in Evergreen International's Kaleido lineup. These are among the finest rods we've ever fished. But going through ALMOST every stick means there's still room for a few more. Today, we dive back into the Kaleido-scope and share with you our thoughts on the TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake.

Evergreen International TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake Specifications
Material	Proprietary Interwoven Graphite
Length	6'-1"
Line Wt.	3-8lb test
Lure Wt.	1/32 - 1/4oz
Pieces	1
Guides	8+ tip Fuji Ti/SiC
Power Rating	Ultra Light
Taper	Fast
Rod Weight	3.5 oz
Origin	Made in Japan
MSRP	70,350 JPY (~$720 but will fluctuate with the exchange rate)

The latest Evergreen Kaleido on our list, the TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake.

Quality/Construction: For the most part, production rods are imperfect beings. There are exceptions, but that is the general rule. The TKLS-61ULX is one of those exceptions. Ours was immaculate with not a drop of epoxy out of place, but then again, when you're spending over seventy thousand (70,000) Japanese Yen on a rod, there are high levels of expectations. Evergreen International is aware of these expectations and meets them head on.

Quality Ratings for Evergreen International TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake
Finish (1-5)	Grip (1-5)	Epoxy (1-5)	Blank (1-2)	Guides (1-2)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	5	5	2	2	19	19	10

All those different materials in the grip represent an opportunity for misalignment - but not on a stick from Evergreen International.

The rod itself benefits from the same blank construction as that of the other Kaleido rods and that's a high modulus blank wrapped with an interwoven graphite outer layer providing both a durable, and high performing stick. The blank above the graphics feels unfinished or if it is finished it is with a very thin, matte clear coat. The grip is predominantly cork with a few graphite and Eva foam accents. The blank is straight and the guides on our model are perfectly aligned.

Lab Results for Evergreen International TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake
Model	Avg RoD (1-32 oz)	Taper	Measured Weight (oz)	Balance Point (inches)	Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Evergreen International TKLS-61ULX Cut In Shake	3.40	Fast	3.5	7	0.10
Megabass F3-611XXS Drop Shot	2.90	X-Fast	5.3	5.5	0.15
TKLS-64LX Alley Oop	3.63	X-Fast	3.6	6	0.10
HCSS-64L Black Regius	2.75	Fast	3.3	6.5	0.11

Performance: The Cut In Shake is rated as an ultra light rod. Ninety percent of my first few years bass fishing were spent throwing hand poured finesse worms with an ultra light combo, so I was really excited to see what this stick was all about. I paired it with an Evergreen Opus Nero spooled with six pound Sunline Supernatural Monofilament.

Using an UL stick for black bass is a real thrill.

Casting: It's an interesting dichotomy that with casting gear, we're often left to wonder how light of a weight can one cast taking the upper end of a rod or reel's limits for granted. Yet with spinning gear, it's often the complete opposite - light baits are rarely a concern, but heavier baits often overburden a spinning combo.

The reel seat is made by Fuji.

For the TKLS-61ULX, this mind-set holds true. After all, with an ultra light spinning rod, the low end of a rod's casting range is rarely if ever a concern. I can easily cast an unweighted four inch finesse worm with this stick as well as baits that have a lot of drag in the air like hair jigs and other micro jigs. The upper end is where you have to be careful.

Detailing at the split rear grip.

This stick is rated up to one quarter ounce in lure weight. This is a safe upper end if this indeed is the total lure weight you're throwing. Keep in mind a quarter ounce darter or shakey head matched with a worm of choice is going to take you beyond that weight limit and while the Cut In Shake can handle it with a gentle lob cast, if you make over the head snap casts with your spinning gear, something like that with a total lure weight of over one quarter of an ounce is going to overload the rod.

The cross weave pattern on this rod extends only to the second guide.

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