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CB
Rod Wars Part 13: Taking care of business with the Falcon Rods T7 “Deep Runner”
| Date: |
9/22/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Rod |
| Manufacturer: |
Falcon |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.16 -
BEST VALUE AWARD!
Introduction:
While some cranking rods
offer plenty of flash and no dash the Falcon Cara T7 Deep Runner while not
ostentatious in appearance delivers exactly what it is designed to do with
confidence. This American made rod blends custom rod design with quality Fuji
components for a cranking stick intended to tackle the depths with confidence.
|
Falcon
Cara
Reaction
"Deep
Runner"
CCB-5-173DR
Specifications
|
|
Material |
F120X Blank
- High
Modulus
Graphite |
|
Length |
7'3" |
|
Line Wt. |
12 - 20lb |
|
Lure Wt. |
3/8 -
3/4oz. |
|
Pieces |
1 |
|
Guides |
9 Guides + Tip Top
(Fuji
Alconite) |
|
Power Rating |
Medium
Heavy |
|
Taper |
MS |
|
Rod Weight |
4.7 oz |
|
Origin |
U.S.A. |
|
MSRP |
$199.99 |
Impressions:
It has been a long time since we have tested and reviewed a product from this
U.S. based rod company. The last rod we tested from Falcon was a previous
generation Cara rod, the CC-5-1610MH, which we found to be a “solid value and an
excellent choice for budget minded anglers or those looking for their first
entry into the middle end of the market.” This season with the “Year of the
Crank” we turn our attention to the Cara series once again. Since that previous
review in 2005 the Cara series has greatly advanced and is now split into a
number of different categories including: casting, spinning, reaction and
peacock bass casting rods. Some of these rods feature split grips while others
make use of more traditional solid grips, all feature quality Grade A cork and
Fuji components.
Falcon fans are among the most
brand loyal and we can see why, the rods are built with the attention to detail
you would expect from a US based custom rod builder
The Cara T7 Reaction
series is made up of thirteen rods that address moving baits ranging from
shallow running crankbaits to swimbaits. They are designed to be lighter in
weight yet offer plenty of muscle for cranking large lures, the slower actions
help anglers keep fish pinned on treble hooks all the way back to the boat.
Falcon uses Fuji ACS reel seats on
the Cara Reaction T7 rods
The Cara series has
advanced greatly over the last few seasons and the new T7 rods make use of a
high modulus graphite blank that offers both sensitivity and power. There are a
lot of cranking rods in the lineup including a shallow bait cranker, a composite
cranker which blends fiberglass with graphite, and even the “shoal cranker”
which is designed specifically for the Fall when long casts are necessary with
light line and small shad styled baits. For our review we look at the opposite
end of the spectrum and test the “Deep Runner” which is a tournament ready rod
that is designed to toss deep diving cranks like my personal favorite, the
Norman DD22.
The Shimano Curado E5 was a great
match in terms of balance and cosmetics
Some
Falcon Cara Reaction rods make use of a split grip but the Deep Runner features
a complete grip. When it comes to cranking I don’t really have a preference, but
the full grip does make it easier to make two handed casts with big baits. The
Falcon Cara T7 Deep Runner utilizes a Fuji ACS reel seat which helps give the
rod a slightly more aggressive look.
Falcon finishes the rod with
composite cork
The
company sticks to tradition and adds a cork foregrip to the rod which we would
later find actually helps balance this rod out a bit. The end of the grip is
finished with a cork composite butt. Green threading is used on the rod and
contrasts nicely with the graphite blank. The lower section with the company’s
logos and rod information is coated with a thick layer of gloss but the entire
upper section is just plain graphite, something I personally really like both
cosmetically and when it comes to weight reduction and improved sensitivity.
Overall the Deep Runner looks somewhat conservative in appearance,
nothing too fancy here just a straightforward layout that spells business.
Next
Section: On to the Lab Tests
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