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Rod Review


Flipping Week : iRod's Bub Tosh Punch Rod! (continued)

Power: Back in 2010, we met up with Bub Tosh to get an on the water intro to this stick and an explanation that went into the rod's design. The point addressed specifically was the rod's power and taper. The video below will tell you everything you need to know.


The Man himself, Bub Tosh, introducing this stick on the CA Delta.

When it comes to punching, not only is the power in the rod important, but where along the rod's length you actually hit the power. There needs to be enough bend in the blank to keep the fish buttoned without ripping the hook out, yet not so much give that the fish can pull you down and shake free. As you might expect, the IRG7114P-H is pretty close to ideal in this regard.

Performance Ratings for iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod

Pitch (1-5)
Cast (1-5)
Sensitivity (1-5)
Hook Set (1-5)
Control (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
4
3.5
5
5
22.5
25
9.0


Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our IRG7114P-H against the average values of flipping sticks we've reviewed over the years. Note how this stick falls pretty much right in line with the average.

Features: The IRG7114P-H features a split rear grip made of a dense, Eva foam, Pac Bay Minima guides with zirconia inserts and stainless steel frames, a Fuji SK2 split reel seat, and a Fuji hook keeper mounted on the top side of the rod (an apparent change from the original Genesis models). This rod is not accompanied by a rod sleeve.


Certainly not as big as the Delta fish Bub Tosh manages to catch, but we'll take it.

Features Ratings for iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod

Grip (1-5)
Guides (1-5)
Reel Seat (1-5)
Hook Keeper (1-5)
Rod Sleeve (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
3.5
4
3
1
16.5
25
6.6

Design/Ergonomics: Any stick over seven feet six (7'6") is going to be a challenge ergonomically. It's difficult to gain the right median between balance and weight with a stick this long. The IRG7114P-H accomplishes this task about as well though. Coming in at a hair under five in a half ounces in total weight, it's really light for a rod of this length, and while the rod is tip heavy, it's far from being cumbersome. Unfortunately by the numbers, it's still below average in this respect to our accumulated data.


Detailing on these rods is relatively simple and clean and if you're a fan of lime green, even better.

Lab Results for iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod

Model
Avg RoD (2-32 oz)
Taper
Measured Weight (oz)
Balance Point (inches)
Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod
1.40
Mod-Fast
5.4
12
0.34
Flipping Rod Average
1.52
---
6.0
8.5
0.27

The foam grips are sculpted with subtle curves and fit my hand well. I dislike the "power humps" on some rods and this one does not have that feature. Instead, there are very small curves in the grips just enough to provide a firm grasping surface. The colors and graphics on this rod are simple and if you're a fan of lime green, even better.


A close look at the Fuji hook keeper.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod

Grip (1-5)
Colors / Graphics (1-5)
Balance (1-5)
Weight (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
4
2
4
15
20
7.5


This rod comes with a Fuji SK2 split reel seat.

Application: It's quite obvious the purpose for which this stick is built, but how well does it handle other applications? Thanks to its more moderate taper when under load, this stick could serve well for larger moving baits too if you're in a pinch for deck space. We're talking umbrella rigs, big baits, and even deep diving cranks. It wouldn't be our first choice for these techniques, but the stick can handle them if you're in a bind for extra rods.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod

Rip/Jerk (1-5)
Steady (1-5)
Lift & Drop (1-5)
Drag (1-5)
Twitch (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
2
4
5
5
3
19
25
7.6


Thinking about this rod? See one in the store? You better grab it because they're hard to keep in stock!

Ratings:

iRod IRG7114P-H Bub's Punch Rod Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality Simple, straightforward, and nicely crafted 8.95
Performance It does what it's designed to do and does so very well 9.0
Price During a time when quality rods are cresting $200, this stick is a great value 8
Features Basic and bare bones, but sometimes, that's all you need 6.6
Design (Ergonomics) A very comfortable stick to fish especially considering its length 7.5
Application An excellent punching stick but it can handle more... 7.6

Total Score

7.94
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
+ Nice combination of power and soft tip - The only minus I can think of for this stick is the difficulty of finding it in stock!
+ Surprisingly light for its length  
+ Excellent price point  

  

Conclusion: For those who have followed the evolution of flipping into punching, you're probably already familiar with the IRG7114P-H. Bub Tosh's success on the CA Delta with this technique is hardly a well kept secret, so his design input to this stick is invaluable and it shows in the product's final performance results.

 


For performance matching expectations and a price point that's far too easy to manage, Bub's Punch Rod by iRod easily wins our Best Value Award!

 

Add to the rod's performance score, that of its affordability, and it's no wonder this stick seems to constantly be on back order. We were finally fortunate enough to get our hands on one. For performance matching expectations and a price point that's far too easy to manage, Bub's Punch Rod by iRod easily wins our Best Value Award!

 

Looking for am iRod IRG7114P-H? Try one of these reputable sources:

 

Tackle Warehouse : Hi's Tackle Box Shop : Monster Fishing Tackle

 

 

   

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