Better
the Second Time Around? The iRod Genesis II IRG744C-MH
(continued)
 Real World Test:
The iRod accompanied me to several small lakes in south Florida. The rod was
used with reels from Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia spooled with a range of
lines from 14lb mono to 30lb braid. To thoroughly test the versatility, bottom
contact, mid range, and topwater baits were all used.

Wraps are simple and tidy.
Casting:
Casting the Genesis II IRG744C-MH is not only done with ease, but it's a lot of
fun too! The solid fast action and good balance combine for a very satisfying
experience. Something that I immediately noticed while both casting and fishing
was the crispness of the blank. Granted, this blank doesn't have the crispness
of a premium stick like an NRX, but it has a nice bit of pop to it. It
really helps the blank to react and dampens quickly during a casting motion.
The
fast, crisp action is really pleasing to fish with.
Perhaps it's due to my 6'3” stature, but I love longer rods. 7'0”
is about a minimum for me, with my preferred range of multi purpose sticks being
from 7'2” to 7'6”. As far as casting goes, the extra inches really
count when it comes to distance and line control. A shorter rod may be better
for close range pinpoint target casting, but after you fish a longer stick for
awhile you become accustomed to it and accuracy can match that of the shorter
sticks. This rod is accurate at all distances for me, and I really have a lot
of fun casting it.

The
7'4” length allows for great distance and line control.
The rated lure range of 1/4-3/4 ounces is pretty much spot on for
what I feel the rod is capable with. As a paddle tail swimbait junkie, I loved
it for throwing the small Berkley, Basstrix, and Keitech baits on 1/4 ounce
weighted swimbait hooks. It also makes a stellar 1/2 ounce jig rod, and the
extra length is really a key here in keeping excess line off the water and
aiding in long distance hook sets in deeper depths. I did max it out once with
some 3/4 ounce jigs and large trailers, and while it did fine, just like the
ratings indicate I wouldn't eagerly push it too far past that mark. Baits right
around the 1/2 ounce zone are really in the sweet spot for me.

I
kept the hook keeper in the up position most of the time and found it to never
be in the way.
Sensitivity:
The sensitivity of the Genesis II feels a bit above average. The 30 ton
graphite is quite responsive, and the fact that a coat of epoxy isn't slathered
on the blank keeps the sensitivity at a maximum. I was never left wishing for
more feel, especially when taking into consideration the modest price point.
This is a very satisfying rod in terms of sensitivity whether your choice is
monofilament or braid!

The
small trigger is immediately recognizable alongside one of standard size.
Power:
I
feel this rod doesn't lack power one bit. It's perfectly in line with it's
ratings, and possesses ample power throughout the blank. The butt section is
plenty strong and provides needed moving power if you really lean into it.
Application, Price, Warranty:
This rod is definitely one of the more versatile models you can have on your
rack. With a longer length and medium heavy power rating, it lends itself well
to an array of techniques. Jigs, Senkos, open water frogs, paddle tail
swimbaits, and light Carolina rigs are just a few that pop into mind.

Some of the minimal thread detail work can be found near the logo. The color
scheme here reminds me of a Powell Max.
With a bunch of manufacturers all bunched into the mid to upper $100 range,
picking out a stick can be a bit challenging. With grin-inducing performance
and a pleasing build quality, at an MSRP of $149.99 the Genesis II IRG744C-MH
is a solid value.
Genesis II rods carry a lifetime warranty. If the rod breaks due to a
manufacturing defect, it will be replaced at no charge. If the rod breaks for
any other reason, a no questions asked $50 fee will apply, plus the cost of
shipping.
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
iRod Genesis
II IRG744C-MH Casting Rod
Ratings
(?/10)
|
Construction/Quality |
Clean
build
quality
with no
sloppiness
evident. |
9 |
Performance |
This
stick is
a solid
performer
and
boasts
above
average
sensitivity. |
8 |
Price |
For
$149.99
the
physical
product
is about
what
you'd
expect,
but the
nice
sensitivity
bumps up
the
score
slightly. |
7.5 |
Features |
A simple
stick
overall.
Nice
attributes
include
the 2
piece
reel
seat and
adjustable
hook
keeper.
The rod
needs a
butt
cap and
would
look
much
more
refined
if it
did
possesses
one |
7.5 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
This is
a
comfortable
rod to
use.
Nice to
hold,
with
very
good
balance
with a
reel and
the
handle
length
is spot
on. |
8.5 |
Application |
A very
versatile
stick
that
covers a
broad
range of
tactics. |
8 |
Total
Score
|
8.08 |
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
|
+
Sensitivity |
- No
butt end
cap |
+ Blank
action/crispness |
|
+
Comfortable
to
hold/fish |
|
+
Distinct
styling |
|
+
Affordable
price |
|
Conclusion:
The IRG744C-MH has proven itself a worthy competitor in the mid range price
category. I've said it before....it's a crowded price point, and if your stick
doesn't have an edge it will quickly be lost in the mix. While the Genesis II
doesn't have a super unique appearance, the fact that it performs above average
helps set it apart.

A
dark pond Bass was no match for the Genesis II.
Matt Newman and the team at iRod certainly produce a winning stick
that can be appreciated by a hardcore tournament angler or a tackle junkie like
myself. If you are seeking a strong value in your next casting rod and don't
require much bling associated with it, without a doubt this one should be
considered. It's a simple rod that simply performs!
Looking for a iRod
Genesis II Rod? Try
Tackle Warehouse
 |