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Enthusiast Review


What a Difference The Blank Makes: The Nories Road Runner Voice 680H
 

Date: 7/23/07
Tackle type: Rod
Manufacturer: Nories
Reviewer: Cal






Total Score: 8.50

 

Introduction: In our 2006 Supercast Shootout of exotic, Japanese Domestic Market rods, there was one participant who was severely outmatched by the competition. We came to find out, during the course of the shootout and during concurrent research on the rod, that there was a reason for this. The rod in question, the Nories Road Runner Voice HB680M was really a rod intended for moving baits and not the all purpose champion for which we were looking. We discovered similar shortcomings of the Evergreen TXFC 66MR Steed in that shootout but made up for it with a follow up, stand alone review of the Stallion. Today, we take another step back to give Nories their moment in the sun with a look at their 680H, a rod featuring a higher modulus graphite blank but the same overall design, weight and balance as the HB680M.


Nories Voice 680H Specifications

Material Nories HP40 Graphite
Length 6'-8"
Length from Back of Reel Seat to Base 10 Inches
Line Wt. 14-20 lb test
Lure Wt. 1/4 - 5/8 ounce
Pieces one
Guides 9 + Tip (SS framed SiC)
Power Rating Heavy
Taper EX-Fast
Rod Weight 7 ounces
Manufacturing Country Japan
MSRP 47,000 JPY (Approx. $400)

 

Impressions: From a detail perspective the 680H is an exact twin of the previously reviewed HB680M, but where the latter rod was designed for moving bait applications and therefore, a lower modulus, less sensitive graphite blank, the former features a crisper, more responsive graphite make up. If compared side by side to other sticks, the Nories immediately feels heavy and cumbersome, but if taken on its own merits and held right at the reel seat, the balance of this stick is truly impressive. But of course, we've been here before. First impressions with the HB680M were similar, but the rod, overall, was still a disappointment.

 

Introducing the Nories Road Runner Voice 680H


Lab Tests: Despite its only 1/4-5/8 ounce lure rating, the 680H is labeled as a heavy powered rod. However, according to manufacturer specifications, it also features a extra-fast taper, so this may explain the power rating. As a basis of comparison, we strapped the 680H up to the RoD WRACK and compared its test results with that of a couple of rods from G.Loomis: the MBR783C GLX and the BCR803 GLX.

 

Lab Results for Nories Voice 680H

Model
Avg RoD (2-32 oz)
Rated Action
Spine
Measured Weight
Balance Point
Nories 680H
1.69
Ex Fast
Bottom
7 ounces
3 inches
MBR783C GLX
1.76
Fast
Bottom
4.2 ounces
7.75 inches
BC803 GLX
1.61
Ex Fast
Bottom
4.3 ounces
7 inches

Rate of Deflection (RoD): What we found was that, between the load ranges of 2 to 32 ounces, our 680H behaved almost identically to our previously tested G.Loomis MBR783C GLX. With the 680H's extra-fast taper, we were expecting a closer alignment with the BCR803, but that simply was not the case. The reality is that the 680H has a very nice, soft tip that transitions relatively quickly into a solid backbone. While it's not as aggressively tapered as I had expected, it's still closer to an extra-fast than a fast tapered rod.

Fig. 1 : This RoD Deflection Chart shows the deflection characteristics of our Nories 680H compared against the G.Loomis MBR783C GLX and BCR803 GLX


Spine, Weight, and Balance Point: The spine of our 680H came out on top with its overall weight coming in at a hefty 7 ounces but its balance point an impressive 3 inches when measured from the center of the reel seat towards the rod's tip. It is a very comfortable stick in hand.

 

What is that mysterious reel on the 680H?
 

You can't really see it here, but the 680H features an extra-fast taper.


Real World Test: Gone is the Custom Metallic Green TD-Z with which I fished the former HB680M and in is an out of production reel by Ryobi, the Varius Spectra F200 with which to mate the 680H. It is a pairing almost of divine intervention the two match each other in color scheme so well. To complete the coordination, I spooled my Varius Spectra with 100 yards of eight pound test Yozuri Hybrid in green! Such is the mindset of one truly afflicted with the tackle bug.


We paired the 680H with a Ryobi Varius Spectra F200 casting reel.

 

Pitching and Casting: True to form from our initial impressions and lab tests, thanks to its forgiving tip, the 680H loads well and accuracy is an afterthought in both pitching and casting applications. There are no issues identifying your target and roll casting to hit your mark with this stick. Pitching presentations are met with similar ease and are limited, of course, only by the reel you have mounted to support the rod overall. The Varius Spectra F200 performs admirably but can be a bit temperamental in variable wind conditions.

 

Casting with this combo was a breeze
 

Someone tell Cal had to switch hands!

 

One true benefit a rod balanced as well as this one is during pitching presentations. While overall, the rod is heavier than I prefer for all day use, the "light tip" effect of its balance really makes it easy to effect quick, accurate pitches and the afore mentioned sidearm roll casts. It's really a fun rod to whip around.

 

The 680H has a non-exposed blank reel seat...
 

... and a rather strange, rubber foregrip.

 

Next Section: Sensitivity, Power & Applications

 

   

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