Kevin VanDam's Own Performance Tuned Fishing Rod by Quantum (continued)

Features: The TKVD6106FB features a split EVA rear grip, a very small EVA foregrip to cap the handle assembly, a Fuji ACS reel seat, and a hook keeper that allows you to stow Texas rigged plastics without unrigging. The reel seat, of course, is a point of contention with a lot of consumers. Either you hate the ACS or you love it. There doesn't seem to be an in between. I happen to enjoy this reel seat and like the way the contours fit my hand.

It comes equipped with a Fuji ACS reel seat.

Guides on the TKVD6106FB are ALPS LXN featuring hardened aluminum oxide guides with stainless steel frames. Looking at the guides, they certainly appear to be an upgrade over standard aluminum oxide inserts - in fact, the design of these inserts are reminiscent of Fuji Alconites. Which made me wonder, just what material are Fuji's Alconite inserts made from? Unfortunately my research, which included tracking down the trademark information for the word, was inconclusive. Regardless, out on the water, these hardened aluminum oxide guides with stainless steel frames held up just fine when fished with a very abrasive braided line.

The standard hook keeper.

Design/Ergonomics: From an ergonomic standpoint, the TKVD6106FB feels very comfortable to grip. If you make the majority of your casts one handed, this rod will suit you well. Otherwise, the eight and a half inch (8.5") rear handle is serviceable for two handed casts but I really prefer something just a tad longer.

Colors and graphics on this stick are very well executed and more subdued and reserved than loud and in your face. Balance is typical of a stick made with the short rear handle, split grip design meaning it's tip heavy, but the overall weight of the rod is good and in fishing situations, the tip of the 6106FB is not cumbersome.

A look at the split rear trip.

Application: The KVD6106FB is a very worthy Search For One candidate and able to support a wide variety of techniques. It is what you'd expect of a rod labeled "medium heavy". The one area I'd tend to reach for a different stick is with crankbaits, but spinnerbaits and lipless cranks are fine with this rod. Also the one peculiarity I found with this stick was in its low end range for lure rating - three eights of an ounce instead of one quarter, but I'm not going to squabble over one eighth of an ounce rating for an all purpose type stick.

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses: