Rapala Canada Concept Ti Spin 72 NT85SP72ML1 Spinning Rod Product Review

Enthusiast Review

Rapala Canada's Spin 72 Concept Ti

Date:	6/24/15
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Rapala Canada
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.53 - GREAT

Introduction: It's been some time since we took a look over our northern borders at the product our friends up at Rapala Canada are making. In fact, we've had some of their Concept Ti rods for some time, but have held back on reviews for these sticks because they were changing nano-resin suppliers. Now that this has been straightened out, and the line remains intact, we're happy to share our findings on these sticks with everyone. Here now is our first look at the series, presenting Rapala Canada's Concept Ti NT85SP72ML1 (Spin 72).

Rapala Canada Concept Ti Spin 72 Specifications
Material	40 ton graphite w/ NTi2 Nano-Tech Resin
Length	7'2"
Line Wt.	4-10lb
Lure Wt.	1/16-1/2 oz
Pieces	one
Guides	7+Tip Fuji K-Series Ti/SiC
Rear Handle Length	9 inches
Power Rating	Medium Light
Taper	Extra-Fast
Rod Weight	3.4oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	~$250 Canadian

Quality/Construction: The Spin 72 is a seven foot, two inch stick with a very minimal build. The blank is sanded but unfinished except at the label, split reel seat, and split rear grip where there's a glossy finish. The handle material is high density EVA. Looking down the length of the rod from reel seat towards the tip, the rod's blank is straight and the guides are all aligned properly. This stick is made overseas but its build is super clean.

Quality Ratings for Rapala Canada Concept Ti Spin 72
Finish (1-5)	Grip (1-5)	Epoxy (1-5)	Blank (1-2)	Guides (1-2)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	5	5	2	2	18	19	9.47

Introducing Rapala Canada's Concept Ti Spin 72.

Performance: I have fished this rod with a number of different spinning reels for their reviews spooled with everything from mono to fluoro to braid all with and without leaders. This rod has gone through an extensive regimen out on the water.

The rod loads effortlessly and is still short enough with which to make accurate casts.

Casting: Casting with any light to medium light powered spinning rod is something we all take for granted. This is no different with Rapala Canada's Concept Ti Spin 72. The rod loads effortlessly and is still short enough with which to make accurate casts - assuming you know how to feather your line during a cast. Another benefit of this rod is, because of its length, you can actually pitch with it to great effect as well!

The Concept Ti series is made of 40 ton graphite material.

Sensitivity: 40 ton graphite is very high grade material. The Spin 72 does this material justice as its blank feels very crisp and responsive when you fish. Sensitivity is excellent with this stick which explains why it makes it out on the water with me so often when I have a spinning reel I need to review.

And reinforced with a nano-resin.

Power: The Spin 72 is a deceivingly powerful stick. Though rated correctly as a "medium light" as its deflection curve (below) would suggest, in hand, it feels much lighter in power because it is so very light and crisp in hand. I pretty much stuck to drop shot techniques with this rod with the occasional shakey head and tube bait to see how these techniques would feel, but all my hits came while drop shotting.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Rapala Canada Concept Ti Spin 72 against our 2011 WTF baseline rods.

Getting a good hook set was never an issue and controlling my catch during the fight was smooth and predictable. This stick has a nice power curve.

Performance Ratings for Rapala Canada Concept Ti Spin 72
Pitch (1-5)	Cast (1-5)	Sensitivity (1-5)	Hook Set (1-5)	Control (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4	5	5	4	4	22	25	8.8

Next Section: Nano-tech resin for strength