Target suspended bass with Rogue's highly technique specific Drop Shot rod (continued)

Sensitivity: This is where the Rogue Drop Shot rod excels. The MAX DS 704S GH rod is very sensitive thanks to the exclusive design and materials. The blank is an exceptional transmitter, somewhat reminding us of the G. Loomis IMX graphite. In addition the recoil guides do a great job transmitting even the slightest ticks while also helping minimize overall weight.

The graphite tube RoGrip amplifies the signal

It is true that materials of the same composition transmit better between one another. The RoGrip is a woven graphite tube that makes direct contact with the graphite blank. We tested its sensitivity both in the lab and in the field, and concluded that the RoGrip does indeed provide a better feel than standard cork grips. To take advantage of this design you must grasp the rod at the foregrip instead of at the reel seat because the reel seat will act as a dampener. It was during this point in our field tests that it made sense to us exactly why Rogue made the grips the length they did, and balanced the rod right in front of the reel seat.... sensitivity is everything on this rod!

JIP field tests the Rogue Drop Shot rod in 40 feet of water

Power: With the Rogue rod we could feel each and every bite far below the boat, and when we felt the bass tick our Roboworms we lifted to set and began reeling in our catch with confidence. The fast active tip does a great job bringing plastics to life and still has a good arc to it to take the load of the fish when they do run. The drop shot isn't a technique where you require a very powerful hook set like that employed when fishing a Texas rigged plastic worm, but whether you prefer a smooth lift type set or a violent jerk the MAX DS will act in accordance with your personal style. During our tests we found the MAX DS rod to perform quite well in terms of power to set the hook and fight the fish all the way up to the surface.

Good action and a lively nimble tip.. all characteristics of a good drop shot rod

Ergonomics: The RoGrip offers performance benefits especially in the sensitivity category, but it does add weight to the overall rod compared to traditional cork material. The added weight can be overcome by balancing the rod with a small reel. We paired the Rogue Drop Shot rod with a Quantum Catalyst PTi in the 10 size spooled with four pound test line, and when holding the combo up at the foregrip it was well balanced. If you hold the rod at the reel seat it will feel quite tip heavy.

On the plus side the woven graphite RoGrip is nice to grasp all day. Even though it has a slick graphite surface it didn't feel slick and will not slip out of your hand even when wet. We completely submerged the handle in the water and also wet our hands to test the RoGrip without any issues at all. Unlike cork that does absorb some amount of water you can simply wipe the graphite RoGrip dry immediately.