ICAST 2012 Rods

[Buck2thPerch]

Ok Buck, give us the low down on the new rods. Guides, blank material etc. . .

I would give you the specs but like I stated before, I had 15 - 20 minutes to soak in everything I could from my Daiwa contact's "Daiwa 2012 - 2013" catalog. From prices, specs, to looks....everything in that time span. I couldn't remember much, just some specifics and taking mental notes. That was well over 2 months ago.

[Hogsticker2]

Has anyone come across any internet pictures of the 3 new rods...anywhere other than the Daiwa catalog I assume you have to order?

[JWR075]

Nope, it is funny how the reels got out early but the rods are vaguely talked about.

[Bassboss]

We got any pics?

[pharmboy2010]

real pic of the new St. Croix LEs.

http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/news ... 41661.aspx

ehh.

[Katron]

Everything about them sounds/looks great except for the rubber skin handles, why not just do EVA? The rod sack is a nice addition as well.

[E73Bass]

Cielo Rod pic:

[Bassboss]

Cielo:
http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/sho ... 0&format=0

CORK!!

Looks very good.

[Katron]

I really like them. The price is right and the looks are superb, now what blank it has is the only other concern.

[JWR075]

2013 Daiwa Cielo specs
3D & Bias Graphite or Glatech fiberglass blanks; Micro pitch taping blank (Ballistic Blank?)
Fuji skeleton reel seat
Minima guides (no talk of type or if any inserts)
5 year warranty
Cork rear & no front

[facelessnewsouth]

Minima guides (no talk of type or if any inserts)

Really hope these aren't the guides with the 304 ss inserts...I hate those guides...

[sktr22]

Cielo:
http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/sho ... 0&format=0

CORK!!

Looks very good.

That is just a ballistic in a different wrapper.

I was really looking forward to seeing what Daiwa had to offer but those guides sticking so high off the blank just turn me off.

[JWR075]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DAIWA-Cielo-Cas ... 27c8e4b96d

Here is where I found the specs. I normally do not use E-bay as a reference, but with limited info about these and after looking at the “owner’s” website it appears that it is based off of Daiwa’s spec sheet. I guess I am not seeing “it” in these, but my opinion is biased since I love my original Cielo rods. Rod would have been much better off using Zillion blank, alconite / S.S. or zirconium / S.S. guides, and a blank thru Fuji reel seat l or a Daiwa designed one like the ACS, ECS or Daiwas’ L&T or S reel seats. Maybe they will be great rods, but I will not find out until I can get a real good deal on one.

Maybe something more like one of these. . .

http://daiwafishing.com.au/?p=8932

http://daiwafishing.com.au/?p=11804

http://daiwafishing.com.au/?p=11859

[Buck2thPerch]

Back in the day when the original Cielo rods were available, Daiwa rods were not as good and thus it was GLoomis and St. Croix for me. I regret missing out on the original Cielo rods as they were very good rods. I was able to pick one up and fished with it for a while and I don't think I have had the same feel of a rod as the original Cielo rod - not my Zillions, not my L&T's, and even the Steez rods. The original Cielo had an overall feel of its own.

With that being said, I from the moment I saw the new Cielo rod late April of this year, I was very skeptical. Again, this is a watered down version. And yes, true that the guides are soo high and reminds me of the older rods I have, but at least update the guides and at least Alconite inserts! However, I will probably get a few of these rods and then sell them after using them like I usually do - unless, I really like them. I go through rods like women go through shoes.

[JWR075]

Buck not doubting you, but I question the guides since they have been called Minima and according to Pac-Bay Minima guides have S.S. inserts and not ceramic. So are they the Minima guide or a standard ceramic guide? Like I said I am only asking this based on the specs seen and Pac-Bay catalog.