toddmc has the correct logic or math in mind. He mentions a parabolic bend as better at keeping the fish "pinned," that is, the bend in the rod never lets up on the pressure on the fish. If a rod straightens out, a fish has its best opportunity to escape.toddmc wrote:I wouldn't think that the X7 would have the guts based on the manufacturers description and lure weights down to 1/4 oz. You need to go with a more parabolic dedicated punch rod if you punch frequently. The parabolic rods do work to keep the fish pinned in the mats, and the heavier action allows you to throw the 1 to 2.5 ounce tungsten comfortably. It sucks to have a rod sit in the rod locker most of the year, but we are enthusiasts on TT .ccass wrote:I'm currently using a Megabass X7 Destruction. I haven't used it much but, I'm afraid it may not have the guts.
Pitching to hard cover is a whole other game. You most likely won't be using weights over 1 oz., and a faster action feels better to me. I prefer a stiffer butt section for pitching to hard cover also.
I would have both types of rods if you are fishing for money, otherwise you should accept the fact that you may lose a fish here and there. You can also use your punching rod for throwing swimbaits if you don't have dedicated rods for those applications.
But, adding to his comment about a parabolic action, note too that a rod that bends farther down toward one's hands means it has a shorter lever and more power, not less, over the fish. Try lifting a 25 lbs. barbell plate off the floor with a rope tied around the end of a broomstick, then move the rope closer to your hands to note the difference. Archimedes figured this out thousands of years ago.
So, heavy or medium-heavy powered rods will work great for heavier presentations; and, the parabolic bend over, say, a fast or extra fast tip will give you much more power over the fish as the lifting point of the rod is closer to one's hands.
Brad