Star VPR Surf vs. TFO Tactical Surf

[StriperSi]

Star VPR Surf vs. TFO Tactical Surf. Looking at the 10’6” MH 2-6oz in both, as well as the 9’ and 11’ sizes possibly. For anyone who has tried either or both of these brand rods, which do you prefer and why? Are they comparable? They VPR is about $40 more expensive. I need 2-3 new setups for next year (one lighter and one heavier for canal and surf, and maybe one for jettys and piers). I can’t decide between Star or TFO. Going to be using this in Cape Cod Canal, NY, NJ, and VA surf, as well as FL surf, and possibly FL and NJ jetty’s. I travel a lot to find fish lol. Considering pairing with some Vissers. Thanks in advance for any advice! 

[Evil-Bay]

Both rods have similar guide layouts and are fast action rods. But the only difference I see other than the price point is that the TFO has a lifetime warranty.

[LockedDrag]

I had the VPR 10’6 2-6 or something like that. It was nice and crisp at the beginning then it developed a “flat spot” about where the rod stops bending around the first third of the top and the action of the rod was pretty much garbage from there on out. Would not recommend it from experience. I would suggest looking for a high end used rod on here. Those higher end rods do not lose their performance and develop that crappy “flat spot” where the rod pretty much stops bending. For the price you will pay for a new rod in that range you could get a super sensitive and enjoyable rod used on the BST here you will never have to worry about. 

[hunter123]

I use a Star VPR 11'  3-8 oz m/h .great rod for the money, very sensetive, cast far.for for me. It's a braid rod for sure.  I love it. No problems, just as strong as the day I bought it. But I'm begining to like the ODM line of rods better.

Edited November 27, 2021 by hunter123

[GrahamN]

On 11/26/2021 at 3:41 PM, StriperSi said:

Star VPR Surf vs. TFO Tactical Surf. Looking at the 10’6” MH 2-6oz in both, as well as the 9’ and 11’ sizes possibly. For anyone who has tried either or both of these brand rods, which do you prefer and why? Are they comparable? They VPR is about $40 more expensive. I need 2-3 new setups for next year (one lighter and one heavier for canal and surf, and maybe one for jettys and piers). I can’t decide between Star or TFO. Going to be using this in Cape Cod Canal, NY, NJ, and VA surf, as well as FL surf, and possibly FL and NJ jetty’s. I travel a lot to find fish lol. Considering pairing with some Vissers. Thanks in advance for any advice! 

I've been fishing a TFO for the past three years 

Tfo his scs 1065-2 (10'6 2-8) except it's real range is much closer to 2-6 in my opinion

And I've been quite happy with it 

It's performed for all I've managed to throw at it ( no huge fish but some nice ones) 

And more importantly it's held up to getting banged around as I fish

Great warranty if I ever do manage to break it 

Only reason I would ever consider getting rid of it is because I want to build my next surf rod myself 

If you're ever in Connecticut I'd let you play with it and see how you like it 

[Ba Ba Buoy]

23 hours ago, Evil-Bay said:

Both rods have similar guide layouts and are fast action rods. But the only difference I see other than the price point is that the TFO has a lifetime warranty.

 

VPR's have a lifetime warranty as well.

[Bunkerface]

I have a lot of experience at the flea market down here.  The one where it's mongrel on mongrel.  I get to handle a lot of Star rods and there's always one thing in common.  They're always broken.  There is one Star rod I do have and all it's guides are intact but one of the guides is off by bout a 1/2inch.  TFO all the way.  Essentially I feel you have everything to gain by using a TFO.

[hunter123]

I have 3 or 4 Star rods, never had a problem with them, I have pulled some nice size Blues and stripers from an inlet with my Star Stella light 9" 3/4 to 4 oz. Guides are fine no breaks. You have to remember, just because somebody fish's don't mean they know how to fish or handle a rod fighting a fish. I have seen some very expencive rods break because of bad handling with a big fish. Like I said I love my Star rods, even better than most of my St Croix rods, but I'm falling in love with the ODM line real fast. I would go with a ODM,DNR rod first then a Star rod, Then a Tica rod, I think there a lot better than a TFO.