Is the GSB king?

[slim_velvet]

Over the past couple of years I've fished rods from a bunch of different brands (Black Hole, St. Croix, Dark Matter) that claim to be "moderate action" but I feel like they're often closer to fast action.  So many people seem to fish GSB rods for their moderate action, durability, and ability to throw a large spectrum of baits.  Are there rods/blanks out there with comparable action that won't break the bank?  Not looking for a do-it-all rod, but would like something to throw pencil poppers, bigger soft plastics, and eels.  

[Fishtale7]

Original GSB & the Kennedy Fisher, are the rods/blanks you seek. 

[FISH BUCKET]

Most brands have a ‘gsb’ clone in their line-up……but if you like the gsb rod just buy a gsb…….there are a ton out there for sale….new and used

[GrahamN]

The nex1 line from odm tends to be a bit more on the moderate side, which is to my liking 

I've got the 935  and the 118 and am a big fan of each 

They're certainly different from the gsbs but more moderate than a lot of the other rods I've played with 

[Local24 SSP]

I bought and sold my GSB. Far too moderate for me. Century’s Stealth is similar, very moderate but feels much lighter. I own a couple 11’ NEX1’s as well that are excellent rods, they are moderate but not as “noodly” as the GSB. 

[Joe Paranee]

They are nice rods but there are many nice rods 

[ksong]

12 hours ago, slim_velvet said:

Over the past couple of years I've fished rods from a bunch of different brands (Black Hole, St. Croix, Dark Matter) that claim to be "moderate action" but I feel like they're often closer to fast action.  So many people seem to fish GSB rods for their moderate action, durability, and ability to throw a large spectrum of baits.  Are there rods/blanks out there with comparable action that won't break the bank?  Not looking for a do-it-all rod, but would like something to throw pencil poppers, bigger soft plastics, and eels.  

What model of Black Hole surf rod did you use ?

[Googs]

The older GSB rods are some of my favorites and never considered another rod until I picked up an ODM evolution. If you want moderate MODERATE, the GSB 120L will probably be something you will like. Keep in mind this blank is different than the GSB you would see now in stores. 

Edited January 12 by Googs

[slim_velvet]

40 mins ago, ksong said:

What model of Black Hole surf rod did you use ?

Hey Kil!  I have a 9'2 Cape Cod Special.  Beautiful and useful rod, just a little fast for my linking on some applications.  

[slim_velvet]

Will have to check out the Nex1 line, thanks guys.  

[GrahamN]

21 mins ago, slim_velvet said:

Will have to check out the Nex1 line, thanks guys.  

The nex1s are only available as blanks, so you end up either being forced to buy second hand ( which is a valid option )  or getting a custom built for you, which will end up being more expensive but you can get exactly what you like 

So you may have a tougher time finding one to handle/test before possibly grabbing one 

I'm sure you might be able to find someone nearby to you who has one that will let you handle it and see how you feel about it 

[slim_velvet]

3 mins ago, GrahamN said:

The nex1s are only available as blanks, so you end up either being forced to buy second hand ( which is a valid option )  or getting a custom built for you, which will end up being more expensive but you can get exactly what you like 

So you may have a tougher time finding one to handle/test before possibly grabbing one 

I'm sure you might be able to find someone nearby to you who has one that will let you handle it and see how you feel about it 

Ah, yeah I noticed the same thing!  Will have to keep an eye out for something used I guess.  Another part of my GSB-alternative curiosity was trying to avoid the higher price tag lol. Thanks for the info!

[GrahamN]

Just now, slim_velvet said:

Ah, yeah I noticed the same thing!  Will have to keep an eye out for something used I guess.  Another part of my GSB-alternative curiosity was trying to avoid the higher price tag lol. Thanks for the info!

What are you roughly looking for  in terms of length and weight rating 

I'm local to central CT so if you wanted to handle either of my nex1s we could probably work something out 

 

[mackerel hunter]

I have the XS10MS and XS11MS both factory 2 piece which I believe were built on the GSB blanks and  could not be happier. Also had the XS9 but that was built on a GLB blank and felt like a tree.  I can't believe Lamiglas can charge the prices for the current GSB rods and people will pay it.

[DZ]

For those that use the new technology rods that compare to the GSBs- can they dead lift a 5-10 pound fish up about 10 feet or so?