You are my favorite youtuber Victor, all your videos are great and reviews are very detailed, you are pleasure to watch and listen and wish you many big crappies and finest JDM goods. Keep uo with good work
@@ifishcatfish Well they said America is promised land so everything is possible. I'm from corrupted country in Europe so that is not the case. When i see how much you are dedicated to making youtube videos i can only imagine how much work you put for something that you truely care. You will move to bigger and better house, your kids will grow up and they will be healthy and full of joy. It will happen, trust me.
What a great Christmas card wish! America used to be the promised land. Now it is just as corrupt as western europe. People in Eastern Europe may have lower standard of living but have a lot more freedom, A LOT MORE. I know it is hard to talk about freedom if you have no bread, but if you have bread, Freedom is the second most important thing.
I recently picked up this same rod myself, along with the 6'6" light model. I will agree, the rods look better in person than in the pictures. I will agree, the guides are not the best but much better than most guides of similar priced rods here in the USA. I decided to pick up a few more during the Aliexpress Nov 11th sale. I will fish them for a while to see how versatile they are, then i might sell them if i find something else better for the price.
really, there is nothing high end in this rod, and yet it is a very nice packate, and I dont understand why Bass Pro doesn't offer something like this in USA. Nothing in bass pro competes with this, in sub 100$
That looks gorgeous. Perfect color match and great action. Where are you fishing. I travel around to fish different places from Arizona and would love to try this place with my girlfriend.
that rod is very comparable to this actually. It actually has nicer guides, but the blank is cheaper. If you like that rod you should try this. This is definitely a lighter and sharper rod. Same power and action, but lighter and sharper
Kuying makes amazing rods for the price. I have two tetons, 642 for trout and small perches and 662L 2-10 gr for chubs and as universal rod it more faster than 642 but still being delicate. Also i have solid tip kuying superlite ajing 762s and it is more like japanese aji style rod, very fast and very sensitive rod. And teton line also has like a japanese models - tts510 and ls602, they are more faster and sencetive. They have rods for all you want for the great price.
i have to tell you, they are not that sensitive... Both the blank and the guides and not that conducive to sensitivity. I was surprised at the difference. At the end maybe it feels like a 100$ rod, but not like a high end rod for sure. It is amazing for sub 100$ price range though.. there is nothing else there that looks and feels so nice
@@ifishcatfish Yes because 642 was built at first like an area trout rod. To me this slow action always has low sens under 400 bucks price. And you fish with mono, this totally kills the sens. But this rod is more about working of the blank on fish. 662 has different action and has more 40t carbon in blank but it is native stream rod. The bite of chub is like a bang)) And if you want to compare sens with japan rods it will be more objective to compare them with teton tts510s rod, because all concept of this rod is about sens.
@@ifishcatfish and you in USA must pay a little more for this rod because of shipping. For Europe and Russia this rod costs 65$. It is the superb deal!!
For a strictly jigging/swimming rod for your jig heads (1g-1.5g). Is this the best recommendation under $100? I've been using the Shakespeare Micro Series 7ft but it's just a bit heavy and long for jigging imo. Doesnt feel ultralight like my float roads (Okuma Celilo hopefully Presso soon) and needs over 9oz reel to balance.
which model shakespeare Micro do u have? I have one myself and the balance is pretty good.. My recommendations every year are in a video called UL Rod Buying Guide. There are many options there. Note that jigging and swimming require different types of rods.. Presso is good for float fishing and swimming but not for jigging..
@@ifishcatfish yes I've watched the videos! I have the 7' Light Shakespeare Micro like the one you recommend. I do love the rod and it jigs better than my other rods, I just want something lighter and smaller for jigging. I really want the Bellezza UX but I'm having trouble finding it for less than $200 USD. I was hoping this would be a good alternative for jigging even though obviously not as good. Otherwise I'll probably end up with a Dobyns or TFO for jigging.
@@22lbsboost I don't recommend Dobyns for ANYTHING. I don't know if this chinese rod is still available, as its old, but if available u can get it, its pretty nice for jigging. I usually don't recommend Chinese stuff but this one is good, just kind of old..
@@ifishcatfish lol Roger that! I have found this rod available for around the same price still, think I'll give it a shot unless I can find Bellezza UX at its actual MSRP. Thank you greatly
Another question from a newbie: what mainline you used on the Vanford. Just ordered a daiwa caldia lt 2000 with a 30% discount. A good match with the rod i think. Learned a lot watching your videos.
I have bot but this blank is more expensive, guides are more expensive, and handle is nicer too. This is a much better rod in terms of performance. But performance is not everything. The templefork is a pretty rod, so if u like it just get it
i dont know if its still available. If u find the exact model I reviewed, yes, still recommended. But some models are solid tip, some too short, some wobble, i only like this model
This is better for jigging and twitching. Daiwa Presso is better for float fishing. Daiwa presso has even slower action and slower recovery and bigger guides, but it is just as light. Really the two rods are not alternatives, they are for different fishing. You should really own both.
Hey victor how are you buddy. Its almost perch time. Hey that reel is everything to me. Whats your view on 2lb line because I know you always use light as possible. We should fish togeter one of these days. 2 victors wearing the fish out lol. Chow✌🏾
Well u know i like the varivas but thsts expensive. I tried this sniper FC fluorocarbon recently, it was on the airity reel, and it was amazing. But probably not cheap either. But when u go to 2 lb line u dont want cheap line. With heavier line it doesnt matter as much but with 2 lb line u gota be careful
@@ifishcatfish 👌for sunline sniper fc. My go to. Daiwa new fluorocarbon as backup. Expensive also. Pulled in stripers and huge carp, trout breeders with five pound test
@@ifishcatfish sounds good and thanks for the response I just recently purchased some 2 lb test made by vicious that I want to try out because Richard Gene always speaks highly of it I like that real you sent to him by the way. Keep up the good work on your videos your editing is on point love the way you fish buddy
Hi, just a random question here, do you know if electrical tape does any affect the rod performance. I just bought myself a new budget Daiwa Legalis rod for the new legalis reel from watching your reels review and comparison videos and decide to go with the legalis lt, so I got the rod as well but I just realise that the handle grip was made out of some soft of soft wood and it’s starting to tear down on me.. so I went and tape the handle grip including the plastic part where the reel sits up with electrical tape.. not sure if it’s me or the rod.. I don’t seem to feels much of fish bite after having that tape on... so yeah.. do you know if that’s a good idea? 😅 ps I m a beginner fisherman
@@ifishcatfish oh okay.. thanks for the reply.... I’d probably keep it on then, maybe get something that match the colour with the rest of the rod yeah? The looks isn’t that important for me comparing to getting as much as I can from the rod..
I have extensive experience with electrical tape. 3m 1700 all the way to the best 33plus stuff. The tape may be fine now, but as summer comes, it will stretch and will probably leave sticky black marks on your hands. As far as the handle, i believe the sensitivity resonates through the rod through the Hande grip of attached to the reel itself. If you tape it up, it changes the dynamics of this. Why not heatshrink it, but winngrips for it (even tennis or golf winngrips) or cut off the foam and replace the entire thing (mudhole rodbuilding).
@@MAX99999 thanks for your suggestions.. do you mean heatshrink the tape? As for the other options I’m not experienced with anything like that nor I have the equipments for it. Considering what I’ll have to buy.. You reckon I should just get a new rod that’ll just save me the trouble ? I just got that rod for $80. I thought was a good deal, but unfortunately I forgot to check the handle, that’s on me.. after a few sessions I note that I’ve lost the top-eye guide rubber part and have to replace those 😐
Something from Major Craft. They are always a little cheaper. I don't think Torzite inserts make a big difference but they are very expensive. U can look for a rod without them.
This rod is king at southeast Asia at my place according to group polls and vote online among the ultralight. The problem with the ultralight they tend to break easily. This rod is durable, price value wise, the feel, action just right in the sweet spot. Had mine for several years still solid. Never tried the St Croix just because the price here way too expensive and limited model.
The St Croix Legend Elite Panfish has very similar blank, the same sweet action, but has expensive Titanium/Torzite guides. Because of the guides it feels a little lighter and more responsive and sensitivity is a little better. I wish they would put high end guides on this rod too and offer a more expensive model
@@ifishcatfish I believe u using the entry level of kuying rod. The entry level using Toray tech I believed which consist of different model,price ranged and the usage but still in ultralight category. There also variety of higher end like Battle song, Pirate Uncomparable, Freestyle Walker. Not testing them yet.
Just use it on a big game fishing. Coz you will know how good it is.. i have kuying teton sul622 pair with stradic 1k and 4lbs main line.. and im using 30to60grams jigg to hunt some big fish..👍👊
I know. I myself have caught plenty of fish on them. ANd if you are on budget, or for whatever reason want to support financially aliexpress sellers, - i have no objections
@@ifishcatfish I'm not on a budget and don't care to support those sellers, it was more out of curiosity if they catch fish. Usually I'm only using Zman or Daiwa Baitjunkie sost plastics
action is a little faster than presso. I think presso is nicer than this for float fishing. This is less wobbly and better for jigs, but i haven't seen a rod nicer for float fishing yet
Well.. just so you know... i was clear in the video that this is not really similar to the japanese rods : ). Its a nice rod but not nearly as fine as the Carabus.
No, there is nothing like this in europe, there is nothing even close to this in europe. Europe no longer manufactures any fishing equipment, only resell chinese stuff
@@ifishcatfish I never saw on aliexpress a rod like Flagman Azura X Game Nano or CrazyFish line up of rods...Even Favorite are copying the European models with their Blue Bird Nano....
Crazy fish is a chinese rod and not that good as the high price suggests. It is actually very similar to the high end kuying rods, only with a tiny reel seat. But guides and blank are same and it will feel the same.
I kept buying jig heads and other lures when then were on sale, because they are good and was a good deal, but at the end you only fish with what you like the most, and everything else just sits on the wall, and makes giveaways eventually
You are my favorite youtuber Victor, all your videos are great and reviews are very detailed, you are pleasure to watch and listen and wish you many big crappies and finest JDM goods. Keep uo with good work
thanks buddy. Wish me a new house too. Been trying to move for over a year and im stuck. Priced out.
@@ifishcatfish Well they said America is promised land so everything is possible. I'm from corrupted country in Europe so that is not the case. When i see how much you are dedicated to making youtube videos i can only imagine how much work you put for something that you truely care. You will move to bigger and better house, your kids will grow up and they will be healthy and full of joy. It will happen, trust me.
What a great Christmas card wish!
America used to be the promised land. Now it is just as corrupt as western europe. People in Eastern Europe may have lower standard of living but have a lot more freedom, A LOT MORE. I know it is hard to talk about freedom if you have no bread, but if you have bread, Freedom is the second most important thing.
@@ifishcatfish sad but true...
Thorough review as always. Nice.
Great watch as always Victor. This is very tempting, I still have yet to find a rod to match up with my vanford 2000s, this looks nice.
thats an amazing match. U see them in the video..
I recently picked up this same rod myself, along with the 6'6" light model. I will agree, the rods look better in person than in the pictures. I will agree, the guides are not the best but much better than most guides of similar priced rods here in the USA. I decided to pick up a few more during the Aliexpress Nov 11th sale. I will fish them for a while to see how versatile they are, then i might sell them if i find something else better for the price.
really, there is nothing high end in this rod, and yet it is a very nice packate, and I dont understand why Bass Pro doesn't offer something like this in USA. Nothing in bass pro competes with this, in sub 100$
Just ordered one Victor. Say to Mike thanks from this Mike to encouraged you to do this video and thanks to you for your detailed video report.
its a great value
What a coincidence. I've literally just purchased the exact same rod on Ali Express before I came across this video 👍
I have this rod too! It’s a great light rod. Super fun for smaller fish and small lures
great rod for this money
The TSS632UL is the same blank but full cork handle and about 20 g more....85 vs 65g(642UL)
Nice review. I'm running to buy immediately.
u will love this thing
Thanks Mike!
thumbs up on his behalf ! : )
That looks gorgeous. Perfect color match and great action. Where are you fishing. I travel around to fish different places from Arizona and would love to try this place with my girlfriend.
I personally love the panfish elite from bass pro. Very good rod imo
that rod is very comparable to this actually. It actually has nicer guides, but the blank is cheaper. If you like that rod you should try this. This is definitely a lighter and sharper rod. Same power and action, but lighter and sharper
Kuying makes amazing rods for the price. I have two tetons, 642 for trout and small perches and 662L 2-10 gr for chubs and as universal rod it more faster than 642 but still being delicate. Also i have solid tip kuying superlite ajing 762s and it is more like japanese aji style rod, very fast and very sensitive rod. And teton line also has like a japanese models - tts510 and ls602, they are more faster and sencetive. They have rods for all you want for the great price.
i have to tell you, they are not that sensitive... Both the blank and the guides and not that conducive to sensitivity. I was surprised at the difference. At the end maybe it feels like a 100$ rod, but not like a high end rod for sure. It is amazing for sub 100$ price range though.. there is nothing else there that looks and feels so nice
@@ifishcatfish Yes because 642 was built at first like an area trout rod. To me this slow action always has low sens under 400 bucks price. And you fish with mono, this totally kills the sens. But this rod is more about working of the blank on fish. 662 has different action and has more 40t carbon in blank but it is native stream rod. The bite of chub is like a bang)) And if you want to compare sens with japan rods it will be more objective to compare them with teton tts510s rod, because all concept of this rod is about sens.
@@ifishcatfish and you in USA must pay a little more for this rod because of shipping. For Europe and Russia this rod costs 65$. It is the superb deal!!
tts510s - is that the same rod but shorter, or different model? Because i dont think a shorter version of the same rod would be much better.
yeah, that would be impossible to beat in store
Looks pretty sweet! Hope you find some more fish!
Someone send this man some major craft rods
I had a Truzer Mebaru - the one that I gave to Richard Gene.. If they come up with a new ultralight i will get it
For a strictly jigging/swimming rod for your jig heads (1g-1.5g). Is this the best recommendation under $100? I've been using the Shakespeare Micro Series 7ft but it's just a bit heavy and long for jigging imo. Doesnt feel ultralight like my float roads (Okuma Celilo hopefully Presso soon) and needs over 9oz reel to balance.
which model shakespeare Micro do u have? I have one myself and the balance is pretty good..
My recommendations every year are in a video called UL Rod Buying Guide. There are many options there. Note that jigging and swimming require different types of rods.. Presso is good for float fishing and swimming but not for jigging..
@@ifishcatfish yes I've watched the videos! I have the 7' Light Shakespeare Micro like the one you recommend. I do love the rod and it jigs better than my other rods, I just want something lighter and smaller for jigging. I really want the Bellezza UX but I'm having trouble finding it for less than $200 USD. I was hoping this would be a good alternative for jigging even though obviously not as good. Otherwise I'll probably end up with a Dobyns or TFO for jigging.
@@22lbsboost I don't recommend Dobyns for ANYTHING. I don't know if this chinese rod is still available, as its old, but if available u can get it, its pretty nice for jigging. I usually don't recommend Chinese stuff but this one is good, just kind of old..
@@ifishcatfish lol Roger that! I have found this rod available for around the same price still, think I'll give it a shot unless I can find Bellezza UX at its actual MSRP. Thank you greatly
Another question from a newbie: what mainline you used on the Vanford. Just ordered a daiwa caldia lt 2000 with a 30% discount. A good match with the rod i think. Learned a lot watching your videos.
line is not critical, just diameter. Get something no more than 0.15mm diameter, and preferably 0.12 to 0.14mm.
Did you ever get hand's on Savage gear UL rods?
Mostly they are under 100$.
Now they have SGS2 and SGS6 series of UL rods with JDM carbon
no, i have not..
Have you tried the Temple Fork Outfitter trout-panfish rod? Prices are close in range. Would like to know your thoughts between the two.
I have bot but this blank is more expensive, guides are more expensive, and handle is nicer too. This is a much better rod in terms of performance. But performance is not everything. The templefork is a pretty rod, so if u like it just get it
Is this rod still recommended in 2024 for float fishing and swim bait 66UL
i dont know if its still available. If u find the exact model I reviewed, yes, still recommended. But some models are solid tip, some too short, some wobble, i only like this model
Love the review! Are you planning on doing perch fishing this season?
yeah, some time next week..
The TSS642UL is out of stock, as usual for the products once it is reviewed here.
This, or the Daiwa Presso for you? Similar price points as well and very comparable
This is better for jigging and twitching. Daiwa Presso is better for float fishing. Daiwa presso has even slower action and slower recovery and bigger guides, but it is just as light. Really the two rods are not alternatives, they are for different fishing. You should really own both.
Excellent video
I have several of Kuying and Kuying Teton rods. The Abu Eradicator is Chinese I believe. The TSS602LS is the rod you want to try
Is that light power? I dont even want to buy the UL. Why would i buy the L?
Have you ever fished the tfo trout and pan fish rod? It's 100 dollars was wondering how it compares
no, not yet.. but may be able to get it this year
Your high end reels you don't pair up with high end rods? Great videos!
The Stella and Exist were not mine. Someone sent them to me for review. I already mailed them back
Hey victor how are you buddy. Its almost perch time. Hey that reel is everything to me. Whats your view on 2lb line because I know you always use light as possible. We should fish togeter one of these days. 2 victors wearing the fish out lol. Chow✌🏾
Well u know i like the varivas but thsts expensive. I tried this sniper FC fluorocarbon recently, it was on the airity reel, and it was amazing. But probably not cheap either. But when u go to 2 lb line u dont want cheap line. With heavier line it doesnt matter as much but with 2 lb line u gota be careful
@@ifishcatfish 👌for sunline sniper fc. My go to. Daiwa new fluorocarbon as backup. Expensive also. Pulled in stripers and huge carp, trout breeders with five pound test
@@ifishcatfish sounds good and thanks for the response I just recently purchased some 2 lb test made by vicious that I want to try out because Richard Gene always speaks highly of it I like that real you sent to him by the way. Keep up the good work on your videos your editing is on point love the way you fish buddy
Hi, just a random question here, do you know if electrical tape does any affect the rod performance. I just bought myself a new budget Daiwa Legalis rod for the new legalis reel from watching your reels review and comparison videos and decide to go with the legalis lt, so I got the rod as well but I just realise that the handle grip was made out of some soft of soft wood and it’s starting to tear down on me.. so I went and tape the handle grip including the plastic part where the reel sits up with electrical tape.. not sure if it’s me or the rod.. I don’t seem to feels much of fish bite after having that tape on... so yeah.. do you know if that’s a good idea? 😅 ps I m a beginner fisherman
U should seal all wood handles before starting to fish. I dont think electrical tape would kill sensitivity but its probably suoer ugly
@@ifishcatfish oh okay.. thanks for the reply....
I’d probably keep it on then, maybe get something that match the colour with the rest of the rod yeah? The looks isn’t that important for me comparing to getting as much as I can from the rod..
I have extensive experience with electrical tape. 3m 1700 all the way to the best 33plus stuff. The tape may be fine now, but as summer comes, it will stretch and will probably leave sticky black marks on your hands. As far as the handle, i believe the sensitivity resonates through the rod through the Hande grip of attached to the reel itself. If you tape it up, it changes the dynamics of this. Why not heatshrink it, but winngrips for it (even tennis or golf winngrips) or cut off the foam and replace the entire thing (mudhole rodbuilding).
@@MAX99999 thanks for your suggestions.. do you mean heatshrink the tape?
As for the other options I’m not experienced with anything like that nor I have the equipments for it. Considering what I’ll have to buy.. You reckon I should just get a new rod that’ll just save me the trouble ? I just got that rod for $80.
I thought was a good deal, but unfortunately I forgot to check the handle, that’s on me.. after a few sessions I note that I’ve lost the top-eye guide rubber part and have to replace those 😐
I have a super ul...Paid $65 fornit 2 summers ago before they became super popular
Nice review :)
Will you ever review the phenix ultralights?
If someone sends me one.. They look interesting.
Do u have a jdm rod u would recommend in the 150-200$ range
Something from Major Craft. They are always a little cheaper. I don't think Torzite inserts make a big difference but they are very expensive. U can look for a rod without them.
@@ifishcatfish ok thanks
This rod is king at southeast Asia at my place according to group polls and vote online among the ultralight. The problem with the ultralight they tend to break easily. This rod is durable, price value wise, the feel, action just right in the sweet spot. Had mine for several years still solid. Never tried the St Croix just because the price here way too expensive and limited model.
The St Croix Legend Elite Panfish has very similar blank, the same sweet action, but has expensive Titanium/Torzite guides. Because of the guides it feels a little lighter and more responsive and sensitivity is a little better. I wish they would put high end guides on this rod too and offer a more expensive model
@@ifishcatfish I believe u using the entry level of kuying rod. The entry level using Toray tech I believed which consist of different model,price ranged and the usage but still in ultralight category. There also variety of higher end like Battle song, Pirate Uncomparable, Freestyle Walker. Not testing them yet.
Just use it on a big game fishing. Coz you will know how good it is.. i have kuying teton sul622 pair with stradic 1k and 4lbs main line.. and im using 30to60grams jigg to hunt some big fish..👍👊
30 gram jigs on this rod? Wow..
Nice review.
Mike, the rod is on the wall, ready to go back. Just let me know
@@ifishcatfish use it! I don't care about fish slime.
how about compare with finetail or daiwa prorex ?
probably not favorably, but that's my guess. I don't own those rods, just guessing.
I have the same rod, it's a great rod!!
For what it's worth, the supercontinent plastics on AliExpress has caught me some good fish. Including the one in my profile pic
I know. I myself have caught plenty of fish on them. ANd if you are on budget, or for whatever reason want to support financially aliexpress sellers, - i have no objections
@@ifishcatfish I'm not on a budget and don't care to support those sellers, it was more out of curiosity if they catch fish. Usually I'm only using Zman or Daiwa Baitjunkie sost plastics
Please review ugly stik gx2 UL 🙏 thank you 🙂😊
its very tip heavy and has zero sensitivity. Avoid.
@@ifishcatfish aw.. ok thank you.. 😊
i use 9-11lb PE for UL size, is it any matter ?
well you don't need 10 lb line for UL. You can still catch fish, but you will cast better and catch more fish with thin line
@@ifishcatfish i mean is it dangerous for a rod blank or rings ? i'm unsing KUYING TETON UL 1-4lb just as like as you, thanks for the reply
@@huybap8726 no, not dangerous
@@huybap8726 Use jbraid X8 or grand in 6lb. its 0.06mm diameter and breaks at like 8 or 9lb. Casts furthur than any other UL braid sold in America.
The TSS642UL is back in stock....about$80
Great news!
I d buy it, if it came in 8 and 9 feet. I love my presso and spin antics.
action is a little faster than presso. I think presso is nicer than this for float fishing. This is less wobbly and better for jigs, but i haven't seen a rod nicer for float fishing yet
I like the Carrabus better Victor..🙂
But I ordered one yesterday with my new Exist.......
Well.. just so you know... i was clear in the video that this is not really similar to the japanese rods : ). Its a nice rod but not nearly as fine as the Carabus.
Cherrywood blank
ha. maybe in bend curve, but not in recovery and weight
Eradicator of funds from the bank account
You say it like ku ying Teton
In Europe we have very good UL rods, from 0 to 5 grams, 30-40T carbon, even cheaper than this...
No, there is nothing like this in europe, there is nothing even close to this in europe. Europe no longer manufactures any fishing equipment, only resell chinese stuff
@@ifishcatfish I never saw on aliexpress a rod like Flagman Azura X Game Nano or CrazyFish line up of rods...Even Favorite are copying the European models with their Blue Bird Nano....
Crazy fish is a chinese rod and not that good as the high price suggests. It is actually very similar to the high end kuying rods, only with a tiny reel seat. But guides and blank are same and it will feel the same.
Pronunced as "koo-yingg"
noted!
Mehong
There’s a green one like this, it’s better
i tried to get one for review but i couldn't. Only light power was available
Going to buy it and not use it...story of half of my gear....
I kept buying jig heads and other lures when then were on sale, because they are good and was a good deal, but at the end you only fish with what you like the most, and everything else just sits on the wall, and makes giveaways eventually
Hahaha like like it but will not buy it wtf 😂😂
U must be new to the channel. If i didnt have 15 JDM rods over $300 i would keep it to fish it. I have a folder with rod reviews. Go have a watch.
@yep.ultralight