Skeet Reese rods

[adman]

In case some of you are asking Santa for one of these rods I thought I had better give my experience with one.

It is the Carolina/Swim Bait model. I don't think my issues would be different for other models as they are fundamental in nature. I also preface the comments with 'this is only one rod', maybe it is a "lemon" and others would be fine, although I doubt it. First I have tried 3 new reels on this rod: 2 Daiwas and a Shimano. Not one will firmly seat in the reel seat. They all squirm around in the rear. I finally put a piece of thick rubber tape under the foot of the reel to get it tight. I'm sure that won't last. When I inspect the reel seat comparing it to a Fuji seat the differences are clear.

Second issue. The tip of the rod may be the worst designed tip I have ever seen. Not one of my other 20+- rods has this tip. Not only does it have a VERY sharp edge on the underside (which as you raise the rod tip, and the line comes down, can come in contact with this knife edged piece of metal) there are also little "slots" on either side of the knife edge. So if the line doesn't scrape directly across the metal edge it fall in to one of these slots and scrapes thru the metal supports.

I carefully dabbed a bit of PlasticDip around this area to isolate these 3 line killers, but that won't last. I will have to put a new proper tip on this rod. I know I had heard there was some problem with braid wrapping on the tip but this tip design is death for any line that gets near it.

Now I know someone will say "you get what you pay for" but of course that is not only not true, but no explanation for these two fundamental and easily avoided flaws.

I had high hopes for these rods. Thought a manufacturer (WrightMcGill) had finally decided to make a good serviceable rod and not gouge us on the price. Doesn't seem to be the case. Again, just one person's experience shared.

[drilltrash]

i also have some skeet rods. i have the s-glass crankin rod and also the topwater/jerkbait rod. i have to dissagree with you. i have a revo-s on the crankin stick and a revo premier on the topwater/jerkbait. i have not had any issue with the reel being loose in the seat, ect. i have not had an issue with the tip, but i will admit i have not really taken that close of a look at it (will have to do that when i get home). the topwater stick paired with that premier is one smooth set up. the crankin rod has a pretty good feel to it too. i figured they wouldnt be that sensitive thats why i got dobyns flipin/pitchin/plastics rods. but as far as those two skeet rods, i say for the price there pretty nice and i dont regret buying them at all!

[Nitro5150]

I have a 7' med/fast Skeet rod that I won at a raffle, and I noticed that weird tip as well. I haven't had any issues with it knicking line or anything, but I haven't been able to catch a fish on it yet either. (Maybe its the Canary Yellow? ) And I didn't have any issues with the reel seat. The one thing I really noticed with this rod is that it loads completely different than everything else I throw. I fish with Allstar rods and Pflueger reels, and can pretty much put a bait where ever I want, but the skeet rod is way different. Haven't spent enough time with it in my hands yet probably, but so far lighter weight baits are out of the question. Its supposed to be for worm/spinnerbaits. maybe big cranks, but spinnerbaits seem out of the question, cuz I don't think it has the backbone to punch a blade into the wind. Just my thoughts. Jason

[Nitro5150]

I have a 7' med/fast Skeet rod that I won at a raffle, and I noticed that weird tip as well. I haven't had any issues with it knicking line or anything, but I haven't been able to catch a fish on it yet either. (Maybe its the Canary Yellow? ) And I didn't have any issues with the reel seat. The one thing I really noticed with this rod is that it loads completely different than everything else I throw. I fish with Allstar rods and Pflueger reels, and can pretty much put a bait where ever I want, but the skeet rod is way different. Haven't spent enough time with it in my hands yet probably, but so far lighter weight baits are out of the question. Its supposed to be for worm/spinnerbaits. maybe big cranks, but spinnerbaits seem out of the question, cuz I don't think it has the backbone to punch a blade into the wind. Just my thoughts. Jason

[DanO]

Have you thought about contacting the manufacturer and getting a replacement?

Usually, if you share your findings with anyone in the industry as a consumer, they will do anything in their power to make it right for you. Besides, you may have discovered something that they need to look out for.

Just a thought, and here's their website and info, and no, I don't have anything to do with Wright & McGill Co.

DanO

http://www.wright-mcgill.com/
Phone: 720.941.8700

[adman]

As I mentioned I have not looked at all SR rod models. I got this one about 3 months ago and they may have made prod changes since then. Iguess one can look for the things I mentioned and decide for oneself. I probably will contact the manufacturer but the thought of packing up and sending a rod back is not fun. Overall the rod feels fine and balances nicely so I am not trashing it overall.

[HawgCatcher]

I also have the that same rod. When I brought it from Fishermans Warehouse one of the guys working there wanted to see the tip first. He knew of it also and said that this one was fine. now as far as the reel seat, I use Quantum reels and don't have the problem that you are having. So maybe you can take it back and exchange it because of the reel seat.

[19X]

I purchased the worm jig model. While setting the hook on a fish that wasn't there, the tip broke off. Come to find out they want another $30 to possibly replace the rod. Loomis only asks for $50. I will not purchase another Wright & Mcgill rod. my .02

[sTony]

I purchased the Skeet Reese swimbait rod. I've fished with it twice to date and not had anything hit a bait yet to be able to speak about the handling of fish issues. The rod literally tosses a swimbait a country mile, even with me doing the casting . I've not had any issues with the rod but I have notice that all of a sudden I'm casting to far off targets with ease and a lot of accuracy. The rod handle itself might be a bit long for me but I've adapted my retrieve to accommodate that. I like the split grip also, just gives me a confident feel when I'm making the longer casts. The first time I had it out I actually was having a lot of fun throwing baits anywhere I wanted to with ease and no strain on my body.

So, I haven't caught anything yet using it, my bad not the rod, but so far I'm pretty happy with the purchase. The rod retails for less then $100 and I bought it when the big BTD sale was running so it literally cost less then some bait I use to throw on it. Not bad at all.

I'd definitely contact the manufacturer on any issues you might have with any rod from any manufacturer. They all seem to want to acknowledge their customers and for the most part go above and beyond to take care of you. Plus, opening up that dialog with them let's them know who you are and establishes a deeper relationship. I've seen many times where guys really got to know the manufacturers well enough to get their input on rod design down the road. Sometimes it's a relationship that grows to sponsorship.

I dig that you came in and wrote so cogently on what you're experiencing. My best advice would be to take it 'the next step' and talk with your manufacturer after the retailer. They may have already identified a problem in production or something and have a remedy or resolution already in place to offer to you.

sTony

[Dom]

My son and I now own 6 of these rods and I will admit I wish they were just a bit lighter but thats where the $$$$ comes in if you want feather rods then pay the Loomis or Kistler price tags but as far as quality goes they are top notch. I own a 8' and nailed a 13 lb striper this year on a swimbait the rod handled the lure and fish perfectly, the striper had my 8' almost bent in half I was worried it would snap I mean come on its only a $90.00 rod right? $90.00 or not the rod performed flawlessly and I landed that toad!

I say we have to draw the line somewhere rods, lures and reels are just way over priced these days. Skeet's bass rods are great quality and the price is right I have Revo S on my rods and no issues. I do have one complaint I wish they would have made the yellow color black and the black color yellow, you can see the rods from a distance thats fer sure

Your not going to get any love coming on here and bashing the company, everyone exspects if ya have a problem contact the company first. Then if they dont take care of you come on here and bash away But I bet you'll find they will be more then egar to take care of any problems. This site is a powerful tool and companies know it.

I had a problem years ago I won't name names but they were giving me the run around, after 2 months of BS I told em I am fed up and will go on this site and let everyone know how they do biz, 2 min. later problem solved.

[Steve Reed]

Good review adman.

I know its much easier to just complain than to layout the reasons behind the complaint and how you believe they could be rectified.

I hear a lot of people say they wouldn't use such and such rod or would use another company but rarely is there an in depth reason and description.

Thanks!

Now hopefully you can take that information to them and they can fix some things that seem to be adjustable with some small tweaks.

[lonewalker]

I purchased the Skeet Reese Carolina/swimbait rod at Fishermen's Warehouse delta. I've fished with it several times. Yes, I have had the same issue with the tip. The line fell in to the "slot" and snapped. I went back to Fishermen's Warehouse delta. They simply replaced the tip for me. It's free.

[Crankit]

I too bought a couple of SR rods from Fishermans Warehouse Sacramento. I had the tip problem & took it back. Alan Fong replaced the tip without blinking an eye. I'm sure he would have taken it back if I wanted. Other than that I like the rod for the money, except as others have mentioned- the color.

[Greg_Cornish]

i also have some skeet rods. i have the s-glass crankin rod and also the topwater/jerkbait rod. i have to dissagree with you. i have a revo-s on the crankin stick and a revo premier on the topwater/jerkbait.

I guess you missed the part of his post that says this only pertains to his model rod.

I bought the shaky head spinning rod. I though it sucked. I see no reason in the world to have 11 eyelets on a spinning rod creating friction and I see no reason to size the eyelets slightly bigger than on a casting rod. On all good distance cast spinning rods I own the first eye or two need to be large so the line comes off the spool without a sharp bend. The Skeet Reese shaky head rod not only has the first eyelet to close to the reel it is also too small.

Now we all know Skeet is a super guy and a hell of a stick. He's also a local boy and most of you would wet your pants to shake his hand.

However, after a frustrating night of throwing 30 foot casts with a Reese that would cast the same rigging 100 feet on a cheap Berkley I gave it away.

Bring on the hate - I'm well acquainted with it.

[adman]

Thought it only right to follow up with a response from Wright McGill regarding the issues I pointed out. So go ahead and ask Santa!

Dear Bill,

I really appreciate your email and I want to assure you that your input and happiness with this product is very important to us.

Let me address each point.

Reel Seat - I have not seen this issue in thousands and thousands of these rods. The reel seats, while not Fuji, are a very high quality reel seat and made to exact industry standards to fit all medium frame and aluminum body reels. Since your email, I have tested a number of rods and have not found this issue. You may have a single bad one and we will make it right for you.

Tip Top Guide - I have already addressed this issue as I was also not satisfied with this guide design. It has been changed and I am prepared to replace your rod with the new model. If you will contact me here in the office after the holidays, I will make that happen right away.

I want to assure you that the Wright & McGill Co. stands behind everything we make and you will be happy when we are done. The new Skeet Reese rods have been designed to be the best rod in the industry at any price. I hope you agree!

Sincerely,



Al Noraker
Wright & McGill Co.
Denver, Co.
720-941-8752

[Lugnut]

I have the 8' Flipping / Pitching Rod. I broke it in with four days at Clear Lake. Awesome rod as long as your using mono. Braid constantly wraps around the tip, I had to switch to a reel with mono. Great feel, lightweight, and great price.

This was my take back in October. I have noticed that mono is starting to wrap around the tip. I will just replace the tip and go from there. I have a Shimano Castaic and have not had any problems with the reel seat, as of yet. Yes, the tip sucks, the color is LOUD, but it's an awesome rod for the money.