Fishing has long turned from a means of obtaining food into a hobby. This is especially true for residents of megalopolises, who are exhausted by the frantic pace of life in a series of weekdays and trips to and from work. You just need to sometimes be distracted for a day or two. And going out into nature with a fishing rod is a good option for psychological relief. And not only for unloading, in addition to contemplating the unhurried flow of water and picturesque sunrises, you can bring home a trophy and just enjoy the fishing.
Spinning fishing brings incomparable pleasure and excitement. Here is the choice of bait, and the choice of a place for fishing, and the technique of casting, and finally, the confrontation with prey. Spinning will help you to feel all these feelings in full.
For convenience, manufacturers divide the equipment into 7 classes, depending on the weight of the bait.
The very first class - "ultra light" - involves the use of lures weighing up to 7 grams. The most powerful class - "extra hard" is designed for an impressive 100 grams.
In the review, we will focus on ultralight rods, as the most popular in recent years. The number of their sales is growing steadily, the number of their fans is striving upward.
The number of manufacturers keeping up with demand is also growing. What to look for when choosing Is the tackle always at a high price better than the budget, which manufacturer is better Let's figure it out together.
Content
Features of ultralight spinning rods
Ultralight is one hundred percent true to its name - these are the lightest models in the line of rods, with which you can comfortably fish for a long time without fear of getting tired.
Their main difference is the use of light baits weighing from half a gram to 7 grams. It is not recommended to use heavier baits.
The range of use of rods is wide, from lakes and ponds to mountain rivers and sea fishing. At the same time, you can fish from the shore, from a boat, or while standing in the water, it all depends on your preferences and the characteristics of the area.
The ultralight successfully catches both peaceful fish species and predators. It all depends on your desire, the place where you are going, and, of course, luck. You can catch perches of 100-200 grams, but these small fishing rods will withstand (with the right choice of fishing line and reel, of course) both pike and chub weighing under 5-6 kg, playing which you will experience amazing sensations from excitement to the joy of confrontation with a decent prey.
Before choosing a spinning rod, you need to understand its main characteristics, and what they affect.
The main characteristics of spinning rods
Design
All models can be divided into two classes:
- Telescopic
(in the classroom, ultralight is rare). Rods assembled from several sections inserted into one another. More convenient for transportation, however, less sensitive in comparison with the next type.
- Plug
Rods where the rod sections are assembled from several knees inserted into each other.
It is recommended to transport plug rods in semi-rigid and rigid covers to avoid breakage.
Spinning length
For the ultralight class, the most common values are from 1.5 to 2.4 meters.
When fishing from the bank, abundantly overgrown with reeds or trees, it is better to take a short rod. If you fish in open water, you can use a longer blank to cast the bait further and make it easier to circle the caught fish around obstacles.
Build
The next important parameter is the action, in other words, the distribution of the load on the rod.
There are four types of tuning:
- Very fast
The rod flexes in the upper quarter, the rest remains rigid. Suitable for fishing in places where the casting is limited by branches and bushes. Throws with this action are accurate, and the sensitivity is such that all vibrations from the line are clearly felt by the angler.
- Fast
The upper third is bent. Similar to superfast. Sensitivity and accuracy, in turn, will not allow you to cast the bait far. Therefore, when fishing from a boat, it is recommended to choose medium or slow.
- Middle
Half of the rod is bent. Allows you to cast the bait far. Products with medium action can withstand heavy loads without the risk of breaking.
- Slow
The rod bends along its entire length, from tip to handle. Suitable for fishing from a boat. Works well with rotating lures. With a slow action rod, you can compete with large fish without the risk of breaking the tackle. It is perfect for fishing from a boat and from the shore, provided there are no trees and bushes.
There are also combinations of tunings, for example, medium-fast.
How to find out the tuning of a spinning rod Usually it is indicated on the form. The blank is the part of the spinning rod above the handle. This name also denotes a tackle without a coil.
Rod material
So, a designation is applied to the form, which indicates the material from which the product is made.
Fiberglass, aka fiberglass. Relatively heavy, but excellent shock resistance. It is often used for spinning rods with a slow and medium action.
Carbon, or carbon fiber. Lightweight and resilient material. Elasticity depends on the graphite content. The amount of graphite is encrypted in the IM index. The higher the number, the more rigid the tackle will be. It is from carbon that fishing rods are made with fast and ultra-fast action. By varying the percentage of graphite in different parts of the tackle, the manufacturer achieves flexibility in one part of the rod, while keeping the other rigid.
It should be remembered that such spinning rods hold the blows worse, and exceeding the recommended weight of prey or thick fishing line can easily lead to a crack or breakage of the rod.
Composite forms are an attempt to combine the advantages of the above two varieties, while minimizing the disadvantages. The products combine fiberglass-reinforced plastic in various combinations. In this way, manufacturers increase the flexibility of the rod while reducing the risk of tackle breakage due to stress. In addition, composite spinning rods attract buyers with their affordable price.
Blank power
Departing from special terms, this is the maximum weight of the bait, recommended for use, which will be easy and far to cast and feel good when driving. There are three classes:
Lure weight up to 2.5 grams. For catching small predators and peaceful inhabitants of the reservoir without distant casts. International designation XUL - "EXTRA ULTRALIGHT";
Weight up to 3.5 grams - middle category SUL - “SUPER ULTRALIGHT”;
Weight up to 5 grams is the most versatile category, allowing you to work with a wide range of lures and with different fishing styles. The common abbreviation for UL is "ULTRALIGHT"
Line Test
Recommended line thickness for a particular spinning rod. The parameter shows the value of the ultimate breaking load. It is designated on the products as “LINE” indicating the permissible values.
Please note - these are numbers in pounds, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Why it is important to meet this indicator When using a line with insufficient tensile strength, it is easy to lose the bait when the load is exceeded.
If you overdo it with strength, if the load is exceeded, you will most likely break the spinning blank.
What additional accessories do you need
Coil
Many models are sold without accessories, so you will need coil... Considering the light weight of the blank, we choose a low weight mechanism. Depending on the spinning test, the reel weight will vary from 160 to 210 grams.
After purchase, it is recommended to balance the forms and the spool. The closer the center of gravity of the assembled product is to the reel foot, the more responsive and comfortable the tackle will be when fishing.
Fishing line
The line must comply with the rod manufacturer's recommendations, which are stated in the technical specifications. You should not take too thick line for ultralight.
Bait
Of course, when fishing, you cannot do without bait. It is not possible to give unequivocal recommendations here, there are too many nuances in fishing and preferences for a particular fishing enthusiast. Let us only remind that the bait must comply with the test of the blank, and not exceed the recommended weight indicators.
Recommendations for the selection of equipment
Strike a balance. Read the parameters on the products you purchase carefully. The balance is important not only in terms of performance, but also in the price / quality ratio. It is shortsighted to put a cheap Chinese reel on an expensive spinning rod, just as it is unwise to buy a $ 300 rod and install a $ 10 noname on it, which will let you down at the most unexpected moment. Remember this. If you are new to fishing, it makes sense to buy an average price tackle in order to hold it in your hands and try it out, formulate for yourself the requirements that you set for your future fishing gear.
The best ultralight spinning rods of 2020
The review includes:
| MAXIMUS ICHIRO MSI22UL | RUB 3,115 |
| MIKADO ROYAL FISHUNTERS SPIN 240 | 2984 RUB |
| Salmo Elite MICRO JIG 6 201 | 2893 RUB |
| Kaida Finesse 2.23 / 0.5-5 | 2741 RUB |
| SHIMANO DIAFLASH BX LIGHT 80 UL | RUB 17,500 |
| DAIWA SPINMATIC TUFLITE 602 ULFS | RUB 3,700 |
| Salmo Sniper SPIN 8 210 | 1686 RUB |
MAXIMUS ICHIRO MSI22UL
In seventh place is the Korean company MAXIMUS. The company has been on the market for about 10 years, in Russia brand products began to appear 6 years ago. In production, Japanese composite materials are used, which are highly reliable. The product range ranges from rods for beginners to professional implements used by athletes in competition.
The ICHIRO MSI22UL is a medium-fast, lightweight plug-in rod with two sections. Designed for use with lures weighing from 1 to 7 grams.
Length: 2.2 m. - unassembled 1.1 m. - folded.
The blank material is combined, carbon and carbon fiber.
The light weight (95 grams) makes the rod sensitive and responsive.
Advantages:
- Low weight;
- Case included.
Disadvantages:
- Not identified.
MIKADO ROYAL FISHUNTERS SPIN 240
A well-known tackle manufacturer since Soviet times. Contrary to expectations and logo style, the brand is not Japanese at all. The company was founded in Poland in 1989 by a group of fishing enthusiasts. Initially, the brand positioned itself as a budget solution for fishermen, and given the crisis in the country, such a decision was a winning move. Inexpensive tackles quickly became popular with the people, and the brand's popularity began to grow rapidly.
Today Mikado is a renowned manufacturer of rods, reels and accessories, exported to many countries around the world, including the USA.
A huge assortment of products and affordable prices attract fishermen from all over the world to the brand.
The NIHONTO ROYAL FISHUNTERS SPIN 240 240 is a two-half plug rod. According to the class, it is a transitional option from ultra-light to light, as it allows the use of lures weighing from 5 to 15 grams.
Possessing a medium-fast action, the spinning rod will behave perfectly when playing actively resisting predators, however, it is not bad for sports fishing with light lures.
Length in assembled state - 2.4 m, in prepared for transportation - 1.2.
The cork handle provides a comfortable grip, while the polymer-injected rings help keep the line from tangling.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Case included;
- Comfortable grip.
Disadvantages:
- Not identified.
Salmo Elite MICRO JIG 6 201
On the fifth place of the review is another spinning rod of Polish production. The founders of the brand are ichthyologists by education and avid fishermen. Who, no matter how they are, know a lot about baits and perfectly know the habits of fish. Initially, the company specialized in baits. However, over time, the area of interest has expanded, and in 1995 Salmo launches the production of spinning rods in close cooperation with Korean companies. In fact, most of the rods are made in Korea under the name of a Polish brand and taking into account the development of Polish engineers.
Salmo Elite MICRO JIG 6 201 is a spinning rod of the lightest class, designed for fishing with lures up to 6 grams.
Build a blank: fast.
Assembled length 2.01 m, disassembled 1.05 m
The blank material is a hybrid of carbon and carbon fiber with the index IM7.
The inner part of the silicon carbide rings does not damage the line when casting and provides an even glide without jerking.
The handle length is 33.5 cm, the EVA material fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip when wet.
The weight of the product without additional equipment is 94 grams, which makes the rod responsive and will allow its owner not to get tired for a long time while fishing.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Case included;
- Silicon carbide rings.
Disadvantages:
- A fast action when using the composite used in the manufacture of the blank requires handling skills, otherwise there is a risk of breakage.
Kaida Finesse 2.23 / 0.5-5
The fourth line of the rating was taken by a product of a Chinese manufacturer. "Kaida" has been on the fishing market since 1997 and has established itself as a manufacturer of low-priced tackle and goods. Actually, it is the availability of gear at a price that is declared as one of the company's missions. In addition to spinning rods, the company produces reels, winding rings, antispinners, lures, and many accessories that an angler simply cannot do without.
Finesse 2.23 / 0.5-5 is a very fast action spinning rod that belongs to the ultra-light category. Rod type plug, consists of two sections.
The length of the assembled rod is 2.23 m, the transport length is 1.14 m.
Test: 0.5 - 5 grams.
The blank material is a hybrid of carbon and carbon fiber with the IM8 index.
The blank has 9 rings with internal silicon carbide inserts.
The handle is two-component, consists of rubber and cork, fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip.
Advantages:
- Case included;
- Grippy handle.
Disadvantages:
- Hard letterhead.
SHIMANO DIAFLASH BX LIGHT 80 UL
The SHIMANO brand needs no introduction. It is a recognized leader in the production of high-tech products, from fishing reels to top-class bicycle accessories. A distinctive feature of all products is the high quality of workmanship and high-tech materials of our own production.
DIAFLASH BX LIGHT 80 UL ultra-light spinning rod made of high-tech materials. Fast action and lure test in the range of 1-7 grams allows you to enjoy real fishing pleasure.
Rod length: 2.44 m - assembled, 1.25 m - folded.
Blank weight - only 90 grams, this is the lightest tackle in our rating. The blank has Fuji steel rings and a proprietary spool holder.
The set includes a cover.
Advantages:
- Weight 90 gr;
- High-tech letterhead material.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
DAIWA SPINMATIC TUFLITE 602 ULFS
Ultra-light class model, with a test from 1 to 3.5 grams. Perfect for sport fishing. Fast action and compact dimensions (1.83 m when assembled) allow the tackle to be used when fishing from the shore in overgrown places, next to bushes and trees.
Monolithic carbon fiber casting technology makes the blank perfectly balanced.
The weight of the model is 102 grams, the rod is lightened by a cork handle and anodized aluminum rings.
Advantages:
- High-tech blank material. High strength combined with elasticity.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of a cover included;
- Not all coil models will work.
Salmo Sniper SPIN 8 210
The leader of the rating was a spinning rod from a Polish manufacturer. Buyers appreciated the ease of use, high-quality materials, and most importantly, the low cost of the product. Excellent value for money made this model the best selling ultra light rod.
Sniper SPIN 8 210 - ultra light class spinning rod with medium action. Suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. Excellent resistance to long-term loads. So are sharp sweeps.
The model is designed for bait weighing from 2 to 8 grams.
Assembled length - 2.1 m, disassembled - 1.13 m
The blank material is a hybrid of carbon fiber and IM7 carbon fiber.
The inner part of the rings is made of silicon carbide, smooth glide without jerking and reduces line wear. Handle material - ethylene vinyl acetate. Elastic and lightweight. Does not slip even when wet.
Product weight without additional equipment: 103 grams.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- High reliability of the form;
Disadvantages:
- Not identified.
If you have experience using ultralight spinning rods or tips for choosing them, write them in the comments.
