SAMURAI Reaction are a premium rod offering from the well-known brand. I personally have used the previous two models chasing mainly snapper. I mainly fish for snapper out of Coffs Harbour and rely on my former outfits for maximum sensitivity, pulling power at a reduced overall weight to hook and land large fish regularly.
If I am using my Reaction I tend to get that little extra comfort, length of cast and plenty of feel through the blank allowing for a quick “reaction” to a small bite to set hooks.
Unwrapping the latest model from Samurai, there are some clear cosmetic and functional improvements. It is easy to see that this rod aims to take performance to the next level for the avid angler. The three things that are visibly different are the reel seats, guides and butt which have all seen an overhaul.
Fuji’s latest TCH carbon/titanium reel seats look mint. Titanium SiC guides are the newest development from Fuji. The previous model’s guides were constructed with a heavier material and also had three connection points instead of two directly to the butt.
The matte black butt has been made from carbon fibre. On this model, it is has been tested to 20kg. It feels amazing and reduces the all-around weight of the rod substantially. The only issue with the 100% carbon fibre material is that it can be prone to scratching. Samurai has provided a neoprene slipcover to protect the butt whilst it isn’t being cast.
I have the 10-20lb setup in my hand. It is noticeably lighter. I cannot wait to get on the water for a flick. I have rigged it ready to roll with a 4000-sized reel and 25lb 8x weave braid the balance is exceptional.
Field testing
I decided to take the old Reaction model out for the day to measure its performance alongside the new model. The new model was significantly lighter, and I wondered if it would maintain the pulling power of its predecessor.
The carbon fibre through the butt was a technology that I had never seen or used before. The difference it made for subtle bites was unlike anything I had felt. It is the most responsive snapper rod I have used. The action in the rod tip had plenty of whip with the flexion to withstand a lengthy cast, essential for plastics fishing.
When fighting a fish there is a higher ratio of power than most rods compared to the weight and feel of the rod. The 6-axial wrap minimises twist in the blank when the rod is buckled. The benefit of this is that all of the force is placed parabolically through to the butt of the rod without deviation of power.
We managed some nice snapper and small Sampson fish on a morning on the water. The rod performed exceptionally well and I look forward to more outings with this new rig.
More details at frogleysoffshore.com.au.
