Rods Review – Airrus Rods, September 2007
Over the years I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to personally use and test many brands and types of rods. Each one is unique in its own way and has its own character. I have used many fine rods such as St. Croix, G. Loomis, Kistler, Daiwa, Shimano, and Lamiglas. About five years ago I was introduced to a company called Sirrus Rods, now known as Airrus Rods. The company was just starting out and there weren’t too many models to choose from, but due to their incredible technological advances and perseverance, they have since grown into a world class company and have many models and types of rods available. Folks, I will warn you, these rods will blow your mind! Let me share with you some of my recent experiences with Airrus rods. I really hope this serves as a guide and helps you with your next purchase of a new rod.
Airrus achievements:
Co-Matrix 457 Shafts…….ICAST 2002 “Best of Show” Shaft Category
Outdoor Life…………2003 “Editors Choice” Award for Best Baitcasting Rod.
Spectra ATF Shafts….ICAST 2003 “Best of Show” Shaft Category
Tradition Rods ……….. ICAST 2004 Rod Category “Best of Show”
Field & Stream…………2004 Tradition Rod was selected #1 in 2004.
Puls-R Rod ……………..ICAST 2006 “Best of Show” Freshwater Rod
Airrus CO-MATRIX 457 Rod
Airrus Rods have always been at the forefront of technology and this is extremely evident in
each and every one of the models of their rods. The first reed I would like to share information about is the
Co-Matrix 457. The rod I tried was a 7′ heavy medium fast action casting rod. I used the new
Ardent XS 1000 reel with 15LB-Berkley fluorocarbon line. The Co-Matrix not only has an abundant
amount of energy, but it is also extremely sensitive. This rod is unique in the fact that two different
Manufacturing processes were used on this rod. This is how Airrus describes this process…
“Filament winding, which is used in the lower section of the rod to provide maximum hook setting and
moldability and our patented Multi-Modulus toe section, designed to provide the best combination
lure presentation, rod control and sensitivity.” This combination of rod and real allowed me to make
Incredibly long cast and still keep accuracy as a priority, as well as control. I was using a 5″ weightless
stick worm and allow it to sink and then bring it back to the surface for repeat
process. The Co-Matrix was so sensitive that it could feel every piece of structure that was
here. This is what an MH 7′ rod should feel like in my opinion! The problem is that many are already heavier
power rods feel like, well… long heavy power rods, which aren’t very conducive to all day fishing
excursion.
I found this rod to be very well balanced right out of the box. But, in case you might be
using a heavier spool or a lighter spool than what you were using, Airrus have put a removable nylon cap on the stock
section of the bar so that weight can be added to ensure proper balance is achieved. I will say
From the very beginning, the people at Airrus have thought of everything and put it to use in their
rod alignment. The wand’s handle is unlike any I’ve ever seen. Airrus calls it the “Comfort
“Grip” handle. The handle incorporates high quality Portuguese cork and a material called Hypalon.
The Hypalon section is located right where the hand rests on the handle of the rod and is the most sensitive and
comfortable material that I have experienced. Airrus uses Fuji Hardloy guides with “Concept” spacing
and a Fuji ECSM graphite filled Nylon 6 reel seat that is a deadly combination when it comes to
sensitivity. The Co-Matrix retails for between $94.95 and $125.95 depending on the model you
choose. It is available in casting, spinning, flip & pitch and crankin’ models. There are 19 models in the
baitcast series and 11 models in the spinning series. In my opinion, this rod will keep up with any rod.
in the market it costs twice as much!
Airrus SPECTRA ATF Rod
The next Airrus rod I tried was the Spectra ATF Spinning Rod in the 7′ Medium Power Fast Action
model. Within minutes, I could definitely see why Airrus won “Best of Show” in 2003 at the
ICAST Show with this rod. It is an extremely precise and sensitive rod. This rod contains another
Airrus technological breakthrough called “Selective Sensitivity”. Airrus is the first company to use
multi-fiber filament winding to a raw bar with the addition of spectra fiber to the filament winding
matrix in the lower section of the blank bar. When they added spectra fiber to the matrix, they were
capable of damping vibrations, which affect casting distance and accuracy, as well as increasing rods
sensitivity. This may sound very technical to you and believe me, it is. You can actually see the
difference in internal construction of an Airrus rod through paint! This is the kind of technology
that has made me a true fan of Airrus. The ATF was a fairly light feeling rod, but had a lot of backbone
to do the job. This rod was paired with the new Ardent S-400M spinning reel with PLine Halo
in the 10LB test and the distance achieved during the cast was phenomenal. She was throwing 4″ stick worms
madly rigged with this setup. I also put this rod to the test by using it as a drop-shot platform and releasing
the weight on the line up to the 6LB test. I was very impressed with how the Spectra ATF
performed in both scenarios! The Spectra ATF also uses the high grade “Comfort Grip” system
Portuguese cork and Hypalon, but also has a removable 4″ Hypalon stock extension that comes with the
stick. Once again, the Hypalon is positioned right where your hands rest for maximum comfort and sensitivity.
When you add the tail section on the rod this allows you to cast your lure even further using the
Two-handed casting method for increased leverage. The nylon cap is also incorporated into this rod for
weight and balance purposes and the Spectra AFT uses Fuji Alconite guides in “Concept” spacing
also. The actual seat provided greater sensitivity as Airrus uses Fuji ECSM exposed blank seats. Yo
I would put this rod up against ANY rod on the market and the amazing part is the only cost of the rod
$149.95. I have paid more than twice that amount for rods that were far inferior to the Spectra ATF. Tea
The Spectra series consists of 5 casting models and 3 spinning models to suit your fishing needs.
Airrus PULS-R Rod
The next rod from the Airrus family that I had the pleasure of testing was the Puls-R series. It’s lovely
The deep maroon color had me starring in this rod for some time before I even put a reel on it. Attention
to the craftsmanship that Airrus puts into each and every rod in each series is just amazing. one does
You won’t find this kind of quality anywhere else. I found that the Puls-R series went even one step further.
and once again, Airrus has developed a totally new concept in rod construction. Carlos at Airrus Rods
would explain the process as such, “The Puls-R is the ultimate in high performance composite shafts from
Airrus and represents a rod built with the latest in multi-fiber filament winding of the latest generation.
combined with the latest advances in Nano Tube carbon fiber epoxy resin systems.” This is the most
definitely the best of both worlds in one rod. It also happened to be the most sensitive rod I’ve ever owned.
ugly my hands on. At the bottom of the rod blank, graphite fibers are combined with a new S2
fiberglass at the rate of one fiberglass for every fiber and a half of graphite. I tried the 6’9″
Medium Heavy Power with quick tip on the casting model. Pair the Puls-R with the Brand New
Ardent C400 baitcaster (holy smokes!!!) with a 12 LB PLine Halo, strapped to a spinnerbait and off to
fish.
The first thing I noticed was the incredible sensitivity that was reflected through the handle. You
See, this rod does not use material like cork or Hypalon in the shaft like the aforementioned rods do.
The handle of the Puls-R rod is a full contact grip that is internally fused to the blank. It’s like you’re holding
on the megaphone end of a one-piece unit. It was like he was holding a custom made bar that was made
only for me! I could feel every turn of the spinnerbait blade and every piece of structure as it slowly moved forward.
reeling in the spinnerbait. The Puls-R had a very fast and responsive tip, but a lot of backbone when used.
set the hook and wrestled the 5 1/2LB Largemouth out of a thick bed of brush. The Puls-R is by far the
The most “pristine” rod I have ever used! To make things even more exclusive and personalized, Airrus uses a
Patented split reel seat to ensure maximum rod-to-hand contact, as well as locking wraps on the
single foot guides. The guides they use on the Puls-R are super hard and lightweight with double stamping.
guides with TiCA inserts and frame, which means your inserts will no longer fall out or crack.
The Puls-R is available in 5 casting models and 3 spinning models. The rod retails for $249.99, which
it’s an absolute steal for the quality and craftsmanship that the Puls-R possesses. The rod is a bit
than I expected, but it was NOT a problem as it balanced extremely well. There are 5 cast
models available and 3 swivel models to best suit your applications.
I really can’t think of anything negative to say in regards to the Airrus line of bars. I am aware of
This is a product review, but these rods are truly amazing! I can’t offer advice because these good people
at Airrus they have mastered rod construction to a futuristic level. The only small detail is that some models are
slightly than expected, but that wasn’t a problem at all considering the clever balancing system
Airrus have incorporated it into the butt section of their rods. Below are some details that stand out in my
mind as actual positives regarding the Airrus line of rods.
1. Incredible attention to detail.
2. Unmatched craftsmanship.
3. The latest and greatest cutting edge technology combined into one revolutionary fishing rod.
4. Beautiful flawless cosmetics.
5. Gigantic casting distance is achieved through the Airrus rod series.
6. Very affordable! Less than half the price of competitors with an inferior product!
7. The most pristine and sensitive rods I have ever held in my hands. Each of all Airrus rods
8. It makes you feel like you’re using a custom-made rod.
9. A plethora of models available to suit any budget, technique, style or fishing situation.