Description
The PENN Tidal Elite Surf rod range is a series of high-performance continental-style rods that are considered the flagship of PENN’s surfcasting lineup. Developed in collaboration with top European surfcasting experts, these rods are engineered to provide an unparalleled combination of casting distance, power, and sensitivity.
Purpose and Design Philosophy
The Tidal Elite Surf rods are built for the discerning angler who demands the very best from their equipment. They are not just for pure distance casting; their design philosophy focuses on creating a versatile tool that can excel in all facets of surf fishing, from competitive casting to delicate match fishing. The rods are particularly suited for anglers who favor a progressive action and want to achieve extreme distances with a smooth and efficient casting style.
Blank and Construction
The rods are constructed with a combination of 50T carbon and a Triaxial Multidirectional Weave Structure. This advanced blank technology results in a rod that is extremely light yet possesses an incredible power reserve and fast recovery speed, which translates directly into superior casting distance. The use of the triaxial weave also helps to minimize blank twist, ensuring that the rod tracks straight and true during the cast for improved accuracy.
A key feature of the Tidal Elite series is the hybrid tip. This is a solid carbon tip spliced into the main tubular blank, providing a perfect blend of power and finesse. The tip is highly sensitive, capable of registering the most subtle of bites, while the rest of the blank remains powerful enough to handle heavy weights and to land large fish.
Fittings and Components
The Tidal Elite Surf rods are fitted with top-tier components to complement their high-performance blanks:
- Guides: The rods feature Fuji lightweight stainless steel K-type frames with Fuji Alconite rings. This anti-tangle guide system is designed to reduce friction and prevent line wrap, which is crucial for maximizing casting distance. The guides are set in a configuration that is suitable for both fixed spool and multiplier reels.
- Reel Seat: They are equipped with a Fuji DPSSD reel seat, a high-quality screw-lock design that ensures a secure and reliable anchor for your reel.
- Handle: The butt section is finished with an X-Shrink tube handle, which provides an excellent, non-slip grip. The joints of the rod are also rubber-coated for a better grip when assembling or disassembling the rod.
- Alignment Dots: The rods feature alignment dots on each section, which help the angler to perfectly align the guides in seconds, ensuring optimal performance.
Performance and Feel
The PENN Tidal Elite rods are a pleasure to cast. The combination of the lightweight blank and fast recovery allows for easy and effortless casting, even with a simple overhead thump. When put to the test, the rods can achieve phenomenal distances, with test sessions showing 5oz weights being cast over 220 yards with an overhead thump. The hybrid tip is another highlight, as it sits well in the tide but still shows every bite. The rod’s power-to-weight ratio is truly remarkable, making it feel light in the hand while possessing the backbone to control and land large, powerful fish.
Specifications
- Models: The range includes models in lengths such as 4.20m and 4.50m.
- Casting Weight: 100-250g
- Sections: 3-piece
- Blank Material: 50T carbon with a Triaxial Multidirectional Weave Structure.
- Tip: Hybrid tip (Hybrid K-Type)
- Guides: Fuji Alconite K-type guides
- Reel Seat: Fuji DPSSD reel seat
- Handle: X-Shrink tube handle
- Additional Features: Rubber-coated joints, alignment dots, supplied with a soft cloth bag.