Response to Testers from Acadia Sports

[acadiasports]

Guys-

First of all let me thank all of you again in participating in the test. You are participating in a "ground zero" test meaning we are basically starting from scratch and building a rod. The "prototype" you have is a base starting point that we can build on to come up with a high-quality, low-cost (always) rod.

So far, I must say I am VERY pleased with the results. I know a number of you have found some problems. Understand, this is GOOD news. Let me explain:

Normally, when we start a new product, we test ourselves as best we can and try to iron out all of the issues. We ALWAYS find some problems. The biggest fear we have is NOT finding any problems. That would mean our customers find them later. Not good.

You guys have already found a number of issues. For instance, the problem with the screw-in cap breaking off. The factory is supposed to "anchor" the end cap to the end of the rod blank so this does not occur. They obviously did not. A good catch. This is a factory design problem that we can now fix.

So far, from the comments I have read, you guys are doing exactly what we had hoped for - honest, real feedback (both good and bad) from real fishermen. This is great!!!

I will post individual responses to the items you have found under this thread.

Keep up the good work!!!

Thanks again,
Lee Richards
Acadia Sports

[acadiasports]

COSMETICS:

The rod you are testing does not have the final cosmetics. The rod color will be similar but, a little darker. We will most likely keep the upper part of the rod the flat (non-gloss) color and the label portion will be gloss and a little larger than it is now.

Make sense?

[acadiasports]

HOOK KEEPER.

OK guys, got it loud and clear. You want the hook keeper. You got it. We will add it. Good feedback!!!

[acadiasports]

BUTT CAP:

This is a real issue. Good catch guys. We are looking at an adjustable weight system for the back end of the rod. Different length/weight screws so you can adjust the balance. That's the good news.

The bad news is the factory was supposed to "anchor" the weight system to the end of the rod blank to keep it sturdy. They obviously did not do that. Factory design flaw that we need to fix. We will re-design this butt system...

[Fishaholic]

Thanks for the update. We all know these are prototypes and that issues we find will be addressed and repaired, The High quality of these rods are remarkable. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of this testing Series.

[gofish]

if you add the "hook keeper" please use the hinged style instead of the loop style on the spinning rods at least......i wrap part of my hand above the reel along the blank for sensitivity and it really hurts when i set the hook and run that keeper in a finger lol...love the feature but end up filing them off

[kevin]

Thanks for keeping us up to date and listening to the things that we find and our suggestions as well...you don't find that anymore and makes our efforts worth while and looking forward to seeing the finished product as well...thanks for giving us anglers the opportunities that usually go to the big named guys...:icon_biggrin:

[jason454ci]

Lee I appreciate the fact that you involved us fishermen here at WIF for some real world testing. I am sure this will provide a much better finished product in the end. Doing this kind of testing sure speaks volumes for your dedication to produce a top quality product. Again thanks for choosing us to be your research and development team.

[Catbird]

I am looking foward to testing the rod I recieved...just as soon as I get back from Alaska.

[dipper69_2000]

if you add the "hook keeper" please use the hinged style instead of the loop style on the spinning rods at least......i wrap part of my hand above the reel along the blank for sensitivity and it really hurts when i set the hook and run that keeper in a finger lol...love the feature but end up filing them off

ty gofish i am not the only one that cuts or file the hook keeper off if it is not hinged. and lee again thank you thank you if more company's cared about there products the way you do, the hard working live week by week american consumer would be much happier :confused0024:

[acadiasports]

ROD BREAKAGE:

I was a little concerned about this. We used a little higher modulus graphite in this rod. While the "big guys" brag about their high modulus rating (85+), the truth is the higher the modulus, the more brittle the rod becomes. Normally, they compensate by adding a carbon mix to strengthen the rod. All of our rods in the past have been 98% graphite. We have not done a mix.

We will have to either mix a little or reduce the graphite content just a little.

[acadiasports]

TIPS

Have had two problems reported now with the gluing on the tip. I will get on the factory about this. No excuse for that. Looks like they just got a little sloppy on the prototypes.

Sometimes during intial production, they do not have the same production controls in place and they "skip" a few tests in order to get a new model out quickly. Not a good excuse - just the facts...

If you do have a tip problem just use a good epoxy glue to put it back on for now...

[DaveIN]

Well, I posted on another thread if the company providing these test rods was going to respond to the problems and man am I surprised! What a great thread this is and what a company that would go through this for their new products.

Thank you's both to the company and the testers!

[acadiasports]

HANDLE LENGTH

Kevin made a note about the length of the handle on the casting rods. Would like it to be a little longer. This is no problem. What do the rest of you guys think???

[gofish]

handle length is fine on mine,bout standard for one that length/action...only casting rods for bass ect i have with longer handles are my swimbait rods

[heath19]

I think the handle length on my spinning rod is pretty good. Seems about the same if not a little longer than my other spinning rods of the same length

[troutrageous1]

Handle length on my spinning rod is fine.

One thing for you - somewhat off the subject of these rods, but since we're talking about handles... Would love to see a 5' UL spinning rod for trout & panfish with I guess it's called a "Tennessee" handle. Even if the rod blank was from a different series. Removing the reel seat and just using those rings to keep the reel on makes for a super-sensitive ultralight setup - would imagine would pair up with your 50 reel great. Something like below:
http://products.gloomis.com/media/fishing/gloomis/images/product/handles/17_v1_m56577569830482013.jpeg

[acadiasports]

Troutrageous-

Not a bad idea. May look into that kind of handle on the next expansion. Being as small as we are it's hard to offer too many combinations but, I kind of like this one...

Thanks
Lee

[acadiasports]

Guys-

Must apologize for not getting back to you guys sooner. Been pretty hectic around here. Thought I'd give you a quick update.

Based on your feedback, here's where we are:

1. Based on the breakage we saw, we have slightly modified the graphite content on the rods. Actually might make the rod a little lighter but, for sure stronger.

2. Have added a hook keeper. Yes, it is hinged.

3. Have changed the cosmetics. A little darker charcoal coloring.

4. Butt cap has been redesigned. Also added a "weighting" system to the butt cap. Basically, it will be different length/weight screws on the cap to adjust the weight at the end of the rod. Will help to balance the rod depending on the reel used.

5. We are looking at the newer "flex" eyelets. They bend down and are flexible instead of bending permanently. Not sure about this yet.

Expect new samples within the next few weeks...

Anybody interested in another round of testing or have I overstayed my welcome???

Let me know.

Thanks again for all of your help..

Lee

[kevin]

I wouldn't mind giving another round of testing...I feel that I have exhausted the rod that I currently have and still fish with it, but have no other input about things wrong with it...definitely a rod to watch and fish with as I have been extremely pleased with the rod that I have been testing...:party0045:

[ho_shi]

hay kevin just a quick note

If you run out of bad things post positive things!!!!

lol i got a cpl p series and f series and am tickled pink with them so far!!

[kevin]

I have a link for the M-Series Proto testing phase and there is quite a bit of positive there as well as the issues that I had come across...this is a top knotch rod and would recommend it very highly...my statement was that I have been fishing with it a lot and the posts that I have made in the recent past pretty much sum up what I feel about the rod...since they are changing some of the features and the build of the rod some, I wouldn't mind giving the next generation a whirl and see how it handles...I would definitely recommend these rods and would buy them myself...

[Timotha7]

This first set of tests was a ground zero proto-type, and the "negatives" are the things that needed to be caught and pointed out, that is how this type of testing works, and that is the way that Acadia can make sure that the finished product they release is a great one.


All testers:
Lee wanted to make sure that everyone understands it will be a few weeks before the next generation test rods are available
So kick back, and as soon as they arrive the next set of tests will start up
Same format, post your rod and your name as tester and post the results of the testing


I am looking forward to seeing this next round of testing, I think you will see a "night and day" difference between these next
generation rods and the ground zero proto-types

Thanks

Tim

[heath19]

You havent overstayed my welcome! Im up for another round of testing. Sounds like the next batch of rods should be better and im looking forward to the final product.

[ho_shi]

good deal

I like acadia!!!!

[gofish]

be glad ta help you out again anytime you need it lee.real curious bout those new eyes.

[Fishaholic]

This is what these "tests" are for, find the weekness and fix it before it hits the market, I have several other acadia rods and a reel and I love em, Nothing to complain about from me.. top notch from gear to service...thanks again lee, and keep us posted!!!!

great to hear about the details being addresed such as the hook keeper...very minor item but has been adressed and has been added way to go acadia more proof that you listening to your anglers imput from all over the country!!! A+++

[troutrageous1]

Would welcome & love to try another test. However this time, if I could choose a shorter, lighter action spinning rod, would better suit my style of fishing. I was testing a MH rod and I'm sure some of the other folks (especially you guys that go after catfish) might give it a better workout that I could on a regular basis.

Anyway, glad to see the feedback is starting to be implemented - this has been a great experience and I only have positive things to say about Acadia Sports!

[acadiasports]

OK Guys,

New rods are in. Still missing hook keeper, weight system and new eyelets. However, the main change is the graphite content. Should stand up a little better. Also, some have newer color scheme.

Here's what I have. I know some of you wanted to test a different type of rod so, first to respond gets their choice.

NOTE: Most of the rods I have for this test are 2 piece...

Available:

Only one casting rod - 7' 1 piece Heavy

Spinning (one each of the following):

6'6" 1 piece MH
6'6" 2 piece M
7'0" 2 piece M
6'6" 2 piece ML
6'0" 2 piece L
6'6" 2 piece MH
6'0" 2 piece M
7'0" 2 piece MH
5'6" 2 piece L

Just reply via this post and we will send them out...

Thanks again for the help...

Lee

[troutrageous1]

Lee, would love to try and test the 5'6" 2 piece L spinning rod. More suits my type of fishing than some of the larger, heavier rods (leave those for the guys going after cats!). Let me know if you need any more information from me, I can't wait to try the new version of this rod.

[Fishaholic]

Thats great, id like to try the 6'6" M 2pc rod, be great with my ES300 reel, thanks again lee..

[kevin]

Thanks again Lee for giving me an opportunity to try these rods out for you and I would like to test the 7'0" 2 piece M as this length will suit my fishing better than a shorter one...let me know if you need any more info and look forward to giving this rod a thorough workout...:party0045:

[Schoe]

Thanks Lee for the opportunity for our members to give your new products the field testing you need to have done. It has been our pleasure as we know when this is finished the end result will be another fine product from Acadia.

I would like to give the new M-701 1 pc. M a try.

Thanks, Schoe

[ho_shi]

i would like to try 7ft mh or m

i have a cpl p series and i love them!!!

[gofish]

lee id absolutely love to have the casting rod.....switch the 3000 over to it lol.the med/heavy was and is great!

[heath19]

Id like to try out the 6'6" ML 2 pc. Im looking forward to seeing how the rods turn out for the second round of tests!

[acadiasports]

OK Guys-

Here's what I sent out today:

troutrageous - Spinning 562 - L
fishaholic - Spinning 662 - M
kevin - Spinning 702 - M
gofish - Casting 701 - H
heath19 - Spinning 662 - ML
dipper - Spinning 662 - MH

schoe - Looks like you wanted S 701 but, do not have any for this test
ho_shi - You are welcome to test but, please send me name and address

Here's what I have left:

S-661-MH
S-602-L
S-602-M
S-702-MH

First come first serve!!!

Thanks
Lee

[Schoe]

Lee, if no one has spoken for the S-702-MH I would like to try it out. Schoe

[ho_shi]

pm sent lee the 661 or 602 works for me!!! either one, i am not picky lol

[dipper69_2000]

thank you lee be looking for it.

[Fishaholic]

sounds great lee, looking forward to this new rod. Hopefully factory got them bugs worked out. Will be reporting soon, thanks again!!!

[gofish]

thanks lee! well see how it works flippin fer bass and how itll handle a blue or 2 hopefully....lookin forward to puttin it thru the paces!

[Mindcrime]

I will try out anything left:) lol:)

[Soupy_1us]

OK Guys-

Here's what I sent out today:

troutrageous - Spinning 562 - L
fishaholic - Spinning 662 - M
kevin - Spinning 702 - M
gofish - Casting 701 - H
heath19 - Spinning 662 - ML
dipper - Spinning 662 - MH

schoe - Looks like you wanted S 701 but, do not have any for this test
ho_shi - You are welcome to test but, please send me name and address

Here's what I have left:

S-661-MH
S-602-L
S-602-M
S-702-MH

First come first serve!!!

Thanks
Lee


Hehe,,,,, Don't see my name on there no place......Reckon they ain't built one yet for us big boys yet.....:confused0024:



Just funnin' with ya Lee.... Keep up the good work.

[acadiasports]

Soupy-

Went down to where they are building the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. Got a piece of steel I-Beam that we will trim down. Should work for you... (Just kidding)

Additional rods sent out:

Spinning 661 MH - Mindcrime (new tester)
Spinning 702-MH - Schoe

Lee

[Mindcrime]

Thanks Lee,
Thats perfect:)

[dipper69_2000]

looks as lee got one in on ya soupy. what size rods you use for them hogs u catch anyways?

[gofish]

he makes fun of my rods cause theyre too light an theyre 8 footers rated from 2 ta 8 ounces with 30 ta 80lb braided line lol.

[dipper69_2000]

lol telephone pole and cable. must be what he used but hey if it works. he would never use my stuff fer bait then lol

[troutrageous1]

Got the 5-1/2 Spinning Rod today in the mail. Thanks Lee!
Looks nice (and the butt end looks solid this time), hope to try her out tomorrow (Sunday) AM.

[dipper69_2000]

Got the 5-1/2 Spinning Rod today in the mail. Thanks Lee!
Looks nice (and the butt end looks solid this time), hope to try her out tomorrow (Sunday) AM.
got my rms-662-mh already today also.good looking rod and feels good.already have a problem although not a big one will take a pic and post about it later. i plan on using the rod tomorrow nite

[Fishaholic]

Im assuming our little survey paper from the first set of testing rods is to now apply for this rod instead????? or just add to it?????