Rod 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 a lot of fine reeds like 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 getting started and there weren’t too many models to choose from, but due to their incredible technological advancements and perseverance they have since become a world-class company and have many models and types of rods available. Folks, I warn you, these rods will absolutely blow your socks off! Let me share with you some of my recent experiences regarding Airrus rods. I really hope this guides you and helps you with your next new rod purchase.
Airrus Achievements:
Rods Co-Matrix 457 ……. Rods category ICAST 2002 “The best of the show”
Outdoor Life …………… 2003 “Editors Choice” Award for the best baitcast rod.
Spectra ATF Shafts ……… ICAST 2003 Shafts Category “Best of Show”
Traditional rods ………….. ICAST 2004 Rods category “The best of the show”
Field & Stream ………… 2004 Tradition Rod was selected # 1 for 2004.
Rod Puls-R …………….. ICAST 2006 Fresh water rod “Best of Show”
CO-MATRIX 457 rod by Airrus
Airrus Rods has 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 rod that I would like to share some information about is the
Co-Matrix 457. The rod I tested was a 7 ‘heavy medium fast action cast rod. I used the new
Ardent XS 1000 reel with 15LB-Berkley fluorocarbon line. The Co-Matrix not only has abundant
amount of power, but it is also extremely responsive. This reed is unique in the fact that two different
Manufacturing processes were used on this rod. Here’s how Airrus describes this process …
“Filament winding, used in the lower section of the rod to provide maximum hook play and
formability and our proprietary Multi-Modulus tip section, designed to provide the ultimate combination
presentation of the lure, rod control and sensitivity. “This rod and reel combination allowed me to
Incredibly long cast and still keep precision as a priority, as well as control. I was wearing a weightless 5 ”
stick worm and let it sink and then bring it back to the surface for the repeated
process. The Co-Matrix was so sensitive that it could feel every piece of structure that was
present. This is how a 7 ‘MH rod should feel in my opinion! The problem is that, for many heavier
Fishing rods feel like, well … Long, heavy power rods, which isn’t very conducive to an all-day fishing.
excursion.
I found this rod to be very well balanced right out of the package. But, in case you can be
using a heavier spool or a lighter spool than the one I was using, Airrus has put a removable nylon cap on the cylinder head
rod section so weight can be added to ensure proper balance is achieved. I’ll say
From the beginning, the people at Airrus have thought of everything and put it into practice in their
rod alignment. The rod handle was unlike any I have ever seen. Airrus calls it the “Comfort
Handle Grip “. 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 bar 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 which 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 use.
choose. It is available in cast, spin, flip & pitch and crankin ‘models. There are 19 models in the
baitcast series and 11 models of the spinning series. In my opinion, this rod will stand up to any rod.
on the market they cost twice as much!
SPECTRA ATF rod by Airrus
The next Airrus rod I tried was the Spectra ATF spinning rod in 7 ‘Medium Power Fast action.
model. In a matter of minutes, I could definitely see why Airrus won the “Best of Show” in 2003 at the
ICAST Show with this rod. It is an extremely precise and sensitive rod. This rod contains another
Advancement of Airrus technology called “Selective Sensitivity”. Airrus is the first company to use
Winding multi-fiber filament to a rod blank with the addition of spectral fiber to the filament spool.
die in the bottom section of the raw bar. When they added spectral fiber to the matrix, they were
capable of damping vibrations, which affect launch distance and accuracy, as well as increasing rods
sensitivity. This may sound very technical to you and believe me, it is. In fact, you can see the
Difference in internal construction of an Airrus rod through paint! This is the kind of technology
That has made me a true Airrus fan. The ATF was a fairly light feel bar, but it had a lot of backbone
to do the job. This rod was combined with the new Ardent S-400M spinning reel with PLine Halo
in the 10 pound test and the distance reached during the launch was phenomenal. I was throwing 4 “stick worms
crazy-rigged with this setup. I also put this rod to the test by using it as a launch pad and releasing
the weight on the line up to the 6LB test. I was very impressed with the way 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 butt extension that comes with the
rod. Again, the Hypalon is located right where your hand rests for maximum comfort and sensitivity.
When you add the butt section on the rod, this allows you to cast your lure even further using the
Two-handed pitch method for increased leverage. The nylon butt plug is also incorporated into this rod for
weight and balance purposes and the Spectra AFT uses Fuji Alconite guides in the “Concept” space
also. The reel seat provided increased sensitivity as Airrus uses Fuji ECSM exposed blank seats. I
I would put this rod up against ANY rod on the market and the amazing part is the one time rod cost
$ 149.95. I have paid more than double 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 in the Airrus family that I had the pleasure of testing was the Puls-R series. It’s lovely
The dark maroon color made me star in this rod for some time before putting a reel on it. Attention
to the craftsmanship that Airrus puts into each and every one of the reeds in each series is simply incredible. One does
I don’t find this kind of quality elsewhere. 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. Charles on Airrus Rods
would explain the process as such, “The Puls-R is the ultimate in high performance composite rods from
Airrus and represents a rod built with the latest in state-of-the-art multi-fiber filament winding
combined with the latest advances in carbon fiber nano tube epoxy resin systems. ”
Definitely the best of both worlds in one bar. It also turned out to be the most sensitive rod I have ever owned.
ugly my hands. At the bottom of the raw bar, graphite fibers are combined with a new S2
fiberglass in a ratio of one fiberglass for each fiber and a half of graphite. I tried the 6’9 ”
Medium Heavy Power with quick tip on the casting model. I paired the Puls-R with the new one
Ardent C400 baitcaster (holy smoke !!!) with 12 LB PLine Halo, strapped in a spinnerbait and I went to
fish.
The first thing I noticed was the incredible sensitivity that was reflected through the handle. Your
See, this rod doesn’t use material like cork or Hypalon in the handle like the aforementioned rods do.
The Puls-R rod handle is a full contact grip that fuses internally with the blank. It’s like you’re holding
on the megaphone end of a one-piece unit. It was as if he was holding a custom made rod that was made
only for me! I could feel every turn of the spinnerbait blade and every piece of structure while going slow
rolling up the spinnerbait. The Puls-R had a very fast and responsive tip, but a lot of backbone when
He set the hook and fought the 5 1 / 2LB largemouth out of a thick bed of weeds. The Puls-R is by far the
The most “pristine” rod I have ever used! To make things even more stylish and personalized, Airrus uses a
Patented split reel seat to ensure maximum hand-rod contact as well as lock wraps on the
single foot guides. The guides they use on the Puls-R are super hard, light, with double swagged
Guides with TiCA inserts and frame, which means your inserts won’t fall off or crack anymore.
The Puls-R is available in 5 cast and 3 spun patterns. The rod retails for $ 249.99, which
It’s a real bargain for the quality and craftsmanship that the Puls-R possesses. The rod is a bit
heavier than I expected, but it was NOT a problem as it balanced extremely well. There are 5 casting
available models and 3 spinning models to best suit your applications.
I can’t really think of anything negative to say regarding the Airrus rod lineup. I am aware of
This is a product review, but these rods really are amazing! I cannot offer advice because these good people
At Airrus they have mastered rod building to a futuristic level. The only small detail is that some models are
a bit heavier than expected, but that wasn’t a problem at all considering the clever balancing system
Airrus has built-in at the back of its temples. Below are some details that stand out in my
mind as real positives regarding the Airrus rod line.
1. Incredible attention to detail.
2.Unmatched craftsmanship.
3. The latest and greatest cutting edge technology combined in one revolutionary fishing rod.
4.Beautiful flawless cosmetics.
5.Mammoth launch distance is achieved on all 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 laid my hands on. Each one, each Airrus reed
8. Makes you feel like you are using a custom made wand.
9. A plethora of models available to suit any fishing budget, technique, style or situation.