Impulse Fishing Rods FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions we get in regards to our fishing rod models, and how to select the best bass fishing rod for you. If you have any questions about our fishing rods or information on this page, contact us here. 

What’s the difference between the ENERGY Series and Gen 2 Original Series Rods?

Rod Blanks: Everything except for our manufacturing process. ENERGY Series rods utilize a proprietary prepreg and low resin content that is combined to create durable and sensitive blanks. Where our Original Series rods are made with blend of high modulus Toray Graphite (carbon fiber).

Summary: At the end of the day the difference is the Gen 2 rods are physically lighter and more sensitive.

Guides: The ENERGY Series rods use Sea Guide 316 SS frames with new RA rings (improved Aluminum Oxide). Original Series rods utilize sea-guide tangle free 316 SS frames with Zirconium rings, the Zirconium guides are physically lighter, smother and harder and boost performance in every aspect of a fishing guide.

Handle / Grips: ENERGY Series rods utilize EVA mini fore grip for added comfort with grade A cork handles. Our Original Series rods have WINN grip handles for added comfort and an unbeatable no-slip grip.

Does Impulse offer technique specific rods?

All Impulse Series rods are engineered for specific fishing techniques and lures. You can visit our rods by technique pages to view both freshwater and saltwater rods by technique and lure type.

I am new to fishing, what type of rod should I purchase?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the different components of fishing, you’re not alone. The type of rod you need will depend on a couple of different factors. Where you want to fish, what type of fish you’re planning to target and what type of lures and rigging you are looking at fishing. Impulse Rods makes fishing rods for most applications. If you are new to fishing, feel free to reach out to one of our angling experts and we can make the best rod recommendation based on the fishing you’re targeting.

Does Impulse Rods come with a warranty? 

All Impulse Rods carry a Limited 1-year warranty. To learn more about our rod warranties, please visit our rod warranty page here.

Can I use a line or a lure weight that is outside of the recommended ratings?

Impulse Rods are designed to work at their best performance within the recommended parameters listed on the website and printed on the fishing rod. If you try fishing a line outside this recommendation, you sacrifice the sensitivity and action that the rod is designed for. This goes for both lower ratings and higher rated lures and line. Doing this will also increase your risk of breaking your rod and runs the risk of voiding your warranty. You can read more on Impulse Rod warranties here.

What is “Rod Power”?

A fishing rod’s power is best described as how much pressure it can take to flex the rod. Impulse Rods are designed with specific power ranges for both line and lure classes. These can vary from ultralight rods to extra heavy rod powers.

What is a rod’s “Action”?

The action of a rod is best described as how much and where the rod bends when pressure is applied to the tip. Slower action rods will react slower than your moderate to fast action fishing rods. Depending on what type of fish you are targeting, and what fishing lures you are using will determine what rod action you need.

A moderate to slow action means it bends further down in the blank, think of a big rainbow bend. If it’s fast, it reacts quick and flexes quick in the tip.

Extra Fast Action Rods: These rods will have a very sensitive tip and the rod will shut down very quickly transferring over to the power of the rod.

Fast Action Rods: These rods have a more progressive tip with a balanced and solid backbone.

Moderate Fast Action Rods: These rods have a deeper bend than the fast action rod.

Moderate Action Rods: These rods are referred to as slow action rods, and have a much deeper bend down towards the handle.

Can I use my freshwater reels on saltwater rods and vice versa?

Impulse Rods recommends that you use a reel designed specifically for the rod’s application. Saltwater reels for saltwater rods and freshwater reels for freshwater rods. The main reason to use a saltwater reel with a saltwater rod will be its components are lubricated differently due to the amount of salt exposure they see. You can however interchange these reels with minimal negative impacts.

How do I know what rod length I need?

If you want to make short, extremely accurate casts, a shorter rod 7 feet or less is ideal. When accuracy isn’t as important as distance, a rod 7 feet and over will be where you want to look. You’ll notice that each rod we manufacture has a purpose and those purposes can be viewed here on our rods by technique page. Our rods are designed for specific uses but can be used as a multi-purpose rod as well.

Short Rods: For when you are in “close combat” and have obstacles in your way.

Long Rods: Great for open water, deep water and when casting longer distance is required.

I don’t know if I need a casting rod or spinning rod?

That depends. If you already have a reel selected, then you will need to get the appropriate rod. Baitcasting reels require casting rods where spincast reels require the use of a spinning rod.

Starting fresh... No problem. Below are the notable differences between the two.

• Casting combos are usually more difficult for people to learn to throw than a spinning combo.
• Casting rods are generally stiffer, more powerful and offer more accuracy.
• Casting rods have smaller guides than spinning rods due to how the line is released.
• Casting reels sit on top of the rod where spinning reels are underneath.

What types of line can I use on Impulse Rods?

All Impulse Rods are designed to be used with braided lines as well as monofilament and fluorocarbon.

Should I use mono or braided fishing line?

All Impulse Rods will work with either type of fishing line. The species of fish, location, and structure you are fishing will determine the type of fishing line that you will need. Freshwater anglers targeting bass, striper, pan fish, trout and other species will be fine using monofilament or braided line. Saltwater anglers will want to use braid as it is stronger and better equipped to handle the sharp teeth that a lot of saltwater fish species have.