South Bend Proton Telescopic 6'6" Fishing Rod Spinning PTN-66M/TSP

Well Made Pack Rod

Posted by Tom Shearer on 09/03/2011

My Proton collapsible 6'6" spinning rod arrived today from Mudd Creek -- just a couple of days to get it with free shipping -- and I'm impressed with the quality of the rod for the price. Sure, any collapsible rod should not be compared to a regular model, but they're not meant to do the same job. This collapses down to a size that fits easily into a backpack or behind/underneath a car seat and because it's collapsible the line can be pre-threaded through the guides and attached with a swivel snap to the keeper -- ready to fish in less than a minute. The previous pack rod I tried (not from Mudd Creek and not manufactured by South Bend) was a disaster that came in several pieces that no matter how snugly put together, would fly apart after several casts. The Proton, since it's telescopic, obviously won't do that and yet it's also reasonably sensitive. Frankly, it casts better than some of the regular rods in its price range that I've used. One additional bonus for me was that it has a rounded reel seat that enabled me to use my vintage Garcia Mitchell 300 on it -- these old reels won't fit on some modern rods that have flat reel seats. I'm also partial to the cork grips that come on this rod. All in all, a bargain that looks and feels well made.