I have the Okuma XH, but I broke it on a hook set so I was waiting for the warranty return. I needed a rod in the mean time so I purchased a Diawa Heartland XH 7'9". I love this rod so much I bought another one, in the Heavy action for smaller sb's. Is anyone else using these ? and do you like them.

Just curious becuase for 59 and 64 dollars it is easier to slide it by my wife }(

Leroy

I haven't used the H yet. But I am with you. I love my XH, and want to get the H as well. They also double as good musky & striper rods when the bass aren't biting. Great quality without the high price. Can't argue with that.

I also have the XH and use it quite often, but it depends on what SB's you are going to throw with it.

I look at the rod as a large CRANKBAIT rod because of the action. I throw 7-9" wood baits, but nothing bigger. Remember, just because the rod is rated up to 8oz, I would not recommend throwing large baits like Mission Fish, Stocker Trout 9", or even the Huddleston. It doesn't have the backbone to drive the hook and you might end up losing a lot of fish (from experience).

I'm not trying to discourage you from using it...it's a great rod and the price is great, but try to find the right spot for it in your SB arsenal.

Also, check out Rob's review of the rod and you can read his pros and cons with the rod. He does a great job with his reviews.

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods/daiwa_big_bait_special/index.html

I agree that it isn't a rod for the really big swimbaits. I don't normally cast anything bigger than about 5 ounces on it. I will say this about it's hooking power, though: If it can sink a hook in a musky's mouth(which is much bonier than any largemouths), while using an 8" Castaic SB, well, that rod has my confidence. I like the moderate action of the tip, because it doesn't rob any action from my wooden swim baits actions, and doesn't rip hooks out of a fish's mouth. I have had stiffer rods do exactly that way too many times. It just comes down to what you want to give up..... action of your baits and none of the BIG baits. Or a stouter rod that's only good for the big baits.

Leroy, I also have the 7'9" exheavy and like it a lot. I dont think it is a good rod for the Hudd. or any of the other big rubber baits. It will cast them, but I would not feel confident in the hook set with a big rubber bait. I use it for the smaller baits, like the 6.5" Little Charlie. The 7" M.S. slammer fishes pretty sweat on it to. I have also used it to fish big crank's and big 3/4oz-1oz spinnerbaits. over all I have been very happy with its performance and for the price I dont think it can be beat.