Loomis Archipelago STX 11' Heavy 1-3oz

[Haroldg]

Hi Guys,


Reefs, Fishatic..... I hope you see this post.


I've experimented with a few spinning rods in the 10'-11' range over the years and my go to outfit for the past 10 has been my trusty Daiwa Exceller 10'6" (1063HFS) 1-3 oz. With this rod, a Shimano Sustain 5000,Daiwa BG 4000 and a few other grinders I am able to throw some enviable distances. I have the utmost confidence and no inhibitions when loading this rod as it has a fairly fast action and excellent pulling power.


However with the onset of arthritis and recent carpel tunnel issues I settled on the Archipelago 11' as I also have the 12' which I don't use due to the issues mentioned. The entire looks, feel and weight of the rod made this purchase a no brainer. I've been using braided leaders on the Exceller throughout and the thought of a "wind' knot did not even occur throughout.


Enter the 11' Archipelago STX .....
I swopped reels and and have been having an enduring nightmare with "wind" knots. I removed the braided leaders and the slightest breeze is creating havoc with "wind" knots. This has knocked my confidence levels to an all time low and I use this rod with a high fear factor. The guides are a tad smaller than the Exceller and supposedly of  a better quality etc though the layout and number of guides is different. I've spoken to an experienced spinner and he believes the single foot guides are an issue.


Apart from this issue I really like the rod. Brandon, what have you done with the design to cause this much of grief to me?? I'm pretty sure most guys who don't intend to reach NZ on every cast are not having this issue. Could it be that I'm loading this rod too much having developed the habit with my Exceller which does not perform unless fully loaded?

[JeandlH]

I experience the exact same problem as you regarding wind knots with my 11ft Archipelago. My friend with his Penn Regiment that has "normal" (read non Fuji K-Series guides) have no issues with wind knots. I use a 5000 Shimano with 20lb braid on mine.

[Vaaliebassman]

Yes also had a few wind knot issues on my Archipelago, otherwise very nice rod!

[Kes]

What braid are you guys using? The only time I ever had wind knots is when I used J Braid. Far too soft in my opinion.


On the other hand, I dont think single foot guides would be the cause of wind knots. It just doesnt make sense

[buildershane]

Hi guys. I use the Archipelago 11ft 1 - 3oz. I paired it with a stradic 5000. I started off with 20lb grinder braid (spooled myself, not very well). I had endless wind knots.


I changed to Gosen 21lb braid, properly spooled at Basil Manning Ballito. After 3 years and plenty fish I have had no issues.  The rod wasn't the problem. If I use a casting leader I only use 30lb. Anything thicker causes issues. Hope that helps.

[Haroldg]

What braid are you guys using? The only time I ever had wind knots is when I used J Braid. Far too soft in my opinion.


On the other hand, I dont think single foot guides would be the cause of wind knots. It just doesnt make sense

Daiwa J braid 15lb

[Haroldg]

Hi guys. I use the Archipelago 11ft 1 - 3oz. I paired it with a stradic 5000. I started off with 20lb grinder braid (spooled myself, not very well). I had endless wind knots.


I changed to Gosen 21lb braid, properly spooled at Basil Manning Ballito. After 3 years and plenty fish I have had no issues.  The rod wasn't the problem. If I use a casting leader I only use 30lb. Anything thicker causes issues. Hope that helps.

Buildershane, thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure the issue is more to do with the braid rather than spooling in my case. I've been spooling braid at home for many years without any issues and the only new variable is the new rod. Here's what I'm trying to figure out.... Spooling braid at the tackle shop under pressure is the best option. However after your very first cast the benefits of pressure spooling goes out the window as you're not winding on at the same pressure??

[Kes]

What braid are you guys using? The only time I ever had wind knots is when I used J Braid. Far too soft in my opinion.


On the other hand, I dont think single foot guides would be the cause of wind knots. It just doesnt make sense

Daiwa J braid 15lb

I think that may very well be your problem right there. If possible, stick another reel on there with a different 15lb braid and see how it works. If it casts fine then the J Braid is the issue. I also have two of these Archipelago rods and I have never had an issue with them and the single foot guides. 


Good luck bud, let us know what happens.

[SilverWolf]

I have the 11ft Loomis Archipelago as well.  To be honest, I haven't had any wind-knot issues at all.  It might just be the reel/rod setup?  I'm using a Shimano Sedona 5000.  I've also heard this rumor (haven't had the time to investigate it further) that the center of your reel should point directly at the center of the first eye on the rod to indicate a good 'match'.  The Shimano/Archipelago union does that for me, so... 

[Haroldg]

Some feedback on the issue I've been having....
I swopped to my trusty Sustain 5000 with cheap 20lb Boss braid, shortened the drop as advised by a mate who spins at least five times a week as I've been accustomed to an unusually long drop on my Exceller and presto this seems to be sorted. I didn't mention that this was only happening on the lighter lures. My spinning sessions are few and far between these days but I would really like to narrow this solution down to the exact issue.


This is a great spinning rod that just needed some adjusting on my part like driving a new car.... I will however be offloading some gear due to health reasons.


Thanks guys for all your input. Really appreciated.

[DonCouzens]

I am a keen lure caster and my experience on the micro guides or any setup really is wind knots are normally caused by my bad technique, either when I tire or try working a really light lure like a walk the dog style especially when casting into the wind. The archipelago is an exceptional rod, it's my top seller in that class. One last thing is to consider a softer braid  the harder braids seem more prone to wind knots and the other solution is to avoid light lures in windy conditions, heavier lures seldom cause wind knots  but also check you are not over filling your reel.

[Kuduvark]

I do mostly light scratching with a 10'6 BG powerspin rod and a 10' Shimano Vengeance, but not much lure action.


However, I have done some lure action on smaller rods and regularly get wind knots.


In my experience, the lure weight is the main cause followed by the reel/rod setup and then the rod itself (guides and stiffness).