Overview
Designed with a goal to craft the lightest and strongest rods in technique-specific actions, the Ark Essence Series Casting Rods supply anglers with the best tools to pursue their passion. Built upon a Japanese Toray 40-ton high-modulus carbon fiber blank, the Ark Essence Series Casting Rods are constructed using Ark’s proprietary carbon fiber rolling technology that places a carbon nano tube between the carbon fiber layers for an exceptionally light, strong, and more sensitive rod.
Equipped with Fuji K-Frame tangle-free guides with Fazelite inserts, Ark Essence Series Casting Rods automatically break down tangles in heavy crosswinds to provide incredibly smooth and long casts. Complete with AAA grade full cork handles and a custom ark reel seat, Ark Essence Series Casting Rods furnish a comfortable and ergonomic grip with heightened feel and sensitivity.
- 40-ton HM Carbon Fiber Blank
- AAA Grade Full Cork Handle
- Fuji K-concept Tangle Free Guides w/ Fazlite inserts
- Custom Ark Reel Seat
-Limited 5-year Warranty $80 replacement fee after year 1
Specifications
Model | Taper | Line Wt. | Lure Wt. | Guides | Handle Length | Handle Type |
ESS68MLRC | Regular | 4-10lb | 1/16-1/2oz | 8+Tip | 14-1/4" | Cast A |
ESS610MRC | Regular | 8-14lb | 1/8-5/8oz | 8+Tip | 14-1/4" | Cast A |
ESS70MH-G | Moderate Fast | 8-20lb | 1/8-1 1/2oz | 8+Tip | 15" | Cast B |
ESS70MHXFC | Extra Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-1oz | 8+Tip | 15" | Cast B |
ESS73MHFC | Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-1oz | 8+Tip | 15" | Cast B |
ESS74MH-G | Moderate Fast | 8-20lb | 1/8-1 1/2oz | 8+Tip | 15" | Cast B |
ESS76MHFC | Fast | 10-17lb | 1/4-1oz | 8+Tip | 15-3/4" | Cast C |
ESS711XHFC | Fast | 50-80lb Braid | 1/2-2oz | 9+Tip | 16-1/2" | Cast D |
Previous Feedback
Comments: I purchased the 6'8" Medium light rod, as I was looking for my first BFS rod and had stumbled upon this rod as it checked all the boxes for me. It was affordable, a good length, had a lure rating of 1/16-1/2oz, comfortable reel seat, and a nice action for universal lure types. Paired it with a Shimano SLX BFS reel (Japan only) because I liked the color better than the Curado. I have to say I'm very happy with my choice, as I have never used any Ark products, but have watched a review of their Gravity 5 reel and felt this company gave anglers some of the best bang for the buck that I've seen out of the tons of gear out there in both the American and Japanese markets. The (Regular) action on my rod feels in between a moderate fast and a fast, which I think is perfect to help throw light BFS lures and really helps with all the new treble hooked BFS lures coming out in the American market lately. It also has plenty enough power to set a #2 EWG Texas rig hook with a 1/16oz tungsten weight. Handle length and full cork handle are a nice addition, and the lock nut is very sweet. Overall, I couldn't find a better Bass BFS rod that checked all the boxes like this rod did, and I think people are catching on as they're selling out quick.
From: ryan: tx 8/6/23
Comments: Bought the 7'4" Medium heavy composite rod. Huge upgrade from my s-glass cranking rod, can actually feel what my bait Is doing, and it's much lighter. Still thick like a glass rod, and a tad tip heavy, but I crank with the rod tip at the water so it's not really an issue. Really does fling a light bait, loads up well on the frittside 5jr and also handles deeper baits like a deep x300. Paired with a tatula 100 it fishes great for the price.
From: Kirk: Nashville, TN 11/29/22
Comments: Best feeling rod in my boat. Light but a good back bone. They hit a home run with this rod
From: Colton: Kentucky 5/28/22
Comments: There's nothing about these rods that you can complain about. Well balanced, light, and anyone who says they aren't sensitive is sorely mistaken because these 40 ton blanks feel everything. I can detect individual blades of eel grass or pebbles in gravel. The 7'3 MMH is the real deal.
From: TY: Minnesota 4/12/22
Comments: I bought the 7-3 med heavy model for Christmas and used it for the first time today. This is my first Ark rod. Bottom line- very disappointed. Weight O.K., but not "light feeling" Sensitivity none. I have 24 ton graphite rods that have more feeling than this blank. Rod rating, way overstated. Fells more like a 12-25 , than a 10-17, as printed on the blank. I WAS LOOKING TO BUY A NEW LINE OF RODS, BUT ARK WILL NOT BE IT. For $180 there has to better options out there. The only thing I liked about the rod is the quality of the cork handle.
From: Heim: Folsom, CA 3/24/22