Sportex Magnus Mastergrade Jigging RS-2 2-Piece Saltwater Rod

Product detailed description

Sportex Magnus Mastergrade Jigging RS-2 is a premium range of short, two-piece rods for vertical jigging and pilking from a saltwater boat. The 180 and 190 cm lengths keep the lure close to the gunwale, make it easier to stay in control during a drift and remain far less cumbersome than a long shore rod when playing a fish. Seven versions cover lighter active jigging from 100 g, medium-heavy fishing for cod and coalfish, and powerful work up to 350 g for big fish, deeper water and stronger current.

At the heart of every model is a lightweight and highly durable Helicore blank made from high-performance Toray T1100 carbon. The construction builds on the HT Cross Winding process, combining sensitive lure feedback with progressive power transfer into the lower section of the rod. The result is not a rigid pole, but a fast, powerful setup that keeps you in contact with the jig while retaining the reserve needed for hard runs from cod, pollack, coalfish and halibut.

The range is divided into two structurally different groups. Standard versions are designed for a spinning reel and use a robust FUJI DPS reel seat. Baitcast versions are designed for a multiplier or compatible baitcasting reel, with a trigger-style FUJI TCS reel seat and eleven guides. Baitcast is therefore not merely another name for the same rod: the grip, reel seat and line path are designed for a reel mounted above the blank. Do not fit a spinning reel to a baitcast model, and do not fit a multiplier reel to a standard version.

The standard 190 cm / 150 g model is the natural starting point for medium-heavy Norwegian jigging when you want good response with pilks and soft lures for cod, coalfish and pollack. The 190 cm / 200 g model adds reserve for greater depth, faster drift and bulkier lures. The most powerful Monster Jig 180 cm / 200–350 g is intended for heavy vertical work, large soft jigs, substantial pilks and more targeted fishing for big cod or halibut.

The baitcast 190 cm / 100 g model is the lightest in rating and in the hand, making it suitable for active jigging in shallower water and a gentler current. The 150 g baitcast is the more versatile mid-range choice for Norway, while the 200 and 250 g versions move the setup towards deeper water, stronger drift and larger lures. Every baitcast version should be paired with a quality multiplier reel, suitable line capacity and a reliable drag.

For soft-lure setups, pair the rod with SAF JI-X saltwater jig heads. The Macaw 9/0 and 11/0 ranges use strong VMC 7168 hooks and cover weights suited to medium-heavy and heavy jigging, while SAF Screw Heads are practical for large soft lures and baitfish. Always add together the weight of the head, soft body, additional stinger and every other fitted component.

Choose the soft-lure body from our handmade SAF PLASTI-X soft baits. Larger X-RAY and VERTICAL 20 cm profiles or CHARLIE 18 cm are particularly interesting for saltwater vertical fishing. If you prefer a metal lure with a fast descent, explore pilks and speed jigs. For more targeted big-fish fishing, ready-rigged heavy lures can also be found among the halibut jigs and rippers.

Treat the 100, 150, 200 or 250 g figure on the regular models as the manufacturer's nominal jigging weight, not as permission for a full-power overhead cast. Only the Monster Jig has a manufacturer-stated 200–350 g tolerance. Actual load is also affected by lure surface area, retrieve speed, line diameter, depth, current and drift speed. A bulky 200 g soft lure can create more resistance than a compact 200 g pilk.

The specification is completed by stainless FUJI KW SIC guides protected for saltwater use, a full-Duplon handle for a secure grip, a rubber cross-gimbal butt for stable bracing and a SEAGUIDE D-Hook lure keeper. Standard models have eight guides and baitcast models have eleven, reflecting the different line path and reel layout of each configuration.

Sportex Magnus Mastergrade Jigging RS-2 variant comparison

The weight of a hand-built rod may vary by up to 8% due to manufacturing tolerance. The table is therefore an accurate decision guide for comparing models, not a substitute for assessing the specific lure and fishing conditions. If you are choosing between two ratings, focus primarily on total rig weight, lure resistance, depth and drift speed.

A carbon blank conducts electricity. Never use the rod during a thunderstorm or near overhead power lines, and always maintain a safe distance from electrical conductors during transport. Contact between a carbon rod and a live electrical source can cause a life-threatening injury.

After every saltwater session, remove the reel and rinse the rod with a gentle stream of fresh water. Wipe it down and leave both sections to dry completely before storage. Regularly inspect the ceramic guide inserts and frames, the joint between both sections, the reel-seat thread, the Duplon handle, lure keeper and rubber butt. Do not allow salt to dry in the reel-seat thread or around the guides, and never hook the lure into a ceramic guide insert.

SPORTEX provides a 10-year extended manufacturer's warranty on the blank. To activate it, register the rod within 30 days of purchase and retain the proof of purchase. The extended warranty applies to the blank; guides, reel seat, whipping, finish, handle and other components remain subject to the standard statutory terms. For purchases outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland, SPORTEX directs warranty handling through the responsible distributor or specialist dealer.

Frequently asked questions — Sportex Magnus Mastergrade Jigging RS-2

What is the difference between the standard and baitcast versions?

The standard version is designed for a spinning reel and uses a FUJI DPS reel seat with eight guides. The baitcast version is designed for a multiplier or compatible baitcasting reel, with a trigger-style FUJI TCS seat and eleven guides. Do not interchange reel types between the two configurations.

Which version is the best all-round choice for Norway?

For a spinning reel, the 190 cm / 150 g model is the most versatile starting point; choose the 200 g model for greater depth and a stronger drift. With a multiplier reel, the 150 g baitcast serves a similar all-round role, while the 200 g version gives more reserve for a heavier setup.

Which model is suitable for heavier halibut fishing?

The standard model with the greatest reserve is the 180 cm Monster Jig with the manufacturer's stated 200–350 g tolerance. The strongest baitcast model is the 190 cm / 250 g version. Always match the choice to the lure, depth, current, line, reel and drag setting.

What does the gram rating mean on these jigging rods?

It primarily indicates the working weight of the jig or complete lure during vertical fishing from a boat. For the 100, 150, 200 and 250 g models, the manufacturer states a nominal jigging weight. Only the Monster Jig has a published 200–350 g tolerance. The figure is not permission for a full-power overhead cast.

Can I pair the rod with SAF heads and PLASTI-X soft lures?

Yes. Macaw 9/0 and 11/0 jig heads or SAF Screw Heads are particularly suitable for larger saltwater soft lures. They can be paired with larger PLASTI-X X-RAY, VERTICAL or CHARLIE profiles. Add together the weight of every rig component and also account for the lure's resistance in the water.

How should I care for the rod after saltwater fishing?

Remove the reel, rinse the rod with a gentle stream of fresh water, wipe it down and allow both sections to dry completely. Check the SIC guides, section joint, reel-seat thread, handle and butt. Do not use aggressive cleaners or high-pressure water.

How does the 10-year SPORTEX warranty work?

The manufacturer's extended warranty applies to the blank and requires registration of the rod within 30 days of purchase. Retain the proof of purchase. Components and damage caused by overloading, impact or improper handling remain subject to the standard warranty terms. For purchases outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland, contact the responsible distributor or specialist dealer.

→ For all detailed technical information, see the Parameters section below.

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