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[jackie]

I am looking to buy my first centerpin rod to pair with my amundson steelhead tracker. I would like to use this for all salmon species and steelhead so I have narrowed it down to the 10'6 convergent, shimano clarus, Trophy xl and the fenwick hmx. Which rod is the most suitable for all round cp rod?

[Noahs Arc]

They're all good entry level rods. The convergence has a downlocking reel seat and the trophy is uplocking. Not sure about the Clarus. For some, not a big deal. For me, the downlocking type is a deal breaker.

[dave c]

I have used the convergence Fenwick and trophy. While all have their pros and cons of the three I would have to go with the trophy. I have landed chum springs steelhead coho and pinks on this rod. It is sensitive enough to make battles with smaller species like pinks and coho enjoyable but has enough backbone to handle big chum springs and steelhead. Excellent all around rod.

[jackie]

Yes I was leaning towards the trophy anyways thanks so much.

[DanL]

Not sure about the Clarus. For some, not a big deal. For me, the downlocking type is a deal breaker.

I believe the Clarus is a sliding ring reel seat.  I almost bought one as you dont see alot of options in 11' and 13' rods for just over $100.

I think they would be great pink/coho rods but are probably much too light to comfortably handle chums and springs, so if thats important to the OP I would not consider that rod.

[Drewhill]

Clarus is terrible. I have the 11' one and what I've found it's way too soft in the tip and too stiff lower down. You'll get terrible hook sets and will have a hard time feeling the fish fight. The sliding reel seat is pretty bad too.

[Humpy]

I recommend the fenwick HMX and trophy XL. Both are excellent rods for the money, IMO much better then the convergence or clarus.

[armytruck]

I recommend the fenwick HMX and trophy XL. Both are excellent rods for the money, IMO much better then the convergence or clarus.

X 2 

[Apennock]

Friends of mine have complained about their Clarus being a bit flimsy for stronger currents like the Fraser.  I have a 10'6 Convergence that's served me very well. 

[ThatDeafGuy]

I have the Fenwick, I absolutely love it.  You couldn't go wrong on this one.  I've tried the trophy as well, also very nice to fish with.

[Stewie]

Trophy for sure

[Gone_Fishin_]

I have the 13' clarius matched with a Hardy 4" conquest - Best set up ive ever used for fishing coho/steelhead... but thats just my opinion. Its basically a giant noodle, lol but thats what i was after. Can flip that sucker across any width of river ive come across and is awesome for high sticking when trying to keep your main out of the river to hit a seam on the other side.

Have caught/landed numerous big springs/chum on the rod in tough current without troubles, but being a noodle you do get the bend from cork half way up then straight out rod from there. With proper pressure and angles it hasnt been a problem.

Prefer the reel seats you put on yourself being an all cork handle. Can put there reel where i want and doesnt have a reel seat in the down position, cant stand that on my convergence... finger resting on threads all day. Fished it for a week then traded it...

All mentioned are good rods, but if you can splurge... go with a 12' sage or Loomis...

[Zackattack]

Why not get the Amundson 2116m to pair with your Amundson reel?
Awesome rod and reel locks from bottom.  Love mine
11'6 which allows nice drifts, not to stiff but still solid and $99. Army n Navy

[HOOK]

Why not get the Amundson 2116m to pair with your Amundson reel?
Awesome rod and reel locks from bottom.  Love mine
11'6 which allows nice drifts, not to stiff but still solid and $99. Army n Navy

I just bought this rod, haven't used it yet but will probably head out for reds next week. Army and Navy it's up to $119.99 now or at least was when I bought mine a month ago. I don't spend too much on salmon gear because it tends to get beat on and rods get broken more often then any other time.

[Zackattack]

Im sure youll like it 
Im in the same boat as you, dont like to have to worry about my rods but still want decent quality.