NOT RECOMMENDED - Cadence Fishing Rods

I published a number of Cadence Fishing rods reviews over the years and now I need to retract them. After using cadence fishing rods heavily for the last number of years, many of them are breaking up near the tip. Cadence offers a one-year warranty - why not a lifetime one like Temple Fork? I would be happy to pay a service fee. A quick look at the reviews on Amazon confirms my new perspective on Cadence rod durability. Sad. I am deleting all of my content related to Cadence. Something changed at the Company after it was purchased... and not for the better.
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[@backyardbigns7867]

I bought one 4 or 5 years ago. I live on a lake and use it heavy. I love it, no issues. I believe you. I didn't know cadence sold to another company. Once businesses do that you never know what quality you will get. Thank you!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RKClements]

I started using Cadence at your recommendation and have generally been happy. I did receive one new rod with a broken reel seat - emailed the company and the boos replied the same day and said a replacement was on the way. A second Cadence rod snapped just above the first line guide. They sent a replacement but it was not the same rod and I don't use it very much. I did not know they had been bought out - if that's the case then I will probably look elsewhere as well. I do like their spinning reels, but when the two I have now die I will probably go back to Phleuger.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I agree. Not the same.

[@donalddaniels2675]

Had the same issue with a Cadence rod! It broke just past the second eyelet from the tip while reeling in a good sized freshwater exotic (Nile tilapia). I usually bank fish here in SW FL and the Cadence spinning reel has held up fine, but the rod broke on it's 2nd or 3rd outing.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

At least mine lasted a bit longer... but geez

[@soupra22]

I just had a kistler helium break at the same point casting a ⅜ ounce lure. Love the rod but hate that it broke like it did. It gives me concern about their reliability and might go to gloomis for the lifetime warranty.

[@Saltloony]

I stick with rods and reels that have worked for me. I have some rebone rods that I have for over 8 years. You can't go wrong with Daiwa, Shimano and Penn reels. You pay a little more, but it will last you a long time.

[@jimwhite1557]

If a rod is going to break, that place near the tip has to be one of the most common- where the rod is very thin but the pressure put on it very high. I know breaks in many fly rods are caused the fly hitting the rod and weakening the blank so the rod may be weak already going into the situation where it does break. In other words, there may not be more than an coincidental relationship between the break and our assumption that the stress of that cast or bump was responsible. It contributed but may be simply the latest in a series of bumps or stresses that culminated in the break. On the other hand, I had a brand new St. Croix baitcasting rod that broke near the tip on its maiden voyage. I put a new line guide on the slightly shorter rod and it has performed perfectly for close to 20 years.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for those insights!

[@retnav92]

We have Cadence reels (spinning & bait caster), purchased when they first became popular, and have had no problems so far. Haven't used their rods, and to hear what's happening to the quality of the product.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

It is sad they do not have any customer service to speak of

[@502austin8]

I have a cadence cc5, cc7, and lux. I hse only those 3 rods for wading the creek/rivers smallmouth bass fishing. I fish around 50+ times a year. No issues with the rods at all.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad you have had better results!

[@2reelyakrz481]

You could always glue a new end on the rod. It would turn the medium-light action to a medium, but it would still be usable 😋

[@KayakhacksFishing]

When the next one eventually breaks, I'll try that.

[@letsgonow5641]

My first one the reel seat broke off. They reluctantly replaced after first trying to convince me to repair it myself. The 2nd rod unfortunately broke about a month after the warranty ran out. I purchased another one and yea that one broke 2 mos later although that was partially user error.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sorry you had the same problems as I did!

[@rrporter9198]

I haven't had any issues with their rods but I did have a spinner reel break on me. Lucky enough it was when I went to cast and not reeling in a fish.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

So far, the reels seem to hold up.

[@clintdemetriou7151]

I have had two Cadence rods break on me when setting the hook on fish. Cadence replaced the first one. They offered a 30% discount for a new rod for the second broken rod. I will not be ordering more but hate it because I liked the rods and reels.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I hear you!

[@2reelyakrz481]

No experience with Cadence rods. I've had numerous Dollar General special rods break -- we get those for 5-7 year-old nephews and have pretty low expectations. If have to look at our assortment. I believe most are what I'd call mid-grade (Ugly Stick caliber), a few are telescoping rods for the kayak and car (kayak for space and car for when "emergency fishing situations" come up) and I believe the brand is Plusimo (not the best extend-a-poles you can find, but best ones we have found for the price). So far, none have broken under normal use, though the telescoping rods are less tolerant of high-sticking.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol! My old ugly stiks never break!

[@johnstrand2247]

It is any of the rods with a wire tipped end. I do not buy any more high end rods when you can see wire wrapped around the rod for the top two feet. They will always break sooner or later. What happens when you bend a wire back and forth in your fingers? Eventually it breaks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I did not know that! Thanks

[@stevehogan8829]

I've just started using TFO rods.

[@baldrickscunningplan6154]

I've got 3 Cadence rods. Never had a problem after 5 years of use. I am in UK, so mine are all coarse/match. They are made from high grade Japanese rolled Carbon sheet. The Carbon can be easily damaged and weakened. I think you are chipping the Carbon on the edge of your boat. Not surprised that they are breaking in the same place.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for that point

[@alexandrvictorovich7496]

What match rod is the most quality in your opinnion? And Drennan Acolyte plus is better than Cadence? thanks.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I am not familiar with the Acolyte. I am currently running tests on the Tzack rods

[@alexandrvictorovich7496]

@@KayakhacksFishing what match rod do you advise? Thanks

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@alexandrvictorovich7496 Sorry for the late reply. It is hard to say what is best. I am struggling with that as I evaluate a few rods from tzack.com. The first point is to live within your means and do not buy a rod more expensive than you can comfortably afford. Evaluate how often you fish and how you fish. If you go out frequently, you could get value from a rod with higher performance. What do you fish for, and how do you fish? If you use many top water baits, any rod will do just fine. If you fish the bottom where you must feel the slightest strike, a more expensive rod with greater sensitivity is needed.

[@loustoneberger8921]

I bought one based on your recommendation two years ago. It ok. I found the number of choices for buying rods are mind numbing. I’ve settled on the st croix. 110 to 140 dollar price slot. Can’t claim to be an expert but I do fish a lot and this has become my choice. With so many choices,there’s no reason to try to make a lousy rod work.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad you made a good call!

[@dsw-fb8mp]

Really sorry to hear this. I have bought 5 CR-5 rods and one Vigor over the past few years and have not had any problems with them (I like the CR-5rods better). As a matter of fact, I think those CR-5 rods are as good as any rod on the market. Last one was purchased August of 2021. I am now hesitant to purchase any more.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I wanted to see if my experience was unique before I posted the video. I saw many complaints on Amazon about rods breaking. I hope yours last! They were good before they broke!

[@dsw-fb8mp]

You mentioned, I think, that Cadence was purchased by someone. If so, and their quality has dropped because of it, I think I will have to shop for a new rod manufacturer. So sad! I liked the old Cadence. They were a great rod for a great price.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@dsw-fb8mp I am in the same situation.

[@baldrickscunningplan6154]

I wouldn't worry about buying Cadence products. They are top notch. This guy is clearly damaging the tips on the edge of his boat.

[@brucesquires3698]

Wow! I just sent Cadence an email last night concerning a rod I purchased last year. I use it for Crappie and Bass bank fishing with light line and tackle. My leaders began to snap off so I checked the guides and sure enough the tip guide was gouged as well as number 3 and 4; using Crappie Max 4 lb mainline and 6lb flouro leader with Uni-Uni knot. Never ever have I used swivels or such. I’m beginning to think I got a used rod through Amazon.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I hope they respond!

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

Are you using braided line because its hard on guides. If not then you either did something to gouge it

[@tampabaydan3422]

Can't go wrong with Bullbay Rods best out and customer service and warranty is 100%

[@rochemb]

I have a few Cadence rods. One spinning rod broke in half a little further down the rod than yours. Believe it or not they did replace it (it was less than a year old). But the replacement rod has had problems with the reel seat coming loose. Cadence factory did not use enough epoxy. I repaired myself with epoxy and it is working ok now. But I will not be purchasing any more Cadence products. Quality control is lacking and sub par rod material for sure. Another you get what you pay item.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sad to see the company go down

[@TheSeahawk22]

I add same thing happen to my rod only cast out 3times and it snapped basically was called a liar & they did not want to know even tho I sent pics to prove it

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Yep! Sorry it happened to you as well!

[@michaelparry9377]

Whiping on the rod is to tight . Which weekens the rod blank.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks for that insight

[@yep.fishing]

They also have bad customer service. I tried to contact them via Facebook and about a week later got a reply in broken English as of they didn't understand my question. I was only interested in a particular reel they had and not the rods.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Sad. When they started, it was USA owned. They sold out a few years later.

[@ericreyna6261]

@@KayakhacksFishing That would explain why the Amazon seller is YUEMING HK. Damn.

[@charleskemmett2807]

Cadence number one rod I go to every time , only seen one tip that was broken, and that was by misuse of the rod

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I am glad you had better results

[@kinnellian]

Despite the title, I think you made a reasonable case. Rods break, randomly from any manufacturer, and for various reasons; but if it becomes a pattern, then certainly anyone would be within their right to question it and avoid purchasing them again. Rods are not so cheap you can throw good money after bad and waste a weekends fishing. I had a brand new, expensive Sage rod explode into four pieces pulling a stuck hook out of some grass... Nope! In all my days I've never had a a rod do that, and I've seriously abused my other river rods. So, I won't buy a Sage rod again. Of course there are thousands who use Sage rods and never have an issue - I'm sure mine was an anomaly - but I have many choices and there is no great magic to one brand over another, so I just make my (superstitious) choice and move on. The fact it did that after hours of punching tight loops into high winds might have contributed and weakened it; but that, and the fact doing so caused the 'tennis elbow' I still suffer from over a decade later, didn't help my attitude to Sage rods. (A good lesson about' performance' rods I learned that day - just because a rod is great at punching into winds you'd normally struggle with, that doesn't mean you should...) We are a superstitious lot, and have to trust our kit. It doesn't take much to question everything - lose a good fish to a broken water knot and you may never tie another water knot again! I'll not even start on socks and underpants 😁👍

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Great points! Thanks!

[@TheKillshot94]

I haven’t had any problems

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Good to hear!

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I tell ya I have broken more Fenwick rods than I ever have any other brand. Two years ago I broke and HMX and an HMG in one season, one setting a hook and the hmx literally dropping it on the front deck of my boat from only a foot up in the air. So I am done with Fenwick. I have only broke one St. Croix in the 25 yrs i have used them which was straight up my fault. So i stick with St. Croix now or G-Loomis, Diawa, Okuma, Swate, Abu Garcia, Googan Squad.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Ouch. Guess it happens.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

​@KayakhacksFishing thats the thing it does happen but from literally using them like that is bullshit I feel and I am a realist, so when someone is breaking rods, I ask "well what did you do" but from using it its not supposed to happen that is what upsets me. An HMX and an HMG in one year and one HMG the year before. So i can see the issue with other newer brands like Cadence which I never owned a Cadence rod. I do however own a new Cadence Primo spinning reel I put on my Okuma Dead Eye jerkbait walleye rod (all i fish for is walleye, musky, and northern pike) and I do love that reel. Its so lightweight and smooth to where I put it up there with my Abu Garcia Revo Rockett(the one all red in color) and it cost half the price. Their rods though i will stay away from after your experience.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

I have heard good things about Kastking rods from people online but never owned one. They do make a walleye rod maybe worth trying for like $120. One brand I have really grown fond of is Swate rods made in USA. Their Brigade White Label and Brigade Scott Achilles walleye rods to be specific.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@user-un5my5bw4j thanks! I'll have to take a look at them the next time I need a rod. lol... my wife has me downsizing now - giving away 4 to vets..

[@joesguiltyguitar]

This is sad news to me because I just ordered one lol

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Maybe they have improved since this video

[@richardburns5925]

What they have done is, brought rods to market at a reasonable price point, my point is, too many rods! Take a 13ft float rod, it's about £200, but there is 3 different power rods in each length, soft, medium, hard, different line ratings etc, so you inevitably end up buying all three rods in the length that you want and spend £600 on basically one rod! Which isn't a £600 rod! As for them breaking..... What you are better off doing is buying a Diawa Tournament rod, a rod for life, covers any situation, unbreakable under normal use and versatile quality, look at the line rating on one, equally at home bottle top fishing on a canal or hauling carp out of a puddle 👍

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I totally agree!

[@TNAROHfan]

I bought a Cadence CR7 medium light fast, several years ago and it is one of my favorite budget rods for light tackle bass fishing, but I bought one of the Essence rods this year, because why not. It was only 40 bucks so I wasn't expecting great things...but it's a total POS. It is supposed to be a fast tip, but it's not anywhere close to that IMO! It also has trouble casting anything on the low end of what it is rated for, even with small braid! Maybe it is just the fact that it's a low end rod, but still, I have fished with much better rods in that price range that also just feel better. It's not a good look to go from somewhat decent rods in your higher end, to absolute trash in your lower ones and it will be the last Cadence I buy because I don't trust the company now!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I wonder what happened to the Company....

[@TNAROHfan]

@@KayakhacksFishing The rod bank just feels like it is far less quality than the older one I bought and it is doesn't seem well balanced or comfortable to fish with either. I suspect they are using cheaper rod blanks. Other than that, they look almost identical to what I have seen from that company. I've tried every reel I have and it doesn't make much difference. Again, lower end rod, but it shouldn't be that much difference than the 80 dollar one I have if their products were at all consistent. I'd like to test the new CR7's to see how they compare, but there is no way I'm shelling out any more money to them after that experience.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@TNAROHfan I agree

[@Arty_left]

I checked into purchasing cadence products recently … (maybe 6 months ago)… wasn’t impressed, didn’t buy.

[@geoeconomics5629]

Rod manufacturers are competing who can make make the lighter rod , and they take so much material off of the rod that rod becomes Fragile This is not only for unknown rod manufacturers but also well known companies