Star Stellar Lite Fast Taper Split Grip Rods

Recently picked up the new Shimano Stradic FL 5000 spinning reel and found some trouble pairing it to a new rod. Although super light for its size, I find pairing 4-5000 size reels difficult at times to find a great match with as opposed to the standard 2500-3000 size inshore reels. After fitting the reel onto multiple rods from various major brands, I came across the Star Stellar Lite Split Grip series. I paired the reel to a 7' 10-20 lb. Medium/Heavy Fast Action and the rod and reel balanced out beautifully. Every other medium power or medium heavy power rod ended up being very tip heavy with my new Stradic. The Star Stellar Lite Split Grip is extremely light and balanced and comes equipped with Fuji guides and very nice cork grips throughout the handle section. The rod has a very light tip for casting and tons of backbone. The rod is rated for 1/2 to 1.5 ounce lures and easily casts 1/4 and 3/8 ounce lures with the light tip. My only con for the rod is the rather long butt section with is roughly 1.5-2" longer than some other brands comparable rods. This may be a con when working certain types of lures, specifically topwater plugs but the benefits outweight this small con. The upside is the awesome balance and control provided when fighting larger fish and using the extra long forward grip. Overall the rod has been great and was much lighter than the offerings from other competitors. This rod would match great with almost any inshore size reel available from the major brands but really shines with 4-5000 size reels. The length, power, and action should handle almost any inshore or nearshore species outside of extremely large pelagic species and/or fishing in and around very heavy cover such as bridge pilings, etc. where you would normally be using heavy and extra heavy power spinning and conventional rods.The specific rod I'm reviewing here is highly recommended and I look forward to adding more Star Rods to my collection.

Rod performs great coupled with my shimano stradic.

I have the split grip 7ft rod heavy paired with a daiwa bg 3000 with 20 lb spider wire EZ braid and 25lb leader for casting live bait upto about 2.5 maybe 3 ounces and the whole set up does it extremely well. This setup id use for trolling on my kayak and even casting lures like the bigger doa shrimp for speckled trout, redfish, and lures. Seems beefy and if going for grouper just go with the 3500 size bg and u can essentially down grade your reel size with this reel for more power.

Nice rod for lighter applications. Has a soft tip but plenty of backbone for bigger fish

great fluking rod. I had it whole season and loved it. This rod with tsunami shield 3000, 15lb braid line and you are ready for fluking.

Paired this rod up with a Penn Conflict 4000, 20 lbs Spiderwire Camo Braid, and use it for backwater stripper fishing with plastic baits. This rod is great. The break in the handle creates the perfect feel. The blank they use is very fast, great action, and good backbone.

I have been using this rod for over a year now and feel a year is a ample time to give a honest review. What I can say about this rod is that its as light as a freshwater bass rod yet has a strong backbone as a rod double its weight class. It casts very nice and the tip can work small jigs and bucktails with ease. Nice fit and finish and for the money you will not find a better made rod period ! I would definitely buy another !

Great rod for back bay stripers and jigging. Hooke up with a 10lb striper great fight!