HTO N70 Labrax Special Rod

Description

The HTO N70 Labrax Special is a lure rod designed specifically for the UK and European bass angler, and is arguably the finest bass lure rod HTO has produced. Taking its inspiration from the luminous N70 Nebula, it was built with zero compromise: price was the last consideration, with the sole focus on creating a high-performance rod for targeting specimen bass. At its core is a featherlight, ultra-crisp blank made from premium 40-ton carbon sourced from Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi. The carbon is coated in an advanced M4 resin, which retains peak elasticity and sensitivity while creating a blank wall with a tensile strength 100 times higher than steel of the same thickness. A 45-degree helical carbon tape wrap finishes the blank, adding a spiral aesthetic and an extra layer of protection without sacrificing performance. The result is an extra-fast action rod that casts lures to the horizon with pinpoint accuracy and works them with maximum efficiency. Every component is top-tier. The rod is fitted with Fuji Titanium Framed Torzite 2 K spinning guides, chosen for their lightness and their ability to reduce line twist. A Fuji VSS reel seat keeps your setup locked in, flanked by Winn grips on both the handle and the butt. These grips are soft to the touch, very light, and offer exceptional handling in cold or wet conditions. The "99" model bridges the gap between a traditional lure rod and a shore jigging model, offering the finesse to twitch smaller soft plastics while retaining enough power in the butt section to cast heavier hard baits and metal jigs into the surf. - Blank Material: 40-ton Japanese Mitsubishi Carbon - Resin Technology: M4 Resin for enhanced strength and sensitivity - Blank Wrap: 45-degree helical carbon tape for extra protection - Action: Extra Fast (optimized for distance, accuracy, and lure action) - Guides: Fuji Titanium Framed Torzite 2 K Spinning Guides (anti-tangle, ultra-light) - Reel Seat: Fuji VSS - Grip Material: Lightweight, high-traction Winn Grips (Handle and Butt) - Line Compatibility: Optimized for Braid, but fully suitable for Fluorocarbon and Monofilament. Where to use it: - Rough Ground and Rocky Marks: The fast action and lifting power help steer large bass away from snags and kelp beds quickly. - Open Surf Beaches: The casting distance achieved by the 40-ton carbon and Torzite guides allows you to punch through headwinds and reach the rolling breakers where bass hunt. - Estuary Mouths and Tidal Rips: The sensitivity of the blank allows you to feel the exact flutter of your lure as you swing it across strong tidal currents. To get the most out of the Fuji Titanium Torzite guides, pair this rod with a high-quality, premium 8-strand PE braid. The Torzite rings are very smooth, and a slick 8-strand braid will fly through them silently, maximising casting distance while transmitting the slightest tap from a bass down the high-modulus blank into your hands. Can I use this rod for shore jigging as well as traditional lure fishing? Yes, particularly if you opt for the "99" model. It is designed to offer the finesse needed for working smaller traditional lures while holding enough reserve power in the butt section to punch out heavier shore jigs. Why does this rod use Winn grips instead of traditional EVA or Cork? Winn grips offer a superior tactile feel, especially in the wet and cold conditions often faced by UK bass anglers. They are also very lightweight, helping to maintain the balance of the featherlight Mitsubishi carbon blank. Is this rod suitable for lines other than braid? Yes. While braid will give you the best casting distance and bite detection, the Fuji Torzite 2 K spinning guides are designed to give your line a highly direct motion of travel, making them efficient and safe for use with fluorocarbon and monofilament mainlines as well.