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K-Labs Custom Built Rods – Rods of Fine Design When a rod tip breaks, most anglers assume high-sticking caused it. But most tip failures have nothing to do with high-sticking. In almost every case, the damage happened long before the moment it snapped. Here are the real causes of tip failures in NZ. How to…

If you’ve ever looked at rod specs, you’ve seen labels like 24T, 30T, 36T, or even 40T. Most anglers assume “higher tonnage = better rod.” But that’s not true in real NZ fishing. This blog explains exactly what tonnage means, what it doesn’t mean, and which materials actually perform best for NZ conditions.What “Tonnage” Means“T”…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods — New Zealand | Rods of Fine Design Introduction — The Most Overlooked Part of Rod Performance Most anglers focus on the blank, the reel seat, or the grip — but the guides on your rod are one of the biggest factors in: In New Zealand, nothing exposes weak guides…

Why your rod feels light in the shop but heavy on the water — and how to choose the right balance for New Zealand fishing. Introduction — The Most Misunderstood Part of Rod Performance Ask any angler how a rod “feels,” and they’ll talk about weight, power, action, stiffness, or sensitivity. But the real game-changer…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods Rod failures in New Zealand are almost always caused by incorrect drag combined with shock load. It’s not about weak blanks or poor build quality. It’s physics. This guide explains how drag really works, why the one-third rule is misunderstood, and the real drag limits of NZ rod classes. 1–2kg…

By K-Labs NZ — Fishing Rods of Fine Design Most anglers (and even major rod brands) confuse power and action. If you’ve ever picked up two rods that feel identical on the rack but behave completely differently on the water — this is why. Understanding these two specs is the key to choosing the right…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods – New Zealand Introduction — Why Recovery Speed Matters More Than You Think Ask most anglers what makes a rod cast further and they’ll say: But in real NZ fishing conditions — wind, chop, drifting boats, softbaiting currents — the factor that quietly matters most is: recovery speed. Recovery speed…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods — New Zealand Introduction — Rod Breakage Is Not What Most Anglers Think Every angler has seen it: A rod snaps mid-cast, or during a fight, and the first thing you hear is: “Must’ve been a weak blank.” “It snapped because the fish was too big.” “High sticking did it.”…

What Sensitivity Really Is — And Why Most Anglers (and Brands) Get It Wrong By K-Labs NZ — Fishing Rods of Fine Design Introduction — Sensitivity Is Not What You Think Every angler talks about rod sensitivity. Few actually understand what it is. Most people believe sensitivity comes from: But true sensitivity has nothing to…

Fishing Rod Parts NZ — The Complete Guide to Choosing Quality Components (2025) By K-Labs Custom Built Rods — New Zealand If you’re looking for fishing rod parts in New Zealand, you’ll know the problem already: Most online information is vague or outdated. NZ conditions are tough on gear. Cheap components fail under real load.…