2017: Info on Carpenter Monster Hunter (MH) Series

Got few requests regarding information on Carpenter Monster Hunter Series.
MH = The Carpenter Monster Hunter – for monster Giant Trevally.

New frontier of big GTs demands rods that can cast big poppers and stopped big GT from "reefing" anglers. GT Angler may feel frustrated with a line break due to reef and/or rocky outcrop. In order to avoid this issue, it is necessary to avoid the GT from swimming to the reef using strong initial drag. New rods need to be built for fighting a large GT in a shallow area with high drag tension for less line breaking through the structure.

To mitigate this issue, Carpenter has produced Monster Hunter series in 2010 as new generation of heavy GT rods which focused on absorbing impact during fight with high load initial drag.  Carpenter developer / owner Mr Kenji Konishi tested Monster Hunter in Tokara.  Please see his report.

By using this rod, GT angler has chances of fighting big GTs in stable mode that create ‘shock absorber’ for fighting stability and yet to have rod recovering power and casting ability.  MH series rods will gives angler advantage of "shock mitigation" at the time of high load fight.  In other words, anglers has advantage to stop GT from going to the reef by high sticking the rod with high drag pressure but in relax mode.  I noted that more progressive overall action is most noticeable from the middle of the rod to the tip. This gives the rods great casting ability as they load easily without the need to have the characteristic snap that the older SP range required to launch lures a long way.

In lay-man term, MH series was design to stop big GTs from "reefed" anglers by giving anglers advantage of "shock-absorber" at high initial drag load (more than 12kg) during high sticking.

Currently, there are 4 line-up in Monster Hunter series i.e.
1. MH80H
2. MH 80H II (Australian special version)
3. MH 79XH
4. MH 79 Extreme (Australian special version)

MH 80H
40lb class rod.  ~Length: 2465mm.
PE # 8 ~ 10 rod. Max lure weight 250g with max drag of 13kg.  Rod weight ~430-445g.
I usually paired with Stella 18000 or 14000 (SOM 16k spool).
Pure monster GT rod. High load drag rod to stop GT from reefed me. Stable fight with minimal absorption of shock when GT dived during fight i.e. in other word, need a strong back. Suitable for chugger GT3 150 and 170, D and E cup and Cono Cono 160.  As for stickbait, normally i paired MH80H with Gamma 160 and Gamma 200.  Swimbait of Napalm 250 is also suitable.

MH 80H II (Australian special version)
40lb class rod.  ~Length: 2485mm.
PE # 8 ~ 10 rod. Max lure weight 250g with max drag of 13kg. Rod weight ~430-445g.
The Monster Hunter 80H II is a fantastic all round GT rod for lures up to 200g.  This is the upgraded version of the hugely popular original MH80H.  The new rod is 20mm longer than the old and has the loading point further down the rod for improved angler comfort.  With power in reserve this rod is a joy to use for long periods of time and thanks to the slightly more progressive action, it is very comfortable to fight big fish with. One of the very best PE#8-10 popping rods, for anglers who want to throw a variety of large GT lures!


MH 79XH
45lb class rod.  ~Length: 2390mm.
PE # 10 rod. Max lure weight 300g with max drag of 14kg. Rod weight ~415-420g.
Rod which can be subjected to super high load mainly by PE No.10.  Sole purpose of designing this rod is for heavier anglers that have more muscle.  Carpenter website they come with an advisory not to be used by anglers under 70 kg, the max drag is listed at a mere 14kg but it also states on the website they can handle more if the angler can and believe me the rods can handle it. Suitable for chugger GT3 170 and 190, E & G cup and Cono Cono 160 and 190.  As for stickbait, Gamma 200 and Gamma 250.


MH 79 Extreme (Australian special version)
"Grand-daddy" of the Monster Hunter range of rods.
45lb class rod or is it 50lb class?
~Length: 2385mm. Rod weight ~415-420g.
PE # 10-12 rod although in Carpenter site stated PE#8-10. Max lure weight 350g with max drag of 16kg.
Suitable for chugger GT3 170 and 190, E & G cup and Cono Cono 160 and 190.  As for stickbait, Gamma 200 and Gamma 250.


Please note also, the lightest of MH is 40lb class blank which means relatively high drag load blank. In my opinion, this series is mean for experienced GT angler that can stand and has muscle power to fight and stop fish with initial drag load higher than 12kg.  In other words, i think, this series is NOT for those who have NEVER use rods of 40lb class i.e. PE8-10 and those who do not have physical fitness.  Also those who have little experience, practice in the lighter 32 - 38lb class first before step-up to 40lb class.





Disclaimer
I am not claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk.  All above writing is just my feedback and opinion.  Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. 
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.