2017: Info on Carpenter Discovery Journey (DJ) Series

Carpenter Discovery Journey (DJ) series rod comes in two sizes i.e. DJ83ML and DJ83MH.
DJ series can be classified as La Grande Mer LGM ALL-ROUNDER rod.

It is said that Konishi-san of Carpenter took LGM series rods (6 series incl SP, WV, DJ, LR, LA and Tuna) for field testing in various GT infested water more than 120 days in a year between 1998 and 1999 before mass production begin.

DJ series was developed for popping when the waves are high.  It is a saltwater GT casting rod which has hybridized carbon material i.e. this rod consists of two types of low elastic carbon and medium elastic high strength carbon.
The tip and middle part of this rod have flexibility in the carbon shaft while at the same time, retaining a strong butt power.  This results in fewer mistakes while popping during high waves. Therefore, i consider this rod is the multi-purpose-rod for beginner GT angler.   Also due to elastic carbon content and if you do not have confidence in your physical fitness,consider the DJ series as a regular rod which help to reduce fatigue during fighting GT.

Note that Monster Hunter (MH) series was born from DJ blank.

DJ-83ML (33lb)	PE#5-6-8 / lure max 170g / weight 405g / max drag 10kg
DJ-83MH (40lb)	PE#6-8-10 / lure max 220g / weight 425g / max drag 12kg

My DJ series

DJ83ML is a rod of "middle style" design with both length and power action. It is recommended as the first beginer rod of those who can not have many rods.  Operation is "easy" i.e. casting, fight and lifting power. With DJ 83ML, it is relatively easy to move GT - γ 120g and 140g and pop Seafrog 120-170grams.

DJ83MH is 7 pound heavy version than DJ 83ML. Characteristic of the rod is a rod that is easy to handle like DJ83ML. DJ83MH is recommended if you are using a large lure (150 g or more) as the main lure. GT - γ 160g - 200g is the best matching.

Due to difficulty of LGM carbon material recipe, Carpenter has stopped DJ series production.

Please refer to official Carpenter site for accurate information : Discovery Journey

Carpenter builder Konishi-san with DJ83ML lifting 8kg weight
(pic courtesy of Carpenter website)

Carpenter builder Konishi-san with DJ83MH lifting 10kg weight
(pic courtesy of Carpenter website)

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.

2017: Storage during a trip

Got few inquiries on how i do storage during popping trip.  Well i have admit that i am not a systematic person. What i did is just for me alone, so i am in control and "organized"...hehehe
Lets starts with hook storage.

I like to use Lock&Lock storage box due to its depth and durability.

Lock&Lock comes with few sizes and compartments

Very easy to store hooks during trips.

Popping hooks i.e. trebles comes with many sizes and weight.  For me, i just use permanent marker to label the size.

Proven markers

Red 6/0, Blue 5/0, Black 4/0, Green 3/0

Label the compartment

Color coded the hooks size.

For split rings and swivels, i like to use Versus product.

Very practical with labels

Another Versus product

Also very nice compartments

Previously i use another box.  Currently act as my backup during "big" popping trip.

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.

2017 : Info on Carpenter Coral Viper series: CV79/35 and CV79/40

Based on Carpenter website, biggest feature of the CV series is that the fight is very easy to do with the large GT. One of Konishi-san (Carpenter Builder favorite rod).

The all-round action characteristics of this series makes it ideal for casting, lure action and fighting and it is versatile to many of Carpenter lures such as Bluefish, γ (Gamma), Pandora and Sea Frog Twin Hook. One of the strengths of this rod has been its lifting power relative to its rating.

A length of 7.9ft makes this rod and ideal all-rounder and this length gives the angler an advantage for fighting big GTs in comparison to longer rods. It has been proven in the field with numerous examples of GTs over 30kg.


Coral Viper CV79/35
PE6 rod.  Max lure = 170gram with max drag of 10kg.
Chugging small chugger is effortless. I used it on FCL Labu Ebipop 55g and 65g, Heru Cubera 60g and 80g, Adhek Mini Gecko 100g and Napalm 170mm(50g) and 200mm(90g).  Also i used Sea Frog 120 (Two Hook Model).
For stickbait, I used this rod for Maihime 120 and Gamma 120 and 140 class. Also good for BF120 and BF140. Nice tip action when sweeping the Maihime, Gammas and BFs.  Too stiff for BF100 and gamma 105.  Tip too soft for gamma 160.
Powerfull rod and has lifting power when the fish dives under the boat.

Sweeping Napalm 200 (90g)

Small GT on Napalm 200

Coral Viper CV79/40
PE6-8 rod.  Max lure = 200gram with max drag of 12kg.
During my trips, i always paired this rod with Stella 14000SW and cast Gamma 140g or Bluefish 140g or Seafrog Twinhooks 120g or Napalm 220 120g.
All-rounder characteristics easy for everyone to handle.
At 7'9 you are able to cast a 100g to 140g popper far enough on most charters, the 40lb rating ensures a good lifting power on the fish. I've tried using 160 gammas, it works very well and i dont recommend using gamma 120g on the CV79/40. The rod is stiff for 100-120g gammas.
Overall, it should be a rod every GT angler should equip for their trip.

GT57kg went up by Builder Konishi-san in the Tokara Islands caught in the CV79/40 + Pandora 155g

Yours truly CV79/40 with y-140 Midtuned
watch in FB

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 makes 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.  Pictures taken courtesy of Carpenter Japan website.
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.