Carpenter: Sea Leopard 80/33 - Update

On Sept 11, 2017, Carpenter announced the debut of its new popping rod namely Sea Leopard SLP 80/33. It is a GT rod.  I was fortunate to get the Custom Build Model with gold thread color.

Summary below is based on Carpenter's Official site: SLP80/33

Length: 8 feet (2450mm)
Line No.: PE6 (probably can go up to PE8)
Lure wt.: 100 to 160 g (GT sinking lure can be up to 350 g)
Max drag: 10 kg
Rod wt.: 380g (mine is 385g)
Grip Lgth.: FG = 250mm RG = 430mm
Real Seat: DPS SD22

Pic form Carpnter site showing Carpenter's Owner Mr Kenji Konshi tested SL80/33 with PE8

It is stated in the site that SLP80/33 is kinda "Magical Rod".  The rod's nature is " a fishing rod of the magical nature" which supple flexibly till the butt section of the rod while the anglers do not feel much load during fight, but actually the lifting power comes out through out the blank.  Sea Leopard 80/33 is basically recommended for people with low body power. Based on that statement, my opinion is SLP is big brother to EP series.  Mr Konishi said he also recommends this rod for beginner of GT popping.  WIth 33lb class and rod weight of 380-385gram, it is one of the lightest of it class.

Recommended lure weight is between 100g to 160g, which i translated, i can chug Seafrog TH120 or HustlePop 130 and i can play BF100, BF120, Maihime 120, GenEi 120, Gamma 105, 120, 140 and probably max 160.  Also diving stickbait up to 120g.

Tested this rod on few popping trips and I love it!!!Matched it with Stella SW14000XG filled with Powerpro 80lb. 
Casting with this rod is very easy.  Fighting GTs and Queenies is very forgiving due to it's tip action and butt power.  It didn't hurt my back at all!!
Easy to chug SF TH120 and Damsel 90 and 120.
As for stickbait, really good match with 120g stickbait eg. Gamma, Maihime, Ge-Nei, Hayabusa and BF120.
For diving popper, really nice feeling on Amegari Urpekari 190, NativeWork Napalm 200 and 220.
Really an all-rounder rod for me, especially with 120g class stickbaits and popper.
A little slack line skills needed to play Gamma 90L and Super-L.
Top 3 rods for me currently SLP80/33, PJ80/36 and TBL80/35.

Gold thread

Custom Build Model

Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler.  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. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
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.