Tharp Series
40T MDML carbon Randall Tharp signature bass rods, technique-matched from finesse to heavy cover.
The ARK Tharp Series (2024 generation) is ARK's signature collaboration rod line developed with professional bass angler Randall Tharp. It serves tournament and advanced-amateur bass anglers who want a technique-specific catalog based on professional input at roughly the $129 price point. The 2024 update reduced rod weights by up to 10% from the prior generation while retaining the same proven action profiles. Blanks are 40-ton modulus carbon fiber with ARK's custom MDML (multi-directional, multi-layer) construction, the same platform used across ARK's lineup.
The 2024 version uses refined layering patterns that shed weight while maintaining structural integrity. Guides are not detailed at the series level in available specs; construction is consistent with ARK's standard guide package. Handles are cork. One-year warranty is standard on the Tharp Series (shorter than the Sniper II's 5-year). Wired2Fish review describes the rods as loading well, not spongy, with slightly extra backbone even in lighter models like the jerkbait rod. The 16-model lineup covers 4 spinning and 12 casting rods spanning 6'9" to 7'11" in ML through XH power.
NTS prefix identifies all models. Spinning models run 6'10" to 7'4" in ML–MH; a notable pairing of MF-action spinning rods (NTS70M, NTS70MH, NTS710MH, NTS74M, NTS74MH) suggests a swimbait or forward-facing sonar application focus for the spinning segment. Casting models include an XF-action option (NTS70MHXC, 7' MH/XF, 10–20 lb) for finesse casting, two heavy-flipping/frogging models (NTS711HFC, NTS711XHFC, 7'11" H and XH, 50–80 lb), and a broad 7'3"–7'6" MH/H fast-action core grouping for general versatility.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 16 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 16 9 casting · 7 spinning
- Length
- 6'9"–7'11" 2.06–2.41 m
- Power
- ML–XH 5 classes
- Action
- XF–M
- Line
- 4–25 lb braid 50–80 lb
- Lure
- 1/16–2 oz 1.8–56 g
- List price
- $139.99
- Released
- 2024
Rods in this series
16 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTS69MLRC | 6'9" | ML | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS69MRC | 6'9" | M | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS610MLXS | 6'10" | ML | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS70MHXC | 7' | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS70M | 7' | M | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS70MH | 7' | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS70MXS | 7' | M | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS73MHFC | 7'3" | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS74HFC | 7'4" | H | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS74M | 7'4" | M | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS74MH | 7'4" | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS76MHFC | 7'6" | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS76HFC | 7'6" | H | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS710MH | 7'10" | MH | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS711HFC | 7'11" | H | Buy from ARK Rods | |
| NTS711XHFC | 7'11" | XH | Buy from ARK Rods |
Model notes
5 of 16 modelsExtra-fast ML spinning rod at 6'10" for finesse spinning with light rigs (1/16 oz minimum) on 4–10 lb line. Tharp series spinning rods were specifically called out by ARK as built for forward-facing sonar applications.
Extra-fast MH casting rod at 7'; the XF action places it in the drop-shot or finesse casting territory for a casting rod, handling 10–20 lb line and up to 1 oz lures. An unusual combination in the otherwise fast-action casting lineup.
H-power 7'4" at 50–80 lb line, notably heavier line than the 25 lb ceiling on the similarly-sized 7'3" MH rods. Covers heavy jig and punch applications from a mid-length format where the shorter 7'11" models may be unwieldy.
Heavy-cover 7'11" flipping stick at H power with 50–65 lb line, stout braid-rated flipper for vegetation or dock fishing. Wired2Fish notes the extra backbone throughout the series extends even to models in this category.
Heaviest and longest model in the series at XH power, 50–80 lb, 1/2–2 oz; positioned for mat punching or giant swimbaits in heavy cover where maximum power is required. Shares length with the H flipper but steps up significantly in both line and lure weight.