Armorclad TR
JDM boat eging and tip-run spinning/casting rod for squid fishing with squid metals
A Japanese JDM boat eging and tip-run rod series from Palms, marketed under the ELUA sub-brand. Tip-run is a Japanese squid jigging technique using small metal lures (squid metals, 10–60g) jigged vertically from a boat with precise rod tip movements to impart action. The Armorclad TR is designed to transmit subtle tip signals to the angler while loading correctly through the belly for lure manipulation. Target species: Japanese squid (surume ika, yarigata ika, aori ika) and related cephalopods. Not suitable for shore-based eging or non-squid applications.
X-carbonology construction wraps carbon sheets in an opposing-bias X-pattern to reduce torsional flex and improve rigidity-to-weight ratio. The blank architecture specifically balances a sensitive solid or extremely soft tip section (for bite detection and fine lure action) with a more powerful belly-to-butt section (for controlling heavier metals vertically). Palms describes the series as having a long track record in tip-run category and being refined over multiple generations. Line ratings in PE notation (0.4–1.2 号), standard for Japanese boat fishing.
Five models: three spinning (ATGS-511 SPRINT, ATGS-63 SPRINT, ATGS-66 MUSCLE) and two casting (ATGC-66 LIGHT SPRINT, ATGC-66 SPRINT). The SPRINT models are lighter-output squid metal tools; MUSCLE denotes a heavier variant with larger squid metals and more rod power. Both 6'6" casting models differ by lure ceiling, LIGHT SPRINT handles 3/32–1/2 oz while SPRINT handles 3/8–1 oz for deeper or heavier metal work.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 5 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 5 3 spinning · 2 casting
- Length
- 5'11"–6'6" 1.80–2.00 m
- Power
- UL–MH 3 classes
- Inferred
- Lure
- 3/32–1 oz 2.7–30 g
Rods in this series
5 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATGS-511 SPRINT | 5'11" | ULI | — | |
| ATGS-63 SPRINT | 6'3" | ULI | — | |
| ATGS-66 MUSCLE | 6'6" | ULI | Buy on Amazon | |
| ATGC-66 LIGHT SPRINT | 6'6" | MLI | — | |
| ATGC-66 SPRINT | 6'6" | MHI | — |
I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.
Model notes
3 of 5 modelsShortest spinning model at 5'11". Compact length suited for confined boat space; lighter lure range (3/32–1/8 oz) fits shallow or standard-depth tip-run work with standard squid metals.
MUSCLE designation indicates a heavier-action spinning model within the series. Wider lure range up to 3/16 oz (vs. 1/8 oz on SPRINT models) and more backbone for larger or deeper squid.
Heaviest lure ceiling in the lineup at up to 1 oz, the deep-water or heavy-metal variant for fishing at greater depths where heavier squid metals are needed to reach the target zone.