Bassterra GS

Bassterra GS is the mid-tier galatama rod, offered in the two lengths that define the class: 5'6" and 6'0", both two-piece, both rated 4 to 18 g with 8 to 16 lb nylon. Shimano builds it around guide and seat hardware rather than exotic carbon. The aero guide layout is set to let line leave the blank with minimal contact on the short, flat casts a pond peg allows, and the reel seat is shaped for a firm hold through a long session in a chair. Carbon content is where this rod separates from the range above it, at 45.3 percent on the 5'6" and 49.9 percent on the 6'0", against 99 percent on Lesath GS and Ultegra GS. That is a deliberate glass-carbon blend, not a cost saving alone: the softer blank cushions a hooked patin on light line and forgives a hard strike at close quarters. Weights are 132 g and 137 g.