The ARK Catalyzer is the best rod for the money that I’ve ever picked up. My initial impressions were strong when I pulled the Catalyzer out of the rod tube last May. And now, months later, the Catalyzer series has proven itself time and time again–to the point that it earned the award for Best Budget Rod during the recent side-by-side comparison of 11 different casting rods for our Best Baitcasting Rods test.
For $60, this baitcaster is unbeatable. I have two different models from the Catalyzer series and have caught fish using a variety of different techniques with these rods, but laying into shallow bass on a hollow-body frog was no doubt my favorite. Frogging with this rod was also the most telling when it comes to the strength of the Catalyzer. Below is an in-depth look at the 7’2” heavy power/fast action Catalyzer, along with notes on the other models from this series.
Ark Catalyzer Overview
My expectations for a rod priced at 60 bucks weren't high. I’ve fished with other budget rods between $50 and $100, and they are usually heavy and sometimes fail when put under the strain of a hefty hookset. So, when I ordered the Catalyzer, I wasn’t optimistic until I opened it up and held it in my hand.
The Catalyzer is a touch heavier than most high-end rods I've fished with, but it is well-balanced—especially considering this rod is heavier than other models that cost four times as much. The split grip EVA foam handles have a nice and comfortable feel. The rod blank itself is a little rough to the touch above the first guide. But that seemed to be more of an aesthetic compromise—perhaps to keep costs down—and one that I frankly couldn’t have cared less about as long as it performed well on the water. The stainless steel guides, exposed section of the rod blank in the reel seat, and well-placed bait keeper all added to the great first impression. Here's how it stacked up on the water.
Specs
Rod Type: Casting
Pieces: 1 Rod Length: 7’2”
Rod Power: Heavy
Rod Action: Fast
Line Rating: 12-25 pound
Lure Rating: 3/8-1 1/2 ounce
Other notable features
36-ton high modulus graphite
Stainless steel guides
High-density EVA grips
Custom reel seat with an exposed blank
Reinforced hook keeper
Limited 90-day warranty
Three models
On the water Performance
The 7’2” heavy/fast was the first of the Catalyzer Series that I tested. Of the three models available, this is best suited for power fishing techniques. So when I hit the water, I immediately tied on a hollow-body frog. It was plenty long and strong enough to wrestle big bass out of fairly thick cover without sacrificing a soft enough tip for making roll casts and skipping the bait under docks and bushes.
I was impressed by the rod’s strength and overall quality during the test. I didn't hold back when laying into big bass, and the Catalyzer handled every heavy hookset. Based on it's performance, the 7’2” would also make a great pitching and flipping rod as well. I wouldn’t go as far as punching with it, though ARK did put a lure weight rating of up to 1 1/2 ounces—which is surprising given the fact they offer a 90-day warranty on it too. Though I wouldn’t recommend punching with it, ARK is confident the rod can handle it.
I also purchased the 7’3” medium heavy in preparation for our baitcasting rods test. This slightly longer model excelled at throwing a 6th Sense 6-inch Trace Swimbait. It had plenty of power to lob the bait out but was soft enough in its action to load up on the hookset and sink trebles into fish without tearing through them.
The 7’3” medium heavy is also great for fishing spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits, and even crankbaits. And one last note: Though I’ve never actually fished with the 7’ medium heavy, based on what I saw out of the 7’3”, I believe the shorter medium heavy would be great for topwaters, lipless cranks, squarebills, some jigs, and buzzbaits, too. The biggest downside to the catalyzer series is the limited options for rods. I'd like to see them expand this line in the future to include more models tailored for different styles of fishing.
Final Thoughts
At less than half the price, the Catalyzer is in the ballpark with many of the $200 rods when looking at strength, quality, and durability. For the up-and-coming angler, this is the perfect casting rod series. You can do a ton with just the 7’ medium heavy. And if you add the other two models in as well, you could fish most casting techniques effectively—and it would still cost under $200.
Even for a guy like me who has been fishing for decades and still fishes competitively with a fair amount of regularity, the Catalyzer is a rod that I can comfortably and confidently fish with all day long. Like I said, there is no better rod for the money than the ARK Catalyzer.
