Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod
General Product Reviews,  Outdoor Gear Reviews

Nomad Travel Surf Rods by Okuma- In-Depth Look

Travel

Okuma has really become well know in the travel fishing community. With a variety of multi-piece break down travel rods to choose from, they have filled this niche market nicely. With travel rods designed for Swimbaits, Salmon Trolling, Bass Fishing, Trout Fishing and now Surf Fishing, Okuma has you covered. The new Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rods take you to the edge of the surf line for long distance casting.

Nomad Travel Surf Rods

A couple of seasons ago, Okuma introduced their Nomad Travel Surf Rods. These are all four piece, breakdown surf fishing rods that come in a convenient hard travel case. There are currently three models in the series. A 9′ medium action rod, a 10′ medium heavy action rod and a 10′ heavy action rod.

All of these rods feature a nice stiff backbone, with a good amount of action designed for you long casting needs.

Convenient Travel Case

The rod case comfortably holds all four pieces of the Nomad Travel Surf Rod. It has a durable zipper around the opening end as well as a sturdy handle for carrying.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

The case comes in at 34 total inches from end to end and has a diameter of roughly 3.5 inches. This case will fit into most of your larger suitcases if you should choose, or depending on airline, you may even be able to carry it on board with you.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

The Rod

When you unzip the travel case and pull out your multi-piece rod, you find four equal lengths.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Each section of the Nomad Travel Surf Rod are just about equal in length coming in at roughly 32 inches.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Rod Features

These rods are well built with a great make up of high end components. The rod blanks that Okuma uses for these are their OC-9 graphite rod blank with a carbon outer wrap. This really beefs up the blanks without sacrificing weight.

Starting at the end of the butt section, you will find a nice durable rubber butt cap.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Above that, you will find a nice thin diameter fore grip and rear grip that is built for maximum durability.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Between the Fore and Rear Grips you will find a Fuji DPS reel seat designed to reduce weight but not sacrifice strength and durability.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Ferrule Design

One unique feature that is found on all Nomad and Nomad Xpress Travel Rods is the use of the European Spigot Ferrule Design. This design is built for a true one piece feel.

You’ll notice right away an elongated ferrule connection. This connection drives deeply into the section above giving it a true one piece feel as mentioned above.

The Nomad Travel Surf Rods have a ferrule length of a little over 3 inches. This is pretty incredible.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

When you connect the European Spigot Ferrules you will note that they do not completely touch. This is the way they are designed and you do not want to jam them together to make that happen. This design allows for expansion and contraction.

You’ll notice about a half inch gap.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

Guides and Tip

The Nomad Travel Surf Rods utilize Fuji K-Concept guide frames. These guide frames are slightly forward facing in order to reduce wind knots when using braided line.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

You will also note that Okuma used Fuji Alconite guide inserts for braided line use. These Alconite inserts prevent digging and cutting when using braid.

Okuma Nomad Express Travel Surf Rod

The Inside Look

Here is a video that I put together walking through the Nomad Travel Surf Rods piece by piece as well as displaying some loaded rod video showing you the one piece look and feel.


The Wrap

Overall I really like these rods. I have been using them for a couple of seasons and have traveled the country with mine. They hold up to throwing big baits all day in the surf and withstand the elements excellently.

For more information on the Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rods, please be sure to visit Okuma here.

Gear Reviewed

Nomad NTS-S-904M

Nomad NTS-S-1004MH

Nomad NTS-S-1004H

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Happy Fishing!

Davey

Tackle Direct

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