I was thinking about this rod for fishing mainly off beaches for launching lures up to about 2 ounces. it might also be used for schoolie fishing and false albacore and bonita fishing. any comments on it, good or bad? what other rods fit into this category? this rod is at about the top of my price range.

rhody-I have that blank wrapped for spinning. it's an excellent beach rod and will cast 2.5 oz needles a mile. If I going to spend the night walking the beach that's the rod I'll take. you can throw an eel(average size eel) , bombers, red fins, medium size danny's or light metal. for bonito and albacore it might be too much rod. maybe scale down to the 10'0 model XRA 1204. I only albie fish on MV in the fall and from all the casting you do ,you might be better suited going with an 8'-9' IMO.

Its a nice rod for the lighter lures. For an all around rod , i prefer the 1322

I fish with both the 1321 and the 1322 depending on the conditions and location for the evening. They are my two favorite surf rods I own out of many. The 1321 is lighter but will handle up to 3 oz without too much stress but it is the perfect rod for casting 1.5 oz plastic minnow type lures as well as 2 oz wood swimmers. This stick can whip any bass in a hurry. The 1322 is a bit heavier and longer and is what I call my big water stick. When it is blowing and you need to sail the BIG habs needle or a 4oz beachmaster, this is the right tool. It will cast a 1 oz lure just fine but if feels a bit overkill. I ended up getting both and pick my weapon prior to each trip. The 1322 will put the boots to a 40+ fish and have plenty to spare.

Mine are set up for spinning with a high quality braid friendly reels and fish 40# PP on the 1321 and 50# on the 1322. Casting disatance is excellent. The combo of an Arra stick with braid and a great reel is a very sweet fishing experience esp with a big fish on the other end.

You will love it take my word on it.

Good Luck.

PS Before purchasing them I emailed Ron Arra and asked a few questions, he responded promptly.

PSS If you don't make it yourself there are a few guys on this board that do some excellent work.

Is that ARRA 1321 more of a fast action or moderate/parabolic action rod?

I've been considering either the 1321 or a Loomis 1264 to throw in the 1oz to 2.5oz weight range (plugs & especially weighted 9" slug-gos) on the windier & rougher nights, but I prefer a faster action rod with slug-gos.

I use a Loomis 1142 now, which is a fast action rod, and its great but a little under-powered on the rougher nights.

By the way Saltheart the handle grip re-wrap you did on my Loomis 1142 is Great! :kewl:

awesome guys, thank you very much for all of the replies :wave: