Century Stealth Review

[chefchris401]

Century Stealth Review
Model: 1205, 2 pieces
Rated: 1 to 4oz
Reel: ZeeBaaS 27
Line: 30LB Berkley Fireline Fused Smoke
Reel Seat: Fuji DPS size 17
Reel Seat is 21.5” to center of reel stem
Guides: Fuji Double Foot K-Frames
Guide Sizes: 10, 10, 10, 10, 12, 16, 25
Guide Layout: Modified NGC
Guide Spacing from Tip: Will Update Later

I’ll start by saying I’m not affiliated or sponsored by any company mentioned in this review, Century, Fuji, ZeeBaaS or any other company listed here. This review is meant to be an honest review of the Century Stealth model # 1205.

This is the rod I built in Saltheart's class, he did for SB members.

First impression is that the rod is incredibly thin and light, I didn’t weigh the blank unfortunately. The butt section is very rigid and thick, and then tapers down to the ferrule, which is sealed at the end. Each rod tip is butt specific and built to be a tight and secure fit.

The reel on this rod is a ZeeBaaS 27 spooled with 30lb Berkley Fireline fused in smoke color. The reel is a little heavy for how light the finished rod is, but it’s what I use. Would pair up great with a ZeeBaaS 22 or VS 150, in my opinion.

The rod has a similar feel to a Lami GSB, nice parabolic action, light enough to cast all night, and lots of backbone.

As far as casting distance goes this was my first day out with the rod and using brand new braid, so I’m sure distance will improve once I get use to the slower action, the rod I’ve been using for the last few seasons is a fast action Lamiglas. I’m sure the stiff Fireline didn’t help but as the day went on and the line broke in, distance improved. Spent about 3 hours casting and testing new plugs.

I made numerous casts using several different plugs then counted the turns of the handle then multiplied it by the retrieve per crank, then divided it by 36 to get the yards per cast, then averaged them together. So the distance is pretty accurate.

For example: 95 handle turns x 39.5” of line per crank = 3752.5” /36” = 104.2 yards

I was able to throw a 1.5oz Gibbs pencil 105 yards, a loaded redfin 88 yards, a superstrike 1.75oz needle with a heavy dressed siwash 94 yards, a 3/4oz bucktail 67 yards and a 2.25oz pencil 117 yards.

The sweet spot of the rod is around the 1.5 to 2.5oz range, which is what most surf plugs I use weigh, such as ss darters, bm needles, pencils, etc. It had no issues throwing down to 1/2oz jig head with a Ron-z tail on it all the way to a 3oz BM needle. It seems to max out around 3.5oz comfortably, but I was still able to throw a monster 4oz pencil, not something I would recommend or do all day but it did throw it.

I was unable to throw any tins cause of the shallow water and rocky area I was testing in. I’m sure the distance with a Hopkins or Ava tin would be amazing, will need to hit a sand beach for that though.

I haven’t caught any fish on the rod yet so I have no input there on how well it will handle a nice fish. But I do know a few guys who used the same rod all last season and had fish up to 38 Lbs, without worry.

Think it will be a great rod and seems very versatile being able to throw 1/2oz to 3.5oz, and being light enough to throw all night without fatigue.

Please feel free ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them.

Hope this helps anyone thinking about buying or building one, I’m located in RI and anyone interested in trying it or checking it out is welcome to.

[JackK]

Neat review. I think the next surf stick I get will be one of these or the CTS ones. I'd like a lighter rod to throw unweighted redfins, small bucktails, etc. If I see you at the SWE sometime this season I might ask to take a swing with it.

Just a heads up... Not sure your distance calculations are correct. The amount of line retrieved per handle revolution theoretically should change depending on the amount on the spool- IE, with less line on the spool (start of the retrieve) you probably aren't bringing in 39.5"/per turn, but at the end of the retrieve with the wider OD you are. Maybe Mike_P can chime in, I think I originally read that on one of his posts. But nonetheless it gives you qualitative data (IE which lure goes further -> more handle cranks to get it in) if not quantitative data. I think the only way to do it wholly accurately is with a tape, or at a football field.

That could be a fun trip before the season starts...

[wader-dad]

I saw on some distance casting forum that there is some type of laser range finding device that can measure the distance without the crank method- probably works on a field not water.

I bought a Century FMJ rated 2- 5 ounces intending for Jersey November AVA Jig blasting.

I test cast with a ZB 25 and again with a Penn 560 slammer. Both also 30 pound original fireline. When throwing a 3 1/2 ounce pencil I look down on the ZB and see mono backing showing throughand for the hell of it threw a 4 ounce bank sinker on the slammer and the mono backing is through the guides. I am sure that I threw a maple Musso torpedo over 100 yards. Rod surprised me as it works the pencil effortlessly as it has a soft top and is not what I would call a fast rod.

I tried some ground casts- not pretty. Would need forever to not kill someone with a pendulum cast.

Obvious need more line- so I bought a Shimano Albrid C14 that will hold over 300 yards so if i happen to get all that line out- I set the spinning reel worlds record cast. I should be good. Hope I can get parts from Japan if needed as its not sold in the US.

Still will probably do 80% of my fishing with my Lami's but I have options now.

Its fun.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Awesome review. I will add a little to it, but mostly just rehash the good stuff that you said.

I agree with Chris, its a damn good rod. I have been throwing it most days after work. I also agree that a VS 150 would be perfect on the rod. I think i will be using a 200 on it, i also tried it with a ZB 27 and that reel in my opinion is just too big to balance on the rod. It sucks because the zb gives more distance (5-10 yards) just feels a bit too big.

I haven't been able to crack 100 yards with it yet, i have been consistently very close. I have piss poor form so i wasn't expecting miracles with the rod.

Its great for rigged sluggos and a variety of bucktails from .75-2.5 oz, its very sensitive. I didnt try anything over 2.75 ounces so i havent maxed it out yet, might give that a try in a bit. It does throw an unweighted redfin nicely, all the water evaporated in it.

Fishing a 10' rod is weird for me. Ive been primarily throwing a 11' for the past 3 years so the 10 seems so dinky. It is nice though having something so light. Next on deck for me is a CTS vapor trail 11'. I fondled one at RISSA and that is another impressive stick. Parabolic with balls at the end.

[ivanputski]

nice review! I'm hoping someone who owns an 11' slingshot 2-5oz can chime in on action...

[pbadad]

Originally Posted by ivanputski

nice review! I'm hoping someone who owns an 11' slingshot 2-5oz can chime in on action...

Pete I'm doing one now. Let me know if you want info on the build.

[Chris The Greek]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

Awesome review. I will add a little to it, but mostly just rehash the good stuff that you said.

I agree with Chris, its a damn good rod. I have been throwing it most days after work. I also agree that a VS 150 would be perfect on the rod. I think i will be using a 200 on it, i also tried it with a ZB 27 and that reel in my opinion is just too big to balance on the rod. It sucks because the zb gives more distance (5-10 yards) just feels a bit too big.

I haven't been able to crack 100 yards with it yet, i have been consistently very close. I have piss poor form so i wasn't expecting miracles with the rod.

Its great for rigged sluggos and a variety of bucktails from .75-2.5 oz, its very sensitive. I didnt try anything over 2.75 ounces so i havent maxed it out yet, might give that a try in a bit. It does throw an unweighted redfin nicely, all the water evaporated in it.

Fishing a 10' rod is weird for me. Ive been primarily throwing a 11' for the past 3 years so the 10 seems so dinky. It is nice though having something so light. Next on deck for me is a CTS vapor trail 11'. I fondled one at RISSA and that is another impressive stick. Parabolic with balls at the end.

Excellent eel rod very sensitive as well can feel anything and everything.

[JohnnySaxatilis]

saw the 10 ft stealth today at MSBA. thing is crazy light and thin, felt really nice, wish i coulda casted it. No CTS booth at the show bummer. But I can't imagine something being lighter or thinner than that thing, sheesh...

[Liv2Fish]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

Awesome review. I will add a little to it, but mostly just rehash the good stuff that you said.

I agree with Chris, its a damn good rod. I have been throwing it most days after work. I also agree that a VS 150 would be perfect on the rod. I think i will be using a 200 on it, i also tried it with a ZB 27 and that reel in my opinion is just too big to balance on the rod.

What do you mean by "balance the rod"? Is it physically creating a balance point at the reel seat? Or, does it have more to do with maxing out the rod and reel drag capability etc.?

[pbadad]

Originally Posted by Liv2Fish

What do you mean by "balance the rod"? Is it physically creating a balance point at the reel seat? Or, does it have more to do with maxing out the rod and reel drag capability etc.?

Balancing the entire assembly using the area at the foregrip as a fulcrum. The less tip weight hanging from the fulcrum the lighter it feels. Overcoming long rods tip weights to create a comfort starts from the reels seat location and wight of reel. I've built 11 & 12' rods using reel seats located 24" from bottom of seat & greater which coupled with a reel of size and it feels lighter than shorter rods because of the balance point. Mind you that not everyone can utilize a long butt comfortably to take full advantage of a "perfect" balance point. Remember when you threw a Lami 11363M and a penn 706. Nothing could balance that combo except muscle!!

[chefchris401]

I also just finished building (literally last night) the newest rod in the stealth series which is the 1326, 11ft rated 2 to 5. But I was talking to Ryan white and he said it will push 5.5 with no issues. It will be ready to fish next week if you want to check it out.
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[ivanputski]

Thanks! PM sent

[Andy Pon]

Sounds like a great rod, nice job!
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[pbadad]

It looks like I'll be building a 11' stealth for a member shortly. Today I will examine the rod blank and do a pulimary layout to see what size K-frames to get. IMHO , one point on these thin butt rod blanks is to wrap the butt for the users comfort i.e. double cork wrap the lower section for a secure grip and watch the rel seat size. Realizing the thin diameter and using a smallish seat diameter is fine as long as you try various reels for fit and also it's circumfrence is large enough to fill ones hand w/o squeezing. A relaxed grip helps on all nighters and when gripping in cold weather . Tight squeezes when cold shut down blood flow and causes your fingers to get colder.

[tysdad115]

MikeCC is also hosting a Century demo this Saturday..BigDave will be there with all the rod lines to try out if anyone is considering one of these rods. He brings a few sizes from all model lines. Or I have a 1327 and 1328 Century , I can meet up in Canal area almost any time if you want to try them out. Like Chris says, these rods are great and handle fish in current with no problem.

[Sgt Striper]

Here's a list of the Century blanks that are most popular, I would go to the demo and check them all out before you make your decision. Big Dave is very knowledgeable and can steer you in the right direction. Hopefully some of you got to check them out at RISSA or will be going to MassBass show and can see the full line.

I also have a great guide layout for the 1327 and 144L if anyone is interested.

Stealth Series

10' (1-4 oz) 11' (1-3.5 oz)

11' (1.5-4 oz)

Sling Shot Series

SS 965 - 8' (3/8-1 oz) SS 1145 - 9'6" (3/4-3 oz)

SS 1265 - 10'6" (1-3 oz) SS 1327 - 11' (2-5 oz)

SS 1328 - 11' (3-7 oz) SS 1449 - 12' (4-8 oz)

SS 144L - 12'6" (1-4 oz) SS 144M - 12' 6" (2-5 oz)

SS 1560 - 13' (5-10 oz)

SPOD - 12' (3-6 oz)

(FMJ) 12' (2-5 oz)

(FMA) 12' (3-4oz) AND 12' (3-5 oz)

[chefchris401]

Theres also a new stealth that is the 1326 which is what I just finished building, rated 2 to 5, can't wait to fish it next week
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[numbskull]

My experience is that 30# fireline does not cast very well on a spinning rod. Switch to 40-55 lb braid and you will gain significant distance.

[Sea Dangles]

It takes forever to break in but is crazy strong and abrasion resistant.

[toaster816]

I love 20# fireline on my 704's.
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[basstrologer]

Can't wait to try mine out I picked up the same rod at the show last weekend, the balance with the TRQ 5 and my VS 250 was sick can't wait to start slinging plugs, going to take to SOCO next week for my little test, with maybe a happy ending.

[JohnnySaxatilis]

Originally Posted by basstrologer

with maybe a happy ending.

kids checkin in to the geesh?

cool review chris, let us know how that 11ft works for ya too happy st pattys day

[lamigsb1]

Great review Chris. I took mine out for an hour casting session this morning. The Stealth S1 really is a sweet rod to cast, with the VS 150 it is nice and light. I cant wait to catch with it. I have a feeling that this will be my new primary setup.

[pbadad]

Use 20 Fireline for the last 3 years in bone yard structure. Taken a few > 30 bass w/o a hitch. Like Sea dangles says this stuff is abrasion resistant and strong. It so darn tough I had to buy a good pair of cutting pliers to cut. 1 tip is when a fish takes you under rocks back off pressure. This stuff doesn't cut unless you really have it tight. It may cast slightly less but 20lb on a large spool reel does cast eels nicely. Ava 47's out of site on a Century FMJ 12'.

[chefchris401]

I'm not worried about losing some distance, I'm not fishing the ditch and trying to reach breaking fish.

The areas I fish are rocky and boulder fields. So I'll take the abrasion resistance over distance.

Plus I'm pretty sure I'm still out casting the set up I was using last season even with the fireline.

As it breaks in the distance is increasing too.
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[numbskull]

I've got nothing against Fireline, it is my favorite line. Use a ton of it (20 and 30) on conventional reels (and light stuff on small spinners) and used to use the 30 lb stuff on spinning for the same reason (abrasion resistance) you do. Still, when I changed to braid I was amazed at how much farther I can cast and how much better I can feel the plug (fireline gets fuzzy and drags some).

I also suspect Fireline is not the best stuff to use with new guide setups that start small (like a 20 collector). The secret of small guides is that they can force flexible braid into a controlled flow very fast without much added friction thereby allowing you to get it down to small light running guides fast and keep rod tip weight down.. Fireline, even when broken in, is pretty thick stuff that is much less slippery than braid. I'd guess it probably is better handled like mono with a more standard NGC build, maybe starting with a 30 and coning down a bit slower (although I can't say I've tested it both ways).

To get the most out of that 10' stealth something like the VS150/Stella 500) with braid would probably be ideal. The ZB22 you mention weighs close to what the 27 does and I think several ounces more than a VS150.

[chefchris401]

Yeah all great points numbskull.

This is my first year using fireline on my surf set ups.

Was impressed that 30lb broke at 75lbs on the knot machine that edge had, when all other braids broke at there listed strength.

I've used daiwa samurai the last few years and love it, might go back after I really test out the fireline and century.

Yeah I think the VS 150 is the perfect match for the 10ft.

But I really like my z 27 on the new 11ft I just built. Balances really nice.
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[FishnGrega]

Originally Posted by chefchris401

Was impressed that 30lb broke at 75lbs on the knot machine that edge had, when all other braids broke at there listed strength.Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

what knot was it?

[chefchris401]

Originally Posted by FishnGrega

what knot was it?

All the of the brands of braid were tied with palomar knots.
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[chefchris401]

Johnny I have the 10 and 11 ft stealth if you want to meet up and try em.
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