GRASS ROOTS Rods Concept “ENGAGE”

“ENGAGE” is a word used to describe the moment when two opposing elements come into contact—representing both confrontation and harmony at the same time.
When an angler faces a bass, various forms of harmony with the field are required. From the ability to detect and locate fish by reading nature, to selecting the proper tackle, and applying the right approach and technique—when all these factors interlock, the possibility of catching a bass increases greatly.
As the key device connecting the angler and the bass, the rod plays an extremely important role.

ENGAGE Knives

ENGAGE aims to achieve the essential performance required when facing bass—highly refined operational ability with strong synergy between angler and rod.
Each model is specifically engineered around clear concepts defined by lure type and technique, pursuing total performance that enables seamless casting, lure control, hook-setting, and landing.

GRASSROOTS presents a new vision for the bass rod.

Connecting the angler and the bass.

New from GRASS ROOTS… “ENGAGE” Precision Performance Rods

ENGAGE Knives Bass Rod Series

Based on the ENGAGE concept—the new form of bass rod proposed by GRASSROOTS—the ENGAGE Knives Series was developed to embody the ideal bass rod.
Returning to the fundamentals, each rod is purpose-designed around clearly defined concepts suited to specific lures, techniques, and methods. Every component—blank materials, manufacturing methods, guide components, reel seats—has been carefully selected and constructed using the best materials and techniques currently available to the brand.

The Knives Series targets a blend of lightweight, sharp operability with powerful, torque-rich strength.
Lighter, more resilient, and more robust…
Its feel and handling evoke the precision and edge of a finely forged blade.

As a unified construction standard for the series, thin-prepreg materials are multi-layer wrapped under high pressure using a bias method, creating a high-taper blank that is both lightweight and extremely strong.
Furthermore, the “muscle” of the rod—the resin—is reinforced with Toray’s NANOALLOY® polymer, increasing the blank’s resistance to crushing forces. Even blank deformation stress is converted into lifting power.

The result is ultra-lightweight yet highly sensitive.
The rod swings with a dry, crisp sharpness, while absorbing load with smooth resilience and a powerful butt section.
This is the realization of the ideal bass rod, created through the collective experience, technique, and engineering knowledge of the GRASSROOTS development staff.
Advanced anglers—those who have used numerous rods across many brands—will especially appreciate the superiority of the Knives Series.

BLANK MATERIALS

The blank material structure consists of three types. Various Toray graphite prepregs of different elastic modulus are used in optimum locations. Depending on the model, aramid synthetic fiber, unidirectional glass, graphite solid tips, glass solid tips, and 4-Axial carbon tape (4-direction wrap) are combined to form the ideal construction for each rod.

① Premium Synthetic

A hybrid shaft combining graphite of varied modulus with laminated aramid synthetic fiber for enhanced strength.

② Premium Polymer

A pure graphite shaft constructed from graphites of different elastic modulus. Offers exceptional lightweight feel, high sensitivity, and responsive operability.

③ Multi Direction Layer

A composite shaft using unidirectional glass as the base, layered with graphite + aramid synthetic fiber in the butt section, and fully wrapped with 4-Axial carbon tape.

Solid Tips

■ Graphite Solid Tip

Used on spinning model EKS62XUL-F/ST “Hi-Speed Tip Custom”.

■ Glass Solid Tip

Used on spinning model EKS64UL/GST “Slack Control Custom”.

GUIDE COMPONENTS

An original micro-guide setting based on the Fuji KR Concept.
Guides are positioned so that the bending curve transitions smoothly from tip to butt, with each guide placed at the apex of each bend. This allows the line to follow the blank’s curve identically.
Casting distance and accuracy are both improved, and when high load is applied—during hook-setting or fighting—the configuration suppresses twist and draws out full blank performance.

■ Fuji Titanium Frame & SiC Rings

Lightweight Fuji titanium-frame / SiC-ring guides maximize sensitivity and balance.

■ ENGAGE Original Guide Setting

Multiple guides support the line across many contact points, ensuring it stays well-seated on the blank to fully exploit rod power.
Micro-guide sizing keeps the line close to the blank, contributing to both lightweight operation and high sensitivity.

GRIP DESIGN

■ Casting Models

Equipped with an original C6 carbon reel seat.
Contributes to reduced weight and high sensitivity, while trigger placement and hood design provide wrist freedom and stable palming during casting.

■ Spinning Models

Uses Fuji VSS seat, enabling the index finger to contact the blank for direct sensitivity.
Configured with a customized up-locking TVSK hood for a secure, natural-feeling grip.

■ Grip End

Uses high-weather-resistance nylon resin, highly durable against deformation or aging.
End cap features laser-engraved GRASSROOTS logo.

COSMETICS

■ Hook Keeper

All models use a long-throat hook keeper.
Accommodates everything from tiny finesse hooks to thick-wire 5/0 hooks, and holds drop-shot sinkers securely.

■ Metal Components

Knurled aluminum parts featuring gunmetal & gold anodizing—designed to harmonize with a wide variety of reel colors and deliver a refined aesthetic.

■ Rod Specification

■ EKC68L/GC “Fast Moving Custom”
A finesse cover-cranking rod designed specifically for small crankbaits and flat-side cranks

The EKC62L-F is built to comfortably execute finesse cover cranking with small crankbaits and flat-sided cranks, featuring an L-power composite shaft. A flexible taper loads light lures securely during the take-back, while maintaining crisp, accurate casting performance that allows pin-point presentations without wobble. This model is refined for fast and efficient targeting of shallow cover.

The soft tip-to-mid section, strongly influenced by the characteristics of glass material, enhances the subtle tapping and fluttering action of crankbaits, making the lure swim more lively while also following counter-bites smoothly to reduce the risk of losing fish on shallow hookups. Under full load, the reinforced hard-bat section—strengthened with Nano Alloy and aramid synthetic fibers—engages to provide strong stopping power, ensuring control even when hooking big bass near cover.

In addition to crankbaits, this rod pairs well with many retrieve-based lures that use treble hooks, and is also suitable for light-class topwater baits and spy baits.