NORIES Road Runner Voice Hard Bait Special Glass Composite HB6100M-Gc

Road Runner VOICE Hard Bait Special

Tetsuo Tanabe says, “The essence of a hard bait rod lies in casting.”

What we pursued was casting accuracy capable of executing hard bait fishing at the highest possible precision.
From lure appeal and the distance at which fish become aware of the bait, to bass positioning, orientation, and the direction in which they are drawn—every factor is considered when defining the trace line. The goal is to make the fish bite exactly where intended, with a cast that delivers the lure precisely into the strike zone.

This ultimate casting performance—deciding the outcome with a single, perfectly placed cast—is what defines the Road Runner VOICE Hard Bait Special.

An optimized elastic modulus delivers the ideal rebound speed and pushing torque according to casting power. A variable taper adjusts bending depth based on target distance. Casts that were once difficult now feel natural. Accuracy that once depended on chance becomes repeatable and controllable. Every blank in the series was designed to make this possible.

At the same time, despite being carbon blanks, these rods provide excellent bite-following performance, an exceptionally wide lure compatibility range, and high hooking and landing success rates.

Seventeen years after the series’ debut, its presence continues to grow stronger. By remaining true to its core philosophy, the Hard Bait Special has evolved further. Incorporating the highly proven setup of the Road Runner VOICE LTT and fine-tuning it specifically for hard bait fishing has resulted in longer casting distance, greater accuracy, and lower trajectory casts.

Now once again, it proudly bears its name:
Road Runner VOICE Hard Bait Special.

The shortest path to becoming a hard bait expert is one this series already knows.

BLANKS / GUIDE SYSTEM – Baitcasting Models

Each model features an optimally tuned elastic modulus and a variable taper, delivering trusted blank performance throughout the lineup. The distinctive VOICE green blank color encapsulates the identity of the Hard Bait Special.

Guides are set in a Nories original layout, carefully balancing overall weight. Fuji GM stainless steel frame SiC-S guides are used, with K-guides as the main configuration and an LGST top guide. Compatible with PE lines.

GRIP SYSTEM – Baitcasting Models

A short version of the iconic non-slip foregrip, a signature of the Road Runner series, is adopted.
The Fuji PTS reel seat features an asymmetrical color pattern and is positioned to prioritize wrist freedom and stability during casting.

GRIP END / WEIGHT BALANCER – Baitcasting Models

Equipped with a Fuji WBC balancer system.
Two removable 3/8 oz balance weights allow instant adjustment depending on lure choice, achieving optimal casting balance.

Rear Grip Lengths (mm):
150 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 240
(Measurement from cork tip to rear end; add +20 mm when both balance weights are installed.)

TELESCOPIC SYSTEM – Baitcasting Models

HB710LL / HB760L / HB760M
→ Telescopic handle design.

GRIP JOINT – Baitcasting Model

HB730MH-Gc
→ Grip joint construction.

BLANKS / GUIDE SYSTEM – Spinning Models

Carbon and glass are combined at the sheet stage, blending a low-modulus tubular glass tip with a carbon butt in a smooth gradient. This creates a natural bend curve and seamless power transition.

Paired with Fuji titanium-frame SiC lightweight KR Concept guides, which suppress tip wobble—one of the drawbacks of low-modulus tips—this configuration prevents lure rejection on the bite while maintaining excellent casting accuracy.

This system is known as SGt (Shakitto Glass Tip).

GRIP SYSTEM – Spinning Models

Fuji VSS reel seat offers excellent gripping freedom, paired with an original short EVA front grip.
Allows blank-touch gripping with the index finger for enhanced sensitivity.

THREAD WRAPPING & GUIDES – Glass Composite Baitcasting Models

Metallic red thread wrapping is used around the logo area.
Guide wrapping colors:

• 660L-Gc: Hard Bait Special purple
• Elite Spec 6100ML-Gc / M-Gc / 730MH-Gc: Red, personally selected by Takumi Ito

GUIDE DESIGN

Guide frame materials and shapes are individually optimized for each model.
Ring size, weight, and frame geometry are all considered to maximize synergy with the blank, resulting in a fully original guide setting.

Hard Bait Special “Gc” Models

The Glass Composite (-Gc) models were refined by Takumi Ito, who competes in the U.S. B.A.S.S. circuit.

These blanks feature a glass main blank, with carbon composited from the midsection through the butt. This design preserves the forgiving nature of glass while delivering a light, responsive feel that avoids the sluggishness often associated with glass rods.

The 100% glass tip allows freer lure action and deeper bites, while the rod’s overall smooth tracking dramatically reduces lost fish.

The legendary Road Runner glass blank designation “Vacuum”, which disappeared when the original Hard Bait Special series debuted, now makes its long-awaited return.

ELITE SPEC

HB6100M-Gc BLADE BAIT VACUUM – Baitcasting Model

An Elite Spec model produced by Takumi Ito.

This 6’10” fast-taper blank is designed to confidently handle high-resistance lures such as spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, and mid-size crankbaits. Even during tight-line retrieves with heavy lures, the inherent flexibility of glass allows fish to fully inhale the bait, while the powerful butt section drives large single hooks solidly into the upper jaw of big bass.

At the same time, the design minimizes the casting dullness typical of glass rods, delivering sharp, precise casting that belies its length.

Guides feature lightweight titanium frames, with single-foot guides used on the tip section to fully harness the blank’s power.