AiRRUS sends 5 to the 2007 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham
Las Vegas, Nevada - January 28, 2007

This year AiRRUS will be represented at the Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama by five of its current staffers, two will be competing in the Jr. Classic and three in the regular Classic. Follow the Classic on ESPN 2 which will have 11½ hours of coverage between Feb. 23rd and the 25th. Follow the AIRRUS Staff as they compete to achieve every "Bass Fisherman's Ultimate Goal", winning the Classic.

With the Classic coming up and to stimulate your interest in following the coverage, AiRRUS is going to have a contest and give some rods away. Here's how it will work, beginning February 15th, all you have to do is send us a separate e-mail for each of the three days of the Classic, one for the 23rd, one for the 24th and one for the 25th to airrusrods@cox.net with name of the PRO you believe will be at the top of the leader board each of the three days. All of the individuals that correctly pick the PRO for any of the three days will be placed in a bin and winners will be randomly selected, with two winners being selected for each day. This is what you want to do:

Make your e-mail up like this;
          DAY 1. Name of the PRO
          DAY 2. "
          DAY 3. "

All entries must be submitted by February 20th, 2007.

Select the same PRO for all three days or select different ones, it's up to you. All of the DAY 1. e-mails will be placed in the bin and two will be selected. Same for DAY 2. & 3., so you have 3 chances to win, since there will be three separate drawings. In addition to the three entries for the three days you may send one additional in which you select the "CLASSIC CHAMP". All individuals who correctly pick the "CLASSIC" winner will be placed in the bin separately. One individual will be selected by random draw and will have his choice of any three AiRRUS rods currently in stock. What a great opportunity to get an AiRRUS rod for free.

Get on the forums and pass it around, the contest is open to everyone. I would request that you limit your e-mails to one for each day and one for the "CLASSIC CHAMP". Good luck to all of you that will participate.

Download instructions on how to enter our Contest to win AiRRUS Rods to send to your friends (PDF)

NOTE: Entries in the AIRRUS "Classic Rod Contest" end at midnight Tuesday February 20th

Ken Whiting - President
AIRRUS Rods

AiRRUS Junior Staffer Joey Nania (2005 Bassmaster Classic Junior Champ) and Luke Clausen (2006 Bassmaster Classic Champ) Team-up to Net a Big One for Charity
Spokane, Washington - August 4, 2006

Luke Clausen and Joey Nania netted $1,750.00 for charity offering a private bass fishing tournament for 4 which was auctioned during the Zak Celebrity Open hosted by Zak Designs CEO Irv Zakheim - designed to benefit the Rypien Foundation - Providing hope for families with children battling cancer and the YWCA - providing hope for homeless children. The package was supported by Spokane Valley Marine who agreed to provide 2 state of the art Ranger Boats. The trip will be scheduled soon. Successful bidders were Scott and Kimberly Rahn from Spokane, WA.

The annual event held in the Inland Northwest at the Northern Quest Casino drew a crowd of 500 including notable celebrities such as the legendary NFL kicker Yan Stenerud (credited for introducing the soccer style kick prevalent in today's NFL) and Earl Morrall NFL quarterback 1956-1976 and player of the year. Many other national and regional sports heroes were also in attendance enjoying golf with Mark Rypien, Super Bowl MVP, at the fabulous Spokane Country Club.

The 7th annual dinner/auction and golf event raised a total of $350,000.00 that will be divided between the two benefiting charities.

AiRRUS Rods featured in BASSDOZER's comprehensive review of ICAST 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 30, 2006

You can view the full BASSDOZER Comprehensive Review of ICAST 2006 online today.

AiRRUS continues to maintain its leadership role in the rod building industry.

This year, Ken Whiting earned the Best Freshwater Rod award at ICAST again. And again. And again. And again. Whiting's won four of the last five years to be exact. That's quite an accomplishment considering all the stiff competition. In only 4-1/2 years that Ken's company, AiRRUS, has been part of the tackle industry, it has quickly developed a reputation as a leader, not a follower, in innovation and technology. Continuing in that tradition, AiRRUS introduced its second generation Carbon Nanotube Composites by way of its totally new Puls - R series. Typically the weakest areas in carbon fibers are the tiny spaces between the fibers which contain only resin. To radically improve strength and toughness, Airrus has replaced the weakest link in a rod with an innovative enhanced resin system containing nanotubes which are 200 times stronger than titanium and 450 times stronger than steel. So Ken has turned the weakest part of a rod into its strongest part. Lighter, stronger and more sensitive than any rod even AiRRUS has developed in the past.

Whereas some companies just put rods together, Ken is more of a perfectionist in overall form and function. With Ken, it is a pride and a passion he has, that you can see in his product. Based on all the awards he has won, not just at ICAST, but awards throughout the industry, it's obvious that Ken's passion and perfection has not gone unnoticed and is most appreciated.

The award-winning Puls - R rods combine multiple modulus sections of graphite in the tip and midsection plus the butt and grip sections contain a blend of new S2 fiberglass, all effectively unitized from tip to butt with the nanotube resin epoxy.

Ken's the industry leader in radical new handle - or shall we say, handleless (as in less handle) design. There's very little reel seat. It's a split reelseat, with barely nothing but the reel chocks. There's no cork or foam grip, the rod blank itself is the handle. Where cork or foam would otherwise be, the blank flares out in those sections to fit the hand in lieu of a grip. Due to the fact that the rod blank and grip are fused together, with the same epoxy used in their construction, the grip is a part of the blank and affords the same related degree of sensitivity you would expect if you were gripping the blank. (You really need to see this.)

You also need to see the new hook keeper wrapped onto the rod. It's just about the best hook keeper ever. With a Texas-rigged worm with the hook buried in the worm, you can clip it right onto the bend of the hook without pulling the hook point out of the worm to stow your rod. This new hook keeper will handle all set-ups, including dropshot sinker rigs. I've not seen better.

Another feature, new this year, that is incorporated in the Puls - R is locking wraps on all of the guides. The wrap goes around the blank and guide foot, then up around the guide stem and then back around the blank, so these guides will never come out. You read that right. The thread wraps the foot of the guide, and then up around the top of the guide too, so it can never loosen and pull out from the top, says Ken. The guides themselves are TiCH frames and inserts which are extremely light and the TiCH inserts will never crack or fall out and are well suited to braided lines of all kinds.

To say these rods (and Ken) are great is an understatement. Thank you, Mr. Whiting.

The new Puls - R series will be available in four baitcasting and three or four spinning rod models.

Contact: Ken Whiting, Airrus Rods, Las Vegas, NV 702-395-2173 www.rodsbyairrus.com

You can view the full BASSDOZER Comprehensive Review of ICAST 2006 online today.

AiRRUS back on track with an unprecedented fourth "Best of Show" win in the rod category at ICAST 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 23, 2006

Puls - R Photos (PDF Format)

AiRRUS raised the bar for the competition, this past week, at ICAST 2006 by winning its fourth "Best of Show" in the rod category out of the five years it has participated in the NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE. The overall focus of ICAST 2006 was innovation. Again AiRRUS stepped up to the plate, took on the big dogs and came out on top, making its return to the winners circle with the introduction of the Puls - R series.

With ever increasing prices and decreasing supplies of higher modulus graphite AiRRUS began to look for ways of reducing its dependency on graphite. It was during this time that AiRRUS came across S2 glass, a new glass fiber that is lighter, stiffer and has a higher tensile strength than either "E" or "S" glass. AiRRUS was able to successfully integrate 40% of the S2 fiber into the filament wound butt and grip section of the Puls - R. This was accomplished by utilizing NANOTUBES in the epoxy matrix, which allowed the walls of the filament wound section to be reduced without a reduction in overall strength. As a result of the added strength provided to the epoxy matrix by the addition of NANOTUBES the resultant butt section came out weighing no more than a similar graphite butt would, is equally as sensitive as graphite and is significantly stronger do to the S2 glass. As a result of the development work done on the Puls - R, AiRRUS believes that the combination of NANOTUBE enriched epoxies and super glasses may at some point lead to a rod that is entirely glass with all of the inherent characteristics of today's high end graphite's. Be assured that if it can be done AiRRUS will do it.

As previously mentioned the Puls - R incorporates a 40% S2 glass and graphite filament wound butt and grip section with its proprietary multi-modulus tip section on the upper end. This deadly combination is enhanced with the split reel seat which was introduced so successfully on the ULTRA XL series. The grip is again void of any cork or thermalon to provide maximum contact with the rod at all times. Do to the fact that the rod blank and grip are fused together, inside the grip, with the same epoxy used in their construction, the grip is still a unitized part of the blank and affords the same related degree of sensitivity you would expect if you were gripping the blank. Also new this year is the protecta-rail double footed hookeeper. This hookeeper has one foot forward and one foot aft, with the aft foot providing a protective rail between hooks and the rod blank. This new hookeeper will handle all set-ups and does not require the removable of soft plastics when hooking into it. Another feature, new this year, that is incorporated in the Puls - R is locking wraps on all of the single footed guides, on both casting and spinning models. The wrap goes around the blank and guide foot, then up around the guide stem and then back around the blank, so these guides will never come out. The guides themselves are TiCH frames and inserts which are extremely light with double swaged TiCH inserts that will never crack or fall out and are well suited to braided lines of all kinds.

The Puls - R is scheduled to be released in four SKU's casting starting at 6' 3" and three or four SKU's spinning starting at 6' 7". Pricing although not finalized is expected to be from $189.95 to $210.95. For additional information contact Ken at AiRRUS RODS at 1-702-395-2173, by e-mail or on the AiRRUS web site at www.rodsbyairrus.com

Puls - R Photos (PDF Format)

AiRRUS Pro Staffer Preston Clark smashses ROJAS’s 4 day weight record of 108 lbs. 4 ozs., by 7 lbs. 11 ozs. with a record setting 115 lbs. 15 oz. win at Santee Cooper
By Scott Cooley, Bassmaster.com exclusive - April 4, 2006

This is Clark's word-for-word, fishing story:

I fished in the same area all four days. I was using a Zoom Critter Crawl the entire tournament, old reliable. Standard issue, everybody should have one. I was fishing in four or five pockets. I don't know if they were flooded rice fields or what, but there were little levees around them. There were pads and I don't know what kind of grass it was, but it was almost like the "mean green" we have down in Florida. That was basically all the vegetation that was in there.

That was the first area of water to warm up. I had a horrible practice, two fish that weighed about a pound and a half each. The last day I went back into these pockets and saw the fish were bedding in there. So I pulled out my Bassmaster Magazine and read about where Kelly (Jordon) won here two years ago and the weather, moon, time of year, everything was lining up exactly like that tournament. He said that the day before the tournament he saw the fish really start moving in.

I went back on Wednesday to where I had seen some of those little beds and I went through this little ditch to get in there. It was amazing. There were 4- and 5-pounders ahead of the boat just coming in. I went in there and every bed was clean and had about a 2-pound buck on it and I said to myself, 'the girls are on their way.' I kept going around and found a six and two right at nine pounds, one was 9-2 and the other was 8-15. I found them on the bed and marked where they were and those were going to be my starting fish.

I went the first day and it was first pitch, bam, second pitch, bam, third pitch, bam! I put all three of those fish in the boat. From there I went ahead and finished out and caught my limit. I came across a couple of nicer fish and kept culling up until I had almost 40 pounds.

It was a great day. Days like that don't come along all the time. There's probably been a few times I might have been able to do that just practicing, but in a tournament it was a dream. I've had two great tournaments in the last two months.

Who would think you could almost weigh in a 30-pound bag at the Classic with an 11 pound, 10 ounce fish to go with it? And then come to a place you've never been in your life, and on the fourth day you've ever been on that water weigh in a five-fish limit close to 40 pounds. It's crazy.

The second day, I had one good fish that I had marked on the first day. She was about eight and a half pounds and I went straight to her first thing in the morning. She hit on my third flip and I put her in the boat, and I said, 'okay, here we go again.'

I went around and finished my limit by 8:30 in the morning. I culled up maybe seven or eight pounds and came in with 29 pounds for the day. That day, I knew my stuff was getting beat up because I had some locals in there that were whacking them. Peter T (Thliveros) had pulled a couple of good stringers from there too so the boat pressure was on the fish.

I went from there and started watching the water temperature. It started back in the pockets and finally hit the magic number, which I think is 62 1/2 (degrees). I said, 'well, the temperature has got to be moving toward the main lake.' So I went out there and started looking for some Cyprus trees, and I found a stretch that was 100 yards long that was loaded with fish. I mean loaded with them. So I was excited about going there on Day Three.

I had some unfortunate things happen to me on the third day. My trolling motor broke on the ride over; it was stuck on high. Not to mention the wind was blowing straight into my shore and there was no way I could anchor and fish for anything. I went back to them on the last day and I guess the wind had pushed them out of there. I wound up with right at a 24-pound bag on the third day.

On the last day I had some really good fish marked, two eights, a seven, and a ten. I go to them and I started pitching in there for the first one, which I though was an eight. I never looked for her and never saw her; I just backed up and started pitching to where I thought she was.

It was maybe 15 casts and then she hit it and I put her in the boat. She ended up actually being a 6-pounder. I went over and caught a four and then caught another four and another, and then it died at about 8 o'clock that morning.

I had four fish and for some reason I couldn't get my fifth fish. Finally I caught my fifth one, but it was so close to the record it was too close to call. I decided that I needed to cull one of my fish so I started looking, looking, and looking. I found a new one, and I said to myself, 'that fish there will go about ten.' Well, she wasn't a ten but she did end up going eight pounds and I caught her. I usually don't get too excited, but I got pumped then because I knew that was the record.

AiRRUS introduces "Carbon Nanotube Technology" with its' N-Sync series at ICAST 2005
Las Vegas, Nevada - August 6, 2005

Airrus Rods. This rod line seems slow getting into stores, but that has not stopped rod designer Ken Whiting from innovating incredible rod engineering advancements. Ken won Best of Show in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for three different rod engineering breakthroughs. A fourth feather in Ken's cap is he pioneered and perfected use of multiple modulus with fantastic results when properly deployed like in Gary Yamamoto's Dropshot rod. This year, Ken blew the doors off everyone who is trying to reduce handle weight. Ken simply made the rod blank the handle itself. That's right, the blank itself flares out to become the handle grip. The minimal parts necessary to seat a reel are surface-mounted right on the blank itself. There are no shims or filler material between the minimal reel seat parts and the blank. There is no other grip material of any kind to dampen vibration. Without any grip except the blank itself, the rod handle felt slippery, but if touching the blank equates to the ultimate sensitivity - there you have it. There's nothing else but blank to touch. Ken also says flaring the blank to become the grip creates a megaphone effect that amplifies sensitivity.

Ken eliminated the sensitivity-robbing grip problem by making the blank the grip. Next, Ken conquered the lightness issue. Incredible Ken debuted the use of carbon nanotubes in the resin mix of the rod blank. These tiny capsule-shaped tubes of carbon fill space between the blank fibers, spaces that were formerly filled with heavy, brittle, weak resin binder. The carbon nanotubes are extremely light yet extremely strong material. Ken says nanotubes are 200 times stronger than titanium and 450 times stronger than steel. Ken says this results in the lightest, strongest, and most sensitive rods ever produced by Airrus.

To me, Airrus rods are the most beautiful and well-engineered rods. It's not rocket science, but it is light years ahead of some other rod designs. To me, two things Airrus has not really done yet are: 1) to get more widespread hands-on tournament-test feedback and product refinement from top national pros, and 2) get its rods into more stores.

Additional details in our Nano-Tech brochure

AiRRUS Inks Agreement With Pure Fishing To Use Berkley's SS304 Guides
Las Vegas, Nevada - April 21, 2005

It was announced today that AiRRUS Rods has signed an agreement with PURE FISHING to use Berkley's SS304 rod guides on select AiRRUS rod models. With its' 'Best of Show' wins in the rod category, at ICAST the last three years AiRRUS has developed a reputation for quality and innovation, not only in rods but components as well. Company spokesman and President, Ken Whiting stated that,' AiRRUS has been looking for well engineered alternative to Ceramics guides, that would eliminate the two major problems associated with them, cracked inserts and inserts that inadvertently fall out. We feel that the Berkley SS304 series of guides provides this alternative. If we had any reservations whatsoever, from any aspect they would not be used on an AiRRUS rod. No more cracked inserts, no more inserts falling out, that's value added right there. The fact that the Berkley SS304 guides, per set, are lighter and tougher than their Ceramic counterparts is just an added bonus. There is no question in my mind that the Berkley SS304 guides are consummate competition for any Ceramic inserted guide now available in the marketplace, no matter who the manufacturer is. To my way of thinking it is about time that someone should speak up and dispel the idea that if a guide isn't Ceramic, i.e. SIC, Alconite, etc. or that it isn't made by a particular manufacturer that it doesn't deserve space on a rod, just doesn't hold water'.

Berkley SS304 guides will be an integral part of the AiRRUS entry in ICAST's 2005 New Products Showcase this July in Las Vegas. AiRRUS may also offer the Berkley SS304 guides on last years 'Best of Show' winner TRADITION series as well as their soon to be released ULTRA XL series which should be available in early June.

AiRRUS Rods Joins American Bass Anglers as National Rod Sponsor
Las Vegas, Nevada - Mar.28, 2005

AiRRUS Rods, three time, back-to-back winner of ICAST's 'Best of Show' in the Rod Category, has been named as the 2005 National Rod Sponsor of the American Bass Anglers (ABA). American Bass Anglers is a Tournament Trail which hosts in excess of 1000 weekend tournaments through 114 Districts in 42 states, making it the largest amateur and collegiate anglers’ tournament trail in the world. The ABA tournaments are low in cost, close to home and culminate each year in a huge Classic style National championship

Since its inception in 2002, AiRRUS Rods has gained a substantial reputation for innovation, performance and quality by winning ICAST's prestigious 'Best of Show' award three years straight, beginning with their introduction of the Co-Matrix 457 series in 2002 and it's revolutionary blank concept and construction. AiRRUS has continued to provide anglers with rods built on the cutting edge of tomorrow's technology with the introduction of the multi-filament SPECTRA series in 2003 and the exclusive TRADITION series in 2004.

AiRRUS rods are a finely balanced combination of hook setting power and sensitivity which affords the ultimate in performance, to both Pro and Weekend Warrior alike, at an affordable price. As stated by AiRRUS President Ken Whiting, 'Every rod we make is precision crafted, using the finest components available and an attention to detail that sets it apart from many of the rods in today's marketplace. The true test of a rod is to try it and I am confident that once an angler tries an AiRRUS rod you will agree that there is no finer rod available at any price'.

'When ABA partners with a company, extensive research is done in order to assure our members that the company provides products of the highest quality and an unquestioned reputation for service,” said Morris Sheehan, President of American Bass Anglers. ”AiRRUS rods are widely recognized for their quality and are quickly becoming the rod of choice for many a weekend angler. Their rods are not only unbelievably sensitive but are also exceptionally strong. We are proud to have AiRRUS Rods as our National Rod Sponsor,' Sheehan added.

In a concurrent statement issued by AiRRUS Rods, company President Ken Whiting said, 'AiRRUS Rods is honored to have become a part of what we consider to be the finest tournament trail available to the weekend angler. We have had many opportunities for sponsorships over the past few years, but it was not until we saw what American Bass Anglers had to offer that we realized, this was the perfect marriage for AiRRUS. We at AiRRUS, feel that in American Bass Anglers we have found an organization that shares in our ideals and is dedicated to the advancement of fishing as a whole. AiRRUS is truly excited and proud to be a part of such a great tournament organization as A.B.A. and that through our involvement and with the use of our rods, it will enable the fisherman to take their sport to the next level of enjoyment.

To learn more about AiRRUS Rods you can visit their web site at www.rodsbyairrus.com. AiRRUS rods can be ordered direct by calling 702-395-2173.

For additional information concerning American Bass Anglers and how you to can become a part of the world’s largest weekend tournament trail, visit their web site at www.americanbassanglers.com or call the weekend angler hotline toll free at 888-203-6222 Additional sponsors of American Bass Anglers include: Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Lowrance, Diamond Cut Jeans, Gander Mountain, Motor Guide, Bill Heard Chevrolet, Berkley, ProBass Networks, Anglers Advantage Insurance Program, Trilene and Bayou Outdoors. American Bass Anglers MBAA since 1975, Tournament Trail, Military Bass Anglers Association and ABA are all registered or pending collective Membership or service marks of American Bass Anglers, Inc. All rights reserved.

AiRRUS Staffer Terry Scroggins Leads B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Competition With Only Two Tournament Stops Remaining
Las Vegas, Nevada - March 8/2005

The new leader is Terry Scroggins, a 36-year-old Florida pro competing in his third Tour season

Bassmaster Staff — March 8, 2005

The fourth tournament of the CITGO Bassmaster Tour season did more to shake up the leader board of the CITGO Bassmaster Angler-of-the-Year race than any event this season.

Gone well down the standings are the pros who held the top three spots entering the tournament on Georgia's Clarks Hill Reservoir (the fourth of six Tour events): Takahiro Omori (20th), Skeet Reese (sixth) and reigning Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle (24th).

They were replaced by a new slate of candidates who have never won the coveted title, which comes with a $100,000 paycheck from CITGO.

The new leader is Terry Scroggins, a 36-year-old Florida pro competing in his third Tour season, who moved up from fourth with a 19th-place showing at Clarks Hill. He has 923 points with two events remaining.

'I don't know what to think about this,' Scroggins said. 'I'm on a pretty good roll. I'm just trying to take them one tournament at a time. My first year on the Tour, about halfway through the season I was in second place. But I bombed out.

'The first couple of years you get kind of overwhelmed when you go to those big lakes and don't know where to start. This year I'm doing a lot more fishing instead of trying to look at everything. This tournament kind of scared me going into it. I didn't know anything about that lake. I didn't have a good practice, but I found one group of fish during the last three hours of practice and I stayed on those fish all week.'

With finishes of fifth, 40th, 32nd and 19th, Scroggins insists that the pressure of leading the Angler-of-the-Year pack will not impact his performance. 'I'm going to go at it just like I've done all along,' he said. 'I'm going to put it out of my mind and just go fishing.'

If he can't win Angler of the Year, Scroggins at least wants to finish in the Top 8 on the Tour standings. Not only does that bring a healthy bonus from CITGO, which offers prize money to the Top 25 finishers at the end of the 2005 Tour season, but it would qualify him for the 2005 and 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classics. 'Angler of the Year would be great, but my real goal is to finish in the Top 8,' says Scroggins.

Arkansas' Jimmy Mize is second with 884 points, thanks to a second-place performance at Clarks Hill (after starting the season with finishes of 41st, 26th and 51st).

'This is completely new territory for me, but I like it,' said Mize, 47, who has never challenged for the Angler-of-the-Year crown in his five Tour seasons. 'That was my goal at the start of the season — to really be in competition for it. So I'm right where I wanted to be with two tournaments to go.'

Mize says he won't change his laidback approach down the stretch. 'I can't fish any different,' he said. 'That would mess you up. You can't start fishing against the other guys; you have to fish against the fish. Just go out and try to catch what you can catch. And it will come out however it will.'

Marty Stone, a 38-year-old North Carolina pro in his 11th Tour season, has never made a run at the Angler-of-the-Year award, either, but he's in third so far with 872 points.

'I'm ecstatic, I really am,' said Stone, who has finished 26th, 36th, 16th and 36th. 'It's something that in my career I hope I get to compete for several times.

'In my opinion, Angler of the Year is the greatest title an angler could ever achieve. It's something that I put on my goal list every year when I start out. And to be in a position to compete for the title, it absolutely thrills me to no end — especially since it's sponsored by CITGO, and that company has been such a key part of me and my career.'

With his fifth-place performance at Clarks Hill, 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion Michael Iaconelli moved into fourth place with 868 points. The New Jersey pro finished third in last year's Angler-of-the-Year battle.

'I'm shocked,' Iaconelli said. 'I had such a slow start. After having two tournaments in which I finished in the 50s, I thought I was out of the hunt.'

Iaconelli, who has posted finishes of 49th, 53rd, 19th and fifth, pointed to the second day of the Lake Guntersville Tour stop as the most pivotal day this season in his quest for the prestigious title.

'The first day I had 11 pounds,' he related. 'The second day I adjusted, and came in with 22 pounds. That was a confidence builder. Now I'm riding a wave or being in the zone. I just hope it continues.'

Washington's Luke Clausen is fifth with 866 points.

AiRRUS Rods President Ken Whiting Lands Potential New Lake Record Smallmouth at Lake Mead
Las Vegas, Nevada - March 12/2005

While fishing with two AiRRUS staffers, Steve Croll from Phelps, NY. and Bob Brown a local staff member from Overton, NV, Ken hooked this beautiful smallmouth that tipped the scales at just a hair over 4 lbs. This beautiful lunker was caugth on 6' 8" AiRRUS "Ultra XL" using a 3/8 oz. white / chartruese spinner bait with a silver willow and a silver colorado on a quamtum catalyst pti 10, using 4 lb. spectra. in approximately 9 ft. of water a slow retrieve was enough to coax this egg laden beauty off her bed. after weighing and measuring the smallie was safely released back into Mead to spawn another day.

Shown in the photo are AiRRUS President Ken Whiting, Las Vegas, NV and AiRRUS staffer Steve Croll on the right. Caugth 3/3/05 just outside Echo.

South African distributor X- Factor takes AiRRUS Rods International
Las Vegas, Nevada - Nov. 21/2004

AiRRUS Rods announced today that it has arranged with X-FACTOR, one of South Africa's largest tackle distributors, to represent and sell the entire line of AiRRUS rods, which will include the Co-Matrix 457, Centurion IM6 and Spectra AFTX now. X-FACTOR will add the Tradition and Ultra XL lines when they become available in early 2005.

We are confident that X-FACTOR will provide the same quality service to its' international customers, that AiRRUS has become known for here in the U.S. For further details and additional information please contact X-FACTOR by e-mail at xfactor@telkomsa.net , by phone at +27 727641498 or +27 826900632 or by fax at +27 125475214. Mailing address is as follows:

X-FACTOR
POSTNET SUITE #43
PRIVATE BAG X504
SINOVILLE 0129
SOUTH AFRICA

AiRRUS repeats at ICAST 2004 by taking 'BEST of SHOW'
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 29/2004

Never in the history of ICAST, for as long as they have been presenting the award, has any rod company, large or small won 'BEST of SHOW' in the rod category 3 years running.

AiRRUS has done just that. It was only three years ago that AiRRUS came to ICAST as a rookie rod manufacturer with a rod concept that was destin to become a trend setter in rod design and that would carry the company to its' third 'BEST of SHOW' in the rod category, in as many years. In this years New Product Showcase competition AiRRUS again went heads up against the big guys i.e. Shimano. G. Loomis, etc. AiRRUS bested them all with the introduction of its' new rod called the 'TRADITION'.

The blank concept used in the 'TRADITION' represents the latest in filament wound technology to come from AiRRUS. As stated by company founder and President Ken Whiting, ' I could see from the very beginning that filament winding would open the door to an entirely new era of blank design and rod building. Trust me, when I say, We have only scratched the surface of where filament winding may take us and will guarantee that AiRRUS will be at the fore front of this technology'. The reality of this is evidenced by the fact that on the 'TRADITION' blank and grip are one continuous wind. No splices or fiber breaks to interfere with sensitivity. Another design feature of the 'TRADITION' is that area just forward of the grip where the rod blank increases in diameter from 3/8' to 1'. Through this area of expansion, rod vibrations are in fact amplified. We refer to this as the 'Megaphone Effect' do to its' similarity in shape to a megaphone and the fact that sensitivity is in fact enhanced. Light overall weight and thin wall blank construction are key as well.

The 'TRADITION' is a rod that doubles as a fly rod or as a spinning rod. What is different about the 'TRADITION' is that the fly rod reel seat is stored inside the grip so that it is up and out of the way when the rod is being used as a spinning rod. In the spinning configuration the reel is attached by either anchor rings stored on the lower portion of the butt or by tape, the user's discretion.

'TRADITION' will be available around mid December in three different configurations, combined 3 pc. fly and 2 pc. spinning, 2 pc. spinning only and a 1 pc. spinning only which is an excellent Drop Shot or Finesse rod. The 2 pc. and 3 pc.

'TRADITION'S' each comes with a Valour rod bag and an embroidered travel case. 'TRADITION' prices will range from $129.95 to $199.95 depending on the model. For additional information contact: AiRRUS Rods at 1-702-395-2173 or visit there web site at www.rodsbyairrus.com.

Another First for the AiRRUS Co-Matrix Rods
May 24/2004

After joining the AiRRUS staff less than two months ago, it didn't take Capt. Eric Mannino, TV host of ' Inshore Fishing Techniques' and his partner Joey Lara of Texas, long to garner their first win using AiRRUS Co-MATRiX rods. It all happened this past weekend as the Ranger/Yamaha Redfish Tour came to Titusville, Florida. Using AiRRUS AS701ML, AS701M and AS701MH spinning rods the AiRRUS team landed an impressive 17.62 pounds, for two fish, on the final day to win Titusville by an equally impressive 3+ lbs. and take home the 1st. place check for a cool $35,000.00.

After arriving home from a 5th place finish in the Oh Boy Oberto Redfish Cup event in Port Aransas, TX. Eric wasted no time in taking advantage of the fact that the Titusville Tour Stop was to be held on his home waters, Mosquitoe Lagoon. Eric watched a school of big Reds for 9 days prior to the tournament, charted their movement and by the time tournament day came around was ready and determined to make Titusville a WIN.

On Friday, Eric and Joey were sitting in 5th place with a day one weight of 13.28 lbs. a little more than a pound out of 1st. On the third cast of the second day Eric and Joey boated a 9.20 lb. monster on an AiRRUS model AS701M and a Nemire 24kt. Gold Red Ripper Spoon. Eric stated, ' You know what I like about AiRRUS Co-MATRiX rods is the fact that they allow lures to move the way designers, like John Nemire, intended them to move and yet have the backbone to handle any Red that swims. Check them out they are fantastic'.

Congradulations to Eric and Joey on their win at Titusville with a monster total of 30.90 lbs. You guy's sure make our rods look good. Next stop, Punta Gorda as Eric and Joey take on the field at the Oh Boy Oberto Redfish Cup Tournament, to be held on June 11-13 as AiRRUS goes for second win of the year. Congradulations to John Nemire, you make one heck of a spoon.

DOUG HANNON, "The Bass Professor", endorses AiRRUS rods for fishing the "Original Fishing Snake"^TM
Feb.27/2004

PRESS RELEASE

AiRRUS Rods, was informed on Friday 2/27/2004 by Mark Abernathy, CEO of "Natural Motion Lures" the company that developed and markets the lure known as "The Original Fishing Snake"^TM, that Co-Developer and Product Spokesman, Doug Hannon, ESPN's "The Bass Professor" tm has endorsed AiRRUS Rods as his rods of choice for fishing the "The Original Fishing Snake"^TM lure. Doug, commented that "AiRRUS Rods are a perfect match for our lure, the softer tip allows our Snake to swim naturally, combine this with a strong butt that can land the big ones, and you have one awesome tool for taking trophies home".

Doug Hannon has dedicated over 25 years to studying the Largemouth Bass. He was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame in 2000 and has written hundreds of articles, 3 books and produced numerous videos on Bass fishing. Mr. Hannon has become known as the "Bass Professor" do to his uncanny ability to catch trophy Bass. Mr. Hannon has caught more than 500 Bass weighing 10lbs. or more.

For additional information on "Natural Motion Lures", "The Original Fishing Snake"^TM visit www.naturalmotionlures.com

CFT National Classic winner strikes it big with AiRRUS Rods!
Sep.16/2003

Congratulations to... ... ...   Peter Savoia

Winner of the
2003 CANADIAN FISHING TOUR NATIONAL CLASSIC
and another FIRST for AiRRUS Rods

For those of you who are not familiar with Canadian Tournament fishing the "CFT National Classic" is akin to the "Bassmaster Classic" here in the states. For anyone to win a Classic is impressive, to say the least, but Peter's win at the "CFT Classic" was even more impressive in as much as it was his first Classic appearance. Fifty anglers qualified for the three day event which was held at Lake Simcoe, just north of Toronto on the 12th, 13th. and 14th. of September. The win netted Peter in excess of $85,000.00 in prizes plus bragging rights for the next year which are worth far more.

But what you say, this just sounds like coverage of any one of a hundred tournaments you may have read about in the past. Well not true my friends, for when Peter and I first made contact I don't think either of us could have imagined or written what would become the "Rest of the Story".

It was the evening of August 15th and as I read through the latest batch of e-mails I came across one from this guy Peter Savoia. Peter had e-mailed me expressing an interest in handling AiRRUS Rods in Canada. I contacted Peter and made arrangements to get some samples rods off to him so he could fish them and see first hand what our rods are all about.

Well, Peter's samples didn't arrive until just a couple of days before the National Classic began which did not allow him much time to get accustom to the rods. But surprisingly Peter took to the new AiRRUS Rods like a Duck takes to water. Apparently there was something he felt during practice that gave him the confidence to use the rods in the "Classic"

Practice sessions for the most part yielded fish in the 2 to 2 1/2 lb. Range, with these being sporadic at best. As Peter stated, "Although these practice sessions did not allow me to get a solid lock on large fish, they did allow me to become familiar with the performance of the new AiRRUS Rods and to eliminate a lot of dead water". Eventually Peter selected three spots to fish for the tournament in relative proximity to each other that would allow him to move from one spot to another without loosing valuable time in the process. In the pre-fish none of these spots produce fish larger than 2 1/2 lbs., but at least he knew the spots produced. As it turned out Peter's strategy paid off and paid off big, for come tournament time one of the selected spots, a trough between two rocky shoals, was now producing fish between 3 1/2 and 4 lbs. As it turned out all fish that Peter weighed in during the tournament came from this one hole. You know when it comes down to it, you can be the greatest fisherman living, have the fastest boat and a host of the finest rods and lures available, but there is nothing that substitutes for making decisions that put you in the right place at the right time. This past weekend at Lake Simcoe, Peter Savoia had it all. Well that's the way it turned out, but at the end of the second day of the tournament the only thing that was for sure for Peter Savoia was "Death" and "Taxes". Here is the "Rest of the Story". After day one Peter was holding down a solid 3rd. place with better than 18 lbs., but at the end of day 2 Peter had slipped to 7th place. No fish? No. Small fish? No. How about catch 5 big ones and only weigh 4. Yup! That's it. In the excitement created by the crowd, the music, the drive by weigh in and an exuberant MC, Peter pulled the fish from his live well hopped up on the stage and proceeded to weigh 4 fish. I t was then that he realized he had left a 3 1/2 lb. fish in the live well. Because of tournament rules, Peter could not retrieve the fifth fish and had no alternative but to live with his gross mistake and go on to day 3.

Day 3 is when Peter Savoia showed everyone what true Champions are made of. A lot of guy's would have let the scenario from day 2 get to them, but not Peter. He knew he was on fish and wasn't about to give into the emotions of the previous day. At the weigh in on day 3 Peter extracted 5 fish from his live well, with the audience counting each fish as Peter put them in the bag. Peter's overall weight for the tournament was 50.12 lbs., which was enough to surpass runner up Ron Lafromboise by 1.12 lbs.

I talked with Peter this past week because I was really interested in finding out what his final analysis of our rods would be. During our discussion I found out that Peter had selected AC701M baitcaster as his rod of choice for the tournament because of its' light weight and comfortable hypalon grip. Peter explained that these two features were what allowed him to continually throw his 1/2 and 3/4 oz. spinner baits for all three days without becoming overly fatigued. When asked about the sensitivity of the rods, Peter said, that he was able to distinguish between the structure and a fish, by saying that, "When I felt the blades on the spinner baits stop, I set the hook and the fish was there". To most of you this may seem like an ad and maybe it is, but comments like these coming from a true Champion like Peter, is music to my ears. This is the first major tournament win for AiRRUS Rods and I am very proud of our equipment, but I am even more proud to have Peter Savoia as a member of the AiRRUS Staff. You know if Peter hadn't sent me that e-mail I probably wouldn't be writing this.

AiRRUS Rods takes ”Best of Show” in the Rod Category at ICAST 2003 for the second year straight
Las Vegas, Nevada - July, 2003

AiRRUS Rods celebrated the anniversary of it's first year in business by garnering the prestigious ”Best of Show” award in the new rod category, in a repeat performance at ICAST 2003, as AiRRUS showed it's new SPECTRA AFT rods for the first time.

For the second year straight AiRRUS has been recognized by Wholesale and Retail buyers in the tackle industry for introducing one of top 10 most innovative new products to be shown at the American Sports Fishing Association's annual industry trade show ICAST, held this month in Las Vegas.

This years AiRRUS entry in the ICAST New Products showcase, was based in part on customer feedback and it's newly developed ”Advanced Filament Technology”, which combines SPECTRA fiber with IM7 graphite in it's filament wound butt section. The SPECTRA combined with the IM7 produces a lighter butt section and tends to dampen extraneous rod oscillation which improves accuracy, casting distance and sensitivity. Based on customer feedback the new SPECTRA AFT was fitted with a removable 4” butt extension that allows the fisherman to fish the new rods with either a short grip or a long grip at will and is held in place by the ”Taper Lock” system used on it's Centurion series rods.

As stated by company President Ken Whiting, ”AiRRUS is working hard to provide innovative, yet highly functional rods that everyone can afford and enjoy whether they be professionals, who make their living fishing or weekenders spending quality time with the kids. Winning this award for the second year straight tells me we must be doing something right”.

The SPECTRA AFT will be available in eight models, five casting and three spinning early in January 2004. The series will be fitted with Fuji Alconite guides at ”Concept” spacing, AiRRUS hypalon ”Comfort Grips” with a suggested retail price of $149.95 to $159.95. All rods will carry the AiRRUS original owner, over the counter, lifetime warranty. Stay tuned to the AiRRUS website for additional info on these and other AiRRUS rods. www.rodsbyAiRRUS.com

AiRRUS takes EDITOR’S CHOICE award in OUTDOOR LIFE’S 2003 GEAR TEST
Las Vegas, Nevada - May, 2003

When it comes to rod design and innovative technology AiRRUS is becoming an industry leader, as noted by it’s “Best of Show” in the rod category at ICAST 2002 and it’s more recent pick as EDITOR’S CHOICE in casting rods, in OUTDOOR LIFE’S 2003 GEAR TEST which appeared in the April 2003 issue.

Competing against 15 others new casting rods for 2003 the AiRRUS model SBC701M came out on top, scoring an impressive 87.5 pts. out of a possible 100. Even tough there was no competitive combined category for casting and spinning rods, AiRRUS is very proud of the fact that it’s SBC701M garnered more points than any other rod in either category, beating out the new Drop Shot rod from G.Loomis by .57 of a percentage point.

AiRRUS is very proud of the fact that it has had the ability to create new rods that are recognizable for their quality, innovative technology and performance. It is our continuing goal to produce rods that will create pride of ownership for those individuals who purchase our rods. Don’t forget there are 29 other rods in the series that are just as good as the SBC701M.

AiRRUS takes”Best of Show” in the Rod Category at ICAST 2002
Las Vegas, Nevada - July, 2002

Participating in it’s first industry trade show, in Las Vegas this past July, AiRRUS Rods walked away with the prestigious “Best of Show” award in the new rod category, as it debuted it’s new and innovative Filament Wound Co-MATRiX rod line at ICAST 2002.

This award recognizes the new rod line from AiRRUS as one of the tackle industries, top 10 most innovative new products, introduced at the 2002 American Sportsfishing Associations annual industry trade show, ICAST.

This years new rod competition pitted AiRRUS against the very best the tackle industry had to offer. Contenders in this years competition included such formidable names as G. Loomis, Fenwick and Zebco, just to mention a few. In a statement made by company founder Ken Whiting said,” I feel quite honored that our industry was so quick to recognize the innovativeness and quality of our new Co-MATRiX rod line. It has been my intent from the very inception of the company to build a line of rods that offered the fisherman more than just another dose of hype and marketing. I was really more interested in developing a rod line with a recognizable performance difference rather than offering a rod that suggested performance that really wasn’t there. I believe our new Filament Wound Co-MATRiX rods have accomplished that goal”.

AiRRUS Filament Wound Co-MATRiX rods will be available at your local tackle shops later this fall. Check with your local dealers for availability. The AiRRUS website is currently under construction. When completed, rods will also be available on their website at www.rodsbyAiRRUS.com or E-mail AiRRUS at ken@rodsbyairrus.com.

AiRRUS Rods Introduces New Rod Technology
Las Vegas, Nevada - March, 2002

AiRRUS Rods has announced that it has begun production of its new Co-MATRiX Filament Wound line of rods, which utilizes a new and proprietary process developed by Ken Whiting, President of AiRRUS. The new technology incorporates the use of Multi Modulus fabrication with a proprietary filament winding process developed by Aero-Tech Sports Corporation of Bellingham, Washington. Development of the AiRRUS line has been in the works for the last two years and AiRRUS is now ready to offer the new line of rods to the public. The new technology incorporates the use of Multi Modulus fabrication with a proprietary filament winding process developed by Aero-Tech Sports Corporation of Bellingham, Washington. Development of the AiRRUS line has been in the works for the last two years and AiRRUS is now ready to offer the new line of rods to the public.

The new rod line features the new Fuji Hardloy guides placed at “Concept” spacing for improved sensitivity. The virgin graphite rod blanks are strategically fabricated from IM6, IM7& IM8 pre-pregs, which affords the Multi Modulus configuration in each blank. The addition of the filament wound butt section, which extends from the butt to the first guide on all rods, may be typified as a “Power Butt”, in as much as its combined modulus may exceed 83,000,000. This area is the heart of the rod, affording longer casts, reduced fatigue, unsurpassed fight ability, all without sacrificing sensitivity. The grip is somewhat different than one would see on most rods. It is a combination of cork and hypalon. Not EVA, but hypalon. Hypalon is a micro cell rubber material, which is far superior to EVA. EVA is expanded plastic foam used on very inexpensive rods. Hypalon is very strong, extremely tear resistant and has a much better “WET” grip than cork. It is also more comfortable than cork to grip, due to its firm, cushioned feel and is located where “The palm meets the rod” on both casting and spinning models.

The new AiRRUS line consists of 30 different models. Included in these are specialty rods for Crankin’, Flippin’, Drop-shotting, Walleyes and Muskies, along with a normal line of casting and spinning rods, all of which will incorporate the Co-MATRiX filament wound technology. Whether you are a “weekender” or a “professional”, there is a AiRRUS Rods to fit your needs.AiRRUS line consists of 30 different models. Included in these are specialty rods for Crankin’, Flippin’, Drop-shotting, Walleyes and Muskies, along with a normal line of casting and spinning rods, all of which will incorporate the Co-MATRiX filament wound technology. Whether you are a “weekender” or a “professional”, there is a AiRRUS Rods to fit your needs.

As stated by Ken Whiting, President of AiRRUS, “We have tried to provide a comprehensive line of rods, which incorporates state of the art technology, not available in any other rod in the marketplace, premium quality components, materials and craftsmanship typically found in higher end rods. We have accomplished our goal and have still been able to keep our rod prices at a point where everyone can afford a AiRRUS Rod.” Combining the above with AiRRUS’ “Unconditional Lifetime Warranty”, a AiRRUS rod becomes more than just mere competition in the marketplace, it becomes a LEADER.

At AiRRUS Rods, innovation is commonplace.