Company: Major Craft Co., Ltd. · Country: Japan · US arm: Major Craft America · Category: Slow pitch jigging rods
Japanese slow pitch rods usually mean $400–$600 and a wait for an importer. Major Craft is the exception. It’s a Japanese maker with its own factories and a US arm, Major Craft America, and it sells real Japanese-designed slow jigging rods for about $185–$222. Three series cover slow pitch: the Giant Killing Slow Jigging, the Crostage Slow Jigging and the entry-level Solpara Slow. All use Fuji guides and reel seats.
This review covers each series, the specs we could confirm, how they compare with pricier rods, and where to buy.
Company overview
Major Craft was founded in 2001. It owns its production facilities and describes itself as vertically integrated, controlling the process from design to finished rod. That’s a big reason its prices are low for a Japanese brand. Trade records list Major Craft Co., Ltd. in Osaka. In the US, Major Craft America sells direct online, and the rods are also stocked by Tackle Warehouse and TackleDirect.
Major Craft also makes the Jigpara Slow jig line, which is a jig, not a rod. Because Major Craft sells in Japan, Europe and the US, its specs are easy to cross-check: Major Craft Europe publishes full tables for the Giant Killing slow jigging rods, which we’ve used below.
At a glance
| Founded | 2001 |
| Production | Own factories (vertically integrated) |
| Slow pitch rods | Giant Killing Slow Jigging, Crostage Slow Jigging, Solpara Slow |
| US prices | about $185–$222 |
| Components | Fuji SiC or K guides, Fuji reel seats |
| US sources | Major Craft America, TackleDirect, Tackle Warehouse, The Fisherman’s Hut |
Giant Killing Slow Jigging (GXJ)
Giant Killing is Major Craft’s premium offshore series. The slow jigging models are all 6’6″ (1.98 m) with a regular action, Fuji SiC guides (top guide plus nine) and a Fuji PULS reel seat.
| Model | Jig weight | PE | Rod weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| GXJ-B66/2SJ | 60–150 g | 0.6–2.0 | 117 g |
| GXJ-B66/3SJ | 80–180 g | 0.6–2.0 | 120 g |
| GXJ-B66/4SJ | 100–250 g | 0.8–2.5 | 128 g |
| GXJ-B66/5SJ | 120–300 g | 0.8–3.0 | 138 g |
Specs from Major Craft Europe.
US prices (September 2026)
– TackleDirect: GXJ-B66/4SJ $221.99, in stock
– The Fisherman’s Hut: /2SJ $189.90 · /3SJ $194.99 · /4SJ $199.99 · /5SJ $204.99 (all sold out). It lists Fuji K frames with S-SiC rings and a 16.5″ grip.
Images: Major Craft
What it’s like: A light (117–138 g), regular-action rod with Fuji SiC guides for about $200 is excellent value. That’s a lighter rod than many budget slow pitch rods, and close to premium Japanese rods in weight.
For Florida: The /4SJ (100–250 g) covers typical ledges. The /5SJ (120–300 g, PE 3) handles deeper water and bigger fish. Major Craft Europe also mentions Giant Killing 5G and 7G slow variants.
Crostage Slow Jigging (CRXJ-B63)
The New Crostage Slow Jigging casting rod is 6’3″, in powers 3, 4 and 5. Major Craft America lists it at $204.99 (previously $184.99), sold out in September 2026.
Crostage is Major Craft’s value-focused all-round series. The slow jigging models are a slightly shorter alternative to the Giant Killing. The 6’3″ length gives shorter, snappier strokes and is easier on smaller boats.
Solpara Slow Jigging
The Solpara Slow is Major Craft’s entry-level slow jigging rod, in powers 2, 3 and 4, with Fuji K guides. Major Craft America lists it at $184.99 (sold out in September 2026).
Who it’s for: A first slow pitch rod, or a spare for guests.
Choosing a Major Craft rod
| Your fishing | Best Major Craft rod |
|---|---|
| Light jigs, shallow reefs, 60–180 g | Giant Killing /2SJ or /3SJ |
| Typical Florida ledges, 100–250 g | Giant Killing /4SJ |
| Deeper water, 120–300 g, PE 3 | Giant Killing /5SJ |
| Shorter rod for smaller boats | Crostage Slow Jigging CRXJ-B63 |
| First rod on a tight budget | Solpara Slow |
Limit: The heaviest confirmed rating is 300 g. For 400–500 g jigs in strong current, choose a heavier rod such as Daiwa Harrier Slow Pitch XHB (to 500 g) or Yamaga Galahad Slow Global 584 (300–500 g).
Building a budget slow pitch outfit
Major Craft rods pair well with good-value reels:
– Giant Killing /4SJ ($221.99) + Okuma Cavalla CAV-5NS-TB ($269.99): under $500
– Giant Killing /5SJ + PENN Fathom II 15XNLD2 ($369.95): a two-speed option for big fish
– Giant Killing /4SJ + Avet SXJ 5.3 G2 (from $213.99): a light, American-made lever drag
Line: PE 1.5–2 on the /3SJ and /4SJ, and PE 2–3 on the /5SJ, with 10–16 ft of fluorocarbon leader.
Why regular action?
Major Craft lists the Giant Killing slow jigging rods as regular action, meaning the rod bends evenly through much of its length. For slow pitch, that’s what you want:
– It loads under the jig’s weight and recoils to throw the jig into a flutter.
– It cushions the fight, protecting light line and small assist hooks.
– It’s forgiving for anglers learning the rhythm.
Fast-action jigging rods, by contrast, are stiff until the tip, which suits speed jigging, not slow pitch.
What a budget slow pitch rod should have
When you compare low-cost slow pitch rods, check these points. The Giant Killing does well on all of them:
- A true slow pitch action. The rod should bend deep and recoil. Budget “jigging” rods are often fast-action speed jigging rods relabelled.
- Quality guides. Fuji SiC or K-frame guides protect thin PE line, and cheap guide inserts can crack and cut braid.
- Light weight. Under about 150 g, you can work the rod all day without fatigue.
- A jig rating that matches your water. Choose from the middle of the range for your usual jig, not the maximum.
- A comfortable grip and reel seat. A Fuji seat and split grip let you tuck the rod under your arm and palm the reel.
Caring for your rod
- Rinse with fresh water after each trip, especially the guides and reel seat.
- Check the guide rings with a cotton bud; a snag means a chipped ring that will damage braid.
- Store in a rod sock, away from heavy gear, since slow pitch blanks are thin.
- Avoid high-sticking. Keep the rod angle low when a fish is at the boat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Japanese-designed slow jigging rods at about $185–$222
- Light Giant Killing rods (117–138 g) with Fuji SiC guides
- Four Giant Killing powers from 60 to 300 g
- US arm (Major Craft America) and US retailers
- Vertically integrated production keeps prices low
- Entry-level Solpara Slow for beginners
Cons
- Tops out at 300 g, light for very deep Florida water
- Several models sold out in September 2026
- Retailer descriptions sometimes mix up the Giant Killing and Crostage
- Fewer published specs for the Crostage and Solpara slow models
Major Craft vs. other budget slow pitch rods
| Rod | Price | Jig range |
|---|---|---|
| Major Craft Giant Killing GXJ-B66/4SJ | $221.99 | 100–250 g |
| Daiwa Harrier Slow Pitch | $199.99 | to 250–500 g |
| Okuma Tesoro slow pitch | from $195.49 | ML/M |
| Blackfin Deep Stix | $209.99 | 120–300 g |
| Temple Reef Elevate 3.0 | $249 | 100–400 g |
Where to buy Major Craft slow jigging rods
- Major Craft America · majorcraft-america.com: Crostage and Solpara slow; flat $20 rod shipping
- TackleDirect · 888-354-7335 · tackledirect.com: Giant Killing /4SJ
- Tackle Warehouse · tacklewarehouse.com: Major Craft America range
- The Fisherman’s Hut · thefishermanshut.com: Giant Killing slow jigging
- Major Craft Europe (specs) · majorcrafteurope.com
Verdict
Major Craft is the best-value way to get a Japanese-designed slow jigging rod in the US. The Giant Killing GXJ-B66/4SJ at about $222 is light, has Fuji SiC guides and covers 100–250 g jigs, which is ideal for most Florida ledges. The /5SJ extends that to 300 g. It doesn’t cover the heaviest deep-water jigs, and stock comes and goes, but for anyone building a first or second slow pitch outfit, Major Craft deserves a close look.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Value 5/5 · Weight and feel 4.5/5 · Range for deep water 3/5 · US availability 3.5/5
FAQ
Does Major Craft make slow pitch rods?
Yes: Giant Killing Slow Jigging (GXJ-B66/2SJ to /5SJ), Crostage Slow Jigging (CRXJ-B63) and Solpara Slow.
How much is a Major Craft Giant Killing slow jigging rod?
$221.99 for the GXJ-B66/4SJ at TackleDirect, and $189.90–$204.99 at The Fisherman’s Hut (September 2026).
What’s the jig range of the Giant Killing slow jigging rods?
From 60–150 g (/2SJ) to 120–300 g (/5SJ). All are 6’6″.
Is Jigpara Slow a rod?
No. Jigpara Slow is Major Craft’s slow jig line.
Details were checked against majorcraft-america.com, majorcrafteurope.com, TackleDirect and The Fisherman’s Hut on September 26, 2026.