Which is a better option? I have read a handful of articles on this and each one has a different opinion. Is one more sensitive than the other? Assuming this would be a jig exclusive rod which direction should I go.

I like Moderate fast. My pitching rod is a 7'11" heavy mod fast. Stiff for ripping a fish out of the muck and fast action for quick hook sets.

Depends on the type of jigging for me.

 

Generally though, F for little cover, XF for heavy cover.

Kinda a personal preference. I use a XF for 1/4 jigs, F for 3/8 and Mod F for jigs in heavy cover

Small jigs in more open area F. Larger jigs in heavier cover XF.

Ok so now the question is what do I use the xf rod for when not in heavy cover? Frogs, shakey head?

Ok so now the question is what do I use the xf rod for when not in heavy cover? Frogs, shakey head?

I use a dobyns 735c you can do all of this on it.  jigs, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, swim jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, hard and soft swimbaits, soft frogs, hollow belly frogs, and smaller umbrella rigs. It is a MH Xf rod. I highly recommend it.

Ok so now the question is what do I use the xf rod for when not in heavy cover? Frogs, shakey head?

you can use XF anywhere.  its especially nice when trying to turn a slobs heads up and out of cover. i also associate XF with stout hooks like on jigs/frogs b/c of piercing power.  XF is fine as an all around utility action...fine for t-rig a senko in open water. on the bad end of the spectrum, it wouldn't be as suited for cranks, lipless cranks, spooks b/c the fast action has a tendency to rip the treble hooks out of their mouth.  thats why crank rods have moderate bend to absorb the energy during fight. basically XF its good for most techniques excluding treble hooks and shines with cover and stout hooks.

For your standard bass jigs and flipping style jigs I use an extra fast rod. For jigs under 3/8 oz it is my dx 703 xf rod. For jigs between 1/2 - 3/4 oz its a cumara 7'2 mh xf rod. When I throw swimjigs they are typically 1/4 to just shy of 1/2 oz and it is a phenix recon 714 with a fast tip.

In summary normal jigs I use xf and for swimjigs I use a fast action rod.

Kinda a personal preference. I use a XF for 1/4 jigs, F for 3/8 and Mod F for jigs in heavy cover

 

I agree. It mostly depends on the power rating of the rod for me. With a medium power rod and lighter jigs XF works best. With heavier jigs in deeper water, a medium heavy/heavy Fast action is my preference. In close working heavy cover, a little heavier power with a Moderate action gives a little more forgiveness with a bigger fish on a short line. 

 

Rod ratings vary, and there can be differences in models of rods by the same maker. Finding a rod that works best comes down to trial and error for most of us. Good luck. 

For me, the heavier the cover, the slower the action.  And honestly, a good jig rod is more about the secondary bend than the tip.  You want a smooth, progressive mid section that maintains pressure, yet has enough power to hoist them up and out of cover.  This is why many prefer a moderate action on a XH jig rod.

I agree. It mostly depends on the power rating of the rod for me. With a medium power rod and lighter jigs XF works best. With heavier jigs in deeper water, a medium heavy/heavy Fast action is my preference. In close working heavy cover, a little heavier power with a Moderate action gives a little more forgiveness with a bigger fish on a short line. 

 

Rod ratings vary, and there can be differences in models of rods by the same maker. Finding a rod that works best comes down to trial and error for most of us. Good luck. 

Very well said! I choose my rods very similar to what K_Mac has stated in his first paragraph. He also made a great point that rod ratings do vary between different companies. For example, most rod companies that use a JDM style blank are going to be more parabolic and not as fast in action. It really does come down to trial and error until you find the right rod. 

I use mostly fast with a MH rod.