I was wondering if anyone here uses a ml jerkbait rod? More specifically the phenix maxim. I will be throwing mostly vision 110 jrs in open water for smallmouth. Thanks for your help!

I just got the megabass x4 rattle viper which is like a 6'7" mlxf, and it works amazingly on pointer 68 and 110jrs. I was amazed how great a ml Rod felt throwing small jerkbaits. 

I've been using a 7' ML/F St Croix triumph for small jerkbaits like pointer 65's , rozante 63 as well as X raps and shadow raps. I use 10 lb fins wind tamer with a 8 pound leader while fishing for smallmouth. I also use this setup for drop shot , grubs and tubes

I use a ml rod for small jerkbaits that weigh between 1/16-3/16. I like a 6'3" rod, but length is just user preference. I haven't used the maxim but the recon 2 rods fish lighter than rated to me. My buddies ml recon is about the same action and power as my St Croix light powered trout rod.

I have a medium TFO fast rod, it's on the lighter side of medium, but it works well for me.

4 hours ago, timsford said:

I use a ml rod for small jerkbaits that weigh between 1/16-3/16. I like a 6'3" rod, but length is just user preference. I haven't used the maxim but the recon 2 rods fish lighter than rated to me. My buddies ml recon is about the same action and power as my St Croix light powered trout rod.

St. Croix has been known to fish on the heavier side of their ratings. That could be a reason why they feel similar to each other.

 

Op - I had the Recon 2 713 ml and I used it for some jerkbaits and smaller cranks. It did the job pretty good. The only issue was Phenix rates the rod as a fast action but it fished like a mod fast. It worked but I prefer a true fast action for those techniques. 

you would be better off with the Phenix Ultra 700ML , the Ultra series have a true fast action as compared to the M1 & Recon series , i'm gonna have a Phenix Ultra 707ML built soon ..

14 hours ago, Dan_the_fisher said:

I just got the megabass x4 rattle viper which is like a 6'7" mlxf, and it works amazingly on pointer 68 and 110jrs. I was amazed how great a ml Rod felt throwing small jerkbaits. 

Have you thrown full size 110s on this rod?

A MB Ito 110 weighs .46 oz on my digital scale so I don't consider it a light jerk bait, by a long shot.  I throw mine on 12 lb fluoro with a bait caster.  Just sayin.

I have had my rattleviper for 3 seasons now and primarily use it for jerkbaits and topwaters although it's definitely versatile enough to handle much more. It can handle a vision 110 just fine but feels slightly under powered for anything over 1/2 oz. as the tip is kind of soft. Fantastic jerkbait rod for between 1/4 - 1/2 oz. Have an IS 71HL on mine and really enjoy it. 

Thanks for the awesome advice guys, I really appreciate it 

I'm with him on it, my rattle viper will handle the 110 but its maxed out. I prefer my avid 6'6" medium for that size jerkbait