For what bait application would you use an extra fast taper? I have a 7'2 rod my xtra fast I use for chatterbait seems to work ok you can sure feel that blade working. I guess I never determined what bait application is best for xtra faster taper....Thanks for some input

11 minutes ago, choppertime said:

For what bait application would you use an extra fast taper? I have a 7'2 rod my xtra fast I use for chatterbait seems to work ok you can sure feel that blade working. I guess I never determined what bait application is best for xtra faster taper....Thanks for some input

 

None 

Typically the most sensitive rod action, and they usually cast pretty decent, too. Beyond that, you can argue over their merits. Only ever bought a couple because of my skepticism and sold them all off over time as I used them less and less. I know I'm in the minority on this one, but I don't find them that practical.

I will use M XF on some of my multi-purpose setups, i.e., mostly

wacky rig, TX rig, etc. I was all XF all the time, but have enjoyed

"Fast" setups these days as I've been using Ned rig, drop shot 

more than before.

I love it for hollow-body frogs, jigs and Carolina rigs.

Again without a standard to reference it's meaningless.

I realize a member is already looking for the illustration to define rod action bending 1/3rd upper is moderate, 1/4 upper is fast and 1/8 upper is extra fast, the problem with that depends on the line load and position held which isn't defined. Does the rod under it's own weight when holding tip and balancing the rod in the middle and push down or line being pulled being pulled down perpendicular to the rod held straight out, or shaking the rod without any weight???

X Fast tip is good for shaking the lure but also depends on rod length and power, etc, ect.

You can only compare each rod mfr, same everything except different action.

Enjoy,

Tom

 

I throw a 7’6” heavy extra fast as my flipping stick and love it!

I am sure I am in the minority, but since fishing MBRish rods, the only xfast rod I will have next year is a M/Xf spinning rod for wacky and dropshot..  It may just be the way I fish, but I seldom loose a fish on a fastish MAG style rod.

I have a new appreciation for the GLX MBR

I prefer my rods slow as molasses for almost all applications.

I use XF for tubes, DS and spybait.  Can't explain why, they just feel right to me.

Jigs, Texas, wacky, drop shot. 

I like xfast rods for single hook applications when using flourocarbon or copolly.  I fish setups that are tuned as a system.  I never like an xfast with braid.  

Edited August 1, 20187 yr by Angry John
Merged double post

Extra Fast for casting, flipping, pitching, & punching Texas Rigs & Jig-n-Craws 

Edited August 1, 20187 yr by Catt
Operator Error

Speaking of the actual rod's characteristics, and not what it may be labeled, I prefer a somewhat slower rod than most for most applications. Fast is fast enough for me 90% of the time. Like someone mentioned above, The rod and line should be matched as a system, so braid vs mono changes the equation. I'm at a point where it's intuitive, and I know what I like, and what works for me, I'm not looking at numbers or specs much.

Only XF rod that I have is for my frogs

I like an x-fast for drop shot, and any type rod tip twitch baits, like spooks, poppers, or jerkbaits.  I also like x-fast for spinnerbaits, but it has to be a medium power.  I want to be able to load the power mid section of the rod on the cast.

Kistler 7-3 Heavy Extra Fast for 3/8-3/4 jigs w/trailers.

Based on the variety of answers this is obviously personal preference.  I like an XF action for fishing bottom contact, jigs and t-rigged plastics.  I was fishing a Loomis MBR rod for bottom contact but it wasn't fast enough for me and I'm now fishing an XF rod.

18 hours ago, NHBull said:

I am sure I am in the minority, but since fishing MBRish rods, the only xfast rod I will have next year is a M/Xf spinning rod for wacky and dropshot..  It may just be the way I fish, but I seldom loose a fish on a fastish MAG style rod.

I have a new appreciation for the GLX MBR

I am about the same way.  I have an a pair of L/XF rods for dropshoting and small jigs and another M/XF for poppers/walkers/jerkbaits, everything else is either an MBR taper or close too it.  

 

I like an XF rod for finesse plastics to actually work the lure and set the hook, but casting them is far far more pleasant on a slower rod.  

Myself I like Fast better for all type of applications, but I do have a few of XF rod mostly longer rod. I think XF on long rod help more on setting hook when fishing bottom contact in deep water or when you cast out far.

13 hours ago, Catt said:

Extra Fast for casting, flipping, pitching, & punching Texas Rigs & Jig-n-Craws 

this........

I've never actually tried an XF rod irl, but the ones I've messed with in stores seem too stiff and unyielding for my liking. A moderate-fast to fast seems to fit my style better.

9 hours ago, FishDewd said:

I've never actually tried an XF rod irl, but the ones I've messed with in stores seem too stiff and unyielding for my liking. A moderate-fast to fast seems to fit my style better.

I kinda wish the general term "XF" would get split into two different categories.  I have an XF rod that has a noodle tip that shuts off very fast and others where the tip is far stiffer and the transition between tip and backbone is less pronounced.  

1 minute ago, fishwizzard said:

others where the tip is far stiffer and the transition between tip and backbone is less pronounced

If this is labeled "XF" it's incorrect and misleading.  As speed increases, less of the rod bends, when equal pressure is applied.  Of course, there are specialized tapers and blanks, especially if you get into the high end area, but they should generally follow this chart:

 

3 hours ago, J Francho said:

If this is labeled "XF" it's incorrect and misleading.  As speed increases, less of the rod bends, when equal pressure is applied.  Of course, there are specialized tapers and blanks, especially if you get into the high end area, but they should generally follow this chart:

 

I was thinking of a pair of Loomis MagLight/XF spinning rods that I have.  They both have pretty stiff tips and bend quite far into the blanks.  In this case, it works out as it lets me both get a solid hookset on t-rigged plastics and keep even a smaller fish well pinned.  But the action is nothing like the other XF rods that I have.  

 

 

Interesting.  Seems to contradict how even the manufacturer describes it: