….Bass Recon C714MH  which is much much more difficult to find.   Seems like a good rod for my needs, and I’m really gravitating towards Phenix rods. 
 

any real life user reviews?

I have a few of the CBX rods from Turners, which I have come to believe are the same blanks as the Phenix Feather. I have a medium spinning rod (7'1"), and both the H (7'1") and MH (7'7") casting rods. The casting rods IMHO fish a little lighter (speaking about the 'power') than their rating, or at least toward the lighter end of the range.

 

I am currently looking at the Phenix Feather ML (7'1") to round out my casting rod quiver paired with a Curado BFS. They don't offer a M, and the ML seems to feel closer to a true ML power. They are very lightweight, and fish similarly to my Tatula and Kage rods. The reel seat is a matter of preference as they can be with most rods. 

 

I also have three of the Phenix Crankbait Composite X rods for crankbait duty.

 

I'm not necessarily a 'fanboy', but I just find them to be a good choice at their price point. For me, they hit that sweet spot of performance vs price point that I am comfortable with. YMMV.