Hey y'all! I purchased a combo SLX XT 150 with a SLX 7'2'' MH/XF rod about a month ago. I didn't realized the rod was XF until just now. The rod is used primarily as my workhorse rod for texas rigs, chatterbaits and crankbaits. Eventually, I'll get a chatterbait/crankbait specific rod, and my MH/XF will be used for texas rigs and other applicable applications.

 

My question is should I try to exchange the MH/XF rod now before the 30-day refund is up for a MH/F rod? I was thinking either the 7' SLX MH/F, or the Dobyns 7'3'' MH/F. 

 

Thank you!

No, your rig will be fine.

Put your reel on the rod string the line and try casting with it. If the rod feels right to you it’s good.

Tom

26 minutes ago, WRB said:

Put your reel on the rod string the line and try casting with it. If the rod feels right to you it’s good.

Tom

^^^^^^This.

If it feels right to you just go with it.

Thanks y’all. I tend to really fixate into specifics, and need to learn to just feel things out. 
 

 

XF I typically shy away from but some manufactures I do like XF on. If you are going to run with a F or Mod Fast for moving baits later just fish it. If your like any of us you'll end up with every type of power and action under the sun anyhow. This site does not help keep the quiver small either. Several of these topics have cost us a lot of money. 

Are you using braid, flouro, mono, or copolymer line? I have found changing the line can have a big effect on how the rod feels. I have come to prefer mono with xf action rods for the most part.

Every rod has a purpose. I'd keep that one and just buy another one if you think you need it. That way, you have a spare rod and an excuse to buy another reel. I actually use my XH-XF frog rod for pitching T-rigs in colder weather. It's not ideal, but it sure can handle some healthy bass. 

Then only way to know for SURE if you got the rod you want is to buy the other rod you thought you might want and test them side by side with the same bait.   You  will need to buy another SLX reel if you want it to be a fair test.   If you ain't so concerned about a fair test, then get a Curado DC or upgrade to an Antares or something like that.

One can never have too many rods.  Sort of like purses and shoes with females.  No offense intended.

It might be a bit fast for crankbaits, it will work with chatterbaits and it will work quite well for Texas rigs and jigs.

 

What you can do is replace your crankbait hooks with thicker wire, larger hooks which will work better with the extra fast tip.

I took out the combo yesterday on a small, private lake to solely test chatterbaits at 3/8 oz. It was my first time fishing them, so I had no baseline, but I caught plenty in the 3-4 lbs range and a few over 4 lbs. There were only a few times when the bite was harder to detect. Straight reeling, yo-yoing and jigging. 
 

After an hour or so, I could tell it would be a little easier to fish them with a rod that “flung” the bait easier. I’m assuming that’s a rod composition and/or action conversation. 
 

Thanks y’all!

A lot of times ( maybe most) fast, x-fast actions are not created equal between manufacturers. Also feel different between series of rods from the same manufacturer. That why I find it tough to buy a rod untouched at first. 

On 9/22/2021 at 2:24 PM, NickBender said:

Thanks y’all. I tend to really fixate into specifics, and need to learn to just feel things out. 
 

 

 

You are aware what's wrote on the side of rods are just suggestions?

 

Example: G. Loomis IMX Pro Jig and Worm list line weight as "14-20 lb"

 

I guess that means I cannot use 65# braid!

 

They also list lure weight at "5/16-3/4 oz"

 

So if I throw 1/4 oz or 7/8 oz the rod will stop working?

 

If I throw a spinnerbait with it will it explode?

It's not my preference for cranks but it's what I would use for almost anything else you mentioned. 

After a lifetime and fully retired. I only find that casting into a breeze with 1.5 " long floating Rapalas is useless & wind tangles even with spinning gear and 4# test Mono or braided.  USE ONLY in down wind casting areas / trips.  Switch to longer STIFFER rods. Rod TIP SPEED IS ALL IMPORTANT in wind. 

I now use 4# mono on a 7 1/2' stiff rod only.  Or the 60# braided  rod setup. which is really a super LIGHT WEIGHT saltwater rod.  For huge lures and big fish.  

 

Good topic.  As I am donating all other fish rods & gear  to a local Thrift Shop. Some happy kids & adults.

Remember NO fishing gear alone catches fish.

 

Only ......YOU.....can catch the fish. With any gear.    ?

Just remembered a father & son fishing off a dock in a park.  

3' tall child holding a 3' rod & reel. Father kneels down & lifts up a 2' carp. Hook was a open Safety Pin. Had used Niblett's corn. About 50 years ago. 

 

 Have we improved since then ?

8 hours ago, Spankey said:

A lot of times ( maybe most) fast, x-fast actions are not created equal between manufacturers. Also feel different between series of rods from the same manufacturer. That why I find it tough to buy a rod untouched at first. 

What I've noticed is that some extra fasts are 75/25 rods, but many are 80/20 - that is 80% backbone and 20% tip so the tip is very short before you get into backbone. However some of the time they also have a very soft tip where others they have a stiffer tip. So there's a pretty wide range of variation there.

8 hours ago, Catt said:

So if I throw 1/4 oz or 7/8 oz the rod will stop working?

It really depends on the rod. I have a few rods rated up to 1oz that I can throw 1 1/4oz on and you wouldn't know they weren't rated it, but on some rods it's apparent why the maximum weight rating is what it is. Alternatively, some rods cast lighter weight well.

I think you’ll find the right use for all rods you buy. You’ll find and make it work. 
 

I’ve been all heck bent on touching some of the St. Croix Victory Rods. On a local level I’m not finding or touching many. On the spinning rods (2) that I touched, I expected to find XF to be a lot faster and close to Avids I fish. I’m not saying the rod is not good. Not by a long shot. Just surprised it was noticeably slower. 

2 minutes ago, Spankey said:

I’ve been all heck bent on touching some of the St. Croix Victory Rods. On a local level I’m not finding or touching many.

The full contact finesse is a perfect example of an extra fast rod with a very soft tip like I was referring to. As a result it casts lighter weights amazing. It seems to handle a 1/2oz jig fine, but a heavy trailer might be enough to overload it quickly.

 

The typical medium heavy St Croix rod may have a longer tip, but it's a whole lot stiffer, including the MH/F "The Marshall" for example.

Your rod is look good for everything, Just I thin always crankbaits need to have Medium action.