Took my New rod out yesterday.  Paired it with a Vanford 2500 spooled with 20lb braid.  (8lb flouro leader).   Rod is the PHX-S 723M.  Med-fast. 
 

I bought it because i LOVE my Phenix Maxim MAX-S72M. Also med-fast. 
 

I drop shot with the Maxim and I want the Recon to toss the rest.  Wacky and weightless things. 
 

the handle on the Recon is nice. Action is a tad slower than the Maxim.  Understandable since the recon is a tick lighter in line rating. Working a Texas rig weightless worm it works great.  The longer handle is throwing me but. It is more cumbersome in a kayak.  I’ll get used to it.   I fought in a 3.5 lb bass yesterday and the rod definitely bends under the exertion differently than the Maxim.  Bass didn’t stand a chance. 
 

overall it’s a great rod and I’m happy to have it on board.   It will replace a similar rated Dobyns Kayden.   Not sure I can honestly say it outshined my (lower priced) Maxim.  It does look way better. Haha. 

What do you like about it over the Dobyns Kaden?

8 minutes ago, SK1 said:

What do you like about it over the Dobyns Kaden?

The Kaden handle I could not warm up to.  It has a bigger bulbous handle. My hand got tired and it just wasn’t that comfy.  Not when I’m death gripping a big bass. I have smaller hands. Not childlike hands but you know…
 

I loved the bait hook position.  The first guide was giant. Slipping the rod into a sleeve was annoying. I love the smaller first guide found on Phenix rods. I would also rate the Kaden on the slow-side of the fast rating.   I did catch my PB with the Kaden.  It’s plenty strong.    I may work it into the rotation to keep evaluating things.  I don’t hate the thing. It’s light. Very light. 

I have a Kaden spinning, I do like it. Also have a Sierra I like. Thank you for the review and additional response. Might have a try a Phenix next time I decide I need a new rod I really do not need at all..

3 hours ago, SK1 said:

I have a Kaden spinning, I do like it. Also have a Sierra I like. Thank you for the review and additional response. Might have a try a Phenix next time I decide I need a new rod I really do not need at all..

haha..

 

I could have gone to the grave with the Kaden.  but you never know.  

 

I love my Casting Sierra.  love it.   it has a GREAT handle. 

Them Phoenix rods look good to me. Have you used it long enough to assess its sensitivity for when the fish takes the bait of dragging it on the bottom, say on a scale from 1-10?

1 hour ago, islandbass said:

Them Phoenix rods look good to me. Have you used it long enough to assess its sensitivity for when the fish takes the bait of dragging it on the bottom, say on a scale from 1-10?

Not yet. Sunday the bass were ferocious. Not subtle at all. 
 

for the record, the Maxim is so super sensitive. I feel tiny tics. I sometime think I imagined it. 
 

I’ll let you know Saturday. Headed to the delta where things are varied. 

9 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

Not yet. Sunday the bass were ferocious. Not subtle at all. 
 

for the record, the Maxim is so super sensitive. I feel tiny tics. I sometime think I imagined it. 
 

I’ll let you know Saturday. Headed to the delta where things are varied. 

 

I kind of figured you needed a bit more time. Thanks.