The search bar did not yield many reviews for the Shimano Intenza. The replies were few and far in between and did not really go too in depth and detailed as far as a review is concerned. 

 

Does anyone in here have any experiences with the Shimano Intenza 7'8" XH? Is it parabolic/soft enough for treble hooks? What is the 'sweet spot' as far as lure weights are concerned? Does anyone know what the rear handle length measures from the back of the reel seat to the butt end? 

 

I think Shimano intended the 7'8" XH rod for punching. Its rated as a fast but I was hoping it would lean more towards being slightly slower than a true fast and provide enough give in the blank/bend for treble hooks. Need a rod for small 1-2.5oz glide baits, topwaters and rats. I have not seen too many reviews specifically for the 7'8" XH. The reviews I have found are mostly positive and it seems like these rods are a homerun. Looking to pick one up soon before the fall transition.

Not sure about that line but I own rods from the SLX, Zodias, Expride, and Poison Adrena lines and love them all. The SLX expecially surprised me, it's a $99 rod that weighs less than some of my $250+ Dobyns. Might be a line worth looking into if they've got a L/P/A you're looking for 

Have you tried the Shimano SLX 7'10 Heavy Mod. Fast? I was also looking at this rod and was wondering if it would be parabolic/soft enough for treble hooks? Its a moderate fast and not a fast like the Intenza therefore, I am suspecting it should work fine for treble hook baits. 

 

What is the 'sweet spot' as far as lure weights are concerned? Do you know if it can handle 2.5 to 3oz? Max lure weight is 1.5oz but was hoping I could stretch it out to 2.5 maybe 3oz. Do you know what the rear handle length measurement is from the back of the reel seat to the butt end? 

My experience is with the 7'2" Heavy. I throw small (6-7") soft plastic swimbaits on it on a jighead or weighted hook. It's labeled a fast action and I would agree with that. A mod fast should perform as it's labeled. In my experience Shimano's ratings are pretty accurate. It's rated up to 1.5oz and I would say 1.5 does feel like the top end. Maybe check out their swimbait specific rods. I haven't looked at them but they will be able to handle the bigger stuff that you're trying to throw. I wouldn't throw anything over 1.5 on their standard heavies. As far as the rod itself though, super comfortable to fish with and well balanced. Weighs just 4.6oz. This is the SLX A btw, not the previous generation. Like I said, I was super impressed for just $99. Definitely feels like a much higher end rod than that.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_SLX_A_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-SSLXSB.html