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CB Rod Wars Part 1:
Mixing it up with Phenix’s X10 (continued)
 Power: Just like our lab tests displayed this rod is all about a forgiving
tip that can absorb strikes and still keep fish pinned on. No matter what size
the fish, and yes we even mean dinks, the X10’s rod tip will curl over like you
have a lunker on the line, but simply lift and the backbone will take over.
The lower section of
this rod is reasonably robust and can control even bigger bass while the tip
dances back and forth absorbing every dive and head turn with ease. The best way
to describe fishing with this rod is “exciting.” Most fights will be about
finesse rather than muscle, but with a bigger fish on the line the X10 will not
feel out-rodded, it just doesn’t ever feel exceedingly stiff throughout the
power curve.
Phenix
uses Fuji Alconite guides for this rod, these are suitable for cranking and help
bring down the cost of the rod
Sensitivity: When it comes to sensitivity the X10 is decent, and while
nothing to write home about the sensitivity is equal to that we see in most
crankbait rods. We hoped for a slightly better sensitivity with the hybrid
design but found the tip absorbs a great portion of the telegraphed ticks. While
the rod is one step above pure fiberglass rods in sensitivity it certainly is
less sensitive than pure graphite cranking rods.
Are you willing to give up a
little sensitivity for a superior tip action that caters specifically to
crankbait fishing? That is the choice anglers will have to make, but if your
concerned about having enough sensitivity to feel out structure don’t be, this
rod can still detect bumps with wood or rocks just fine.
The Phenix
X-10 split grip makes the rod a good pairing with heavier reels like the
Chronarch 100B
Ergonomics: The first X-10 that I fished featured the same blank but
with a solid cork grip. The
updated version features the
same split grip that found
on many of the company’s
other casting rods, but
Phenix decided to keep using
the Fuji reel seat instead
of their proprietary seat.
Both rods balanced well with
a variety of reels and when
hard cranking it really
didn’t make much of a
difference, though
cosmetically the split grip
looks more custom.
The
Fuji reel seat while not offering as much access to the blank as Phenix's
proprietary reel seat (used on the Phenix Ultra MBX rods) is comfortable while
cranking
I found the Phenix
proprietary seat offered more access to the blank which is good for fishing
plastics when every bit of sensitivity counts, but the more sculpted Fuji reel
seat was more comfortable to grip when cranking. It is good to see that Phenix
designers will use whichever component they feel is best in the design of each
rod, this “custom” thinking helps create a truly application specific product.
The X10 weighs in at 4.5oz. which is very reasonable for a rod that makes use of
any fiberglass. When paired with a light reel like the new Curado E5 this outfit
balances out well and is both comfortable and easy to fish with all day long.
JIP
catches a bass using a spinnerbait with the X-10
Price & Applications: The X10 retails for 189 dollars which makes it one
of the more affordable crankbait rods in our test lineup. Though retailing for
less than 200 dollars this rod absolutely can compete with rods in the mid 200
dollar price point and in some ways actually looks and feels more expensive. The
Fuji Alconite guides are adequate for the application and the use of a Fuji reel
seat makes sense on this rod. Some cost is saved with the absence of metal
winding checks, but the hybrid design is a costly implementation.
The
composite cork butt is comfortable against your forearm
The X10 is a good choice
for fishing deep diving
crankbaits, lipless
cranks, and even the
occasional spinnerbait.
Phenix also makes a X9
rod with a lighter
action which is good for
small cranks and even
smallie fishing but the
X10 is a better choice
for an all-round
cranking rod. Some
anglers may find it a
bit light, but this is
simply because the tip
is so deceivingly soft.
Once you have a fish on
the line the graphite
and carbon lower section
has plenty of muscle.
For
189 dollars the Phenix X-10 is a great value and its hard to find another
crankbait rod at this price point that can match the X-10 in performance and
custom rod appeal
When you factor in the performance, quality ergonomics, and wide range of applications that you are able to tackle with what should simply be an application specific cranking stick it becomes clear that the X10 offers exceptional price versus performance value for 189 dollars.
Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):
|
Phenix
X-10
Ratings
(?/10)
|
| Construction/Quality |
Good
overall
components,
Phenix
uses all
Fuji
parts
with a
unique
carbon
fiber,
graphite
and
fiberglass
combination |
8 |
| Performance |
The
Phenix
X-10 was
not the
most
sensitive
rod we
have
tested,
mostly
due to
the use
of
fiberglass
versus
all
graphite
high
modulus
cranking
rods,
but what
you give
up in
sensitivity
is
easily
made up
in an
action
designed
specifically
for
fishing
crankbaits |
8 |
| Price |
An
excellent
overall
value
for a
cranking
rod that
can
handle
small to
mid
sized
cranks
|
9.5 |
| Features |
The main
features
in this
rod are
the
hybrid
blank
and
split
grip
design |
8 |
| Design (Ergonomics) |
The X-10
has
already
undergone
changes
since
introduction
under
the new
company
and
while
the
latest
version
is more
refined
it can
be a bit
tricky
to
balance
out
perfectly
with
different
reels
due to
the
aggressive
weight
reduction
of the
handle.
Overall
the rod
is easy
to fish
with all
day when
paired
with a
reel
form
7.5-9.0
oz. |
8 |
| Application |
This
rod
actually
surprised
us as a
decent
spinnerbait
rod in
addition
to being
a
forgiving
cranking
rod. the
rod does
feel
lighter
than
most of
the
cranking
rods in
our test
and is
well
suited
for
small to
mid
sized
cranks,
if you
fishing
big deep
divers
then you
will
want a
more
robust
stick |
8 |
|
Total Score
|
8.25 |
Ratings Key:
1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus Minus
|
| J
Clever
blend of
materials
including
graphite,
carbon
fiber,
and
fiberglass |
L
Not the
most
sensitive
cranking
rod |
| J
Looks
and
feels
like a
custom
rod,
good
overall
weight |
|
| J
Seamless
transition
between
fiberglass
tip and
graphite
main
blank |
|
|
J
Exceptional
price at
only 189
dollars |
|
Conclusion:
Phenix is back and
better than ever
judging from the
quality exhibited by
the X10 cranking
rod. The X10
delivers on almost
all fronts and
offers much of what
you look for in a
quality cranking
stick. Phenix mixes
it up with a
combination of high
modulus graphite,
carbon, and a
fiberglass tip….the
result is sheer
cranking delight.
Toss deep divers,
lipless cranks, and
speed traps with
ease, and when
necessary the rod
can even double as a
decent spinnerbait
stick as well. While
not the
most sensitive rod
we have tested the
X10 more than makes
up for it with an
exceptional price
and quality custom
rod look and feel.
Phenix kicks off the
crankbait rod wars
with a bang and sets
the bar very high
with a rod that
exhibits a very
quality mix of
performance versus
price, and is the
latest recipient of
our coveted Editors
Choice Award!
Looking for a
Phenix X-10 rod? Try
Tackle Warehouse.
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