Okuma Raises Their Bass Rod Game to the X-Level

Introduction: Okuma has been elevating their bass reel and rod offerings over the last few seasons by leveraging new technology and materials to improve performance. The company has even drawn on supercars for inspiration for recent products. Unveiled at the Classic the new X-Series rods are Okuma’s latest creation and designed to raise the bar for the brand’s application specific bass offering.

Okuma's newest freshwater rod line is called the X-Series (note there is also a X-Series lineup of Salmon and Steelhead rods)

The X Factor: Okuma’s products have always represented strong value for anglers and recent reels like the Hakai baitcasters are a clear indication that the company is putting even more resources into designing products that offer differentiated features or performance solved through engineering and use of new materials.

The new X-Series rod feature a clean look and feel and make use of mostly Fuji components

The X-Series Bass Rods are probably the cleanest looking Okuma freshwater rods yet and are constructed with 46-ton Toray carbon blanks that are designed to be light yet responsive with the goal of delivering both excellent sensitivity and strength.

At the heart of the rod is a 46-ton Toray carbon blank reinforced with Okuma's UXR multi-directional fiber technology

The X-Factor? The blank is strengthened with Okuma’s proprietary UXR (Ultimate X Reinforced Multi-Directional Fiber) Technology, which is designed to significantly enhance the durability and responsiveness of the overall rod.

All the rods use Fuji KW-concept guide frames with SiC inserts

In terms of components the X-Series rods feature Fuji KW-concept angled guide frames. These proven guides help reduce line twist and tangles, allowing anglers to cast farther and more accurately. Fuji SiC guide inserts with deep pressed frames were also selected. Fuji SiC guide inserts are still one of my personal favorite options and when it comes to handling a variety of line types, smooth friction reducing performance, sensitivity, and value, they are hard to beat.

Casting rods feature SeaGuide HSC carbon reel seats

Okuma decided to go with SeaGuide HSC™ Hyper-Sensitive Carbon reel seats on the casting models, while the spinning rods feature Fuji VSS reel seats. Both have an enthusiast, almost JDM-esque look and are designed for natural ergonomics and to provide a direct connection to the rod blank for sensitivity.

Spinning rods make use of Fuji VSS reel seats

Handles consist of a tapered cork grip with contoured EVA rear grip design to provide a comfortable and secure grip even in wet conditions for anglers. The locking nut on both reel seats looks as slick as they are functional.

The primary grips on the rods are cork while the rear grips are high density EVA

“X-Series Bass Rods have been years in the making and we couldn't be more excited to finally bring them to market,” stated John Bretza, Director of Product Development at Okuma Fishing USA. “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a rod that not only exceeds our own high standards but also the expectations of the most demanding anglers. We're confident that the combination of advanced materials and technologies will make the X-Series rods a go-to choice for any bass angler looking to up their game on the water."

The new aluminum and carbon locking nut on the reel seats are a very nice branded touch

The new X-Series line-up is comprised of 11 models to suit a variety of bass fishing styles and environments and includes six casting models and five spinning models, with lengths ranging from 7-foot to 7-foot 6-inches, and actions ranging from medium-light to heavy. The new rods also come backed with a Limited Lifetime warranty and will retail for $259.99 to $299.99 each when they become available in a few weeks.

The new X-Series lineup will retail from $259-$299 dollars (official MSRP is $279-$299) and come backed with a limited lifetime warranty. These new rods look very compelling and are Okuma's most high-end freshwater rods to date
 

Our Quick Take: The new X-Series is the cleanest and most feature-rich bass rods that Okuma has introduced to date. On paper there is a lot to like about these rods including the blank material, multi-directional fiber construction, and quality Fuji and SeaGuide components. The use of both cork and EVA grips and the attractive carbon and aluminum hood is a step-up in both refinement and branding from rods of the past and reminds us of something you would see from JDM competitors. The last two seasons Okuma has been releasing rods that appeal to their core customers, but the new X-Series speaks to a much broader audience, including those that probably wouldn’t have considered Okuma in the past, but now should.
 

Looking for Okuma X-Series Rods? Try Tackle Warehouse