Sensitivity: This was an interesting result. When I fished the 711HFB-SB with my Ryoga 1520L, I was very disappointed with the inability to feel any of the lures I was fishing, namely a Megabass Vatalion and Big M2.0. These are two baits with which I'm intimately familiar, so I know what they should feel like in the water. The 711HFB-SB's feel with these lures and the Ryoga had me thinking the stick was made of glass. All my feedback through the line was as if everything was being dampened.

Daiwa reinforces the 7111HFB-SB's blank with X45 cross bracing along its entire 7'-11" length

That Ryoga is the slow, 5.4:1 Crazy Cranker, so when I switched reels to that TD Zillion Type-R with a faster, 7.3:1 retrieve, everything changed. It wasn't night and day, but I had much better feel for the baits with a faster reel (actual IPT for the Ryoga = 13-24 inches : TD Zillion Type-R = 17.5-31.5 inches). On the whole, I'd say the 711HFB-SB's sensitivity is on par with what I'd expect for other sticks in its price range.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Daiwa Rebellion 7111HFB-SB against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years

Power: Daiwa lists the Rebellion 7111HFB-SB as having a fast taper and while I do not disagree with that rating, what makes this stick somewhat unique is a slightly softer than usual tip section.

This Rebellion flexes more than you'd assume for a rod with its inherent power which makes it a fantastic tool for big, treble hook baits because there's enough give in that tip section not to overstress the line and pull those hooks out, yet it sets up quickly enough into the backbone to where control is not a question.

This sick has a fast taper that's soft enough to fish hard baits

Where a lot of other brands use the visible graphite cross bracing to reinforce their blanks from the butt to the first guide, Daiwa uses their signature X45 wrap from the butt end all the way to the tip on this stick. I'm still skeptical whether or not that visible wrap really serves a function, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Quite the contrary in fact it helps to inspire confidence in the rod's abilities not to buckle under the pressure of helping you land your fish.

Detailing is super clean

In fact, given how the 711HFB-SB sets up when under load, It will make an ideal stick for the top water rats we intend to fish over the Summer months. I like the fast taper rods in these situations for quick line pick up and immediate response into the backbone because a lot of times, working wake baits, there's a moment of slack line when you drop your rod tip. A fast tapered stick helps with the hooksets in these situations so long as you wait to feel the fish at the end of the line before swinging to set the hooks.

Yes, those are Fuji, stainless steel framed SiCs on a $200 rod

Design & Ergonomics: This is where the Rebellion 711HFB-SB really wins. This 7'-11" heavy powered stick capable of launching lures up to four ounces in weight comes in at just five point two ounces (5.2oz). It's balance is decidedly average, but it's so svelte, this hardly matters. Each time I picked this stick up from the deck while switching out combos, I was surprised at its weight - every time! It's very easy to under estimate the 711HFB-SB because of this, but where most swimbait sticks can be classified as middle to heavy weight fighters, this stick is a true contender in the lightweight division.

This stick is an excellent value

Price & Applications: The Rebellion 711HFB-SB with its stainless steel framed, SiC guides, 18" rear handle, and 5.2 ounce weight, is available for the retail price of $199.99. If within your price range, it is an excellent value and choice for a stick to throw glides, swimmers, wakes, paddletails, crankdowns and crank baits up to 4 ounces in weight. Basically any moving bait you want to throw. It took a little bit to win me over, but pair it with the right reel, and this is a fun stick to use.

If I didn't know better, I'd say this entire series is a retort against the enthusiast mindset Daiwa once so willingly fostered

Conclusion: There is a lot to like about Daiwa's Rebellion 7111HFB-SB, namely its weight and grade of components. When I think of a $200 swimbait stick, at best, it's going to have Fuji Alconites, and it's likely to be heavy and unbalanced. Daiwa flexes its manufacturing power by creating a lightweight blank, reinforcing that blank with their signature X45 cross bracing, adorning the result with a high grade of components, and offering the entire package at a price that won't lay waste to your tackle budget. If I didn't know better, I'd say this entire series is a retort against the enthusiast mindset they once so willingly fostered.

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