Denali's Kovert Lite KW764MP Swim Jig Stick
| Date: |
12/19/23 |
| Tackle Type: |
Rod |
| Manufacturer: |
Denali Rods |
| Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 7.67 -
GOOD
Introduction:
Our review of their K863JW Search for One candidate was our last look at Denali's Kovert Lite series of rods. That was over five years ago. The series has since gone under a revision, maybe even two. With the launch of their new Novus line of casting reels, it felt like the right time to visit with the latest incarnation of the Kovert Lite. Afterall, what better rod to pair a Denali reel with than a Denali rod? Here's a look at their Kovert Lite KW764MP Swim Jig stick.
|
Denali Kovert Lite KW764MP Casting Rod
Specifications |
|
Material |
IM8 Graphite |
|
Length |
7'-6" |
|
Line Wt. |
12-20lb |
|
Lure Wt. |
3/8-1oz |
|
Pieces |
One |
|
Guides |
9+tip Seaguide Atlas (SS frame, aluminum oxide inserts) - Semi Micro |
| Rear Handle Length |
11" |
|
Power Rating |
Heavy |
|
Taper |
Moderate |
|
Rod Weight |
5oz |
| Origin |
Made in China |
|
MSRP |
$169.99 |
Introducing Denali's Kovert Lite KW764MP
Impressions:
Denali's Kovert Lite KW764MP is a seven foot, six inch (7'-6") casting rod built from an IM8 graphite blank. It features a split rear grip made of a polymer material similar to that found on golf clubs and an EVA butt. The split, or skeleton reel seat is of an unspecified brand, but the guides are Seaguide Atlas series made with stainless steel frames and aluminum oxide inserts. It's a handsomely appointed, kind of no nonsense build that feels good in hand, albeit a bit tip heavy.
Built with a Seaguide Atlas guide train
Real World Tests: I paired the KW764MP with Denali's new Novus Pro casting reel (in 7.3:1) spooled with Sunline's new Siglon AMZ braided line in 50lb test, and a leader of 10lb Sunline FC Leader. I secured the two lines together with an Alberto knot.
A split reel seat
Casting: With a lure weight rating of three eighths of an ounce up to one full ounce, the KW764MP easily casts any manner of swim jig, bladed or not. My choice, of course, was the Z-Man and Evergreen International collab, JackHammer. More importantly, I should note, because the KW764MP comes with what Denali describes as semi-micro guides, my connection knot sailed through those guides with zero difficulty. That Alberto knot cinches down nice and small, but still, with traditional micro-sized guides, any knot can be an issue. Semi-micro sized is a nice compromise and the KW764MP benefits from this choice.
A sanded IM8 blank
Sensitivity: When fishing the Jackhammer, sensitivity is hardly an issue. If you can't feel that bait swimming as you retrieve, then there's a problem. Fortunately, with the KW764MP, this was not the case though I will note the rod does not have the most crisp feel, but that can also be attributed to its slower, more moderate taper. Regardless, with a moving bait, sensitivity is not of prime concern because hits are easily detected. Where the sensitivity is helpful is in being able to tell you're bait is fouled or has some weeds attached hampering performance. The KW764MP is good at communicating this eventuality.
Fig 1
:
The chart above illustrates the deflection
characteristics of our Denali Kovert Lite KW764MP Casting Rod against
the
historical averages of medium, medium heavy, and heavy powered bass rods we've
tested over the past twenty plus years
Power: Another area where the KW764MP performs well is on the hookset and ensuing battle. That 7'-6" length picks up a lot of line when you swing allowing for a solid hookset. The rod's length also comes in handy with leverage that when combined with the slow, moderate taper puts a good amount of pressure on the fish, allowing you to tire it out and work your catches alongside the boat or shore for landing opportunities. I have zero complaints about this stick when it comes to power and leverage.
Checking out that taper
Next Section: Design and Ergonomics? 
